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.
The worst 2018 Nissan Frontier problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical5
- Acceleration3
- Brakes3
- Suspension3
- Airbags2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical5
- Acceleration3
- Brakes3
- Suspension3
- Airbags2
- Body2
- Fuel system2
- Transmission2
- Driver assistance1
- Engine1
Recalls 2
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 19V654000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 18V551000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Nissan Frontier 74
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Wiring harness repair information
- Certification label and VIN plate replacement service information
- CAN communication codes – diagnostic tips and guidelines
- CAN communication – network diagnostic flow chart
- Vehicle key not detected / authenticated, engine will not start
- Windshield cracking
- Removing foreign material from the window glass
- Window glass warranty information
- Software update for infotainment issues
- Nissanconnect navigation system software update to resolve several issues
2018 Nissan Frontier fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | RWD | 17-19 | 22-23 | 19-21 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 16 | 22-23 | 18-19 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 15-16 | 21 | 17-18 |
What 2018 Nissan Frontier owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Upon inspection found passenger side truck bed mount with a crack and portion missing from where the bed connects to the frame.
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
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.
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.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
Compare the 2018 Nissan Frontier
Frontier vs Toyota TacomaFrontier vs Ford RangerFrontier vs Chevrolet ColoradoFrontier vs Honda RidgelineFrontier vs GMC CanyonFrontier vs Jeep Gladiator
Other model years
19981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2018 Nissan Frontier
Is the 2018 Nissan Frontier reliable?
Owners have filed 25 complaints about the 2018 Nissan Frontier, fewer than a typical Frontier model year.
What is the 2018 Nissan Frontier year score?
The 2018 Nissan Frontier scores 88 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Frontier: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Nissan Frontier?
Electrical system, with 5 complaints. Next is acceleration (3).
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Frontier have?
2 recalls, covering back over prevention and electrical system.
Was there a recall on the 2018 Nissan Frontier electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 18V551000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Nissan Frontier have the most electrical problems?
The Nissan Frontier model years with the most electrical complaints are 2005 (38 complaints), 2006 (31 complaints) and 2022 (31 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Nissan Frontier get?
Official estimates for the 2018 Nissan Frontier range from 17 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 17-19 city and 22-23 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2018 Nissan Frontier?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history