MODEL
Nissan Frontier
NHTSA safety across every Nissan Frontier model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Nissan Frontier we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2024 at 82 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 71. 19 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup truck that has competed in one of America's most contested segments for decades. Aimed at buyers who want a capable, no-frills workhorse without stepping up to a full-size rig, the Frontier targets value-conscious truck shoppers, small business owners, and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize utility over luxury.
The Nissan Frontier earns a best NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100 in its 2024 model year, placing it in the Strong band at its peak. That is an encouraging headline number for a midsize truck, though the underlying crash-test profile tells a more nuanced story. The Frontier's side-impact rating reaches a commendable 5 out of 5 stars, which is genuinely reassuring given the vulnerability of truck occupants in lateral collisions. Frontal protection lands at a solid 4 out of 5, while rollover resistance comes in at 3 out of 5, a figure that should give buyers pause. Trucks carry a higher center of gravity by design, and the Frontier's rollover score reflects that real-world physics reality rather than a flaw unique to this model. Still, shoppers should factor it into their thinking. Across the 2019 to 2025 model years we cover, the Frontier has accumulated 12 recalls and 261 owner complaints, including 20 reports of crashes, 7 fire allegations, and 8 injury claims, all of which are unverified at this stage. Twelve recalls over six model years is a number worth monitoring, and prospective buyers should run any specific VIN through NHTSA's database before purchase. The overall safety picture is competitive for the segment, but the rollover rating and recall count mean this truck rewards careful due diligence rather than blind confidence.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Frontier as a straightforward, unpretentious midsize truck that delivers honest capability without the complexity of more premium competitors. They tend to appreciate its no-nonsense character and improved refinement in newer generations, while noting that it trails some rivals in interior technology and on-road sophistication. Most consider it a solid, if unspectacular, choice in the segment.
- The Frontier's rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars is its weakest crash-test result. This is common in body-on-frame trucks, but buyers who frequently carry passengers or drive on uneven terrain should weigh this carefully.
- The 2024 model year earns the best NHTSA Safety Index in our coverage window at 85 out of 100, meaning if safety ratings are a priority, newer model years represent the stronger choice within this generation.
- Twelve recalls across the 2019 to 2025 model years is a meaningful figure. Always run the specific VIN of any Frontier you are considering through NHTSA's free recall lookup tool to confirm all outstanding recalls have been addressed by the dealer.
- Owner complaints include 20 reported crashes and 7 fire allegations across covered years. These are unverified claims, but the fire reports in particular are worth noting. Ask your dealer about any relevant technical service bulletins before finalizing a purchase.
Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Nissan Frontier with 6 recalls.