Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2019 Nissan Frontier Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict

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88/ 100

AutoScore

LOW RISK

Grade: A-

A reliable, old-school truck built to last, demanding minimal fuss from its owners.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2019 Nissan Frontier

  • Has 1 NHTSA recall on record — the most notable involves the back over prevention: sensing system: camera.
  • Outscores the 2018 Nissan Frontier by 10 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
  • The system most likely to surface first: minor electrical systems (minor severity).
Quick Answers

The 2019 Nissan Frontier at a glance

Is the 2019 Nissan Frontier reliable?
Autojunket rates the 2019 Nissan Frontier 88/100 (grade A-), categorized as low risk. A reliable, old-school truck built to last, demanding minimal fuss from its owners.
Should I buy a used 2019 Nissan Frontier?
Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 2019 Nissan Frontier. The 2019 Nissan Frontier is a phenomenal choice for anyone seeking a profoundly reliable and capable mid-size truck that prioritizes utility over luxury. Its proven components and no-frills approach mean fewer things to break and easier, more affordable repairs. If you can live with its older design and thirsty V6,…
Which Nissan Frontier years are the most reliable?
Best model years to buy: 2015-2021 (with 4.0L V6 and 5-speed auto). Years to avoid: 2005-2007 (due to higher risk of SMOD transmission issue).
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Nissan Frontier?
The top failure points on the 2019 Nissan Frontier are Minor Electrical Systems (typically around 40,000-80,000 miles), Suspension Components (typically around 60,000-100,000 miles), Brake System Wear (typically around 30,000-60,000 miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Nissan Frontier?
The first major mileage danger zone for the 2019 Nissan Frontier is around 30,000. Low Risk Zone — At this mileage, the Frontier is barely broken in. Focus on routine oil changes, tire rotations, and cabin/engine air filter replacements. Brakes may need inspection.

Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.

Read the full free report

Should You Buy the 2019 Nissan Frontier?

The 2019 Nissan Frontier is one of the most dependable mid-size pickups you can buy, offering a proven, albeit dated, platform that prioritizes ruggedness over refinement. While it may lack modern creature comforts, its exceptional mechanical robustness and straightforward design translate into worry-free ownership, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a no-nonsense workhorse.

The 2019 Nissan Frontier is a phenomenal choice for anyone seeking a profoundly reliable and capable mid-size truck that prioritizes utility over luxury. Its proven components and no-frills approach mean fewer things to break and easier, more affordable repairs. If you can live with its older design and thirsty V6,…

Best Model Years

2015-2021 (with 4.0L V6 and 5-speed auto)

Years to Avoid

2005-2007 (due to higher risk of SMOD transmission issue)

Biggest Strengths

  • Extremely durable 4.0L V6 engine (VQ40DE)
  • Robust 5-speed automatic transmission
  • Simple, well-understood mechanical systems

Top Risk Areas

The systems that tend to fail first on the 2019 Nissan Frontier, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.

1
Minor Electrical Systemsminor~40,000-80,000 mi

While not critical, owners occasionally report issues with infotainment glitches, HVAC blend door actuators, or minor sensor (e.g., crank/cam position) failures that can cause minor inconveniences or 'check engine' lights.

2
Suspension Componentsmoderate~60,000-100,000 mi

Due to its truck nature and potential for heavy use (towing, off-roading), common wear items like ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can wear out quicker than in passenger cars, leading to clunks or loose steering.

3
Brake System Wearmoderate~30,000-60,000 mi

Owners sometimes report premature rotor warping or faster-than-average pad wear, especially if the truck is frequently used for towing or heavy hauling, requiring earlier replacement than expected.

Full repair-cost ranges, fix-before-you-buy notes, and inspection checklists are in the report.

2019 Nissan Frontier Mileage Danger Zones

The mileage windows when the 2019 Nissan Frontier most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.

30,000

Low Risk Zone

At this mileage, the Frontier is barely broken in. Focus on routine oil changes, tire rotations, and cabin/engine air filter replacements. Brakes may need inspection.

60,000

Maintenance Zone

This mileage often triggers major service intervals, including spark plug replacement (V6), transmission fluid check/change, differential fluid, and transfer case fluid (4x4). Expect minor wear items to start showing signs of age.

90,000

Elevated Risk Zone

Beyond 90k, more significant wear components like ball joints, control arm bushings, and potentially steering components will likely need attention. Electrical gremlins (e.g., sensors, blend doors) might surface.

120,000+

High Risk Zone

At this point, the truck's overall condition depends heavily on past maintenance. Expect to refresh major suspension components, thoroughly inspect the timing chain (V6), and budget for potential starter or alternator replacement.

2019 Nissan Frontier Ownership Cost Outlook

What it typically costs to keep the 2019 Nissan Frontier on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.

Annual Maintenance

$400-600

Moderate Repairs

$500-1,500 occasionally

How Long Does the 2019 Nissan Frontier Last?

Focus on consistent preventative maintenance, especially fluid changes and suspension component inspections, to ensure this robust truck continues to deliver reliable performance well past 150,000 miles.

What 2019 Nissan Frontier Owners Actually Say

What Owners Love

  • Unmatched reliability and mechanical simplicity
  • Powerful and durable V6 engine (VQ40DE)
  • Excellent towing and hauling capabilities for its class
  • Strong aftermarket support for modifications and repairs

Common Frustrations

  • Dated interior design and technology (no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto)
  • Poor fuel economy compared to modern trucks
  • Stiff ride quality, especially unladen
  • Limited rear-seat legroom in Crew Cab models

Who Should Buy the 2019 Nissan Frontier?

Best For

  • Tradespeople and contractors needing a reliable work truck
  • Outdoor enthusiasts and campers requiring towing/hauling
  • Budget-conscious buyers seeking maximum truck value

Not Ideal For

  • Commuters prioritizing fuel efficiency and car-like comfort
  • Tech-savvy drivers accustomed to modern infotainment

How the 2019 Nissan Frontier Compares to Rivals

The 2019 Frontier stands out for its old-school durability and value, often surpassing rivals in long-term mechanical dependability, though it lags significantly in modern features and cabin refinement.

More Reliable Than

  • First-generation Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon
  • Early Ford Ranger (post-2011 models)
  • Certain older-generation Dodge Dakota models

Comparable To

  • Second-generation Toyota Tacoma (non-recall years)
  • Later model year Mitsubishi Raider

NHTSA Recalls

1 recall on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

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."

What breaks on the 2019 Nissan Frontier?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Nissan Frontier by Year

Compare AutoScores across nearby years of the Nissan Frontier. Click any year for its full report.

If You're Considering This, Also Look At

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by AutoScore.

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Autojunket vs. the rest

Where the 2019 Nissan Frontier report beats Carfax + CR

Carfax tells you if it crashed. Consumer Reports rates the whole nameplate. Autojunket tells you what will actually break on this specific year — and how to negotiate it.

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  • Shareable buyer view link
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