2021 Nissan Frontier recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Nissan Frontier and 20 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (6), power train (5), unknown or other (4). EPA-rated fuel economy is 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2021 ranks #2 of 14 Frontier model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (42). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Nissan Frontier. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Power train · automatic transmission
Problem: 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.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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: reprogram TCM. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Power train · automatic transmission
Problem: 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.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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
While driving on a two lane state route road towing a RV at approximately 60 MPH, the first indication of an issue was an amber ABS warning light accompanied by an Amber traction control light. Shortly after a red BRAKE warning light illuminated. Shortly after that an amber 4WD drive light illuminated and the 4WD drive wheel indicator went blank. Shortly after that the vehic…
My 2021 Ford Explorer appeared to maintain or resume speed without cruise control being activated. Braking and switching cruise off did not reliably stop the behavior, and speed varied by as much as 15 mph without my input. My concerns are: * apparent speed control when cruise had never been activated; * continued propulsion after braking; * apparent cruise operation after i…
Started rolling in park, then would not start towed to dealer , no word and no help!!!!
Safety ratings
2021 Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC 4WD
2021 Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC RWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Nissan Frontier.
Frontier 2WD
Auto (S9) · 6 cyl · 3.8 L
Regular
Frontier 4WD
Auto (S9) · 6 cyl · 3.8 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Frontier have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Nissan Frontier, most recently for power train · automatic transmission (09/07/2022). 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 2021 Nissan Frontier?
Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are electrical system (6), power train (5), unknown or other (4).
Is the 2021 Nissan Frontier safe?
NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2021 Nissan Frontier.
Is the 2021 a good year for the Nissan Frontier?
The 2021 ranks #2 of 14 Frontier model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (42). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Nissan Frontier get?
EPA ratings for the 2021 Nissan Frontier range from 19 to 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2021 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 KING CAB, FRONTIER CREW CAB, Frontier.