This page covers 2 recalls, 37 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 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.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2017 Nissan Frontier centers on the fuel and propulsion system. Owners frequently report stalling at highway speeds and low speeds alike, with some describing the engine cutting out mid-drive and requiring multiple restart attempts before it stays running. Fuel delivery issues also show up repeatedly, with owners noting fuel backing up and spilling out during fill-ups, often accompanied by a check engine light. The powertrain draws the next cluster of complaints, where owners describe unexpected gear shifts and loss of drive engagement while moving. Intake system faults, including sensor codes related to the intake manifold runner control, come up across multiple reports as a trigger for the check engine light. A smaller group of airbag complaints rounds out the picture, though the fuel and stalling issues make up the clear majority of what owners describe experiencing on this model year.
37
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Nissan Frontier has two recalls, both tied to the same ignition switch defect: a spring inside the switch can wear and break, allowing the key to slip from the ON position to accessory while driving, cutting engine power and disabling the airbags.
When the engine shuts off unexpectedly at speed, power steering and power brakes can become harder to operate, and the airbag system loses power, leaving occupants without that protection if a crash follows. Both recalls describe this same underlying problem and apply to vehicles with a mechanical key ignition system.
At a glance
What can fail
A spring in the ignition switch can wear and break, allowing the key to slip from ON to ACC position while driving. This shuts off the engine and disables the airbag system, affecting steering and brakes.
What the fix does
Dealers will check your ignition switch's lot number and replace it with a new one if affected.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 4 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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
The ignition switch may shift from the run position to the accessory position due to key ring weight or road vibrations, causing the engine to shut off while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the ignition switch as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
