Owners have filed 45 complaints
about the 2017 Nissan Frontier with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 27 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 14
Against the median year of the Nissan Frontier. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
26.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
73% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2017 compares with every other Nissan Frontier
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
415.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
830.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
13.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1038.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
27.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
13.8%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2017 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC RWD
21.2% risk
2017 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC 4WD
19.8% risk
2017 Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC RWD
—
—
—
21.2% risk
2017 Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC AWD
—
—
—
19.8% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2017peak 3Jun 2026
Recalls on the 2017 Nissan Frontier
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201844013,223 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition system, a spring in the ignition switch could wear and break. This may allow the ignition key to inadvertently move from the ON position to the accessory (ACC) position while driving, causing the engine to shut off and the airbag system to lose power. The resulting loss of motive power, and change in steering and brake forces could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Additionally, in the event of a crash, this may also cause the airbags not to function. Correction: Dealers will inspect the lot number of the ignition switch, and replace it with a new one if it is affected. Note: Until the correction is performed, owners are advised to remove all objects from the ignition key ring, such as additional keys, key chains, etc.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Mckinney, TXCrash1 killed
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Complete power/ignition failure resulting in death of driver on [XXX] while driving at night in the rain in a 2017 Nissan Frontier Pickup 4 door. The TDPS in McKinney, TX is pulling the black box for testing. 2 weeks before the accident the same vehicle (2017 Nissan Frontier pickup) 4 door lost complete power/braking/ignition failure on the same road [XXX] in Princeton, TX The vehicle was pushed off the road and then towed to a local mechanic in Wylie, TX The mechanic had issues in determining what was wrong with the vehicle. He ruled out alternator, battery, fuse box and wiring. I am a witness to the previous failure and it was documented. The same day the vehicle was picked up from service, the individual died that night in the vehicle in a tragic accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11630815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TXCrash1 killed
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complete power/ignition failure resulting in death of driver on [XXX] while driving at night in the rain in a 2017 Nissan Frontier Pickup 4 door. The TDPS in McKinney, TX is pulling the black box for testing. 2 weeks before the accident the same vehicle (2017 Nissan Frontier pickup) 4 door lost complete power/braking/ignition failure on the same road [XXX] in Princeton, TX The vehicle was pushed off the road and then towed to a local mechanic in Wylie, TX The mechanic had issues in determining what was wrong with the vehicle. He ruled out alternator, battery, fuse box and wiring. I am a witness to the previous failure and it was documented. The same day the vehicle was picked up from service, the individual died that night in the vehicle in a tragic accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11630815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TXCrash1 killed
SERVICE BRAKES
Complete power/ignition failure resulting in death of driver on [XXX] while driving at night in the rain in a 2017 Nissan Frontier Pickup 4 door. The TDPS in McKinney, TX is pulling the black box for testing. 2 weeks before the accident the same vehicle (2017 Nissan Frontier pickup) 4 door lost complete power/braking/ignition failure on the same road [XXX] in Princeton, TX The vehicle was pushed off the road and then towed to a local mechanic in Wylie, TX The mechanic had issues in determining what was wrong with the vehicle. He ruled out alternator, battery, fuse box and wiring. I am a witness to the previous failure and it was documented. The same day the vehicle was picked up from service, the individual died that night in the vehicle in a tragic accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11630815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maple Grove, MNCrash
WHEELS
From the first snow fall in Minnesota, I had to drive very slow, there is no traction, or control of the car. I had 2 spin outs, and one person hit me. I do not feel safe in this car, but you won't trade it in for me. I fear for my life, driving in Minnesota winter. The wheels just keep turning, and there is no way to control the car.
NHTSA complaint #11522470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maple Grove, MNCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
From the first snow fall in Minnesota, I had to drive very slow, there is no traction, or control of the car. I had 2 spin outs, and one person hit me. I do not feel safe in this car, but you won't trade it in for me. I fear for my life, driving in Minnesota winter. The wheels just keep turning, and there is no way to control the car.
NHTSA complaint #11522470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Slidell, LACrash
AIR BAGS
Hit a cement barrier going 60 mph at a 45 degree angle on the passenger side and only the passenger side curtain airbag deployed.
NHTSA complaint #11505732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Vass, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11747196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hoosick Falls, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I drive on the highway and my truck stalls out and just shuts off. When I’m driving at slow speeds, it just keeps stalling I lose power and it takes a few tries for it to start again then I have to peel out so it stays started and hope I don’t have to slow down.
NHTSA complaint #11694358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 73,471 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #11669398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Princeton, MN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Check engine light came on and when filling with fuel, gas came shooting back out.
