2018 Nissan Frontier Safety Report
2018 NISSAN FRONTIER Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Nissan Frontier
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Nissan Frontier. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (25) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Electrical System | Compare electrical system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Nissan Frontier with 17 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2022 | Check the 2022 Nissan Frontier before buying across this generation. |
Nissan Frontier Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Nissan Frontier years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Nissan Frontier | 26 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Nissan Frontier | 37 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Nissan Frontier | 42 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Nissan Frontier | 17 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Nissan Frontier | 33 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Nissan Frontier | 105 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Nissan Frontier Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Nissan Frontier, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Electrical System
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Nissan onlySuspension
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension issues Nissan onlyAir Bags
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Nissan onlyPower Train
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Nissan onlyUnknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Nissan onlyService Brakes
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Nissan onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Nissan Frontier
Reliability Score
The 2018 Nissan Frontier receives a reliability score of 75 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Nissan Frontier
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2018 Nissan Frontier
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Nissan Frontier:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System Battery drain issues have been reported, causing inconsistent performance and dashboard indicator light malfunctions. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Passenger Airbags Airbag malfunctions have been reported, potentially leading to safety hazards in the event of an accident. |
High | Common | 0-100k miles |
| Back Over Prevention System The back over prevention camera has been reported to intermittently fail, posing a risk of rear-end collisions. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k miles |
| Ignition Switch Issues with the ignition switch have been reported, causing the vehicle to fail to start. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Nissan Frontier:
Issues with the electrical system, including battery drain and dashboard indicator light malfunctions.
Problems with the passenger airbags, including error codes and continuous flashing lights.
Intermittent failure of the back over prevention camera.
Issues with the ignition switch causing the vehicle to fail to start.
Recall Details for the 2018 Nissan Frontier
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Nissan Frontier by NHTSA:
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible an...
Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Consequence: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Nissan Frontier
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Nissan Frontier with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
2018 Nissan Frontier Desert Runner... Battery inconsistently drains fast when off and while driving. Indicator lights for battery, brakes, ABS and traction control come on. Gauges malfunction. Tried another battery and still having same symptoms. Alternator and battery passed bench test. Fuses are good. Wiring harness appears to be in good condition. Grounds are tight and clean. Wondering if this...
The passenger dashboard airbag keeps generating error codes and the airbag light continually flashes. There have been 2 costly repair attempts by a Nissan dealership, but the problem persists. The dealership stated the passenger airbag was not functioning properly. They want to try a 3rd repair attempt which is the most expensive yet. I have been in contact with Nissan customer service and they ha...
15 mph door lock system does not work. Have been in garage with truck, and heard doors lock with no one near vehicle. I understand there is a class action suit about the door lock system. Seems to me this system could malfunction and possible lock you in vehicle. This is a 2018 Nissan frontier SL. The FOB function normal locking and unlocking vehicle.
I bought this truck from my boss man and had it put in the shop to replace the head gasket but they ended up changing the valve cover the intake manifold gasket and putting plugs in it due to a smoking issue and skipping but after all the repairs were done it turns out that the valves are bad in the engine and they more than likely they were bad when they installed originally. It's causing stallin...
Jan 29 2025 vehicle failed to start . Turned switch to start several times .no response at all no dash lights no starter reaction no clicking from battery, which would indicate battery problem. Waited several mins approx 30 minutes. Vehicle started and been ok for several more starts today. Suspect ignition switch ,seems many models this vehicle has problems. Mine did not show a recall?
Upon inspection found passenger side truck bed mount with a crack and portion missing from where the bed connects to the frame.
Paint peeling on front left finder and where both front finders connect to the cab. N/A The dealer was informed and photos sent. Just the photos sent N/A
Passenger airbag warning light on dashboard flashes continually. This indicates it may not deploy in accident. It was taken to a Nissan dealer and mechanic inspected and stated in report, "Found occupancy classification module to be installed incorrectly and non OEM". Warning light began flashing in February, 2023. No prior problems with airbags or warning lights. Airbags never deployed and never...
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera intermittently failed to operate. There was either a blank or foggy image on the infotainment screen. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was given a diagnostic test fee. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was given the same information as provided by the dealer. Th...
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that upon inserting the key in the ignition switch to start the vehicle, the ignition switch was significantly loose, preventing the vehicle from starting. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the ignition switch plastic body needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V551000 (Electrical System). ...
The back-up camera beeps most all the time in reverse. You do not know if it's something is there are not. It has almost caused a wreak.
I have a 2018 Nissan Frontier bought it in 2019 I noticed a little vibration at first and now 2 years later it’s vibrating a lot more I took to Nissan in 2020 they said they saw nothing wrong but now I’m told that it’s my motor mounts and Nissan doesn’t want to fix cause it’s only covered by bumper to bumper and not power train warranty now I can’t drive because I’m scared for motor to break or tr...
