2021 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated May 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Nissan Frontier has 2 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $30 to $1,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier, the D40 Frontier is known for progressive rear leaf spring sag, often called "flat bed syndrome." The factory leaf springs are relatively light-duty and sag over time, especially if the truck is used for hauling. The sagging rear end gives the truck a nose-up rake appearance and reduces payload capacity. The issue worsens with age regardless of load carrying, with many trucks showing noticeable sag by 60,000-80,000 miles.
Add-a-leaf kit ($150-300 installed) provides a temporary fix. Full leaf spring replacement with heavy-duty springs from ORW, Alcan, or Deaver ($500-1,000 per pair installed). Some owners add helper airbags ($200-400) to assist with heavy loads. Ensure bump stops are in good condition when upgrading springs.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier, the D40 Frontier develops a clunk from the rear end during acceleration and deceleration transitions, caused by worn rear differential mount bushings. The rubber bushings deteriorate over time, allowing the differential to shift and create a noticeable "clunk" when transitioning between acceleration and coast. This is one of the most commonly reported issues on Frontier forums and typically starts around 40,000-60,000 miles.
Replace the rear differential mount bushings with polyurethane or upgraded rubber bushings. DIY cost: $30-80 for bushings. Shop labor: $150-300. Some owners install solid differential mounts or polyurethane mounts for a more permanent fix, though these may increase NVH. The upper and lower diff mounts should both be replaced at the same time.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
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.
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."
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.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021-2021 Nissan Frontier has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rear Leaf Spring Sag and Flat Bed Syndrome, Rear Differential Bushing Clunk. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2021-2021 Nissan Frontier has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Nissan Frontier issues range from $30 to $1,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The D40 Frontier is known for progressive rear leaf spring sag, often called "flat bed syndrome." The factory leaf springs are relatively light-duty and sag over time, especially if the truck is used for hauling. The sagging rear end gives the truck a nose-up rake appearance and… Repairs typically run $150-$1,000. Severity: low.
The D40 Frontier develops a clunk from the rear end during acceleration and deceleration transitions, caused by worn rear differential mount bushings. The rubber bushings deteriorate over time, allowing the differential to shift and create a noticeable "clunk" when transitioning… Repairs typically run $30-$400. 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.
