Ford Ranger vs Nissan Frontier
For 2005–2022 models, the Ford Ranger has 24.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 28.7 for the Nissan Frontier. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Ranger
24.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
16% fewer than the Nissan Frontier
- Complaints
- 2,163
- Sold
- 894,403
- Recall campaigns
- 35
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008. Fewest: 2012 and 2020–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 82,250 mi
-
Body and panel corrosion
Typically around 104,604 mi
-
Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion
Typically around 110,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 72,675 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 85,500 mi
Nissan Frontier
28.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.2× the Ford Ranger’s rate
- Complaints
- 2,018
- Sold
- 703,024
- Recall campaigns
- 16
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2005–2008. Fewest: 2019–2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Fuel pump and sending unit
Typically around 64,450 mi · repair $630–$1,700
-
Transmission cooler and fluid overheating
Typically around 104,500 mi · repair $200–$600
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 100,005 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 74,000 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 102,000 mi · repair $260–$1,910
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Ranger or the Nissan Frontier?
For 2005–2022 models, the Ford Ranger has 24.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Nissan Frontier has 28.7, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Ranger?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Ranger is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 82,250 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Nissan Frontier?
The most-reported problem on the Nissan Frontier is fuel pump and sending unit, typically around 64,450 miles; the repair typically runs $630–$1,700.
Which Ford Ranger and Nissan Frontier years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Ranger: 2008; Nissan Frontier: 2005–2008.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.