Squeaking sound coming from front driver side suspension. This has been happening ever since purchased in 2018 that dealer cannot find. Getting worse as it ages. Afraid tire may drive train may break while driving.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT INCREASED SPEED AND RUNS ON IDLE FOR ABOUT FIVE OR SIX SECOND AND AFTER IT WOULD RUN OK, THE CONTACT MENTION THAT THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED ONCE TO THREE TIMES A MONTH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE HIS WIFE WAS AT A STOP AND TO GO, THE VEHICLE WOULD GO SLOW ON IDLE AND WHEN MAKE A RIGH...
2018 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEM WITH ALIGNMENT.*LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER COULD NOT COMPLETE AN ALIGNMENT BEFORE REPAIRING THE VEHICLE WITH A KIT. THE MANUFACTURER ASSISTED %50 OF THE REPAIR COST. THE CONSUMER WAS DISSATISFIED DUE TO THE FAILURE BEING A MANUFACTURING FLAW. *JS
JUST BOUGHT A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK PUT WINDOWS DOWN IN THE BACK AND I'M HEARING A SOUND COMING FROM TIRES LIKE UNBALANCED. GOT HOME AND LOOK TO SEE IF THERE WAS TIRE WEIGHTS ON THE RIM BECAUSE ITS LIKE ITS UNBALANCED WITH A LOUD SOUND AND I NOTICED ALSO THAT A SWAYING A LITTLE. AND I REMEMBER THE THIS WEBSITE WAS GETTING RECALLS ON TIRES. SO I WANTED TO SEE IF MINE WAS O...
I WENT FOR INSPECTION AND THEY TOLD ME I NEED FROM BRAKES AND ROTOR AND I ONLY GOT TEN THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED MILES
I OWN A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER 9745 MILES. AS A PREVIOUS OWNER HAS EXPLAINED HIS BRAKE PROBLEM SAME AS MINE WHEN YOU DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL SOLID IT ALMOST GOES TO THE FLOOR ALSO WHEN THIS PEDAL GOES LOW THE ACCELERATOR GOES DOWN TOO CLOSE TO EACH OTHER. I HAVE CONTACTED 3 NISSAN DEALERS THEY CLAIM THEY CANT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM ON A ROAD TEST.. NISSAN CORP ADMIN LADY FINALLY CALLED, SHE KNOWS NO...
THIS TRUCK IS A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER THAT HAS ~10K MILES AND IS DRIVEN DAILY. IN THE EVENINGS IT IS KEPT OUTSIDE. RECENTLY, A HORRIBLE ODOR BEGAN COMING FROM THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. I IMMEDIATELY STARTED DISMANTLING THE PASSENGER DASH, REMOVED THE CABIN AIR FILTERS, AND DISCOVERED A DEAD MOTHER RAT AND 4 OFFSPRING IN THE COMPARTMENT ABOVE THE FILTERS. IF I HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM...
AFTER 6 MONTHS OF OWNING THIS NEW VEHICLE, WHEN PUMPING GAS IT WOULD CUT OFF WHEN BEGINNING TO PUMP THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE BUT IT HAPPENS EVERYTIME,TOOK IT TO DEALER THEY REPLACE A BUNCH OF PARTS AFTER FIRST FILL UP IT WAS OK THE SECOND FILL UP THIS MORNING TOOK 10MINUTES TO GET 10 GALLONS IN TO IT I WILL CALL DEALER TODAY
Showing 20 of 25 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Nissan Frontier
Has the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER have?
The 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER has 25 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER?
The 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER involve electrical system (4 complaints), suspension (3 complaints), air bags (2 complaints). Other affected components include power train, unknown or other, service brakes.
How many crash reports does the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER.
Should I buy a 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 25 complaints, 2 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints), 2. SUSPENSION (3 complaints), 3. AIR BAGS (2 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 4 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER?
Be cautious of electrical system issues and airbag malfunctions. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure safety. The 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER has 25 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER?
The 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER receives a reliability score of 75/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 25 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Electrical System and Passenger Airbags.
What are the known issues with the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER?
Known issues with the 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER include: Electrical System, Passenger Airbags, Back Over Prevention System, Ignition Switch. These are based on patterns found across 25 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2018 Nissan Frontier?
Common issues include electrical system problems, airbag malfunctions, and ignition switch failures.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Nissan Frontier?
Yes, recalls have been issued for the electrical system and back over prevention system.
What should I do if I experience airbag issues?
Take the vehicle to a Nissan dealer for inspection and repair to ensure safety.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of electrical system issues and airbag malfunctions. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure safety.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Nissan Frontier
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Nissan Frontier. The data includes 25 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16