2017 Nissan Frontier: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 38 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel/propulsion system (31% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Aug 2018
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I drive on the highway and my truck stalls out and just shuts off. When I'm driving at slow speeds, it just keeps stalling I lose power and it takes a few tries for it to start again then I have to peel out so it stays started and hope I don't have to slow down.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2025
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 73,471 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 101,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2025
“The contact's boyfriend owns a 2017 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving at 30 MPH or above, the vehicle started to stall. The check engine warning light was illuminated. On a separate occasion, the vehicle stalled and drastically shifted out of gear into a different gear. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure or find a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2025
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“Fuel tank developed leak at the filler neck connection point. The tank is "plastic". Connection neck is "plastic" but a different color than the tank. (Perhaps dissimilar materials that are somehow fused/bonded together.) Fuel spilled from the tank onto my garage floor initially; I moved the vehicle outside. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center. The service center replaced the tank with a new OEM tank. The vehicle is low mileage, garage kept and well maintained. I am reporting this in case there is a manufacturers defect in these fuel tanks. Photo of the fuel tank and filler connection neck area attached.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2023
“Since buying the vehicle new, the airbag light has been on and off throughout the entire time (The vehicle has never been crashed). I have brought it in to multiple dealerships asking for them to take a look at it and have never gotten much feedback other than them resetting it or having replaced wiring due to previous recalls. I was alerted recently of the airbag control unit now needing to be replaced. With Nissan's history of questionable electrical efforts, the component seems like something that may need to be evaluated in some capacity.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2023
“Hit a cement barrier going 60 mph at a 45 degree angle on the passenger side and only the passenger side curtain airbag deployed.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2023
“There was a coolant leak. It was leaking from head gasket. When it was being rebuilt there were two head bolts stripped. The truck only has 58,000 miles. We were told that the engin isn't covered by the warranty.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2022
“From the first snow fall in Minnesota, I had to drive very slow, there is no traction, or control of the car. I had 2 spin outs, and one person hit me. I do not feel safe in this car, but you won't trade it in for me. I fear for my life, driving in Minnesota winter. The wheels just keep turning, and there is no way to control the car.”Owner report · Wheels · Nov 2022
“When I got in my truck yesterday some of the dash warning lights were on and the digital mileage was showing up. This is all without a key in the ignition. I could start it but it cranked a bit. So I opened the hood to disconnect the battery and I could hear that the engine was priming, no telling how long this was going on since I haven't driven it in a couple of weeks. This happened about a month ago as well although that time the radio was playing with no key in the ignition.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2022
“Airbag light on, competitor (mazda) dealer stated that air bag module needs replacing estimated cost $2500. Also when 4x4 is engaged it's really hard to do turn left or right at low speed.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2022
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2017 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Frontier by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Nissan Frontier reliable?
NHTSA has 38 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2017 Nissan Frontier. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system (31% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2017 Nissan Frontier problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 28,500 miles or less.
Does the 2017 Nissan Frontier have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.