2020 Nissan FRONTIER problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
23 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
28,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 11 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 11 of 23 complaints (47.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 6 | 26.1% |
| Braking behavior | 5 | 21.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 8.7% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 8.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 11 |
| Engine | 5 |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 2 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash | 1 |
Power Train: 11; Engine: 5; Service Brakes: 3; Back Over Prevention: Warnings: 2; Electrical System: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Air Bags: 1; Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 5 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 3 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 12 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
2021: 2; 2022: 5; 2023: 4; 2024: 5; 2025: 4; 2026: 3
Pattern summary
Power Train leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 6 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11452288 · 2022-02-16 (February 16, 2022)
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shifted into NEUTRAL and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine and transmission warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with code P0729 (Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio). The dealer performed technical service bulletin NTB 21-086, Transmission Control Module (TCM) software update; however, the failure recurred with the engine revving while shifting gears. The vehicle was not repaire…
Owner-reported narrative. 6,784 miles reported. Look up ODI 11452288 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11453481 · 2022-02-22 (February 22, 2022)
There are 3 incidents thus far. ***I have video confirmation of these incidents*** First, I had parked my vehicle at a gas pump, put my vehicle in park, and locked the vehicle. Apparently, as I walked away, my vehicle had slowly rolled backwards more than 15 feet until it hit the curb. I noticed the vehicle moved from the location I had parked my vehicle when I came back to the vehicle and didn't notice my vehicle where I had remembered leaving the vehicle. I inspected my vehicle and no damage and the vehicle shift was in the park position. A…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11453481 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11545091 · 2023-09-18 (September 18, 2023)
Vehicle alternator failed at 79,000 miles. Instead of shutting off, vehicle disabled the cooling fans but kept the engine and fuel supply systems running leading to the vehicle overheating during diagnostics which require the engine to rev and hold an elevated RPM. Unsure if other systems like braking and steering were affected by the choices the vehicle made to keep the engine running despite no cooling since the truck was not moving when it over heated..
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11545091 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11591342 · 2024-05-29 (May 29, 2024)
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the brakes. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the same diagnostic result was provided. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. T…
Owner-reported narrative. 59,834 miles reported. Look up ODI 11591342 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11504002 · 2023-01-27 (January 27, 2023)
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased but the contact was offered no assistance. The contact continued driving the vehicle and stated that the vehicle was hesitating and jerking while depressing accelerator pedal. Occasionally, the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle had rolled back while stopped on an incline. The contact reached out to th…
Owner-reported narrative. 32,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11504002 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11749618 · 2026-07-10 (July 10, 2026)
Crank bolt snapped causing me to loose power steering, a part failed that shouldn't have .I have the bolt looks like in was cracked when they put it together, it was only on by about three threads, my mechanic and the one from nissan said they'd never seen one come apart before,lucky I wasn't on the highway or in traffic
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11749618 at NHTSA ↗