Nissan Frontier vs Toyota Tacoma
For 2005–2022 models, the Toyota Tacoma has 14.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 19.6 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.
Nissan Frontier
19.6 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.3× the Toyota Tacoma’s rate
- Complaints
- 2,247
- Sold
- 1,143,933
- Recall campaigns
- 19
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2005–2008. Fewest: 2018–2021. 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
Toyota Tacoma
14.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
24% fewer than the Nissan Frontier
- Complaints
- 4,758
- Sold
- 3,211,984
- Recall campaigns
- 33
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2005–2006 and 2008–2009. Fewest: 2015 and 2020–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body and panel corrosion
Typically around 122,867 mi
-
Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion
Typically around 128,000 mi
-
Coil and leaf springs
Typically around 86,400 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 76,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 32,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Nissan Frontier or the Toyota Tacoma?
For 2005–2022 models, the Toyota Tacoma has 14.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Nissan Frontier has 19.6, counting the same model years for both.
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.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Tacoma?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Tacoma is body and panel corrosion, typically around 122,867 miles.
Which Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Nissan Frontier: 2005–2008; Toyota Tacoma: 2005–2006 and 2008–2009.
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.