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2020 Nissan Frontier transmission problems

12 complaints (52% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 28,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
12
of this car's complaints
52%
typical mileage
28,000
crashes
3
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Nissan Frontier transmission problems in other years

1998200020052010201520202026

Related recalls

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

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 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 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 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 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 Apr 17, 2024 · Transmission · NC

My vehicle was the subject of Nissan's Safety Recall for the parking pall not engaging. I had the vehicle into the Dealer twice six months ago, where they supposedly addressed this defect. Beginning last week, my vehicle's parking pall will not engage when the vehicle is in Park, allowing it to roll freely. The manufacturer's fix is either not working or the material or workmanship is a problem. I am bringing the vehicle to the Dealer tomorrow for the problem.

Filed Feb 16, 2023 · Transmission · 28,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while the transmission was shifted into park (P), the vehicle accelerated forward. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Filed Jan 27, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · 32,000 miles · HI

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased but the contact was offered no assistance. The contact continued driving the vehicle and stated that the vehicle was hesitating and jerking while depressing accelerator pedal. Occasionally, the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle had rolled back while stopped on an incline. The contact reached out to the dealer and was informed that the defect was related to the battery, which the contact disputed. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V671000 (Power Train) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Dec 13, 2022 · Transmission · 16,000 miles · SC · crash

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the vehicle was in the park position, but while exiting the vehicle it began to roll and crashed into the garage door. There were no reported injuries. There was no fire or police report filed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V671000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 16,000.

Filed Nov 9, 2022 · Transmission · AR

The contact owns 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Questions about the 2020 Nissan Frontier transmission

Does the 2020 Nissan Frontier have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the transmission of the 2020 Nissan Frontier, 52% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2020 Nissan Frontier transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 28,000 miles.

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).

Other 2020 Nissan Frontier problems

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

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