NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Nissan Frontier Safety Ratings
The 2026 Nissan Frontier scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 4 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, marking a two-point improvement over the 2025 model. This places the vehicle firmly in the Strong safety band. Its overall safety profile for the 2026 model year is meaningfully solid, despite one active recall that requires attention.
The 2026 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab received a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 3 Trucks from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Nissan Frontier ranks 2 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 | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 20.4% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 4 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 2 of 3 Trucks tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Nissan Frontier?
The 2026 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab represents a clear step forward in MotorCaliber's scoring, moving from the 2025 model year's 79/100 Average band to 81/100 in the Strong band. That two-point gain is driven by a near-perfect defect record score of 19 out of 20 and a full 10 out of 10 on crash-avoidance technology, where forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard. Crash protection contributes 52 of a possible 70 points, which reflects the mixed star-rating picture: an excellent 5-star side result sitting alongside 3-star frontal and rollover scores. The single recall, addressing door striker and latch hardware shared across several Nissan platforms, is the primary active safety obligation for current owners and buyers. The complaint volume of four reported incidents is low for a current model year, and none of those allegations involved a crash or injury. Taken together, this year's data profile is more favorable than the prior year on every index dimension that changed.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Nissan Frontier perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab achieved a 5 out of 5 star rating in side-impact protection, a notable strength in its overall safety profile. The vehicle's frontal crash protection and rollover resistance both earned 3 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Rollover risk was assessed at 20 percent, though dynamic testing resulted in a No Tip designation. The Frontier Crew Cab's composite score from NHTSA is 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21070
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
Yes, the 2026 Frontier is subject to one recall campaign covering door latches, locks, linkages, and door striker hardware. This campaign spans certain 2025-2026 Frontier vehicles alongside other Nissan models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Nissan Frontier?
Four owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. Alleged problem areas include the powertrain, fuel system, interior lighting, and structure. All are unverified consumer allegations only, and none of the four reports alleged a crash, fire, injury, or fatality.
4 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Nissan Frontier?
Because this is a current model year vehicle, the door latch and striker recall may still be open on individual units. Any prospective buyer should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase and confirm that the remedy has been completed at a Nissan dealer.
- The 2026 model year index of 81/100 Strong is two points above the 2025 Frontier's 79/100 Average rating, a meaningful band-crossing improvement driven by a near-perfect defect record score.
- Side-impact protection earned a perfect 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, while both frontal and rollover protection scored 3 out of 5 stars, making side safety this model year's strongest crash-test result.
- One recall is active for this model year, targeting door latch, striker, and linkage hardware shared with the 2025-2026 Frontier and other Nissan models. VIN-level verification of remedy completion is essential.
- All three key crash-avoidance technologies, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on this model year, contributing a full 10 out of 10 points to the Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Nissan Frontier places
The 2026 Nissan Frontier qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Nissan Frontier safety questions
Was the 2026 Nissan Frontier crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Nissan Frontier, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 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 2026 Nissan Frontier crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Nissan Frontier have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Nissan Frontier. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Nissan Frontier?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 4 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ram 1500 | 84/100 | 4 of 5 | 7 |
| 2026 Ram 2500 | 79/100 | 4 of 5 | 7 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21070), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Frontier 2026.
- 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 3 in the Truck class for 2026.
- 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.