VehicleVerdict

2017 Nissan Frontier problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2017 Nissan Frontier sits mid-pack among Frontier years: 45 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 83, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (10), electrical system (6), and transmission (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

45

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

3

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Frontier years?

Frontier NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted836 complaints1998: 146 complaints1999: 106 complaints2000: 224 complaints2001: 155 complaints2002: 152 complaints2003: 92 complaints2004: 89 complaints2005: 750 complaints2006: 836 complaints2007: 699 complaints2008: 187 complaints2009: 44 complaints2010: 76 complaints2011: 84 complaints2012: 98 complaints2013: 65 complaints2014: 50 complaints2015: 48 complaints2016: 55 complaints2017: 45 complaints2018: 29 complaints2019: 39 complaints2020: 31 complaints2021: 25 complaints2022: 192 complaints2023: 114 complaints2024: 28 complaints2025: 9 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Frontier NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Frontier years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Nissan Frontier problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1022%
Transmission613%
Electrical System613%
Other613%
Airbags511%
Engine49%
Brakes37%
Speed Control12%
Body & Structure12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Steering12%
Seats12%

Does the 2017 Nissan Frontier have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V551000Electrical SystemAugust 21, 2018 · 153,047 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I drive on the highway and my truck stalls out and just shuts off. When I’m driving at slow speeds, it just keeps stalling I lose power and it takes a few tries for it to start again then I have to peel out so it stays started and hope I don’t have to slow down.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 3, 2025

“WHEN DRIVING ON HILLY STREETS WITH 55 MPH SPEED LIMIT, TRUCK WILL NOT MAINTAIN 55 MPH SPEED USING CRUISE CONTROL.. TRAVELING UP HILL, TRUCK DROPS 5-8 MPH BEFORE DOWNSHIFTING TO LOWER GEAR. THE DOWNSHIFT IS ABRUPT RATHER THAN A SMOOTH. WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, DISENGAGING OVERDRIVE IS THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 8, 2018

“Complete power/ignition failure resulting in death of driver on [XXX] while driving at night in the rain in a 2017 Nissan Frontier Pickup 4 door. The TDPS in McKinney, TX is pulling the black box for testing. 2 weeks before the accident the same vehicle (2017 Nissan Frontier pickup) 4 door lost…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 9, 2024 · crash

“Complete power/ignition failure resulting in death of driver on [XXX] while driving at night in the rain in a 2017 Nissan Frontier Pickup 4 door. The TDPS in McKinney, TX is pulling the black box for testing. 2 weeks before the accident the same vehicle (2017 Nissan Frontier pickup) 4 door lost…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 9, 2024 · crash

“Hit a cement barrier going 60 mph at a 45 degree angle on the passenger side and only the passenger side curtain airbag deployed.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 5, 2023 · crash

2017 Nissan Frontier — common questions

Is the 2017 Nissan Frontier reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 45 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Frontier year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2017 Frontier problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (10 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), transmission (6 complaints).

Does the 2017 Nissan Frontier have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 Nissan Frontier. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Frontier years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Frontier years to avoid are 2006, 2005, 2007, 2000, 2022, 2008, 2001, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among Frontier years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2017 Nissan Frontier?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Nissan Frontier earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.