2020 Nissan Frontier problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 23 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Nissan Frontier, filed between 2021-03-10 and 2026-07-10. The most common problem areas are the power train (12, 52%), engine (5, 22%) and electrical system (3, 13%). Owners reported 3 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2020 Nissan Frontier complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 12 | 52% | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Engine | 5 | 22% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 13% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 13% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 2 | 9% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 2 | 9% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 12 complaints
- 12 complaints of 23 (52%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 3 of them also name the engine; owners reported 3 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2020 Nissan Frontier; the latest, campaign 22V671000, says: “The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.”
Engine: 5 complaints
- 5 complaints of 23 (22%) name the engine.
- 3 of them also name the power train; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Nissan Frontier covers this system.
Electrical system: 3 complaints
- 3 complaints of 23 (13%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 2 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Nissan Frontier covers this system.
Service brakes: 3 complaints
- 3 complaints of 23 (13%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Nissan Frontier covers this system.
Back over prevention: 2 complaints
- 2 complaints of 23 (9%) name the back over prevention — the rear-view camera and rear back-over warning systems.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Nissan Frontier covers this system.
Air bags: 1 complaint
- 1 complaint of 23 (4%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Nissan Frontier covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names FRONTIER, FRONTIER CREW CAB, FRONTIER KING CAB, model year 2020. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2020 Nissan Frontier recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Frontier?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2020 Nissan Frontier's most common problem areas are the power train (12 of 23 complaints), engine (5 of 23 complaints) and electrical system (3 of 23 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2020 Nissan Frontier have?
NHTSA has 23 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Nissan Frontier, including 3 reported crashes.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Nissan Frontier's problems?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 Nissan Frontier; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.