2019 Nissan Frontier Safety Report

The 2019 Nissan Frontier presents a mixed safety picture, with a notable recall and some concerning complaint patterns, despite a decent overall NHTSA safety rating. The vehicle received an overall 4-star rating from NHTSA, with a 5-star rating for side impact, but only 3 stars for frontal crash and rollover resistance. This suggests potential vulnerabilities in frontal collisions and a higher risk of rollover compared to other vehicles. There have been 26 total complaints, including 1 crash, 1 fire, and 2 injuries, indicating that some issues have led to real-world safety incidents. A significant safety concern is the single recall issued for 'BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA'. This recall, affecting various Nissan models including the 2019 Frontier, addresses a defect where the back-up camera display may not show an image, increasing the risk of a crash. Several complaints directly reference this issue, with one owner stating the rearview camera became inoperable, showing a gray then blank image. This aligns with the recall's description and highlights a common safety defect. Beyond the recall, common complaint patterns include issues with the POWER TRAIN (5 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints), and AIR BAGS (2 complaints). Specific complaints detail transmission problems such as the vehicle going into 'limp mode' and difficulty shifting from park, with one owner reporting the transmission became inoperable and the steering wheel moved independently. Brake issues include 'mushy' brakes and calipers sticking prematurely. Airbag complaints describe the warning light flashing and, in one severe incident, airbags 'exploding' during a collision, with the seatbelt failing. These patterns suggest potential systemic issues beyond the single recall, particularly with critical components like the powertrain and braking system, which directly impact vehicle control and occupant safety.

Our recommendation: Given the recall for the back-up camera, and recurring complaints about the powertrain, brakes, and airbags, a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended, focusing on these critical systems and ensuring all recall work has been completed.