This page covers 2 recalls, 20 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Nissan Frontier.
19 mpg combined
12.4 L/100km
Standard 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.
The 2020 Frontier's complaint picture is thin at 20 reports, but the powertrain draws the most attention. Owners most commonly describe transmission-related problems, including jerky or hesitant low-speed takeoffs, delayed engagement, and warning lights triggering no-start conditions. Several owners report the truck failing to recognize that the shifter is in park, with the vehicle slipping out of park in at least one account. A separate but notable powertrain report describes a sudden loud grinding noise accompanied by violent shaking while driving at highway speeds. Engine complaints are few but touch on rough running and unexpected stalling during acceleration. Two owners flagged electrical issues. One isolated report describes brakes activating on their own at highway speeds, reducing vehicle speed unexpectedly, with the problem persisting even after dealer replacement of front and rear brake assemblies.
20
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Nissan Frontier has one recall involving the automatic transmission's parking pawl, which may fail to engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, allowing the truck to roll away and raising the risk of a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission parking pawl may fail to engage when shifting into park, allowing the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the transmission control module (and engine control module on some Titans) to fix the pawl engagement issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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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 →
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission parking pawl may fail to engage when shifted into park, allowing the vehicle to roll away unintentionally.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission parking pawl pin at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
