2021 Nissan Frontier recalls and problems

The 2021 Nissan Frontier has 2 safety recalls and 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
21
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Nissan Frontier vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Nissan Frontier recalls

Recall 22V-671: Power Train

Reported Sep 7, 2022 · 197,230 vehicles affected · Nissan North America, Inc.

Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Titan, 2020-2022 Frontier, and 2023 Z vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.

Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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: reprogram TCM. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Recall 22V-457: Power Train

Reported Jun 24, 2022 · 180,176 vehicles affected · Nissan North America, Inc.

Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Frontier and Titan vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.

Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2021 Nissan Frontier problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System6
Power Train5
Unknown or Other4
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Air Bags3
Engine3
Service Brakes2
Forward Collision Avoidance1
Tires1
Seat Belts1
Seats1
Exterior Lighting1

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
  • Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 1
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 36,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Nissan Frontier complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Nov 6, 2026
At 32,138 miles, the 3.8L V6 engine (VQ38DD) experienced a catastrophic internal failure resulting in complete engine seizure while operating. The failure caused an immediate loss of motive power, placing the vehicle in a vulnerable, stalled state. Official teardown and technical inspection by an authorized dealer service center confirmed a severe lower engine component bearing failure and crankshaft seizure in the block, with large metallic bearing debris deposited throughout the oil pan. The inspecting technician verified that engine oil levels and oil condition were clean and properly…
Service Brakes · reported Oct 13, 2026
While driving on a two lane state route road towing a RV at approximately 60 MPH, the first indication of an issue was an amber ABS warning light accompanied by an Amber traction control light. Shortly after a red BRAKE warning light illuminated. Shortly after that an amber 4WD drive light illuminated and the 4WD drive wheel indicator went blank. Shortly after that the vehicle lost power and the engine stopped and would not restart. The whole sequence took about 30 seconds. The vehicle and trailer were barely off the road as the engine stopped suddenly and did not give me time to get all of…
Vehicle Speed Control · reported Sep 20, 2026
My 2021 Ford Explorer appeared to maintain or resume speed without cruise control being activated. Braking and switching cruise off did not reliably stop the behavior, and speed varied by as much as 15 mph without my input. My concerns are: * apparent speed control when cruise had never been activated; * continued propulsion after braking; * apparent cruise operation after its dashboard indicator went out; * inconsistent response from the SET/accelerate control; * fluctuations approaching 15 mph I drove the Explorer on 9/18/26 on the interstate for a few hours and cruise control was bananas.…
Air Bags · reported Jul 28, 2025
When someone is sitting in passenger seat the light for their airbag blinks, is on or off. So we are unsure if the airbag would in fact deploy if we were to be in a collision.
Power Train · at 99,172 miles · reported Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission control module error. The contact was informed by the mechanic to take the vehicle to a dealer to check for a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V671000 (POWER TRAIN). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…

Other Nissan Frontier years

Compare all Nissan Frontier years · All Nissan models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Nissan Frontier: 22V-671 (power train), 22V-457 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Nissan Frontier?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (6 reports), followed by power train (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 36,000 miles.

Are Nissan recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.