NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Nissan Frontier Safety Ratings
The 2021 Nissan Frontier scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 17 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4WD lacks active crash-avoidance technology, a significant omission in its safety profile. This absence is a key factor prospective buyers must consider. Despite this, the vehicle achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. Its strong performance in side-crash protection and an unblemished defect record contribute positively to this score.
The 2021 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4WD received a 4-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 4 Trucks from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Nissan Frontier ranks 4 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 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 | 17 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 4 of 4 Trucks tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Nissan Frontier?
The 2021 model year represents a two-point gain in the NHTSA Safety Index, moving from 74/100 on the 2020 Frontier to 76/100 here, both years sitting in the Average band. That incremental improvement is real but modest. The index breakdown reveals where this truck earns its score and where it falls short. Crash protection contributes 56 out of a possible 70 points, anchored by that 5-star side result but dragged by the 3-star frontal outcome. The defect record sub-score is strong at 17.5 out of 20, reflecting a limited recall footprint for a model year. The most consequential weakness is the avoidance technology sub-score of just 2 out of 10. This truck launched without forward collision warning or lane departure warning as standard features, leaving electronic stability control as the sole active safety technology counted here. The two recall campaigns, both centered on the automatic transmission parking pawl, are a specific and concrete concern for this year. A pawl that may not engage properly creates a vehicle-rollaway risk, which is a serious safety matter regardless of how infrequently it manifests. That defect is the defining safety story for 2021 Frontier ownership.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Nissan Frontier perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Frontier achieved a 4 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While its side-impact protection earned a perfect 5-star rating, the frontal crash assessment proved weaker, scoring 3 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover resistance was rated at 4 stars, with a 20 percent risk of rollover and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16047
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year, both targeting the automatic transmission parking pawl. One campaign, issued in June 2022, affects 2020-2022 Frontier and Titan vehicles where the parking pawl may not engage properly. A second, broader campaign issued in September 2022 extends to 2020-2023 Titan, 2020-2022 Frontier, and 2023 Z models for the same transmission concern. Owners should verify remedy completion by VIN.
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 2021 Nissan Frontier?
Seventeen unverified owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The top alleged problem areas are the Electrical System, Power Train, and an Unknown or Other category, each drawing four reports, followed by Air Bags and Fuel/Propulsion System with three alleged reports each. One crash is alleged; no fires, injuries, or deaths are reported.
17 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Nissan Frontier?
Of particular concern for the 2021 Frontier are two safety-critical recalls related to the transmission parking pawl. Prospective owners should verify, via VIN lookup through NHTSA, that the remedy for these issues has been completed by an authorized dealer. Documentation confirming this service should be requested. The responsibility for addressing open recalls transfers with vehicle ownership.
- Two separate NHTSA recall campaigns, both issued in 2022, address a transmission parking pawl that may not engage on 2021 Frontier units - a rollaway risk that makes VIN-specific recall verification essential for this model year.
- The 2021 Frontier's Safety Index of 76/100 is a two-point improvement over the 2020 model year's 74/100, but both years remain in the Average band, meaning the gain is incremental rather than a category shift.
- The frontal crash rating of 3 out of 5 stars is the lowest individual NHTSA score for this model year and stands in sharp contrast to the 5-star side result, making it a year-specific data point buyers should not overlook.
- The avoidance technology sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects that this 2021 model year was sold without forward collision warning or lane departure warning, a gap that is especially relevant when comparing it to newer competitors or newer model years of the same truck.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Nissan Frontier places
The 2021 Nissan Frontier qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Nissan Frontier safety questions
Was the 2021 Nissan Frontier crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Nissan Frontier, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 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 2021 Nissan Frontier crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Nissan Frontier have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Nissan Frontier. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Nissan Frontier?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 17 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford F-250 | 88/100 | 4 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor | 83/100 | 4 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Titan | 78/100 | 4 of 5 | 5 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16047), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Frontier 2021.
- 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 2021.
- 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.