NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Nissan Frontier Safety Ratings
The 2025 Nissan Frontier scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 7 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4WD receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, placing it in the Average band. This represents a notable decline from the 2024 model, which scored 82/100 and achieved a Strong rating. While crash protection and avoidance technology remain solid, the presence of three active recalls for the 2025 model year significantly impacts its overall safety assessment. This weaker defect record is the primary factor in the decreased Safety Index.
The 2025 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4WD received a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 3 Trucks from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Nissan Frontier ranks 3 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 20.4% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 7 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 3 of 3 Trucks tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Nissan Frontier?
Three distinct recall campaigns define the 2025 Frontier's safety profile, pulling its Safety Index score to 79/100. This three-point drop from the 2024 model's 82/100 moves the Frontier from a "Strong" to an "Average" rating. The defect record sub-score of 17/20 reflects these three recalls. Crash protection, at 52/70, is reasonable but not outstanding. NHTSA data shows a 4-star overall rating for the 2025 Frontier, with 3-star results for frontal impact and rollover. Side impact protection, however, earned a 5-star rating. A perfect 10/10 in avoidance technology stands as a notable strength. Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are standard features, a significant advantage in this segment. One of the recalls directly affects a safety system: the rearview camera display. This back-over prevention recall warrants particular attention for anyone considering a used 2025 Frontier; verifying its resolution should be a priority for potential owners.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Nissan Frontier perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Frontier secured a notable 5-star rating for side impact protection, standing out within an overall NHTSA assessment of 4 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash and rollover resistance each received 3 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk, at 20 percent, was accompanied by a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test, indicating a degree of stability in that specific evaluation.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20750
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2025 Frontier. One addresses door striker latches shared with other 2025-2026 Nissan models. A second targets a software logic error that can disable daytime running lights. A third covers a rearview camera display fault that affects back-over prevention. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data, but all three campaigns warrant VIN-level verification.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH26V023000
Risk: A door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the door strikers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD185 and PMA61. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 28, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-21
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE25V508000
Risk: Daytime running lights that dim unexpectedly may cause confusion to other vehicles or pedestrians, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the engine control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 17, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is R25C3.
Reported 2025-08-07
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V324000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software on the vehicle’s center information display, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2025. The manufacturer numbers for this recall are PD152 and PMA48.
Reported 2025-06-04
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Nissan Frontier?
Seven unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently cited components in these unverified reports are Service Brakes and an Unknown or Other category, each with two allegations, followed by single reports touching Back Over Prevention, Power Train, Visibility and Wipers, and Steering. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
7 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Nissan Frontier?
Recalls represent a notable concern for the 2025 Frontier, with three separate campaigns issued. These address potential safety defects in the door latches, the daytime running light software, and the rearview camera display. A prospective buyer of any used 2025 Frontier should utilize NHTSA's VIN lookup tool to confirm that all three recall remedies have been completed, as unresolved recalls remain with the vehicle upon transfer of ownership.
- The 2025 Frontier's Safety Index dropped to 79/100 Average from the 2024 model's 82/100 Strong, a year-over-year decline tied directly to three new recall campaigns logged against this model year.
- A software-related recall affecting the rearview camera display is a safety-system defect, not a cosmetic issue, and its remedy status should be confirmed by VIN before any purchase or continued operation.
- The 5-star side crash rating is the strongest single result in the 2025 NHTSA test profile, while the 3-star frontal and 3-star rollover scores are the weakest, with a 20 percent measured rollover risk rate.
- All seven owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year are unverified allegations, with Service Brakes appearing most frequently, and none of the reports allege a crash, fire, injury, or fatality.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Nissan Frontier places
The 2025 Nissan Frontier qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Nissan Frontier safety questions
Was the 2025 Nissan Frontier crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Nissan Frontier, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 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 2025 Nissan Frontier crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 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 2025 Nissan Frontier have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Nissan Frontier. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Nissan Frontier?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 7 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Nissan Frontier. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Frontier years
Rivals in Truck (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Ram 1500 | 83/100 | 4 of 5 | 8 |
| 2025 Ram 2500 | 80/100 | 4 of 5 | 6 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20750), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Frontier 2025.
- 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 3 in the Truck class for 2025.
- 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.