2021 Nissan Frontier Safety Report
2021 NISSAN FRONTIER SAFETY AND RELIABILITY REPORT
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Nissan Frontier
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 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 | Low (17) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2025 | Compare against the 2025 Nissan Frontier with 6 complaints and 3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Nissan Frontier | 105 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Nissan Frontier | 26 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Nissan Frontier | 25 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2025 Nissan Frontier | 6 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 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 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 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.
Power Train
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Nissan onlyAir Bags
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Nissan onlyUnknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Nissan onlyElectrical System,Air Bags,Fuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Air Bags,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Nissan onlyElectrical System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Nissan onlyElectrical System,Exterior Lighting
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Exterior Lighting issues Nissan onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Nissan Frontier
Reliability Score
The 2021 Nissan Frontier receives a reliability score of 85 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.
Known Issues for the 2021 Nissan Frontier
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Nissan Frontier:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag System Malfunction Airbag lights have been reported to come on and flash, indicating potential issues with the airbag system. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Transmission Problems Transmission issues, such as hesitation and problems with the automatic transmission, have been reported. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Mount Issues Complaints about bad or defective engine mounts have been reported, though the specific issues are not fully defined. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Tire Sidewall Failure A tire sidewall failure at 70MPH has been reported, leading to immediate deflation and potential loss of vehicle control. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Nissan Frontier:
Airbag system malfunctions have been reported, including the airbag light coming on and flashing.
Transmission issues, such as hesitation and problems with the automatic transmission, have been reported.
Complaints about bad or defective engine mounts have been reported.
Tire sidewall failures have been reported, leading to immediate deflation and potential loss of vehicle control.
Recall Details for the 2021 Nissan Frontier
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Nissan Frontier by NHTSA:
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Titan, 2020-2022 Frontier, and 2023 Z vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.
Consequence: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised to apply the parking brake every time they park their vehicle. Dealers will perform the applicable repairs below, free of charge: Model Year 2020-2022 Frontier vehicles: reprogram Transmission Control Module (TCM) Model Year 2020-2022 Titan vehicles: reprogram TCM and Engine Control Module (ECM) Model Year 2023 Titan vehicles: reprogram TCM Model Year 2023 Z vehicles: r...
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Frontier and Titan vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.
Consequence: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised to apply the parking brake every time they park their vehicle. Dealers will replace the transmission parking pawl pin, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22A2 R22A3.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Nissan Frontier
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Nissan Frontier with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
I [XXX] PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM DAYTONA, NISSAN ON [XXX] ON THE MORNING OF [XXX], THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. AND WAS FLASHING. I TOOK VIDEOS OF ALL THE DIFFERENT OCCURRENCES.I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TALKED TO THE SALESMAN THAT SOLD IT TO US.HIS NAME WAS SIMON.AND HE BROUGHT US IN, AND WE WERE TALKING TO A MANAGER THEY DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND TRY TO RESET IT AS WE WERE LEAVING, THE...
When someone is sitting in passenger seat the light for their airbag blinks, is on or off. So we are unsure if the airbag would in fact deploy if we were to be in a collision.
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission control module error. The contact was informed by the mechanic to take the vehicle to a dealer to check for a recall rela...
Recall R22A1 has not been repaired by the dealership. Riverside Nissan in Rome, GA held the truck for twelve (12) weeks and was unable to repair the truck. They claim the part is not available. Another repair was subsequently requested at Town Center Nissan in Kennesaw, GA. They initially reported they could get the part within two weeks but now state the part is backordered and unavailable. Veh...
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, after which, upon pressing the Push to Start button the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to start, but the failure became a regular...
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. After several attempts, the contact was able to start the vehicle, after which the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact also stated that when the failure occurred, the exterior lights would not func...
I purchased a 2021 certified preowned Nissan frontier with 21k miles and was promised it had passed a 167 point inspection and came with limited 7 year 100k power train warranty. This is addition to the factory warranty 3 year 36k and 5 year 60k mile that is still in effect. the truck has had to have several repairs upon purchasing. This includes AC line flushed because it was sloshing in the d...
