Summary
The Nissan Frontier has 44 recalls spanning 1998 through 2025, with the most serious recent issue being a front right lower control arm ball joint defect on 2024 models where the joint can separate from the suspension, causing a sudden loss of steering control.
The 2024 model year also has a compliance recall involving right-side headlight aim markings that may be missing or unreadable, which can leave headlights improperly aimed and reduce road illumination. On 2025 models, a software error causes the rearview camera to show a blank screen when the transmission is shifted into reverse, and a separate software issue makes daytime running lights dim briefly during engine idle stop-start cycles, which can confuse nearby drivers and pedestrians.
On 2023 models, tire beads may have been damaged during mounting, which can develop into an air leak and sudden pressure loss while driving. The 2022 model year has two related issues: on Crew Cab Long Bed trucks built without a tow hitch, the fuel tank loses structural protection and a rear crash can let the leaf spring puncture the tank and spill fuel. Separately, left-rear seat belt bracket mounting bolts on 2022 models may be loose and can break in a crash, leaving a rear occupant without effective restraint.
The 2020-2022 model years share a transmission parking pawl recall where the pawl may not fully engage in park, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Going back to 2016, V6 models from a narrow production window have a starter motor wiring harness routed incorrectly so it contacts the heat shield, creating an electrical short and fire risk. On 2014 Crew Cab models, rear seat belt anchor nuts were installed out of specification, which can allow the anchor bolt to pull free in a crash. The 2012 model year saw three issues: a circuit breaker installed facing the wrong direction can wear through the main wire harness and short against an A-pillar bolt, front wheel hubs on two-wheel-drive vehicles built within a short production window can crack and break under load causing wheel separation, and a separate circuit breaker problem can disable power seats or the sunroof and discharge the battery.
On 2010 models, rear child seat tether anchor welds are out of specification and can pull away from the seat in a crash. The 2006 and 2008 model years have a fuel tank that can deform and cause the fuel gauge to read roughly a quarter tank when the tank is actually empty, creating a stall risk in traffic. The 2005 model year, in King Cab configuration, has a crash zone sensor that can corrode internally from road salt exposure and fail to trigger front airbags in a collision; a separate fuel filler cap issue on the same year means a side impact can unscrew the cap and spill fuel near an ignition source.
The 2004 model has an engine control relay that develops silicon oxide deposits on its contacts over time, which can cause the relay to fail and stall the engine. The 2003 model year includes an incorrectly sized spare tire rim that contacts the brake caliper when mounted on the front, wearing both components. On 2002 models, the lower steering column joint can corrode and stiffen, eventually cracking the steering shaft during slow-speed turns, and an accessory trailer hitch installed by dealers can fatigue and fracture at a side bracket, allowing the trailer to separate. The 2001 model has a rear axle ABS sensor that seals inadequately on four-wheel-drive vehicles, letting water and corrosion