NHTSA complaint #11664060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesPlattsburgh, NY
POWER TRAIN
The contact's boyfriend owns a 2017 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving at 30 MPH or above, the vehicle started to stall. The check engine warning light was illuminated. On a separate occasion, the vehicle stalled and drastically shifted out of gear into a different gear. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure or find a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11650735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesPlattsburgh, NY
ENGINE
The contact's boyfriend owns a 2017 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving at 30 MPH or above, the vehicle started to stall. The check engine warning light was illuminated. On a separate occasion, the vehicle stalled and drastically shifted out of gear into a different gear. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure or find a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11650735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nine Mile Falls, WA
ENGINE
I had a check engine light come on and took it to my mechanic for diagnosis and repair if needed. He diagnosed it as error code P2004. The code indicated a bad runner control valve position sensor. It is located on the end of intake manifold and has two torx screws to remove it. The issue is Nissan did not sell a replacement sensor separately , you can only get that part with the purchase of a whole new intake manifold. This same sensor issue exists on the 2017 Nissan Rogue with service bulletin NTB17-091. My truck is also a 2017 but the specific vehicle is a Nissan Frontier not a Rogue but the failure is identical. In that service bulletin the solution was to replace the sensor which did not require the purchase of the entire intake manifold. I would like Nissan to issue a refund for the intake manifold as the same condition exists with the same year Nissan Rogue and they sell that part separate from the intake manifold.
NHTSA complaint #11644026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TXCrash1 killed
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Complete power/ignition failure resulting in death of driver on [XXX] while driving at night in the rain in a 2017 Nissan Frontier Pickup 4 door. The TDPS in McKinney, TX is pulling the black box for testing. 2 weeks before the accident the same vehicle (2017 Nissan Frontier pickup) 4 door lost complete power/braking/ignition failure on the same road [XXX] in Princeton, TX The vehicle was pushed off the road and then towed to a local mechanic in Wylie, TX The mechanic had issues in determining what was wrong with the vehicle. He ruled out alternator, battery, fuse box and wiring. I am a witness to the previous failure and it was documented. The same day the vehicle was picked up from service, the individual died that night in the vehicle in a tragic accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11630815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TXCrash1 killed
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complete power/ignition failure resulting in death of driver on [XXX] while driving at night in the rain in a 2017 Nissan Frontier Pickup 4 door. The TDPS in McKinney, TX is pulling the black box for testing. 2 weeks before the accident the same vehicle (2017 Nissan Frontier pickup) 4 door lost complete power/braking/ignition failure on the same road [XXX] in Princeton, TX The vehicle was pushed off the road and then towed to a local mechanic in Wylie, TX The mechanic had issues in determining what was wrong with the vehicle. He ruled out alternator, battery, fuse box and wiring. I am a witness to the previous failure and it was documented. The same day the vehicle was picked up from service, the individual died that night in the vehicle in a tragic accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11630815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TXCrash1 killed
SERVICE BRAKES
Complete power/ignition failure resulting in death of driver on [XXX] while driving at night in the rain in a 2017 Nissan Frontier Pickup 4 door. The TDPS in McKinney, TX is pulling the black box for testing. 2 weeks before the accident the same vehicle (2017 Nissan Frontier pickup) 4 door lost complete power/braking/ignition failure on the same road [XXX] in Princeton, TX The vehicle was pushed off the road and then towed to a local mechanic in Wylie, TX The mechanic had issues in determining what was wrong with the vehicle. He ruled out alternator, battery, fuse box and wiring. I am a witness to the previous failure and it was documented. The same day the vehicle was picked up from service, the individual died that night in the vehicle in a tragic accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11630815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waxhaw, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel tank developed leak at the filler neck connection point. The tank is "plastic". Connection neck is "plastic" but a different color than the tank. (Perhaps dissimilar materials that are somehow fused/bonded together.) Fuel spilled from the tank onto my garage floor initially; I moved the vehicle outside. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center. The service center replaced the tank with a new OEM tank. The vehicle is low mileage, garage kept and well maintained. I am reporting this in case there is a manufacturers defect in these fuel tanks. Photo of the fuel tank and filler connection neck area attached.
NHTSA complaint #11545742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gilbert, AZ
AIR BAGS
Since buying the vehicle new, the airbag light has been on and off throughout the entire time (The vehicle has never been crashed). I have brought it in to multiple dealerships asking for them to take a look at it and have never gotten much feedback other than them resetting it or having replaced wiring due to previous recalls. I was alerted recently of the airbag control unit now needing to be replaced. With Nissan's history of questionable electrical efforts, the component seems like something that may need to be evaluated in some capacity.
NHTSA complaint #11533369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maple Grove, MNCrash
WHEELS
From the first snow fall in Minnesota, I had to drive very slow, there is no traction, or control of the car. I had 2 spin outs, and one person hit me. I do not feel safe in this car, but you won't trade it in for me. I fear for my life, driving in Minnesota winter. The wheels just keep turning, and there is no way to control the car.
NHTSA complaint #11522470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maple Grove, MNCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
From the first snow fall in Minnesota, I had to drive very slow, there is no traction, or control of the car. I had 2 spin outs, and one person hit me. I do not feel safe in this car, but you won't trade it in for me. I fear for my life, driving in Minnesota winter. The wheels just keep turning, and there is no way to control the car.
NHTSA complaint #11522470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Slidell, LACrash
AIR BAGS
Hit a cement barrier going 60 mph at a 45 degree angle on the passenger side and only the passenger side curtain airbag deployed.
