NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Nissan Frontier Safety Ratings
The 2020 Nissan Frontier scores 74 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 21 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4WD registered a near-zero score in active avoidance technology, a notable deficiency in its safety profile. This contributed to its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 74/100, which places the vehicle in the Average band. The model's two recall campaigns also factored into this assessment. While crash-test performance was solid, the absence of advanced safety features means the 2020 Frontier Crew Cab 4WD presents a reasonable, though not exceptional, safety choice.
The 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4WD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 4 Trucks from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Nissan Frontier ranks 4 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 74 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.8% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 21 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 4 of 4 Trucks tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Nissan Frontier?
The 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4WD marks a three-point improvement in the NHTSA Safety Index over the 2019 model, moving from 71 to 74, while remaining in the Average band. The gain is traceable primarily to the crash-protection sub-score of 56 out of 70, anchored by that 5-star side rating, and a defect-record sub-score of 16.25 out of 20 that reflects a contained two-recall footprint rather than a sprawling campaign history. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 is the defining drag on this year's index. The 2020 Frontier shipped without forward collision warning or lane departure warning as standard equipment, leaving electronic stability control as the lone active safety feature counted in that category. The two transmission parking-pawl recalls are substantively significant because an unengaged parking pawl can allow an unoccupied vehicle to roll, a scenario with direct injury potential. Both campaigns were addressed in 2022, but on a used vehicle there is no guarantee a prior owner completed the remedy. The 21 reported complaints, with Power Train accounting for more than half, align thematically with the recall subject matter, reinforcing the transmission parking system as the primary safety story for this specific model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Nissan Frontier perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Frontier earned an overall 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Side impact protection is a clear highlight, rated at a perfect 5 stars. The frontal crash rating is the weakest element at 3 stars. Rollover protection received 4 stars, with a 20-percent risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14522
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
The 2020 Frontier carries two federal recall campaigns, both targeting the automatic transmission parking pawl. In one campaign the pawl may not engage, creating a risk the vehicle could roll away when parked. Both campaigns were issued in 2022. Shoppers should verify by VIN that both remedies have been completed before purchase.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION22V671000
Risk: 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: re
Reported 2022-09-07
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION22V457000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2022-06-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Nissan Frontier?
NHTSA has received 21 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 Frontier. Alleged issues are concentrated in Power Train (11 reports) and Engine (4 reports), with Service Brakes and the Electrical System each drawing 3 reported allegations. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
21 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Nissan Frontier?
An open recall on a parking-pawl system constitutes a direct safety concern, not a mere paperwork formality. For the 2020 Frontier, two such recalls exist, both critical. Any shopper considering a used 2020 Frontier must run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase to confirm that both transmission parking-pawl recall remedies have been completed.
- The 2020 Frontier's Safety Index rose three points over the 2019 model year to 74/100, a measurable improvement that still lands in the Average band rather than Good or higher.
- Both 2020 Frontier recall campaigns target the automatic transmission parking pawl, which may fail to engage and allow the parked vehicle to roll - a direct safety hazard that requires VIN-level verification of remedy completion.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year, meaning the 2020 Frontier offers minimal active crash-prevention technology beyond electronic stability control.
- NHTSA has logged 21 unverified complaints for this model year, with Power Train alone accounting for 11 reported allegations - a concentration that aligns with the recall subject matter and warrants attention during any pre-purchase inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Nissan Frontier places
The 2020 Nissan Frontier qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Nissan Frontier safety questions
Was the 2020 Nissan Frontier crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Nissan Frontier, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 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 2020 Nissan Frontier crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Frontier have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Nissan Frontier. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Nissan Frontier?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 21 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Nissan Frontier. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Frontier years
Rivals in Truck (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Ford F-250 Tremor | 95/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Ford F-250 | 83/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Nissan Titan | 80/100 | 4 of 5 | 5 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14522), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Frontier 2020.
- 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 4 of 4 in the Truck class for 2020.
- 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.