Nissan’s Titan was a courageous attempt at busting through the wall set in stone by domestic full-size pickup trucks. It offered a stout engine, a comfortable large cabin, and many interesting ways to haul cargo. As sales begin to dwindle, however, it seems that the Titan’s days are numbered. There are plenty of used models that can be bought, but make sure you don’t pick up a 2018 Nissan Titan. It could leave you wanting your money back.

Nissan’s Titan didn’t offer much choice

Even though Nissan offered five trim levels—S, SV, Pro-4X, SL, and Platinum Reserve—they weren’t too different than one another. Each had a single gasoline-powered engine choice. The 390-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 made the Titan quick, but it wasn’t as powerful as competitors’ most potent powerplants.

Like most other pickup trucks in the segment, the Titan trades handling and ride quality for off-road toughness and hauling capability. Regrettably, its ride, steering, and handling aren’t as refined as offering from Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford. Furthermore, its work-truck demeanor hurts its presumed status as a family car. Many pickups are used like sedans and thus offer countless creature comforts and intuitive infotainment systems. The 2018 Nissan Titan takes its work truck origins too far, appearing antiquated among the competition.

The NHTSA issued four recalls on the 2018 Titan

Although the 2018 Nissan Titan didn’t have as many issues as its predecessors, the news still isn’t good. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued four recalls.

Unfortunately, the 2018 Titan had issues with its backup camera display, a short-circuiting alternator harness, and missing load capacity labels. While it didn’t suffer from drivetrain recalls like Titans of old, it was recalled for over-cured tires.

Wide-ranging consumer complaints

The second-generation Nissan Titan fares far better with consumer complaints than the first-generation full-size pickup trucks. However, that doesn’t mean the Titan is an unbothersome vehicle.

CarComplaints reports at least 24 customer grievances with the 2018 Nissan Titan. Issues span nine separate areas on the truck. Yet, most surround the drivetrain. Owners complained of engine knocking and abruptly shutting down while driving. Although it had a 5.0-liter Cummins diesel engine, more than a few had premature turbo failure. Owners also observed hard shifting and jerking during upshifts and downshifts.

Are there any upsides?

The extraordinarily roomy cabin will suck up five full-size passengers or more than enough cargo to not leave groceries bags in the bed. Occupants will likely be comfortable in Nissan’s comfy Zero Gravity front seats. The top-tier Platinum Reserve trim level ditches unsightly hard plastics, featuring open-pore wood instead.

When it comes to cargo control, the Titan is one of the best in the segment, Car and Driver says. Every model has a spring-assisted tailgate for easy use and innovative add-ons. They include a unique bed-channel system and optional in-bed cargo boxes.

Is there an alternative to the 2018 Nissan Titan?

The substitutes to the Titan are the competitors it sought to conquer. Chevrolet’s Silverado, Dodge’s Ram, and Ford’s F-150 are better in just about every single category.

Each of the above-mentioned models has plenty of engines to choose from and far better infotainment tech. Moreover, the big three automakers offer true heavy-duty variants, something the Nissan Titan didn’t do well.