2013 Nissan Frontier
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 48
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2013
None on file
31% of complaints
Complaints per year
2013: 48 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 129 |
| 1999 | 78 |
| 2000 | 189 |
| 2001 | 134 |
| 2002 | 124 |
| 2003 | 77 |
| 2004 | 66 |
| 2005 | 532 |
| 2006 | 617 |
| 2007 | 520 |
| 2008 | 136 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 64 |
| 2012 | 80 |
| 2013 | 48 |
| 2014 | 42 |
| 2015 | 33 |
| 2016 | 44 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 23 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 112 |
| 2023 | 66 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
31% · 15 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On a dark road going 40MPH I hit a large deer on Oct 7. The front end of my truck was damaged. Air bag went off but never inflated, and I smelled smoke briefly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-10-10
In Summer 2023 driving on uneven country road in Upstate New York hit a pothole and my airbag warning light came on. Then started to flash.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-13
Also filed under Electrical system and seat belts
Electrical system
17% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer and integrated trailer brake control.
Show complaint excerpts
Yesterday while running errands my Frontier burst into flames under the hood. The fire seemed to innitiate from the fuse box under the hood.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-04-01
The multi-sensing system with rear camera failed to detect (No warning beep signals) that a metal light pole (On top of a 12 inch concrete slab) was behind the vehicle after backing out (Veer to left) of a parking space.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-31
Power train
13% · 6 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The vehicle would not shift into drive from neutral. After a few minutes of holding it in drive, I managed to get it to move forward. Then, I could not get it out of drive. It only moved forward.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-17
Seat belts
10% · 5 reportsVehicle speed control
10% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving in a parking lot approximately 15 20 miles per hour, I applied the brake to slow down to an appropriate speed in order to go around a corner, the truck then accelerated causing me to jump the curb and hit the mail boxes.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-04
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2014-03-17Electrical system14V052000 Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012 through 2014 Frontier vehicles manufactured from November 28, 2012, through December 17, 2013.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the circuit breaker orientation. If the circuit breaker orientation is incorrect, dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2014.
Buy-smart checklist
2013 Nissan Frontier — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 14V052000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2013 Nissan Frontier reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Nissan Frontier is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Nissan Frontier?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2013 Nissan Frontier have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.