2018 Nissan Frontier
2018 model shown · Photo: LukaCali, CC BY-SA 4.0

Midsize pickups · D40 generation

2020 Nissan Frontier: reliability, problems and cost to own

Smart buy Well above average

It scores 84 out of 100 for reliability compared with other midsize pickups. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $15,210 to own, including $1,620 in repairs.

Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Nissan Frontier.

Reliability

84/100

Well above average

Repairs, 5 years

$1,620

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$10,200

20 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$16,823

$14,805 – $18,842, estimate

Recalls

2

on record

Owner complaints

23

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Transmission & drivetrain$641
Engine & cooling$374
Steering$165
Electrical system$151
Driver-assist & stability$91
Brakes$66

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the Nissan Frontier

Of the years we rate, the 2018 scores best (98/100) and the 2023 worst (32/100).

YearReliability
2027Not rated yet
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202458/100
202332/100
202236/100
202190/100
202084/100
201988/100
201898/100
201792/100
201694/100
201596/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2020 Nissan Frontier a year to avoid?

No. It scores 84 out of 100, one of the more reliable midsize pickups of 2015–2024.

Is the 2020 Nissan Frontier reliable?

It scores 84 out of 100 against other midsize pickups from 2015 to 2024, which is well above average. Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $1,620 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2020 Nissan Frontier cost to own?

About $15,210 over 5 years: $3,390 in lost value, $1,620 in repairs and $10,200 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $16,823 today.

What are the best years of the Nissan Frontier?

Of the years we rate, the 2018 scores best (98/100) and the 2023 worst (32/100).

How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Frontier have?

2 recalls on record with NHTSA.