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Model-year record

2020 Nissan Frontier
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2020 Nissan Frontier

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Federal source records

Complaints filed

23

Reports to NHTSA, 2020

Safety recalls

2

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

19.5

EPA estimate

Known issues

Power Train issues lead owner complaints (48% of 23 reports), followed by service brakes (13%).

Power Train48% · 11 reports
Service Brakes13% · 3 reports
Electrical System9% · 2 reports
Unknown Or Other9% · 2 reports
Air Bags4% · 1 report
Engine4% · 1 report
Exterior Lighting4% · 1 report
Seats4% · 1 report

+ 1 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 23 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11618524, ODI 11497294, ODI 11485803, ODI 11747306, ODI 11665234.

Individual complaint reports(23)

Showing the 23 most recent reports
SteeringJul 2026 · ODI 11749618Details +

Crank bolt snapped causing me to loose power steering, a part failed that shouldn't have .I have the bolt looks like in was cracked when they put it together, it was only on by about three threads, my mechanic and the one from nissan said they'd never seen one come apart before,lucky I wasn't on the highway or in traffic

Reported
Jul 2026
Incident date
Jul 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11749618 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJun 2026 · ODI 11747458Details +

Nissan Frontier won’t engage into park parking prowl issue I’ve looked it up on google but my vin doesn't say there is a recall for my truck. Can we get a full recall for the 2020’s ?

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11747458 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2026 · ODI 11747306Details +

The 9 speed automatic transmission suffered a catastrophic internal failure (codes PO893 and PO876), forcing the vehicle into limp mode. The vehicle loses propulsion unexpectedly in traffic, and the transmission risk complete mechanical lockup while driving. The vehicle is unsafe to operate on public roads, creating a severe crash hazard.06

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11747306 at NHTSA →
EngineSep 2025 · ODI 11690226Details +

UNKNOWNI want to report my repossessed car and hold Santander Consumer USA responsible because they sold my car without my consent and not only that, report the fraud of the sale of the same car that I bought and that neither the DMV Nissan of Orange nor Santander Consumer USA informed me of the debt that I still had on that car and Santander was charging me with a contract where they add the cost of the car with interest after I had paid a down payment and financed the car at a cost of 30,659.14 and then they charged me another 17,390.78 in interest which the dealership hid from me and they also knew about the debt that was still owed on the car by Santander Consumer USA and they did not inform me what they call fraud by selling a car with a lien holder I ask for a refund of all my money $ 15,538.10 amount to the principal balance + 18,022.23 interest payments + 8,000 downpayment that makes the total of $41,560.33 which I have lost all my money invested in that car and they took my vehicle and are advertising it on this page for sale

Reported
Sep 2025
Incident date
Mar 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11690226 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2025 · ODI 11665234Details +

Hello, I was an owner of a new 2020 Nissan Frontier pro4x. My vehicle had 33,000 miles, garaged in the winter and never used for towing. All minor maintenance were performed at a certified Nissan dealer. On [XXX] I was driving my truck on [XXX] in Youngstown when suddenly I heard a terrifying loud grinding noise coming under the truck causing also the truck to shake violently. I'm blessed that I didn't not lose control of the vehicle and most importantly it did not happen on the freeway. This happen as I was ready to merge into [XXX]. I arranged the truck to be towed to Sims Nissan dealer in Youngstown. I was told that my driveshaft came apart somehow causing other major damages to other critical parts of the truck. I end up also calling my Insurance. I discussed with them the incident, and the insurance started a comprehensive claim. On May 29th Robert Griffith the Adjuster call me to inform me that the truck will be totaled. I've already reached out with a letter to Nissan Headquarters, I explained what happened but most importantly wanted to Nissan to be aware of my incident. Didn't get any help or support but I was given a claim number, [XXX]. I've also contacted BBB of my incident. I feel really strong that this incident should have never happened and I will do my best to get an answer. Thank you so much for your time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Jun 2025
Incident date
May 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11665234 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMay 2025 · ODI 11661603Details +

The truck will not start due to it thinking it’s not in park when it is in park and has slipped out of park but I had my e brake on

Reported
May 2025
Incident date
May 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11661603 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2025 · ODI 11657026Details +

The truck is jerky during low speed take offs. It also died off during acceleration and then surged all of a sudden recently. It is now in the repair shop being diagnosed for an electric transmission control warning light. It would not start.

Reported
Apr 2025
Incident date
Apr 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11657026 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesOct 2024 · ODI 11620138Details +

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds, the brake system was erroneously activated causing the vehicle to reduce speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the front and rear brake assemblies but the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 55,000.

Reported
Oct 2024
Incident date
Jan 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11620138 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2024 · ODI 11618524 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

The contact owned a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V671000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle began to inadvertently roll away. The contact stated the vehicle ran over the contact's foot. No medical attention was needed The contact stated the vehicle crashed into a tree stump and the front bumper was damaged. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55, 000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Reported
Oct 2024
Incident date
Oct 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11618524 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingSep 2024 · ODI 11615024Details +

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the brake pedal was depressed, and the contact became aware that the brake lights were inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

Reported
Sep 2024
Incident date
Sep 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11615024 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesMay 2024 · ODI 11591342Details +

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the brakes. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the same diagnostic result was provided. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,834.

Reported
May 2024
Incident date
May 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11591342 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2024 · ODI 11583527Details +

My vehicle was the subject of Nissan's Safety Recall for the parking pall not engaging. I had the vehicle into the Dealer twice six months ago, where they supposedly addressed this defect. Beginning last week, my vehicle's parking pall will not engage when the vehicle is in Park, allowing it to roll freely. The manufacturer's fix is either not working or the material or workmanship is a problem. I am bringing the vehicle to the Dealer tomorrow for the problem.

Reported
Apr 2024
Incident date
Apr 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11583527 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2023 · ODI 11545091Details +

Vehicle alternator failed at 79,000 miles. Instead of shutting off, vehicle disabled the cooling fans but kept the engine and fuel supply systems running leading to the vehicle overheating during diagnostics which require the engine to rev and hold an elevated RPM. Unsure if other systems like braking and steering were affected by the choices the vehicle made to keep the engine running despite no cooling since the truck was not moving when it over heated..

Reported
Sep 2023
Incident date
Sep 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11545091 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2023 · ODI 11507688Details +

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while the transmission was shifted into park (P), the vehicle accelerated forward. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Reported
Feb 2023
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11507688 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJan 2023 · ODI 11504002Details +

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased but the contact was offered no assistance. The contact continued driving the vehicle and stated that the vehicle was hesitating and jerking while depressing accelerator pedal. Occasionally, the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle had rolled back while stopped on an incline. The contact reached out to the dealer and was informed that the defect was related to the battery, which the contact disputed. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V671000 (Power Train) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000. The VIN was not available.

Reported
Jan 2023
Incident date
Dec 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11504002 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJan 2023 · ODI 11501589Details +

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the passenger’s side seat belt pretension sensor to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the passenger’s side belt assembly tongue pretension and the passenger seat belt retractor to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 9,624. The contact stated that this failure has occurred 4 times while both the driver and the passenger was occupied.

Reported
Jan 2023
Incident date
Dec 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11501589 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2022 · ODI 11497294 · crashDetails +

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the vehicle was in the park position, but while exiting the vehicle it began to roll and crashed into the garage door. There were no reported injuries. There was no fire or police report filed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V671000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 16,000.

Reported
Dec 2022
Incident date
Dec 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11497294 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2022 · ODI 11492848Details +

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V671000 (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 experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Reported
Nov 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11492848 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2022 · ODI 11485803 · crashDetails +

2020 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THE CONSUMER STATED UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IT WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THIS FAILURE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK. ON TWO OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. ONCE STRIKING AN RV, AND SECOND STRIKING A FENCE. THE CONSUMER WAS MADE AWARE OF A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THERE WAS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE YET. THE DEALER TEMPORARILY ALLOWED THE CONSUMER TO DRIVE A RENTAL. THE DEALER REQUESTED THE CONSUMER RETURN THE RENTAL AND PICK UP THE UNREPAIRED VEHICLE.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11485803 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherFeb 2022 · ODI 11453481Details +

