Wrench.Pro

2018 Nissan Frontier Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Nissan Frontier carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering ignition and camera. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Ignition switch failure prevents starting.” Nissan owner's manuals split service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1. The biggest preventable failure on Nissan vehicles is CVT transmission damage from extended fluid intervals — owners of Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, and Murano with CVT should not skip it.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #18V551000 · Aug 22, 2018

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #19V654000 · Dec 9, 2019

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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 data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Nissan Frontier.

Reported to NHTSA

Ignition switch failure prevents starting

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-02 → 2025-01

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11639440
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11507645

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal travels near floor, too close to gas

SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2018-12 → 2019-08

“I OWN A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER 9745 MILES. AS A PREVIOUS OWNER HAS EXPLAINED HIS BRAKE PROBLEM SAME AS MINE WHEN YOU DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL SOLID IT ALMOST GOES TO THE FLOOR ALSO WHEN THIS PEDAL GOES LOW THE ACCELERATOR GOES DOWN TOO CLOSE TO EACH OTHER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11242124
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS WERE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. WHILE BRAKING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD ALSO DEPRESS AND THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11162672

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front suspension noise and vibration

SUSPENSION

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-08 → 2021-08

“Squeaking sound coming from front driver side suspension. This has been happening ever since purchased in 2018 that dealer cannot find. Getting worse as it ages. Afraid tire may drive train may break while driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11424735
“I have a 2018 Nissan Frontier bought it in 2019 I noticed a little vibration at first and now 2 years later it’s vibrating a lot more I took to Nissan in 2020 they said they saw nothing wrong but now I’m told that it’s my motor mounts”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11431227

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger airbag warning light flashes continually

AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2023-05 → 2025-08

“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"”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11520532
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11683111

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden acceleration or throttle dead spots

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2019-01

“VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, FOOT ON BRAKE, EXITING A PUBLIC PARKING LOT, WHEN SUDDENLY ENGINE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY AND WHEELS WERE SCREECHING. THE PASSENGER OF VEHICLE HAD TO PLACE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL, THEN PARK TO STOP VEHICLE FROM MOVING FORWARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11172445
“THE THROTTLE CONTROL, FOOT PEDAL, HAS DEAD SPOTS THAT HAPPEN WHEN LEAVING A STOP SIGN, GREEN LIGHTS, PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. ALSO CLIMBING A HILL WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS NOTHING HAPPENS UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION KICKS DOWN THEN YOU GO TO FAST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11140130

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump shuts off repeatedly while fueling

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2019-05

“AFTER 6 MONTHS OF OWNING THIS NEW VEHICLE, WHEN PUMPING GAS IT WOULD CUT OFF WHEN BEGINNING TO PUMP THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE BUT IT HAPPENS EVERYTIME,TOOK IT TO DEALER THEY REPLACE A BUNCH OF PARTS AFTER FIRST FILL UP IT WAS OK THE SECOND FILL UP THIS MORNING TOOK 10MINUTES TO GET…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11210771
“I BOUGHT MY 2018 FRONTIER WITH 40K MILES ON IT BACK IN APRIL 2018. I NOW HAVE ABOUT 56K MILES ON IT. OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS IT GOT HARDER AND HARDER TO PUT GAS IN IT AND FOR A MONTH NOW IT SHUTS OFF MULTIPLE TIMES AND OR SPITS GAS OUT WHEN I TRY TO FILL IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11180604

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2: 7,500 miles. VR30DDTT (3.0L twin-turbo): full synthetic only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Front-wheel-drive Nissans (Altima, Sentra, Versa) wear front tires fast — don't skip rotations.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

CVT Fluid (NS-3)

Every 60,000 mi

Nissan officially calls CVT fluid 'lifetime,' but independent technicians and Nissan TSBs recommend replacement every 60,000 miles to prevent CVT failure. Use Nissan NS-3 fluid only — substitutes destroy the belt-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Rogue and Pathfinder front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Dark or amber fluid indicates moisture contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner if driving on dusty unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on QR25, MR20, and VQ35 engines. VR30DDTT: 60,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 75,000 mi

Nissan Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue/green): first change at 105,000 miles, then every 75,000. Do not mix with other coolant chemistries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD models)

Every 60,000 mi

Rogue AWD, Murano AWD, Pathfinder 4WD: replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Altima, Rogue, and Sentra.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

41 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2018 Nissan Frontier reflects Nissan's published service intervals and the Maintenance Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →