Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common Problems: Forward collision avoidance system issues, electrical systems issues, transmission problems, and brake issues. Nissan has issued a recall for the electrical systems issues (for faulty backup cameras) and the transmission problems which will be discussed in more detail below. Additionally, 2022 Frontier vehicles were recalled in 2021 for a seat belt bracket issue and a missing tow hitch.
The following issues have been reported by consumers who own the 2022 Nissan Frontier across several different platforms. In this article, we will be summarizing the most reported problems so that you can recognize and address them in your own vehicle, or at least stay aware of what may come your way.
We will also discuss the lemon laws, which exist in every state and allow consumers who purchase defective warrantied vehicles to be compensated.
Common 2022 Nissan Frontier Problems
- Forward Collision Avoidance System Issues: Unexpected and unnecessary automatic emergency brake activation, faulty/jumpy sensors, adaptive cruise control issues
- Electrical Systems Issues: Backup camera flashing, main screen flashing, main screen off, misleading warning lights, doors getting stuck locked or unlocked
- Transmission Problems: Rollaway, stuck in gear (park), gear slippage, unintended acceleration
- Brake Issues: Rollaway, automatic emergency brakes randomly engage, brake failure, delayed braking
2022 Nissan Frontier Forward Collision Avoidance System Issues
Many modern vehicles come equipped with a forward collision avoidance system, which is made of sensors on the front of the vehicle and an automatic emergency brake.
When these sensors detect an object in front of the vehicle, it engages the brakes to prevent a collision. Unfortunately, this system can also malfunction and falsely detect things in front of the vehicle.
This seems to be a common issue in newer Nissan vehicles and impacts the 2022 Nissan Frontier as well. Consumers report their automatic emergency brakes engaging without anything being in front of the vehicle, especially when passing underneath a shadow or bridge.
A consumer who encounters this problem should take their vehicle to be inspected and repaired, although others who have done so report little being done about the issue.
2022 Nissan Frontier Electrical System Issues
Like forward collision avoidance systems, modern vehicles contain hundreds of electronic systems that work together to make the vehicle function as intended.
Of course, these systems can also be prone to malfunctioning and impacting the driver’s experience. In the case of the 2022 Nissan Frontier, consumers report their backup camera and infotainment system screen flashing while in use as well as the infotainment screen simply turning (and staying) off.
Some consumers also reported the vehicle randomly illuminating warning lights without anything actually being wrong. Electronic system issues can be difficult for a consumer to identify because of how they manifest, but once discovered should be taken to a mechanic to be inspected and repaired.
Nissan issued two recalls for their backup cameras, the first in June 2022 and the second in October 2022. Both recalls requested consumers to take their vehicles to have the software updated. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration Recall IDs are 22V527000 and 22V772000.
2022 Nissan Frontier Transmission Problems
Saving arguably the most dangerous for last, transmission problems typically have significant impacts on a driver’s ability to control their vehicle because the transmission allows the vehicle to accelerate and decelerate. When it fails, the driver may not be able to stop the vehicle from moving or slowing down, both of which can be very dangerous when on the road with other vehicles.
In the 2022 Nissan Frontier, consumers report their vehicle rolling away when it was supposed to be in park, gears getting stuck, and unintended acceleration. As mentioned, all of these can be very dangerous and should be addressed by a mechanic as soon as they are discovered.
Nissan also issued two recalls on their transmissions for vehicles rolling away while in park. These were issued in June 2022 and September 2022. The available remedy was replacement of the transmission parking pawl pin by a mechanic, and the NHTSA Recall IDs were 22V457000 and 22V671000 respectively.
Real Nissan Frontier Owner Complaints
“Vehicle has repeatedly automatically applied the brakes when using cruise control at highway speeds. It happens when going under an underpass that is casting a strong shadow. First time it happened I reported it to Nissan USA. They told me to take it to the dealership. I did and they found nothing wrong. Next time it happened they said they’d have a regional consumer affairs person call me. They did, but in so many words they told me ‘tough.’”
“Worst vehicle I have ever owned, paint flaking off, warped dash and multiple recalls, less than 3400 miles on the truck, no quality control. This truck has been a nightmare to own the selling dealer will nothing but provide a run around stating warranty claims have been made, I have filled a complaint with Nissan Corp, and I am hoping to have the vehicle bought back, due to the lack of quality and not feeling safe operating this vehicle due to the recalls and lack of quality control.”
“The truck’s computer control system suffered a catastrophic failure after intermittent warning for ABS brakes and Emissions. After this failure the truck was left stranded in the pouring thunderstorm – it wouldn’t start, waring lights for just about everything and couldn’t be towed as the electronic transmission was locked in park with no manual overrides. Had it occurred on a highway it could have caused serious dangers. After 2+ weeks the dealer hasn’t been able to diagnose the problems, repair or return the truck. Complaints have been filed with Nissan Consumer Affairs.”
Your 2022 Nissan Frontier Issues and the Lemon Law
Consumers can use the Lemon Law to file claims against auto manufacturers of defective vehicles. A lemon vehicle is typically one that has been repeatedly repaired for the same or similar issue while the vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty.
In California, a reasonable number of repair attempts must have taken place before a vehicle will be deemed a lemon. “Reasonable” usually ranges between two to four attempts, but the number may be lower if the defect poses a significant danger or impairs the safety, use or value of the vehicle significantly.
The process starts when a consumer identifies a defect in their vehicle and takes the vehicle to be repaired by an authorized manufacturer dealership.
If the defect persists, it should be attempted to be repaired again until a reasonable number of attempts have been made. It is essential for the owner of the vehicle to meticulously document all repairs, as these records are important for proceeding with a lemon law claim.
Once repairs have taken place and the vehicle owner believes they have a lemon, they should consider consulting with and/or hiring an experienced lemon law attorney. As the prevailing party, the California lemon law mandates that the auto manufacturer pay for the consumer’s attorneys fees and costs.
This means that the legal representation comes at no out of pocket cost to the consumer making hiring a lemon law attorney an easy decision. An attorney can help the claim run as smoothly as possible, which can be difficult and overwhelming for an untrained individual to do on their own.
Lemon law remedies are either a refund or a replacement. A refund consists of the reimbursement of all money spent towards the purchase of the vehicle, including the down payment, monthly payments, interest and applicable taxes.
For a replacement vehicle, the consumer gets a vehicle of similar make and model to the defective one, but will be responsible for any difference in price. In either a refund or a replacement, a fee called the usage fee is taken by the manufacturer, which is the value for when the vehicle was driven without the issues that rendered it a lemon.
Connect with an Attorney
If you suspect your 2022 Nissan Frontier is a lemon and are planning on bringing a lemon law claim, contact the Lemon Law Experts today for a free case evaluation! We have been working with clients just like you since 2009 and have secured millions of dollars in settlement money for them.
Manufacturers bring legal teams to the table to defeat your claim against them: make the situation fair again with your own attorney. Lemon law attorneys have been trained specifically to understand and navigate the law most effectively for your individual claim. Contact us today by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out a form online!