There are 3 incidents thus far. ***I have video confirmation of these incidents*** First, I had parked my vehicle at a gas pump, put my vehicle in park, and locked the vehicle. Apparently, as I walked away, my vehicle had slowly rolled backwards more than 15 feet until it hit the curb. I noticed the vehicle moved from the location I had parked my vehicle when I came back to the vehicle and didn't notice my vehicle where I had remembered leaving the vehicle. I inspected my vehicle and no damage and the vehicle shift was in the park position. After I realized what had happened I went back in to the store and asked the manager to show me the camera footage to see what had happened. I recorded the surveillance video as proof. Second, I was arriving at a brother's house and parked my vehicle, put my vehicle in the park position and when I shut the vehicle off the vehicle rolled forward approximately 3 feet. Third, I was arriving at a family member's house. I parked the vehicle, put the vehicle in the park position. When I shut the vehicle off, the vehicle started rolling forward. As I noticed immediately what had happened, I ran in front of the vehicle to stop the vehicle from rolling any further to which I started pushing the vehicle backwards. At about 10 feet of pushing the vehicle backwards, I eventually heard a click sound rendering the vehicle locked in the park position. *****I have video confirmation of my locked and parked vehicle rolling back while I stepped away at the gas pump***** AutoNation Nissan service department has the vehicle replacing my transmission and some electrical components associated with the drivetrain. Case # [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”

Reported
Feb 2022
Incident date
Nov 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11453481 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2022 · ODI 11452288Details +

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shifted into NEUTRAL and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine and transmission warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with code P0729 (Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio). The dealer performed technical service bulletin NTB 21-086, Transmission Control Module (TCM) software update; however, the failure recurred with the engine revving while shifting gears. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 6,784.

Reported
Feb 2022
Incident date
Jan 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11452288 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2021 · ODI 11438111Details +

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, the dashboard lights were significantly dim, affecting his visibility of the speedometer while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and advised the contact that could they not assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50.

Reported
Oct 2021
Incident date
Dec 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11438111 at NHTSA →
SeatsMar 2021 · ODI 11400190Details +

THE PASSENGER SEAT WOULD NOT LOCK WHEN MOVED. ON ONLY ONE SIDE. WE TOOK IT IN AN THE DEALER SAID THAT IS WAS KNOWN TO THEM BUT WAS NOT SAFETY RISK. IF I HAD TO STOP FAST AND THE SEAT WAS NOT LOCKED ON ONE SIDE THE TORQUE WOULD HAVE BENT THE BAR AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER. THEY SAY THEY FIXED IT BUT I CANNOT BE SURE. I WAS ALSO TOLD THE THERE WERE MULTIPLE OTHERS THEY HAD FIXED. I THINK THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT FOR SAFETY REASONS. THE DEALER SHIP IS NISSAN AT 1333 SOUTH ACADEMY BLVD., COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80916. YOU MAY REACH ME AT [XXX]. IF YOU NEED MORE INFO. THE NISSAN CORP. OFFICE TOLD ME TO REPORT IT HERE. THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Reported
Mar 2021
Incident date
Mar 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11400190 at NHTSA →

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.

Power TrainJul 2022 · 22V671000Details +

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.

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: reprogram TCM. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Power Train · 22V457000Details +

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.

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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

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

No NHTSA crash test is on record for this year. Some vehicles and model years were not tested or do not have a published NCAP result.

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Frontier 2WD3.8L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive182420
Frontier 4WD3.8L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel Drive172319

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

Before you buy

Useful next checks

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2020 Nissan Frontier: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2020 Nissan Frontier?

Owners filed 23 NHTSA complaints about the 2020 Nissan Frontier. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2020 Nissan Frontier?

The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (48% of complaints) and service brakes (13%).

How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Frontier have?

2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2020 Nissan Frontier, covering components such as power train. 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 2020 Nissan Frontier get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Nissan Frontier between 19 and 20 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.