2017 Nissan Frontier Problems: 9 Known Issues
2017 model year · 1,500+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,500+ owner reports, the 2017 Nissan Frontier has 9 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Frame rust (owner reports), Five-speed automatic will not upshift (owner reports) and Low oil pressure at warm idle (owner reports). The most commonly reported issue is Frame rust (owner reports) with 1,500 owner reports. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 9 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls4 recalls
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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."
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Nissan Frontier problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,500+ owner reports, the 2017 Nissan Frontier has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Frame rust (owner reports), Five-speed automatic will not upshift (owner reports), Low oil pressure at warm idle (owner reports). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Nissan Frontier reliable?
The 2017 Nissan Frontier has 9 known issues documented across 1,500+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Frame rust (owner reports) and Five-speed automatic will not upshift (owner reports) and Low oil pressure at warm idle (owner reports). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier Frame rust (owner reports)?
Owners report frame rust on second-generation Frontiers. A 2011 owner reports rear-frame perforation; a discussion about a 2016 King Cab describes rust that replies judged mainly superficial. These reports do not establish how often structural damage occurs. Applies to: Second-ge… Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2019 Nissan Frontier Five-speed automatic will not upshift (owner reports)?
A 2005 Frontier owner reports the five-speed automatic not shifting into higher gears after a period parked. The owner reports that a speed-sensor replacement did not help and that a later used-transmission replacement resolved the complaint. This does not establish which interna… Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2019 Nissan Frontier Low oil pressure at warm idle (owner reports)?
Owners discuss low oil pressure at warm idle on VQ40DE engines and suspect the rear timing-cover oil-gallery seals. The available accounts do not establish that this is the cause on every truck. Applies to: Second-generation Frontier 4.0L VQ40DE context. The linked discussions do… Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2019 Nissan Frontier Fuel gauge reads inaccurately (owner reports)?
A 2016 PRO-4X owner reports a gauge dropping soon after filling and reading empty with fuel believed to remain. A 2017 owner reports a reading above full. These reports do not confirm the sender as the cause on another truck. Applies to: Second-generation D40 Frontier context fro… Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier 4WD engagement concern or flashing 4LO indicator (owner reports)?
A 2012 PRO-4X owner reports a flashing 4LO display without the requested engagement. Other second-generation owners report trouble selecting four-wheel drive. These reports do not identify one common failed actuator or switch. Applies to: Second-generation D40 Frontier 4x4 only. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier ABS, SLIP and VDC OFF warnings together (owner reports)?
Owners of 2011 Frontiers report ABS, SLIP and VDC OFF warnings together. Other reports discuss different possible causes. The warnings alone do not confirm wheel-speed-sensor corrosion or a failed sensor. Applies to: Second-generation D40 Frontier context. The named accounts conc… Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2019 Nissan Frontier P0420 or P0430 catalyst-efficiency codes (owner reports)?
Owners report check-engine warnings with P0420 or P0430. An archived 2005 Frontier discussion describes both codes remaining after an idle relearn corrected a separate high-idle complaint. A 2008 owner reports P0420 returning despite earlier repairs. The codes do not establish th… Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier Rear ride-height sag (owner reports)?
Owners of 2008 and 2014 Frontiers report flattened rear leaf springs or a low rear ride height. These accounts do not establish a spring defect or one suitable suspension modification for every truck. Applies to: Second-generation D40 Frontier context. The cited 2008 and 2014 rep… Severity: low.
What is the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier Different temperatures from the two climate zones (owner reports)?
Owners of 2015 and 2016 dual-zone Frontiers report one side blowing hot or cold while the other responds to the setting. One 2016 owner reports that replacing an actuator did not resolve the complaint, and later testing suggested the part replaced was the driver-side actuator rat… Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.