2018 Nissan Frontier Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 5

“2018 Nissan Frontier Desert Runner... Battery inconsistently drains fast when off and while driving. Indicator lights for battery, brakes, ABS and traction control come on. Gauges malfunction. Tried another battery and still having same symptoms. Alternator and battery passed bench test. Fuses are good. Wiring harness appears to be in good condition. Grounds are tight and clean. Wondering if this problem is related to the recall on the ignition switch.”
NHTSA complaint #11684525, 2025

“15 mph door lock system does not work. Have been in garage with truck, and heard doors lock with no one near vehicle. I understand there is a class action suit about the door lock system. Seems to me this system could malfunction and possible lock you in vehicle. This is a 2018 Nissan frontier SL. The FOB function normal locking and unlocking vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11681142, 2025

“Jan 29 2025 vehicle failed to start . Turned switch to start several times .no response at all no dash lights no starter reaction no clicking from battery, which would indicate battery problem. Waited several mins approx 30 minutes. Vehicle started and been ok for several more starts today. Suspect ignition switch ,seems many models this vehicle has problems. Mine did not show a recall?”
NHTSA complaint #11639440, 2025

Unknown Or Other 4

“15 mph door lock system does not work. Have been in garage with truck, and heard doors lock with no one near vehicle. I understand there is a class action suit about the door lock system. Seems to me this system could malfunction and possible lock you in vehicle. This is a 2018 Nissan frontier SL. The FOB function normal locking and unlocking vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11681142, 2025

“Paint peeling on front left finder and where both front finders connect to the cab. N/A The dealer was informed and photos sent. Just the photos sent N/A”
NHTSA complaint #11620265, 2024

“JUST BOUGHT A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK PUT WINDOWS DOWN IN THE BACK AND I'M HEARING A SOUND COMING FROM TIRES LIKE UNBALANCED. GOT HOME AND LOOK TO SEE IF THERE WAS TIRE WEIGHTS ON THE RIM BECAUSE ITS LIKE ITS UNBALANCED WITH A LOUD SOUND AND I NOTICED ALSO THAT A SWAYING A LITTLE. AND I REMEMBER THE THIS WEBSITE WAS GETTING RECALLS ON TIRES. SO I WANTED TO SEE IF MINE WAS ON THE LIST WHICH IS P265\60\R18 109T. THIS IS ON REGULAR CITY ROADS. EMAILED MY SALES MAN THAT SOLD ME THE TRUCK AND TOLD HIM I WAS HAVING A PROBLEM LIKE A SHIMMY IN REAR TIRE. SO WE WILL SEE MAYBE…”
NHTSA complaint #11311507, 2020

Service Brakes 3

“I WENT FOR INSPECTION AND THEY TOLD ME I NEED FROM BRAKES AND ROTOR AND I ONLY GOT TEN THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED MILES”
NHTSA complaint #11270992, 2019

“I OWN A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER 9745 MILES. AS A PREVIOUS OWNER HAS EXPLAINED HIS BRAKE PROBLEM SAME AS MINE WHEN YOU DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL SOLID IT ALMOST GOES TO THE FLOOR ALSO WHEN THIS PEDAL GOES LOW THE ACCELERATOR GOES DOWN TOO CLOSE TO EACH OTHER. I HAVE CONTACTED 3 NISSAN DEALERS THEY CLAIM THEY CANT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM ON A ROAD TEST.. NISSAN CORP ADMIN LADY FINALLY CALLED, SHE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS...I AM A 75 YEAR OLD 100% DISABLE VETERAN AND JUST WANT A CAR WITH GOOD RELIABLE BRAKES, UNFORTUNATELY NISSAN TRUCKS AREN'T FOR ME....IF NISSAN CANT SOLVE MY PROBLEM I…”
NHTSA complaint #11242124, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS WERE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. WHILE BRAKING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD ALSO DEPRESS AND THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS LOOSE AND WOULD TRAVEL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED HARD. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH JEFF WYLER FAIRFIELD CADILLAC KIA NISSAN (5815 DIXIE HWY, FAIRFIELD, OH 45014, (513) 682-2500). THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT AS…”
NHTSA complaint #11162672, 2018

