Nissan Frontier vs Ram 1500
For 2005–2021 models, the Nissan Frontier has 20.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 38.6 for the Ram 1500. 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 (2005–2021), 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
20.0 complaints per 10,000 sold
48% fewer than the Ram 1500
- Complaints
- 2,137
- Sold
- 1,067,748
- Recall campaigns
- 15
- 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
Ram 1500
38.6 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.9× the Nissan Frontier’s rate
- Complaints
- 26,404
- Sold
- 6,842,094
- Recall campaigns
- 122
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 4
Most complaints: 2009 and 2018. Fewest: 2007 and 2019–2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 32,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 76,900 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
ABS module and wheel speed sensors
Typically around 85,000 mi · repair $660–$1,260
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 48,500 mi
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 70,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Nissan Frontier or the Ram 1500?
For 2005–2021 models, the Nissan Frontier has 20.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ram 1500 has 38.6, 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 Ram 1500?
The most-reported problem on the Ram 1500 is body control and other modules, typically around 32,000 miles.
Which Nissan Frontier and Ram 1500 years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Nissan Frontier: 2005–2008; Ram 1500: 2009 and 2018.
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.