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2020 Nissan Frontier problems

The most common problem on the 2020 Nissan Frontier is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 28,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Frontier model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
85/100
Owner complaints
23
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
67
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
19-20mpg

The worst 2020 Nissan Frontier problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    12
  • Engine
    5
  • Brakes
    4
  • Electrical
    3
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Steering
    1

Recalls 2

Power train: automatic transmissionReported September 7, 2022 · 197,230 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Titan, 2020-2022 Frontier, and 2023 Z vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.
Risk
A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised to apply the parking brake every time they park their vehicle. Dealers will perform the applicable repairs below, free of charge: • Model Year 2020-2022 Frontier vehicles: reprogram Transmission Control Module (TCM) • Model Year 2020-2022 Titan vehicles: reprogram TCM and Engine Control Module (ECM) • Model Year 2023 Titan vehicles: reprogram TCM • Model Year 2023 Z vehicles: reprogram TCM. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1‑800‑867‑7669.

Recall number 22V671000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported June 24, 2022 · 180,176 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Frontier and Titan vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.
Risk
A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised to apply the parking brake every time they park their vehicle. Dealers will replace the transmission parking pawl pin, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1‑800‑867‑7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22A2 R22A3.

Recall number 22V457000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2020 Nissan Frontier

Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Nissan Frontier 67

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 67 bulletins for the 2020 Nissan Frontier

2020 Nissan Frontier fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.8L 6‑cylRWD182420
3.8L 6‑cyl4WD172319

What 2020 Nissan Frontier owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 10, 2026 · Engine, Steering · OH

Crank bolt snapped causing me to loose power steering, a part failed that shouldn't have .I have the bolt looks like in was cracked when they put it together, it was only on by about three threads, my mechanic and the one from nissan said they'd never seen one come apart before,lucky I wasn't on the highway or in traffic

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Brakes · IA

Nissan Frontier won’t engage into park parking prowl issue I’ve looked it up on google but my vin doesn't say there is a recall for my truck. Can we get a full recall for the 2020’s ?

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Transmission · HI

The 9 speed automatic transmission suffered a catastrophic internal failure (codes PO893 and PO876), forcing the vehicle into limp mode. The vehicle loses propulsion unexpectedly in traffic, and the transmission risk complete mechanical lockup while driving. The vehicle is unsafe to operate on public roads, creating a severe crash hazard.06

Filed Sep 28, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · CA

UNKNOWNI want to report my repossessed car and hold Santander Consumer USA responsible because they sold my car without my consent and not only that, report the fraud of the sale of the same car that I bought and that neither the DMV Nissan of Orange nor Santander Consumer USA informed me of the debt that I still had on that car and Santander was charging me with a contract where they add the cost of the car with interest after I had paid a down payment and financed the car at a cost of 30,659.14 and then they charged me another 17,390.78 in interest which the dealership hid from me and they also knew about the debt that was still owed on the car by Santander Consumer USA and they did not inform me what they call fraud by selling a car with a lien holder I ask for a refund of all my money $ 15,538.10 amount to the principal balance + 18,022.23 interest payments + 8,000 downpayment that makes the total of $41,560.33 which I have lost all my money invested in that car and they took my vehicle and are advertising it on this page for sale

Filed Jun 6, 2025 · Transmission · PA

Hello, I was an owner of a new 2020 Nissan Frontier pro4x. My vehicle had 33,000 miles, garaged in the winter and never used for towing. All minor maintenance were performed at a certified Nissan dealer. On [XXX] I was driving my truck on [XXX] in Youngstown when suddenly I heard a terrifying loud grinding noise coming under the truck causing also the truck to shake violently. I'm blessed that I didn't not lose control of the vehicle and most importantly it did not happen on the freeway. This happen as I was ready to merge into [XXX]. I arranged the truck to be towed to Sims Nissan dealer in Youngstown. I was told that my driveshaft came apart somehow causing other major damages to other critical parts of the truck. I end up also calling my Insurance. I discussed with them the incident, and the insurance started a comprehensive claim. On May 29th Robert Griffith the Adjuster call me to inform me that the truck will be totaled. I've already reached out with a letter to Nissan Headquarters, I explained what happened but most importantly wanted to Nissan to be aware of my incident. Didn't get any help or support but I was given a claim number, [XXX]. I've also contacted BBB of my incident. I feel really strong that this incident should have never happened and I will do my best to get an answer. Thank you so much for your time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 17, 2025 · UT

The truck will not start due to it thinking it’s not in park when it is in park and has slipped out of park but I had my e brake on

Filed Apr 27, 2025 · Acceleration, Transmission · FL

The truck is jerky during low speed take offs. It also died off during acceleration and then surged all of a sudden recently. It is now in the repair shop being diagnosed for an electric transmission control warning light. It would not start.

Filed Oct 16, 2024 · Brakes · 55,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds, the brake system was erroneously activated causing the vehicle to reduce speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the front and rear brake assemblies but the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 55,000.

Filed Oct 7, 2024 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · CO · crash · 1 injury

The contact owned a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V671000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle began to inadvertently roll away. The contact stated the vehicle ran over the contact's foot. No medical attention was needed The contact stated the vehicle crashed into a tree stump and the front bumper was damaged. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55, 000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Sep 17, 2024 · Lights · 32,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the brake pedal was depressed, and the contact became aware that the brake lights were inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2020 Nissan Frontier before you buy

Compare the 2020 Nissan Frontier

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2020 Nissan Frontier

Is the 2020 Nissan Frontier reliable?

Owners have filed 23 complaints about the 2020 Nissan Frontier, fewer than a typical Frontier model year.

What is the 2020 Nissan Frontier year score?

The 2020 Nissan Frontier scores 85 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 2020 Nissan Frontier?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 12 complaints, typically around 28,000 miles. Next is engine (5).

How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Frontier have?

2 recalls, covering power train.

Was there a recall on the 2020 Nissan Frontier transmission?

Yes, 2 recalls: 22V671000, 22V457000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Nissan Frontier have bad transmission?

The Nissan Frontier model years with the most transmission complaints are 2005 (262 complaints), 2007 (222 complaints) and 2006 (220 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2020 Nissan Frontier get?

Official estimates for the 2020 Nissan Frontier range from 19 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 18 city and 24 highway.

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