2019 Nissan FRONTIER
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2019 Nissan FRONTIER has 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 50. The most common issue is transmission problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: transmission makes clunking noise while clutch pushed in going over a bump at slower speeds. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.
39
Total Complaints
1
Recalls Issued
4/5
Safety Stars
0.8x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
TRANSMISSION
7 complaints- • TRANSMISSION MAKES CLUNKING NOISE WHILE CLUTCH PUSHED IN GOING OVER A BUMP AT SLOWER SPEEDS
- • AFTER 9/19 PURCHASE, FOUND THAT USING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR FROM PARK INTO DRIVE INTERMITTENTLY REFLECTED '4' ON THE DASHBOARD AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE INTO THE SELECTED GEAR. I FOUND THAT I HAD TO EITHER RETURN THE SHIFTER TO THE 'P' POSITION AND/OR RETURN TO THE 'P' POSITION FOLLOWED BY
- • WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS PADLE IT GOSE IN TO LIMB MODE NOT ALL THE TIME.I PUT IN TO THE FLOOR THE MOTER DOSE NOT REVUP I ALL MOST GOT HIT 2 TIMES SCARY!!!!!! WHEN PULLING OUT IN TARFET NOT A GOOD SPELLER.SORRY
“TRANSMISSION MAKES CLUNKING NOISE WHILE CLUTCH PUSHED IN GOING OVER A BUMP AT SLOWER SPEEDS”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2019 Nissan FRONTIER
Based on 13 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 12K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
TRANSMISSION
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (1)
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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2019 Nissan FRONTIER
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2019 Nissan FRONTIER
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Nissan FRONTIER Service Intervals
CVT-equipped models (Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Pathfinder) MUST use Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid, not conventional ATF. Frequent CVT service extends life significantly.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Nissan New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2019 FRONTIER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Nissan dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 39 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐TRANSMISSION: TRANSMISSION MAKES CLUNKING NOISE WHILE CLUTCH PUSHED IN GOING OVER A BUMP AT SLOWER SPEEDS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: TROUBLE WITH THE REAR VIEW CAMERA GIVING FALSE READINGS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: I took my 2019 Nissan Frontier with 56,000 miles to the Freedom Nissan in south Burlington VT on 1/25/2022 due to the airbag light flashing red. Scanned the vehicle and found DTC B00A0 - they preformed diagnosis on code. Found Occupant Sensor Failure. Will need to replace passenger seat bottom due
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: THE TOUCH SCREEN RADIO TURNS OFF AND ON
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Nissan dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Nissan FRONTIER — Year Comparison
How does 2019 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 39
- Recalls
- 1
- Fire reports
- 3
- Crash reports
- 3
- Injury reports
- 6
- Segment avg
- 50
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2019 Nissan FRONTIER