2021 Nissan Frontier problems

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Engine · PA

At 32,138 miles, the 3.8L V6 engine (VQ38DD) experienced a catastrophic internal failure resulting in complete engine seizure while operating. The failure caused an immediate loss of motive power, placing the vehicle in a vulnerable, stalled state. Official teardown and technical inspection by an authorized dealer service center confirmed a severe lower engine component bearing failure and crankshaft seizure in the block, with large metallic bearing debris deposited throughout the oil pan. The inspecting technician verified that engine oil levels and oil condition were clean and properly maintained, ruling out thermal breakdown or lack of maintenance. Diagnostic fault code P0300 (random/multiple cylinder misfire) was present. Sudden engine seizure at highway speeds or in traffic without warning presents an extreme safety hazard, including loss of power steering, loss of power brake assist, and an inability to accelerate out of dangerous traffic situations. This represents a critical latent manufacturing defect in lower-end engine bearings that poses a serious risk to motor vehicle safety.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · OH

While driving on a two lane state route road towing a RV at approximately 60 MPH, the first indication of an issue was an amber ABS warning light accompanied by an Amber traction control light. Shortly after a red BRAKE warning light illuminated. Shortly after that an amber 4WD drive light illuminated and the 4WD drive wheel indicator went blank. Shortly after that the vehicle lost power and the engine stopped and would not restart. The whole sequence took about 30 seconds. The vehicle and trailer were barely off the road as the engine stopped suddenly and did not give me time to get all of the way over to the small two lane shoulder. This left me in a very unsafe position as vehicles were trying to pass me. Luckily a Sheriff was driving by and immediately called a tow truck. It was towed to a Nissan dealer where they found that an exhaust leak from a failed muffler melted a wiring harness. This is apparently a common issue.

Filed Sep 20, 2026 · Acceleration · SC

My 2021 Ford Explorer appeared to maintain or resume speed without cruise control being activated. Braking and switching cruise off did not reliably stop the behavior, and speed varied by as much as 15 mph without my input. My concerns are: * apparent speed control when cruise had never been activated; * continued propulsion after braking; * apparent cruise operation after its dashboard indicator went out; * inconsistent response from the SET/accelerate control; * fluctuations approaching 15 mph I drove the Explorer on 9/18/26 on the interstate for a few hours and cruise control was bananas. The vehicle was clearly using cruise control, even though I had not turned it on. Even after I would break, it would want to resume a speed. It had a headset its own. When I would turn on cruise control, and see the light on the dashboard indicating that it was on, I could set it at a speed, but it would not necessarily stay at that speed. Sometimes it would slow down and start coasting or sometimes just adjust the speed downward by only 4 mph. When going downhill, it would definitely accelerate. Using the set/acceleration button would sometimes work for acceleration and other times not. When I would turn the cruise control off and see the light on the dashboard had gone off it would continue to operate cruise control. I could see as much as a 15 mph fluctuation in my speed without touching brake, accelerator or button. Regarding your listed questions, the vehicle has not been inspected by anyone since the incident, there were no warnings or messages. i did not feel unsafe in the vehicle at the time. I’m hoping my husband will drive it today to see if the problem occurs again.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Electrical, Suspension · TX

Started rolling in park, then would not start towed to dealer , no word and no help!!!!

Filed Oct 14, 2025 · Airbags, Electrical · FL

I [xxx] purchased the vehicle from daytona, nissan on [xxx] on the morning of [xxx], the airbag light came on. And was flashing. I took videos of all the different occurrences.I went back to the dealership and talked to the salesman that sold it to us.his name was simon.and he brought us in, and we were talking to a manager they disconnected the battery and try to reset it as we were leaving, the salesman walked us out.when we fired up the vehicle, the whole dash flashed and went black in front of the salesman.a day later, we broke down in the truck and had to be jumped.we took it to the dealership, and they put a new battery in and a couple days later, it came on again.but took it in again, and they put us in a rental car for a week they told us when we got the truck back that they changed a airbag sensor and then a couple weeks later, my son was driving and the vehicle stalled on him while driving it took him 4x to fire it back up. When it did fire back up, it would only go 7 mile an hour. And it was jerking forward. He took it directly to nissan. They ran some diagnostic on it. And disconnect the battery again, but they couldn't see it. Do it again. So on [xxx] the airbag light came back on. And finally on september 11th we took it back to the dealership, and they put us in a rental car. And the mechanic told us that he thinks that it possibly could be the indicator light. The parts manager at daytona nissan said he's looked on the website and they said that the part that we need is on. Indefinite, back order and probably won't get it. We have contacted nissan corporate to try to resolve the situation her named is bhavika phone number 888‑800‑5139 ext 7320456 case # [xxx] she says the vehicle is not safe to drive I don't feel safe driving this vehicle I'm having to pay $820 a month for a vehicle that's unsafe and not in my possession. Please help me! This is the fifth time also to full tank 200 miles and AC whistles. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Jul 28, 2025 · Airbags · OK

When someone is sitting in passenger seat the light for their airbag blinks, is on or off. So we are unsure if the airbag would in fact deploy if we were to be in a collision.

Filed Feb 11, 2025 · Transmission · 99,172 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission control module error. The contact was informed by the mechanic to take the vehicle to a dealer to check for a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V671000 (POWER TRAIN). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,172.

Filed Oct 16, 2024 · GA

Recall R22A1 has not been repaired by the dealership. Riverside Nissan in Rome, GA held the truck for twelve (12) weeks and was unable to repair the truck. They claim the part is not available. Another repair was subsequently requested at Town Center Nissan in Kennesaw, GA. They initially reported they could get the part within two weeks but now state the part is backordered and unavailable. Vehicle is undrivable without repair.

Filed Aug 21, 2024 · Electrical · 17,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, after which, upon pressing the Push to Start button the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to start, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 17,000.

Filed Aug 19, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · 36,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. After several attempts, the contact was able to start the vehicle, after which the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact also stated that when the failure occurred, the exterior lights would not function properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the brake light switch. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000.