This page covers 2 recalls, 48 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Nissan Frontier.
17–18 mpg combined
13.1–13.8 L/100km
Small Pickup Trucks 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The most commonly reported issue on the 2013 Frontier centers on the airbag warning light, which accounts for the largest share of complaints. Owners describe the light illuminating and staying on, sometimes accompanied by concerns that the seatbelts no longer lock properly during sudden stops. Electrical system complaints come in second, though the reports in this set are varied enough that no single electrical symptom dominates. Powertrain complaints round out the top three, with a handful of owners describing drivability concerns. One complaint in this set involves an odometer discrepancy discovered at registration rather than a mechanical failure, and a steering concern appears in a single isolated report. The recurring thread is the airbag warning light combined with seatbelt behavior changes, a pattern several owners noticed after driving over rough or uneven road surfaces.
48
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Nissan Frontier has two recalls, the more serious being a circuit breaker installed in the wrong orientation, where the connected wire harness can rub against a nearby bolt on the A-pillar, wear through its insulation, and cause an electrical short that can start a fire.
The second recall is a compliance issue affecting certain vehicles that were built without an immobilizer, meaning the engine can be started without the correct key. Dealers address this by replacing the body control module and the keys.
At a glance
What can fail
A circuit breaker may be installed backwards, causing the main wire harness to face outward and potentially contact a metal bolt on the A-pillar.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the circuit breaker orientation and repair it free of charge if installed incorrectly.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some vehicles were built without an immobilizer system, which prevents unauthorized engine starting. This missing security feature increases theft risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the body control module and keys to add immobilizer protection.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
