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2021 Nissan

Frontier 2WD

Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.8 L

Nissan Frontier: best and worst years
2021 Nissan Frontier 2WD

Closest available photo (2022 model year); you're viewing the 2021.

2022 photoAlexander MiglCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S9)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
310
Power to weight
0.072 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.69
Cyl
6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Start-stop system
NoEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
24 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
18 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
20 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$3,100EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
CO₂
445 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Eco Score
4/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Real-world MPG
24 mpg, reported by 1 driverabout 4 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
206 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
73 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
70 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
126 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
4,312 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
No
Lane-departure warning
No
Recalls
2
Owner complaints
17

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16%
  • POWER TRAIN16%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER16%
  • AIR BAGS12%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12%
  • ENGINE4%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 25 total.

Nissan Frontier: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

59 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Apr 13, 2026STRUCTURE:BODYNTB09-131C

    CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is a

  • May 21, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNTB17-127C

    INTELLIGENT KEY INITIALIZATION PROCEDURE STOPS OR WILL NOT CONTINUE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.

  • May 21, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNTB13-107G

    VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

  • May 21, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNTB13-027D

    CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

  • May 21, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNTB10-066C

    CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

  • Apr 30, 2024VISIBILITY/WIPERNTB17-019H

    WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

  • Apr 30, 2024VISIBILITY/WIPERNTB13-028I

    REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

  • Apr 30, 2024VISIBILITY/WIPERNTB09-081K

    WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

  • and 51 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.