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Don’t forget about this underdog. The Nissan Frontier doesn’t get as much time in the spotlight as it should. However, the 2023 Nissan Frontier is a solid contender as a work truck and family option with hardly any complaints after one year. 

The biggest 2023 Nissan Frontier problems after a year 

The team over at MotorTrend had a 2023 Nissan Frontier for joyrides, errands, work, and trips. Overall it’s an impressive beast with plenty of muscle as a work truck and a comfortable ride quality. 

However, the Frontier may have a unique problem. Thieves accessed a short hanging rubber hose and cut it twice to drain the gas out of the fuel tank. 

Replacing the hose took two weeks the second time around and the truck was then parked in a garage underground. This ended up protecting it, but the Toyota Tacoma on their block was never targeted. This impacts peace of mind with the Frontier. 

Also, the 2023 Frontier might be thirstier than expected. It should get an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and up to 19 mpg combined. But this model got about 16.4 mpg. 

The 2023 Nissan Frontier in the mountains
2023 Nissan Frontier | Allison Barfield, MotorBiscuit

The last source of frustration is related to the turning radius. I have tested it in the wild, and I agree. The Nissan Frontier swings out wide, making it daunting to park and more difficult to turn around in tight areas. 

The 2023 Frontier has a turning radius of up to 23.88 feet. As a truck for the city, it’s a little inconvenient. 

But the Frontier proved its worth as a hard worker. The 3.8-liter V6 engine cranks out 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 6,720 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,697 lbs. The engine and suspension didn’t even seem to notice full loads and handled normally. 

Also, the truck is durable. With loads of hay, tools, and other items in the back, the bed liner never showed any wear and tear. The interior also stood up to tools and larger dogs without a single scratch. 

Best of all, the Frontier serves as a comfortable daily driver with an athletic nature and smooth ride. It blends comfort and capability.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.