2020 Nissan Frontier problems
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Common 2020 Nissan Frontier problems
The Nissan Frontier, a compact pickup truck, has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. While the latest models have gained a reputation for above-average reliability, older models, including the 2020 Nissan Frontier, have had their fair share of issues.
- Check Engine Light Issues: The most common problem reported by 2020 Nissan Frontier owners is the check engine light coming on, typically around 15,000 miles.
- Frozen Stereo System: Some 2020 Nissan Frontier owners have reported a frozen stereo system, which occurs around 1,000 miles.
- Brake Wear Issues: Brake wear issues have been reported on some 2020 Nissan Frontier models within the first 10,000 miles, particularly affecting the front brake pads.
- Fuel Level Sensor Failure: The fuel level sensor in the Nissan Frontier is prone to failure, with 277 owners reporting the problem across 11 model years, including the 2020 model.
- Timing Chain Problems: Some Nissan Frontier models, including the 2020 model, may develop problems with the timing chains, causing a loud noise from the timing chain area.
- Distributor Shaft Bearing Rust: Certain Nissan Frontier models, including some 2020 models, are prone to rusty distributor shaft bearings, which can seize and cause the engine to stall or not start at all.
It is essential to note that the Nissan Frontier has had a significant redesign for the 2022 model year, which may address some of these issues. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems when considering a used 2020 Nissan Frontier.
Are there any problems with the Nissan Frontier?
Nissan Frontier Reliability Problems. Frontier owners have made 986 complaints over 22 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 19th in overall reliability out of 26 Nissan models , with real transmission and engine concerns.
Are Nissan Frontiers reliable?
The Nissan Frontier scores generally high reliability ratings across model years. The auto repair database RepairPal gives the Nissan Frontier an overall 4 out of 5 for reliability, placing it at the top of the rankings for midsize pickups. However, there are several exceptions.
How many miles will a 2020 Nissan Frontier last?
With proper care and maintenance, this truck is designed to last over two decades and can easily clock more than 200,000 miles or up to 20 years of service. This long-lasting performance is thanks to the Frontier's robust engine, superior corrosion protection, and high-quality production standards.
What year Nissan Frontiers had transmission problems?
Transmission Problems
Car Problem Zoo reported that 2005-2008 model years have the most complaints. Similarly, Car Complaints identified Nissan Frontier transmission problems as the number one type of issue with the truck. The radiators in the 2005-2008 Frontier tended to rupture before the truck reached 10,000 miles.
2020 Nissan Frontier complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Nissan Frontier.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2020 Nissan Frontier recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2020 Nissan Frontier.
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2020 Nissan Frontier car reviews
Positive 2020 Nissan Frontier car reviews
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This truck is perfect for anyone who needs to move furniture and belongings anywhere in the nation. The cab is actually more comfortable than the critics say, and the jump seats in the back of the driver and passenger seats are perfect for children or small people. The rearview camera is a great plus, and it's inexpensive to maintain. However, the mileage is typical of most pick-ups (approximately 19.5 mpg with 5-speed manual, city and interstate driving). The four-cylinder engine is great for my use, but it may be underpowered for towing anything larger than lawn mowing equipment.
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Nine months of ownership and I could not be happier. It is simple and tough with enough comfort and convenience for a near perfect package. I find the seats to be comfortable for my 6' 220 lb frame. It has great power from the 3.8 ltr V6 and smooth 9 speed transmission. It does everything well that a truck should do at a fair price. The value truck package bundled everything I would have added for towing and appearance. In all, my favorite truck of the seven I've owned.
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2019 SV 4x4 value package MPG is okay, averaging around 20-21 on the highway. The turning radius is decent and it fits easily in my garage. It has no problem pulling my boat and performs exceptionally well in the snow. Having driven a F150, Ram 1500, Tahoe, and a Tundra in the last 20 years, I can confidently say that I really like the Frontier. It's a great basic truck.
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Update 7/27/2020. It’s been 13 months with the Nissan Frontier and I still like the truck a lot. I have done a few hundred miles of towing a 3500# camper and the V6 handled it quite well. Mostly I have used it for Highway driving. It handles well and has quite a bit of torque. Avg MPG overall has been 17.8 and that includes the times I was getting 10-12 while towing. My last truck purchase was a 2003 Ford F-150 Supercrew. After 16+ years and 140,000 miles it was time for something new. But, something weird happened to full size trucks since 2003! They all seem gi-normuos. So, I started looking at midsize. Since the new Ranger was just coming to market, I was reluctant to give it a try - and it’s only available in 4cyl. The GM trucks just don’t appeal to me. I tried to like the Tacoma, but the price and “go cart” seating position next to the floor were deal killers. Yes, the Frontier is an old design, but I genuinely like the look of the truck - always have. A lack of safety nanny electronics was more of a plus for me. I simply wanted a modestly sized four door truck with four wheel drive that I could afford to buy brand new. The other benefit, was that the dealership was willing to deal on price. I’m very happy with my new truck purchase. If you are not overly concerned about what other people think about the vehicle you buy, I’d recommend the Nissan Frontier. Some people will criticize your decision, but it’s not their money being spent. I think dollar for dollar it’s one of the best kept secret in the pickup truck market today.
