# Nissan Frontier check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 24 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (7) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 24 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Nissan Frontier (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (7). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Nissan Frontier check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 2 | 33 | 6% | | 2016 | 1 | 44 | 2% | | 2017 | 7 | 38 | 18% | | 2019 | 2 | 28 | 7% | | 2020 | 2 | 23 | 9% | | 2021 | 2 | 20 | 10% | | 2022 | 5 | 112 | 4% | | 2023 | 3 | 66 | 5% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Nissan Frontier recalls related to the check engine light **[22V671000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V671000)** (2020-2022 models, reported 2022-09-07): A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Owners are advised to apply the parking brake every time they park their vehicle. Dealers will perform the applicable repairs below, free of charge: • Model Year 2020-2022 Frontier vehicles: reprogram Transmission Control Module (TCM) • Model Year 2020-2022 Titan vehicles: reprogram TCM and Engine Control Module... **[22V457000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V457000)** (2020-2022 models, reported 2022-06-24): A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Owners are advised to apply the parking brake every time they park their vehicle. Dealers will replace the transmission parking pawl pin, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2022. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Nissan Frontier owners report - "1st was on sept 27 2023 for check engine and all driver assistance warnings alerts flashing. Vehicle had 447 miles. Had 28 trouble codes. Released on sept 29. Oct 18 2023 vehicle back to dealer with the same check engine and driver assistance warnings again with 662 miles. Dealer replaced RPL Master Assembly...." -- owner of a 2023 Nissan Frontier, complaint filed 2023 - "The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission parking pawl and the transmission control module had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the dealer advised that the clutch might need to be repaired, but the..." -- owner of a 2022 Nissan Frontier, complaint filed 2025 - "When this occurs the MIL comes on along with the check AT light. Stopping the vehicle and restarting the vehicle clears the Check AT light, but it takes several drive cycles to clear the MIL light. This has happened on two occasions. After the first occurrence the dealer checked for any locked in codes, but none..." -- owner of a 2021 Nissan Frontier, complaint filed 2021 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Nissan Frontier check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (22V671000, 22V457000) covering 2020-2022 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Nissan Frontier years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2022 and 2023 Frontier model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 7 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Nissan Frontier with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Nissan Frontier has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Nissan dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Nissan Frontier warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/nissan-frontier): 27 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/nissan-frontier): 29 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/nissan-frontier): 10 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/nissan-frontier): 12 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Nissan Frontier - [Nissan Frontier specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-frontier) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/nissan-frontier Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.