Model year guide

2013 Nissan Frontier

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2013 Nissan Frontier is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 224 on record.

2013 Nissan Frontier — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2013 Nissan Frontier at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints48
Combined19 mpg
Typical price$19,288

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2013 Nissan Frontier recalls 1

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers NHTSA Campaign #14V052000 · 12/02/2014

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012 through 2014 Frontier vehicles manufactured from November 28, 2012, through December 17, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a circuit breaker may have been installed incorrectly causing the main wire harness connected to the circuit breaker to face outward, potentially contacting a metal bolt located on the A-pillar.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the circuit breaker orientation. If the circuit breaker orientation is incorrect, dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2013 Nissan Frontier common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2013 Nissan Frontier safety ratings

Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2013 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC RWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2013 Nissan Frontier MPG & running costs

Combined19 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,308

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2013 Nissan Frontier worth?

Low
$15,500
Typical price
$19,288
High
$21,900

From 221 comparable 2013 Nissan Frontier listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2013 Nissan Frontier costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,540
Depreciation (5 yrs)$8,050
Total$24,590
Per mile$0.33

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($19,288) with the same model 5 model-years older ($11,253), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2013 Nissan Frontier trims & engines on record

Trims
SV · S · PRO-4X · SL
Engines
4.0L · 2.5L

2013 Nissan Frontier vehicles on record

Other Nissan Frontier model years

2013 Nissan Frontier — frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Nissan Frontier have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2013 Nissan Frontier. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Nissan Frontier?

Based on 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, electrical system, seat belts.

What is the 2013 Nissan Frontier safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2013 Nissan Frontier crash-test ratings of rollover 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Nissan Frontier get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2013 Nissan Frontier at about 19 mpg combined (17 city / 22 highway).

How much is a 2013 Nissan Frontier worth?

Comparable 2013 Nissan Frontier listings run roughly $15,500–$21,900, typically around $19,288 (from 221 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.