2013 Nissan Frontier recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Nissan Frontier and 48 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (15), electrical system (8), power train (6). EPA-rated fuel economy is 17–19 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2013 ranks #11 of 14 Frontier model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (42). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2013 Nissan Frontier. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Electrical system · wiring · fuses and circuit breakers
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012 through 2014 Frontier vehicles manufactured from November 28, 2012, through December 17, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a circuit breaker may have been installed incorrectly causing the main wire harness connected to the circuit breaker to face outward, potentially contacting a metal bolt located on the A-pillar.
Risk: The bolt may wear through the wire harness covering, resulting in an electrical short which could cause a fire.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the circuit breaker orientation. If the circuit breaker orientation is incorrect, dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the air bag sensor located in front of the radiator had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the Part Number: 98581-9BD8A; had been on backorder for ap…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Nissan Frontier. The vehicle was purchased in a private sale. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 98,107, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 183,101. The Carfax report and the last report were in 2022.
Air bag light will not go off. Afraid will deploy. Dealer no problem just censor. Did not have part to fix.
Safety ratings
2013 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC RWD
2013 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC 4WD
2013 Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC RWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2013 Nissan Frontier.
Frontier 2WD
Auto 5-spd · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Frontier 2WD
Auto 5-spd · 6 cyl · 4.0 L
Regular
Frontier 4WD
Auto 5-spd · 6 cyl · 4.0 L
Regular
Frontier 4WD
Man 6-spd · 6 cyl · 4.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Nissan Frontier have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Nissan Frontier, most recently for electrical system · wiring · fuses and circuit breakers (02/12/2014). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Nissan Frontier?
Based on 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are air bags (15), electrical system (8), power train (6).
Is the 2013 Nissan Frontier safe?
NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2013 Nissan Frontier.
Is the 2013 a good year for the Nissan Frontier?
The 2013 ranks #11 of 14 Frontier model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (42). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Nissan Frontier get?
EPA ratings for the 2013 Nissan Frontier range from 17 to 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2013 Nissan Frontier in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: FRONTIER, Frontier.