NHTSA complaint #11505732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
POWER TRAIN
There was a coolant leak. It was leaking from head gasket. When it was being rebuilt there were two head bolts stripped. The truck only has 58,000 miles. We were told that the engin isn't covered by the warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11502866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orangevale, CACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The two square head carriage bolts that secure the roof clamp to the rack were poor quality. The heads sheared off which cause the roof rack to rip off from the top of the truck and fly into traffic on the freeway. The items being held by the rack did not exceed the 150 lb limit. When the rack broke free, the kayak and camping bags broke the rear window on my truck, hit my 2 dogs, and landed in the roadway causing cars to swerve to avoid collision. The damage to my truck alone is in excess of $1,000 not including the camping equipment and kayak that have to be replaced as they are irreparably damaged. If traffic were heavier, this incident could easily have caused a major collision as there was a large roof rack and equipment strewn about the freeway. I had to run onto the freeway to remove the items to not cause further collisions. I retained all the broken pieces of the rack and photographed the incident. I read multiple reviews on the website where I purchased the product and this appears to be a common problem. There were no indicators of failure prior to the rack breaking off from my truck and flying onto the roadway. The hardware used to secure the clamp to the crossbar is completely insufficient. There appeared to be no adhesion on the weld that held the head of the carriage bolt to the shaft. The galvanization appeared to be the only thing causing the bolt to stay in one piece prior to it bearing weight.
NHTSA complaint #11489994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cheyenne, WY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
As I was driving my truck this morning it stalled on me, two times. The first time I was able to turn the key off and back on again and it started right up. I then drove it about 20 yards (luckily I was in a parking lot) and it stalled again but this time the dash lights remained on even with key out of the ignition. Also I was not able to unlock the doors. I kept turning key back and forth until the truck finally started. I was going to try disconnecting the battery to see if that would help but with the truck running I unhooked the negative side and the truck kept running!!Oh, and I also had the ignition switch replaced a few weeks ago under that recall. This is very unsafe to say the least and I can't believe it's not affecting other 2017 Frontiers.
NHTSA complaint #11487382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cheyenne, WY
ENGINE
As I was driving my truck this morning it stalled on me, two times. The first time I was able to turn the key off and back on again and it started right up. I then drove it about 20 yards (luckily I was in a parking lot) and it stalled again but this time the dash lights remained on even with key out of the ignition. Also I was not able to unlock the doors. I kept turning key back and forth until the truck finally started. I was going to try disconnecting the battery to see if that would help but with the truck running I unhooked the negative side and the truck kept running!!Oh, and I also had the ignition switch replaced a few weeks ago under that recall. This is very unsafe to say the least and I can't believe it's not affecting other 2017 Frontiers.
NHTSA complaint #11487382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cheyenne, WY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When I got in my truck yesterday some of the dash warning lights were on and the digital mileage was showing up. This is all without a key in the ignition. I could start it but it cranked a bit. So I opened the hood to disconnect the battery and I could hear that the engine was priming, no telling how long this was going on since I haven't driven it in a couple of weeks. This happened about a month ago as well although that time the radio was playing with no key in the ignition.
NHTSA complaint #11476485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Naples, FL
POWER TRAIN
AIRBAG LIGHT ON, COMPETITOR (MAZDA) DEALER STATED THAT AIR BAG MODULE NEEDS REPLACING ESTIMATED COST $2500. ALSO WHEN 4X4 IS ENGAGED IT'S REALLY HARD TO DO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT AT LOW SPEED.
NHTSA complaint #11474861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Naples, FL
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LIGHT ON, COMPETITOR (MAZDA) DEALER STATED THAT AIR BAG MODULE NEEDS REPLACING ESTIMATED COST $2500. ALSO WHEN 4X4 IS ENGAGED IT'S REALLY HARD TO DO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT AT LOW SPEED.
NHTSA complaint #11474861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesSouthport, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle occasionally stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the battery connectors to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience failure. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V551000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11431390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesBlaine, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FUMES AND ODOR ENTERING CABIN EXTREME AT TIMES GET DIZZY DRIVING WHEN FUMES ENTER THE CABIN I HAVE TO PULLOVER. TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD RETURN TO DEALER PROBLEM UNRESOLVED WAS TOLD TO CHANGE CABIN FILTER CHANGE PROBLEM PERSIST UNTIL TODAY. VEHICLE BOUGHT NEW. PROBLEM IS WHILE DRIVING AND IN TRAFFIC BEHIND ANY VEHICLE .*DT
NHTSA complaint #11383672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesNorristown, PA
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS FLASHING AND DOES NOT TURN OFF ON THE TRUCK. I DROVE THE TRUCK WITH MY FRIEND AND WE WERE BOTH IN OUR SEAT BELTS, FOR AN ENTIRE 1 HOUR RIDE THE LIGHT KEPT FLASHING. THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTS FLASHING AS SOON AS I START THE TRUCK NOW AND DOES NOT SHUT OFF UNLESS I PARK THE CAR AND TURN THE CAR OFF. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, IF THE AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY DUE TO THE FAULTY SENSOR EVEN WHEN SEAT BELTS ARE WORN I AM SURE THAT IS A HOSPITAL CASE AND A LAWSUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN. PLEASE MAKE NISSAN RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11340294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
