VehicleVerdict

2020 Nissan Frontier problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2020 Nissan Frontier is among the quieter years of the Frontier on NHTSA's books: 31 complaints (63% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (36% of the total).

31

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other Frontier years?

Frontier NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 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, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Frontier years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Nissan Frontier problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1135%
Engine413%
Brakes413%
Electrical System310%
Other26%
Driver Assistance26%
Lighting13%
Airbags13%
Seat Belts13%
Seats13%
Speed Control13%

Does the 2020 Nissan Frontier have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V671000TransmissionSeptember 7, 2022 · 197,230 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

22V457000TransmissionJune 24, 2022 · 180,176 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 12, 2022 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 16, 2023

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 16, 2024

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 29, 2020

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 16, 2025

2020 Nissan Frontier — common questions

Is the 2020 Nissan Frontier reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 31 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Frontier year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2020 Frontier problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (11 complaints), brakes (4 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 2020 Nissan Frontier have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 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.

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.