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Nissan Frontier Reliability Grade

AOverall

Excellent reliability

EngineA
TransmissionA-

Grade a specific Nissan Frontier

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The Nissan Frontier earns an A overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an A for its engine and an A- for its transmission. It ranks 1st of 6 midsize trucks we grade. Its engine (A) and transmission (A-) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 477 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

Nissan Frontier reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

2000C+2001B2002B+2003A2004B+2005F2006F2007F2008C2009B+2010B+2011A-2012B+2013A2014A2015A2016A2017A2018A2019A2020B+2021A-2022B-2023C2024B

Best years: 2003, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021

Years to avoid: 2005–2007 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)

Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.

How long does the Nissan Frontier last?

180,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known Nissan Frontier problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the Nissan Frontier, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See Frontier problems

Nissan Frontier vs. other midsize trucks

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Toyota Tacoma A A- A
Nissan Frontier A A- A
Ford Ranger B+ D B-
Chevrolet Colorado B+ C B-
Honda Ridgeline C- C+ C
Jeep Gladiator C- D F

Most reliable midsize trucks →

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Nissan Frontier reliability FAQ

Is the Nissan Frontier reliable?

Excellent reliability. The Nissan Frontier earns an A overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an A for its engine and an A- for its transmission. It ranks 1st of 6 midsize trucks we grade. Its engine (A) and transmission (A-) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 477 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a Nissan Frontier last?

We estimate a well-maintained Nissan Frontier lasts around 180,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the Nissan Frontier?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Nissan Frontier model years are 2003, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021.

What Nissan Frontier years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Nissan Frontier years to be most careful with are 2005, 2006 and 2007. The 2005 grades an F overall (engine D, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting. The 2006 grades an F overall (engine D, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting.

Is the Nissan Frontier transmission reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Nissan Frontier transmission an A- (excellent reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the Nissan Frontier engine reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Nissan Frontier engine an A (excellent reliability).