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I came across the Nissan Frontier while searching for a reliable V6, 4x4, crew cab truck under $30k. It boasts impressive power and torque, and its compact size allows it to fit comfortably in my garage. In comparison to the Tacoma, the Frontier offers much more comfortable seating at a significantly lower price point. The only downside is its larger turning radius, which is to be expected from a truck rather than a crossover vehicle.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Nissan Frontier problems:
Not very happy with the 2020 | Nissan Frontier Forum
Jan 27, 2021 ... I sold my old Frontier with over 200,000 on it, it was a good truck, had its issues though. Well, I decided I would buy the 2020 midnight ...
2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next ...
2020 Engine failure | Nissan Frontier Forum
Aug 9, 2023 ... It's such an involved procedure that most are starting to just not fix it, as it's typically an extremely minor leak. Tundras leak oil at the ...
Has anyone experienced any of the reported issues with the new ...
Jan 4, 2023 ... It's a damn fine looking truck and the NA engine should run for a long time. ... I have a 2020 with 17000 miles on it that just absolutely died on ...
2020 Nissan Frontier Problems, Issues & Top Complaints
Complaints reported to NHTSA about the 2020 model are varied and across-the-board. The 4 complaints on record specify 7 different problems. These relate to back ...
Other years of Nissan Frontier
Are you having problems with your 2020 Nissan Frontier?
Landen Casper 2025-09-25
I purchased the Nissan Frontier for my small business as it was the only small pick-up truck available in the market at the time. Despite having only 500 miles on the vehicle, the transmission locked up and the truck died while I was driving it, which was a scary experience. The dealership had it for a week and said it needed a computer update. Although I was nervous to drive it again, we did, but it broke down again in a few days. This time, the accessory lights on the dashboard went on, the fan in the engine went on, and the truck wouldn't start. We tried using the key fob as instructed by Nissan, but it didn't work. The truck has been at the dealership for a week now, and they are still trying to figure out what's wrong with it. Despite their initial diagnosis of the alternator, I doubted it, and they confirmed that it wasn't the issue. They are now waiting for Nissan to get back to them. I spent $33,000 on this truck right before my business's busy season, so I wouldn't have to worry about the vehicle breaking down. However, I fear that this vehicle will be a lemon and cause ongoing issues. Unfortunately, the lemon law doesn't cover businesses, and I live in Connecticut but purchased the vehicle in Massachusetts.
Tyshawn Parisian 2024-07-14
My son purchased a brand new Nissan Frontier 4x4 with a manual transmission. Unfortunately, the clutch failed at around 30000 miles. Despite some initial resistance from the dealer, they eventually agreed to replace the parts, although labor costs were not covered. After the repair, the Nissan manager advised my son that he should avoid purchasing a Nissan truck with a manual transmission due to potential mechanical issues. This was surprising news to my son, as he had not been informed of this when he made the purchase. As a result, he decided to trade it in at the Toyota dealer.
Amparo Nolan 2024-07-07
I strongly advise against purchasing a new vehicle. My 2007 Nissan Xterra was much more reliable compared to the truck I recently purchased. Within the first 5 months, I experienced multiple oil pressure losses and issues with the diff lock not engaging for low. The diff lock light flickers and blinks, and the ABS system failed, all within 18,000 miles. Additionally, I encountered several electrical issues, such as the lights dimming and the AC stopping working. The rear differential also started leaking within the first two months. In my opinion, it is much better to buy a used vehicle and replace the radiator, rather than investing in this new setup.
Narciso Morar 2024-05-17
In May 2021, I purchased a certified pre-owned 2020 Nissan Frontier SV Truck with less than 3,500 miles. Unfortunately, in January 2022 at 18,500 miles, the engine started making a huge noise and stalled while I was out of state. Despite calling my dealership 20 times, I was unable to get through until they finally gave me the NISSAN warranty service phone number to call for assistance. Although it took some time, I was eventually able to get help and was provided with a rental car to return home. While I did have to pay for the rental car upfront, I am hopeful that I will be reimbursed since my vehicle is still under warranty. Although it has been frustrating to deal with this issue, I am grateful for the support I have received from Nissan and my dealership. I am looking forward to getting my truck back on the road soon!My Nissan Frontier SV Truck has been in the shop for 75 days due to engine parts being on backorder. Unfortunately, Nissan Corp has informed me that they cannot offer me a good trade-in value for my vehicle to upgrade to a new one. Additionally, they have stated that they will not reimburse me for the $1,265 in rental car fees that I am owed until my vehicle is fixed and the case is closed. After researching the TN LEMON LAW, I have come to understand that if a vehicle breaks down within the first year under warranty and is in the shop for over 30 calendar days, the vehicle is considered a
Elvis Robel 2024-04-15
This truck has not undergone significant changes since 2005, but there have been some minor cosmetic updates. While the interior is not the best among midsize trucks, the engine is fantastic, with impressive HP to torque ratios and a fully boxed frame. Unfortunately, there have been some issues with sensors, brakes, and coolant mixing with the transmission, resulting in costly repairs. Despite this, Nissan denies responsibility for these issues, which is frustrating for many users. It's important to note that many people have reported transmission issues due to a faulty part that allows coolant to mix with transmission fluid. The heater inside the truck has also been problematic for some users. While this truck may not be the best option for those looking for a long-lasting vehicle, it still has potential. Nissan is releasing a new Frontier model in 2022, which may be worth considering. Overall, I recommend doing your research and considering all options before making a purchase.Hey there! I just wanted to share my experience with you. While I did have some issues with my Nissan Frontier, I found that other truck owners with Chevy and Ford pickups had similar mileage and had to replace parts as well. It's important to do your research and inspect for rust on the frame before making a purchase. Although I've had to make some repairs, my truck is still running and it's been a great asset to have. Thanks for listening!