The Vehicle hesitates when taking of from a stand still of from switching lanes from a stop. The Transmission is trying to switch from a stop causing the Vehicle to have no power of RPM's on the Torque Converter. Very Dangerous. Has almost caused me to have a wreck several times. Have taken the Vehicle to the Nissan Dealership 2 times . Dealership said there was a problem and Nissan has had other ...
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V457000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experie...
Numerous complaints of problems with bad/defective engine mounts .
I brought my truck in for service on 3/10/23 and they preformed the recall for the transmission. This involved reprogramming no parts were available yet. On my trip home from the shop I noticed right away my fuel economy went from 21MPG to 18 MPG (same roads I always drive) and I have been having a warning light come on after I let and it has came on and off twice. I worry about what would make s...
Transmission in Park Nissan sent notice truck could roll away. Radio turns self on and off 2-3 times after starting vehicle no lights or messages show up Cell phone bluetooth won't work
have gone to Nissan for excessive rattle noise in passenger footwell would sound louder as i gave it gas they concluded that the heater core bracket was loose and tighten but sound did no go away took it in again heater core bracket not good would need to replace so had to take it in third time for same heater core issue eventually they replaced heater core but still have problems with the air...
Sidewall failed at 70MPH on I-40 Westbound causing immediate deflation of the tire almost causing loss of vehicle control. The problem has NOT been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle has NOT been inspected by any police or manufacturer. The low tire warning lamp illuminated seconds after said blowout. HANCOOK DYNAPRO AT M P265/75R16
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated and was flashing. The contact continued driving to his residence. The following day the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be inspected. The mechanic found and tightened a loose wire to fix the failure however, several days later the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle b...
My husband and I bought a new truck. My husband pulled the truck into our garage, once in the garage the back tires started to spin out of control, he looked down and saw he had his foot on the brake only, but truck surged forward causing no injuries but have minor truck and property damage. Have a picture of where there is stationary tire marks on our epoxy garage floor showing the black tire mar...
Descending my driveway which is an approximately 15 degree slope with the transmission selected to remain in 1st gear, and approximately one third of a tank of fuel or less remaining in the fuel tank the engine seems to momentarily cut out as the vehicle feels like the transmission is in neutral, but the tachometer indicates the engine is running. When this occurs the MIL comes on along with the c...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Nissan Frontier
Has the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 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 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER have?
The 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER has 17 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER?
The 2021 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 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER involve power train (4 complaints), air bags (2 complaints), unknown or other (2 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system,air bags,fuel/propulsion system, electrical system, electrical system,exterior lighting.
How many crash reports does the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER out of 17 total complaints (5.9% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER.
Should I buy a 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 17 complaints, 2 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER are: 1. POWER TRAIN (4 complaints), 2. AIR BAGS (2 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 4 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER?
Be cautious of airbag malfunctions and transmission issues. Ensure the vehicle has been properly serviced, especially after recalls. The 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER has 17 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER?
The 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 17 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Airbag System Malfunction and Transmission Problems.
What are the known issues with the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER?
Known issues with the 2021 NISSAN FRONTIER include: Airbag System Malfunction, Transmission Problems, Engine Mount Issues, Tire Sidewall Failure. These are based on patterns found across 17 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2021 Nissan Frontier?
Common issues include airbag malfunctions, transmission problems, engine mount defects, and tire sidewall failures.
Is the transmission recall fixed?
The recall has not been fully resolved, with some dealerships unable to repair the issue.
What should I do if I experience airbag light issues?
Have the vehicle inspected by a professional to diagnose and address the issue promptly.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of airbag malfunctions and transmission issues. Ensure the vehicle has been properly serviced, especially after recalls.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Nissan Frontier
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Nissan Frontier. The data includes 17 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 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