NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Nissan Frontier Safety Ratings
The 2019 Nissan Frontier scores 71 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 28 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Nissan Frontier achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 71/100, positioning it within the Average safety band. While its side-crash protection demonstrates genuine strength, the vehicle's frontal crash rating is below average, and its avoidance technology is notably weak. These factors collectively prevent it from ascending to a higher safety classification. The assessment places it squarely in the average tier.
The 2019 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab received a 4-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 71/100, based entirely on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 3 Trucks from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Nissan Frontier ranks 3 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 71 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.2% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 28 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 3 of 3 Trucks tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Nissan Frontier?
The 2019 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab occupies a specific position in the NHTSA safety record: a 71/100 Safety Index with no prior-year Index on file for direct comparison, meaning this score stands on its own merits rather than as a trajectory. Breaking down that 71, crash protection contributes 52 out of a possible 70 points, reflecting a mixed NCAP result where a 5-star side score pulls the average up while a 3-star frontal and a 3-star rollover rating with a 21 percent rollover risk pull it down. The avoidance technology sub-score is the most telling number in this year's profile: 2 out of 10. The 2019 Frontier ships with electronic stability control as standard equipment, but neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning is present, leaving this truck well behind the safety-tech expectations of its era. The defect record sub-score of 17 out of 20 is the strongest component of the Index, reflecting a single recall campaign tied to the rearview camera sensing system rather than a structural or propulsion concern. The 28 owner complaints, including alleged power-train and air-bag issues, add a layer of caution but remain unverified allegations. Taken together, this year's data portrait is of a truck with solid passive crash protection on its sides, meaningful gaps in active safety, and a narrow recall footprint.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Nissan Frontier perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab's side-crash protection earned a full 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This result anchors an overall 4 out of 5-star safety rating. Frontal protection, however, garnered only 3 stars. Rollover resistance also rated 3 out of 5 stars, with a 21 percent risk of rollover noted in testing. These are the weaker points in the vehicle's federal crash-test performance.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14193
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
One recall campaign covers the 2019 Frontier. It addresses a back-over prevention sensing system failure, specifically the rearview camera, issued by Nissan North America across a broad range of 2018-2019 Nissan models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data for this campaign, but remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA19V654000
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Reported 2019-09-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Nissan Frontier?
NHTSA records 28 unverified owner complaints for the 2019 Frontier, with alleged issues concentrated in Power Train (7 reports), Unknown Or Other (6), Air Bags (5), and Electrical System (5). These are unverified consumer allegations only. One alleged crash and one alleged fire are included in those filings.
28 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Nissan Frontier?
Any shopper considering this 7-year-old truck should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm the rearview camera recall was completed. Open recalls transfer with ownership. Safety-tech gaps cannot be remedied after purchase, so buyers should weigh the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning against their own driving environment.
- The 2019 Frontier's single recall targets the rearview camera sensing system, part of a broad Nissan multi-model campaign, and remedy completion must be verified by VIN before purchase.
- NHTSA's side-crash result for this model year is 5 out of 5 stars, the strongest individual score in the test suite, while frontal and rollover scores each sit at 3 out of 5 stars with a 21 percent rollover risk.
- The avoidance technology sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning in this model year, a gap that directly suppresses the overall 71/100 Safety Index.
- Twenty-eight unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year include alleged power-train and air-bag concerns, with the most recent allegation recorded in mid-2026, indicating continued owner reporting activity on this vehicle.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Nissan Frontier places
The 2019 Nissan Frontier qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Nissan Frontier safety questions
Was the 2019 Nissan Frontier crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Nissan Frontier, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 71 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Nissan Frontier crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Nissan Frontier earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 3 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 21.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Nissan Frontier have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Nissan Frontier. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Nissan Frontier?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 28 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Nissan Frontier. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Frontier years
Rivals in Truck (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Ford F-250 | 84/100 | 4 of 5 | 4 |
| 2019 Nissan Titan | 75/100 | 4 of 5 | 4 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14193), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Frontier 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 3 of 3 in the Truck class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.