Suspension 3

“Squeaking sound coming from front driver side suspension. This has been happening ever since purchased in 2018 that dealer cannot find. Getting worse as it ages. Afraid tire may drive train may break while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11424735, 2021

“I have a 2018 Nissan Frontier bought it in 2019 I noticed a little vibration at first and now 2 years later it’s vibrating a lot more I took to Nissan in 2020 they said they saw nothing wrong but now I’m told that it’s my motor mounts and Nissan doesn’t want to fix cause it’s only covered by bumper to bumper and not power train warranty now I can’t drive because I’m scared for motor to break or transmission and I’ve researched and heard of people that have the same problem and can’t get any help”
NHTSA complaint #11431227, 2020

“2018 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEM WITH ALIGNMENT.*LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER COULD NOT COMPLETE AN ALIGNMENT BEFORE REPAIRING THE VEHICLE WITH A KIT. THE MANUFACTURER ASSISTED %50 OF THE REPAIR COST. THE CONSUMER WAS DISSATISFIED DUE TO THE FAILURE BEING A MANUFACTURING FLAW. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11349409, 2020

Vehicle Speed Control 3

“VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, FOOT ON BRAKE, EXITING A PUBLIC PARKING LOT, WHEN SUDDENLY ENGINE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY AND WHEELS WERE SCREECHING. THE PASSENGER OF VEHICLE HAD TO PLACE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL, THEN PARK TO STOP VEHICLE FROM MOVING FORWARD. THIS ACTION DID NOT STOP ENGINE FROM REVVING AT EXTREME HIGH SPEED--RATHER, THE ENGINE WOULD SLOW DOWN AFTER ABOUT 3-5 SECONDS. THIS HAPPENED 5 TIMES, WITHIN A 10 MINUTE 4 MILE DRIVE, BUT NOT CONSISTENTLY. DRIVING APPROX. 15-25 MPH BETWEEN STOP SIGNS: BRAKE WOULD BE APPLIED AND THEN ENGINE AND TRUCK WOULD RACE FORWARD. EACH TIME THE PASSENGER WAS REQ…”
NHTSA complaint #11172445, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS WERE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. WHILE BRAKING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD ALSO DEPRESS AND THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS LOOSE AND WOULD TRAVEL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED HARD. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH JEFF WYLER FAIRFIELD CADILLAC KIA NISSAN (5815 DIXIE HWY, FAIRFIELD, OH 45014, (513) 682-2500). THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT AS…”
NHTSA complaint #11162672, 2018

“THE THROTTLE CONTROL, FOOT PEDAL, HAS DEAD SPOTS THAT HAPPEN WHEN LEAVING A STOP SIGN, GREEN LIGHTS, PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. ALSO CLIMBING A HILL WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS NOTHING HAPPENS UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION KICKS DOWN THEN YOU GO TO FAST. THIS HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY. IT IS BETTER IF YOU TURN OF THE OVERDRIVE DID IT STILL HAPPENS. I HAVE HAD IT BACK TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES.DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION, REPROGRAMMED THE THROTTLE BODY AND THEN REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY. WHEN I PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC I DO NOT KNOW IF THE TRUCK IS GOING TO MOVE OR NOT. SOMETIME THERE IS ABOUT A SECOND D…”
NHTSA complaint #11140130, 2018

Air Bags 2

“The passenger dashboard airbag keeps generating error codes and the airbag light continually flashes. There have been 2 costly repair attempts by a Nissan dealership, but the problem persists. The dealership stated the passenger airbag was not functioning properly. They want to try a 3rd repair attempt which is the most expensive yet. I have been in contact with Nissan customer service and they have split the repair costs with me thus far on 2 of the repairs. At this point they are just throwing parts at the problem hoping something fixes the issue without knowing or properly diagnosing which…”
NHTSA complaint #11683111, 2024

