Vehicle report
2018 Nissan Frontier
Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2018 Nissan Frontier, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.
The 2018 Nissan Frontier has 2 NHTSA recalls on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is not rated. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.
2
Open recalls
15
Complaints
Not Rated
Overall safety
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2018 Nissan Frontier recalls (2)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
2018 Nissan Frontier safety ratings
Not Rated
Overall
3
Front
Not Rated
Side
3
Rollover
Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.
2018 Nissan Frontier owner complaints (15)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2018 Nissan Frontier Desert Runner... Battery inconsistently drains fast when off and while driving. Indicator lights for battery, brakes, ABS and traction control come on. Gauges malfunction. Tried another battery and still having same symptoms. Alternator and battery passed bench test. Fuses are good. Wiring harness appears to be in good condition. Grounds are tight and clean. Wondering if this problem is related to the recall on the ignition switch.
- AIR BAGS
The passenger dashboard airbag keeps generating error codes and the airbag light continually flashes. There have been 2 costly repair attempts by a Nissan dealership, but the problem persists. The dealership stated the passenger airbag was not functioning properly. They want to try a 3rd repair attempt which is the most expensive yet. I have been in contact with Nissan customer service and they have split the repair costs with me thus far on 2 of the repairs. At this point they are just throwing parts at the problem hoping something fixes the issue without knowing or properly diagnosing which component is actually at fault. The problem first manifested in August 2024 at around 62k miles. The light came back on within 5 days of the first attempt. Likewise the light came back on within a few days after the 2nd repair attempt. I am not confident the 3rd attempt will address the issue either.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
15 mph door lock system does not work. Have been in garage with truck, and heard doors lock with no one near vehicle. I understand there is a class action suit about the door lock system. Seems to me this system could malfunction and possible lock you in vehicle. This is a 2018 Nissan frontier SL. The FOB function normal locking and unlocking vehicle.
- ENGINE
I bought this truck from my boss man and had it put in the shop to replace the head gasket but they ended up changing the valve cover the intake manifold gasket and putting plugs in it due to a smoking issue and skipping but after all the repairs were done it turns out that the valves are bad in the engine and they more than likely they were bad when they installed originally. It's causing stalling issues in traffic and I'm sure I'm not the only one with this problem.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 29 2025 vehicle failed to start . Turned switch to start several times .no response at all no dash lights no starter reaction no clicking from battery, which would indicate battery problem. Waited several mins approx 30 minutes. Vehicle started and been ok for several more starts today. Suspect ignition switch ,seems many models this vehicle has problems. Mine did not show a recall?
- STRUCTURE
Upon inspection found passenger side truck bed mount with a crack and portion missing from where the bed connects to the frame.
- STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint peeling on front left finder and where both front finders connect to the cab. N/A The dealer was informed and photos sent. Just the photos sent N/A
- AIR BAGS
Passenger airbag warning light on dashboard flashes continually. This indicates it may not deploy in accident. It was taken to a Nissan dealer and mechanic inspected and stated in report, "Found occupancy classification module to be installed incorrectly and non OEM". Warning light began flashing in February, 2023. No prior problems with airbags or warning lights. Airbags never deployed and never worked on. Vehicle was purchased new from a Nissan dealer. Airbag and warning light have not been repaired and it continues to flash when the truck is on. The warning light first came on spontaneously while driving and not in response to accident.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera intermittently failed to operate. There was either a blank or foggy image on the infotainment screen. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was given a diagnostic test fee. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was given the same information as provided by the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that upon inserting the key in the ignition switch to start the vehicle, the ignition switch was significantly loose, preventing the vehicle from starting. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the ignition switch plastic body needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V551000 (Electrical System). An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,260. The defect was repaired and the contact is requesting reimbursement.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The back-up camera beeps most all the time in reverse. You do not know if it's something is there are not. It has almost caused a wreak.
- SUSPENSION
I have a 2018 Nissan Frontier bought it in 2019 I noticed a little vibration at first and now 2 years later it’s vibrating a lot more I took to Nissan in 2020 they said they saw nothing wrong but now I’m told that it’s my motor mounts and Nissan doesn’t want to fix cause it’s only covered by bumper to bumper and not power train warranty now I can’t drive because I’m scared for motor to break or transmission and I’ve researched and heard of people that have the same problem and can’t get any help
- SUSPENSION
Squeaking sound coming from front driver side suspension. This has been happening ever since purchased in 2018 that dealer cannot find. Getting worse as it ages. Afraid tire may drive train may break while driving.
- POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT INCREASED SPEED AND RUNS ON IDLE FOR ABOUT FIVE OR SIX SECOND AND AFTER IT WOULD RUN OK, THE CONTACT MENTION THAT THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED ONCE TO THREE TIMES A MONTH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE HIS WIFE WAS AT A STOP AND TO GO, THE VEHICLE WOULD GO SLOW ON IDLE AND WHEN MAKE A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN IT RETURN TO NORMAL. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOUR TIMES TO FUCCILLO NISSAN OF CLEARWATER, 15232 US-19, CLEARWATER, FL 33764, AND WAS DIAGNOSED BUT COULD NOT FIND A FAULTY CODE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TEST DRIVING BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE TWICE AND WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER BUT STILL WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 27,800.
- SUSPENSION
2018 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEM WITH ALIGNMENT.*LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER COULD NOT COMPLETE AN ALIGNMENT BEFORE REPAIRING THE VEHICLE WITH A KIT. THE MANUFACTURER ASSISTED %50 OF THE REPAIR COST. THE CONSUMER WAS DISSATISFIED DUE TO THE FAILURE BEING A MANUFACTURING FLAW. *JS
Checking a used Nissan Frontier before you buy
The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2018 Frontier in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular Frontier's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.
Before you buy a 2018 Nissan Frontier in Alberta:
- Run a free VIN check on the exact vehicle for its own recalls and safety data.
- Run an Alberta Personal Property Registry lien search so you don't inherit debt.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- If it's a dealer, confirm their AMVIC licence.
See other model years of the Nissan Frontier, or browse more Nissan models.
2018 Nissan Frontier — questions and answers
Does the 2018 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?+
Our check found 2 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2018 Nissan Frontier. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
How many complaints does the 2018 Nissan Frontier have?+
NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2018 Nissan Frontier in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.
Is the 2018 Nissan Frontier safe?+
The 2018 Nissan Frontier has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of not rated. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.
How do I check a 2018 Nissan Frontier VIN?+
Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.
Are recall repairs on a Nissan free?+
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Nissan dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.
Get the full vehicle history report
SPONSOREDAccident & damage records, liens, title brands, ownership history, and odometer verification.
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