NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Nissan Frontier Safety Ratings
The 2022 Nissan Frontier scores 75 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 109 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Nissan Frontier earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 75/100, placing it in the Average band. Six recalls and a weak rollover rating temper a solid side-crash result. Buyers should verify all recall remedies are complete before purchasing.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier received a NHTSA Safety Index of 75/100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 7 Trucks from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Nissan Frontier ranks 3 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 75 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 20.4% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 109 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 3 of 7 Trucks tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Nissan Frontier?
The 2022 Nissan Frontier's Safety Index of 75/100 represents a one-point decline from the 2021 model's 76/100, both sitting in the Average band. That narrow drop is largely explained by the defect record sub-score of only 9 out of 20, the weakest component in the index breakdown, driven by six recall campaigns issued within this single model year. Crash protection scored 57 out of 70, a respectable showing anchored by the 5-star side result and supported by a 4-star frontal rating. The rollover score of 3 stars and a 20 percent rollover risk probability are the most consequential crash-test limitations for a truck body style. Avoidance technology contributes 8.5 out of 10, reflecting standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control, though lane departure warning is only optional rather than standard, which caps that sub-score. The volume and variety of the 2022 recall campaigns, spanning transmission integrity, occupant restraint hardware, and back-over prevention electronics, give this year a distinctly heavier recall footprint than a single-point index shift might suggest.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Nissan Frontier perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4WD achieved a 4 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side impact protection is a strong point, earning a perfect 5 stars. Frontal crash protection is rated at 4 stars. Rollover resistance, however, presents the weakest area, with a 3-star rating and a 20 percent rollover risk in NHTSA's assessment, though the dynamic tip-test indicated no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16823
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
Yes. Six recall campaigns cover this model year. Two separate campaigns address automatic transmission parking pawl failures, one a potential back-over prevention display malfunction, one a rearview camera sensing failure in rental-fleet units, and one a seat belt bracket mounting bolt defect specific to the 2022 Frontier. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data, but the transmission parking pawl campaigns warrant close attention.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V772000
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The IVI software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R22B8, R22C1, and PC923/25.
Reported 2022-10-13
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
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA22V527000
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The Infotainment system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 29, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22A5 PC901 PC902.
Reported 2022-07-21
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
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS21V958000
Risk: During a crash, a loose seat belt bracket may break, causing a loss of seat belt restraint and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the bolts on the left-rear seat and repair any damaged threads as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC856.
Reported 2021-12-09
TRAILER HITCHES21V917000
Risk: During a crash, the leaf spring could contact the fuel tank, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will install the tow hitch and harness kit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC855.
Reported 2021-11-22
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Nissan Frontier?
NHTSA has received 109 unverified owner complaints for this model year. Alleged problem areas include Forward Collision Avoidance with 32 reported cases, Electrical System with 29, Power Train with 24, Service Brakes with 19, and Vehicle Speed Control with 13. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
109 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Nissan Frontier?
The 2022 Nissan Frontier's recall record stands as its most immediate safety concern. Six separate campaigns have been issued, two of which address transmission issues and another concerning a seat belt bracket. Verifying that all recall remedies have been completed by an authorized Nissan dealer is an essential step for any prospective owner.
- Two distinct NHTSA recall campaigns in 2022 target the automatic transmission parking pawl on 2020-2022 Frontier models, raising the possibility that a parked vehicle could roll unexpectedly if the pawl fails to engage.
- A seat belt bracket mounting bolt defect recall issued in late 2021 applies specifically to the 2022 Frontier, meaning the left-rear seat belt anchor integrity should be confirmed as remedied on any used example.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is the single most-reported complaint category with 32 unverified allegations, a notable figure given that forward collision warning is listed as standard equipment on this model year.
- The 2022 Frontier's defect record sub-score of 9 out of 20 is the primary reason its Safety Index slipped one point below the 2021 model, making recall remedy verification the most safety-relevant action for a used-market buyer.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Nissan Frontier places
The 2022 Nissan Frontier qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Nissan Frontier safety questions
Was the 2022 Nissan Frontier crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Nissan Frontier, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 75 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 2022 Nissan Frontier crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Nissan Frontier earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 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 20.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Nissan Frontier have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Nissan Frontier. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Nissan Frontier?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 109 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Nissan Titan | 84/100 | 4 of 5 | 4 |
| 2022 Ford F-250 Tremor | 78/100 | 4 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Ram 1500 Classic | 73/100 | 4 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Ford F-250 | 71/100 | 4 of 5 | 17 |
| 2022 Ram 1500 | 67/100 | 5 of 5 | 16 |
| 2022 Ram 2500 | 62/100 | 4 of 5 | 12 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16823), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Frontier 2022.
- 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 7 in the Truck class for 2022.
- 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.