“Passenger airbag warning light on dashboard flashes continually. This indicates it may not deploy in accident. It was taken to a Nissan dealer and mechanic inspected and stated in report, "Found occupancy classification module to be installed incorrectly and non OEM". Warning light began flashing in February, 2023. No prior problems with airbags or warning lights. Airbags never deployed and never worked on. Vehicle was purchased new from a Nissan dealer. Airbag and warning light have not been repaired and it continues to flash when the truck is on. The warning light first came on spontaneousl…”
NHTSA complaint #11520532, 2023

Fuel/Propulsion System 2

“AFTER 6 MONTHS OF OWNING THIS NEW VEHICLE, WHEN PUMPING GAS IT WOULD CUT OFF WHEN BEGINNING TO PUMP THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE BUT IT HAPPENS EVERYTIME,TOOK IT TO DEALER THEY REPLACE A BUNCH OF PARTS AFTER FIRST FILL UP IT WAS OK THE SECOND FILL UP THIS MORNING TOOK 10MINUTES TO GET 10 GALLONS IN TO IT I WILL CALL DEALER TODAY”
NHTSA complaint #11210771, 2019

“I BOUGHT MY 2018 FRONTIER WITH 40K MILES ON IT BACK IN APRIL 2018. I NOW HAVE ABOUT 56K MILES ON IT. OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS IT GOT HARDER AND HARDER TO PUT GAS IN IT AND FOR A MONTH NOW IT SHUTS OFF MULTIPLE TIMES AND OR SPITS GAS OUT WHEN I TRY TO FILL IT. YES, WHILE FILLING THE TANK THE GAS PUMP WILL SHUT OFF AND GAS WILL SPIT OUT OF THE FILLER TUBE AND SPILL ONTO THE GROUND! TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND ASSUMED IT WOULD BE FIXED UNDER WARRANTY NOT KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS COMMON ISSUE. DEALER LOOKED AT IT AND TOLD ME $1,600 AND SUGGESTED REPLACING FILLER TUBE ASSEMBLY, CANISTE…”
NHTSA complaint #11180604, 2019

Power Train 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT INCREASED SPEED AND RUNS ON IDLE FOR ABOUT FIVE OR SIX SECOND AND AFTER IT WOULD RUN OK, THE CONTACT MENTION THAT THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED ONCE TO THREE TIMES A MONTH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE HIS WIFE WAS AT A STOP AND TO GO, THE VEHICLE WOULD GO SLOW ON IDLE AND WHEN MAKE A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN IT RETURN TO NORMAL. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOUR TIMES TO FUCCILLO NISSAN OF CLEARWATER, 15232 US-19, CLEARWATER, FL 33764, AND WA…”
NHTSA complaint #11385416, 2019

“THE REAR WHEELS LOCK-UP WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH - 40 MPH. THE O/D LIGHT FLASHES AND VEHICLE STOP ACCELERATING AND THEN WILL START BACK. TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS. IT WORKED FINE FOR A WEEK AND DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. THIS NEARLY CAUSED ME TO BE REAR ENDED. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS AGAIN. IT HAS LESS THAN 4500 MILES ON IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11141852, 2018

Structure 2

“Upon inspection found passenger side truck bed mount with a crack and portion missing from where the bed connects to the frame.”
NHTSA complaint #11624460, 2024

“Paint peeling on front left finder and where both front finders connect to the cab. N/A The dealer was informed and photos sent. Just the photos sent N/A”
NHTSA complaint #11620265, 2024

Back Over Prevention 1

“The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera intermittently failed to operate. There was either a blank or foggy image on the infotainment screen. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was given a diagnostic test fee. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was given the same information as provided by the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11508968, 2022

Engine 1

“I bought this truck from my boss man and had it put in the shop to replace the head gasket but they ended up changing the valve cover the intake manifold gasket and putting plugs in it due to a smoking issue and skipping but after all the repairs were done it turns out that the valves are bad in the engine and they more than likely they were bad when they installed originally. It's causing stalling issues in traffic and I'm sure I'm not the only one with this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11673177, 2025