MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Nissan Frontier

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Nissan Frontier

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

2Recalls
17Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE NISSAN FRONTIER

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.

VERDICT

The 2021 Nissan Frontier earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 2 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers 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.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 19.8%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16047

Index breakdown

Crash protection56/70
Avoidance tech2/10
Defect record17.5/20
Forward collision warning: NoLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

17 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 4Power Train 4Unknown Or Other 4Air Bags 3Fuel/Propulsion System 3Exterior Lighting 1

Other Frontier years

Rivals in Truck (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 16047), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Nissan Frontier 2021. Class rank 4 of 4 in Truck 2021. Methodology · Disclosure