
NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Nissan Frontier Safety Ratings
The 2024 Nissan Frontier scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 17 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4WD earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, placing it in the Strong band. Crash-test performance for this model is competitive within its segment. Owners should note three active recall campaigns; verification of recall completion by VIN ensures access to this well-rated safety profile.
The 2024 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4WD received a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 4 Trucks from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Nissan Frontier ranks 2 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 20.4% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 17 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 2 of 4 Trucks tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Nissan Frontier?
The 2024 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4WD marks a two-point gain on the NHTSA Safety Index, rising from 80/100 in 2023 to 82/100, while remaining in the Strong band. That incremental improvement reflects a crash-protection sub-score of 57 out of 70 and an avoidance-tech sub-score of 8.5 out of 10, the latter held back slightly because lane departure warning is optional rather than standard on all trims. The defect-record sub-score of 16 out of 20 reflects the weight of three recall campaigns active in this model year. The ball joint recall is the most operationally significant, as a compromised front lower link can affect steering and vehicle control. The airbag inflator recall is part of a multi-model action and carries the safety urgency typical of frontal airbag campaigns. The headlight assembly recall adds a visibility dimension. Together, these three campaigns are the defining safety story of this specific model year and are the primary reason the defect sub-score did not push the overall Index higher despite strong crash-test numbers.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Nissan Frontier perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Frontier's crash-test results show a vehicle with strong side-impact protection, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in that category from NHTSA. Its overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars, with frontal protection also rated at 4 stars. However, rollover resistance is a concern, rated at 3 out of 5 stars, indicating a 20 percent risk of rollover. It did achieve a "No Tip" result in dynamic tip testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19567
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
Yes, three recall campaigns cover the 2024 Frontier. The first involves front right-side lower ball joint links that may have been improperly manufactured, a suspension concern with direct handling implications. The second targets right-side headlight assemblies with potentially missing components. The third is a broader multi-model airbag inflator module recall covering the driver-side frontal airbag. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive was noted in the data provided, but owners should verify current remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.gov.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS24V582000
Risk: Improperly aimed headlights can result in insufficient illumination of the road, decreasing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right-side headlight as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 20, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PD121.
Reported 2024-08-06
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT24V479000
Risk: Ball joint separation can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front right-side lower link, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PD109.
Reported 2024-06-26
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE24V154000
Risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD103, PD104, and PMA34.
Reported 2024-02-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Nissan Frontier?
NHTSA has received 17 unverified owner complaints for the 2024 Frontier. Alleged problem areas include Power Train and Service Brakes, each drawing 4 reports, followed by the Fuel/Propulsion System with 3 alleged issues. One report alleges a fire. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
17 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Nissan Frontier?
Three outstanding recalls on the 2024 Frontier are critical for prospective buyers to note. These addresses the ball joint, headlight assembly, and airbag inflator. Each transfers with the vehicle upon sale, meaning the buyer assumes responsibility for ensuring all necessary remedies have been completed. This information is readily available by VIN on NHTSA.gov.
- Three distinct recall campaigns are open on this model year: a front right lower ball joint manufacturing concern, a right-side headlight assembly defect, and a multi-model driver-side airbag inflator module recall.
- The 2024 Frontier's Safety Index rose two points over the 2023 model year, from 80 to 82 out of 100, driven by its crash-protection and avoidance-tech sub-scores.
- Rollover is the weakest crash-test category for this model year, rated 3 out of 5 stars with a 20-percent rollover risk, a relevant consideration for a 4WD crew-cab truck used in off-road or high-center-of-gravity situations.
- NHTSA has logged 17 unverified complaints for this model year, with Power Train and Service Brakes each drawing the highest alleged complaint volume at 4 reports apiece.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Nissan Frontier places
The 2024 Nissan Frontier qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Nissan Frontier safety questions
Was the 2024 Nissan Frontier crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Nissan Frontier, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2024 Nissan Frontier crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Nissan Frontier have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Nissan Frontier. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Nissan Frontier?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 17 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Nissan Frontier. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Frontier years
Rivals in Truck (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Nissan Titan | 85/100 | 4 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Ram 1500 | 81/100 | 5 of 5 | 6 |
| 2024 Ram 2500 | 78/100 | 4 of 5 | 5 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19567), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Frontier 2024.
- 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 2 of 4 in the Truck class for 2024.
- 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.