TireKick

Verdict

2018 Nissan Frontier: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues

What the public record actually says about the 2018 Nissan Frontier — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.

The read

Fewer reported complaints than most truck.

Owners filed 25 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 100% of 2018 trucks. Electrical System leads the reports (20%). 2 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.

Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2018 trucks, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.

Complaints filed

25

Reports to NHTSA, 2018

Safety recalls

2

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

18.5

EPA estimate

Complaint volume vs. segment peers

Fewer complaints than 100% of 2018 trucks

The bar is this car's percentile among 2018 trucks by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.

Known issues

Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (20% of 25 reports), followed by service brakes (12%).

Electrical System20% · 5 reports
Service Brakes12% · 3 reports
Suspension12% · 3 reports
Air Bags8% · 2 reports
Fuel/Propulsion System8% · 2 reports
Power Train8% · 2 reports
Structure8% · 2 reports
Unknown Or Other8% · 2 reports

+ 3 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 25 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11684525, ODI 11681142, ODI 11639440, ODI 11507645, ODI 11459800.

Recalls(2)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Back Over PreventionDec 2019 · 19V654000Details +

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

Electrical System · 18V551000Details +

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Risk: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2018 Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC RWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover

2018 Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover

2018 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Side
Not rated
Rollover

2018 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC RWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Side
Not rated
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Frontier 2WD2.5L 4-cylRear-Wheel Drive192321
Frontier 2WD4.0L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive162219
Frontier 2WD4.0L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive162319
Frontier 2WD2.5L 4-cylRear-Wheel Drive172219
Frontier 4WD4.0L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel Drive162118
Frontier 2WD FFV4.0L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive162218
Frontier 4WD FFV4.0L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel Drive152117
Frontier 4WD4.0L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel Drive152117

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

Check recalls by VINConfirm open campaigns for the specific car.

These are affiliate links. TireKick may earn a fee if you use one.

Compare model years

2010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022Most complained202320242025

"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.

2018 Nissan Frontier: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Nissan Frontier?

Owners filed 25 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 Nissan Frontier — fewer complaints than 100% of comparable 2018 trucks, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.

What are the most common problems on the 2018 Nissan Frontier?

The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (20% of complaints) and service brakes (12%).

How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Frontier have?

2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2018 Nissan Frontier, covering components such as back over prevention. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Nissan Frontier get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Nissan Frontier between 17 and 21 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.