Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD · 2 NHTSA variants

2020 Nissan TitanRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 23 owner complaints for the 2020 Nissan Titan. Most complaints involve electrical system (8) and power train (7). The EPA rates it 17–18 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
17–18mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Sep 2022
Owner complaints
23
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$4,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: automatic transmission

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Titan, 2020-2022 Frontier, and 2023 Z vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.

Power trainReported Sep 7, 2022NHTSA 22V671000

Power train: automatic transmission

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Frontier and Titan vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.

Power trainReported Jun 24, 2022NHTSA 22V457000

Exterior lighting: bulbs

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Titan, Titan XD, and Versa vehicles. The front right and/or left turn signal bulb can crack and fail to illuminate.

Exterior lightingReported Jun 23, 2021NHTSA 21V471000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

23 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2020 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system8
  2. Power train7
  3. Engine4
  4. Fuel/propulsion system4
  5. Air bags2
  6. Forward collision avoidance2
  7. Vehicle speed control2
  8. Structure1
  9. Suspension1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Titan model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20041,046
2005891
2006430
2007139
2008133
200947
201046
201126
201222
201311
201410
201510
2017172
201890
201949
202023
202158
202214
202319
202415
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

8 reports1 fire
“MANUFACTURING DEFECT: 2020 Nissan Titan roof ditch seam sealer failure. Factory sealer cracked/peeled under roof moldings, allowing heavy rainwater ingress into vehicle cab. FAILED WARRANTY REMEDY: Authorized Nissan dealer completed a $0.00 warranty repair on 12/30/2025 at 36,678 miles. Vehicle purchased used on 01/16/2026 at 36,777 miles (17 days/99 miles post-repair). On 08/12/2026 at 43,133 miles, a certified Nissan facility diagnosed total failure of the previous repair. The factory defect failed again in under 8 months and 6,455 miles. ELECTRICAL SAFETY HAZARD: Water channels directly down A/B-pillars onto vital electronic modules, causing severe component short-circuits. Requires complete electronic module/wiring harness replacements. Leaking onto active electrical components poses an imminent risk of sudden dashboard blackouts, complete vehicle stalling while in motion, or short-circuit electrical fires if left unrepaired. ENVIRONMENTAL/HEALTH HAZARD: Continuous un-remedied flooding can cause rapid, extensive toxic black mold growth throughout the headliner and interior cabin, creating an immediate severe respiratory health hazard for occupants. The…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 4, 2026Electrical system, StructureODI 11768845

Power train

7 reports
“After replacing the truck frame and one day after returning the truck to me the transmission slipped out of gear while driving 75mph on the freeway. While attempting to brake the transmission seemed to lock up. When I slowed the truck down enough I hit the brakes and shifted the transmission into park. By doing this I was able to stop before hitting other vehicles and a guard rail. Nissan replaced the transmission. After several test drives they replaced the second transmission because of shifting problems. The current transmission just recently would not shift into second gear. I’ll be taking it back Monday. In short my transmission has been replaced twice in a months time and is going back to the dealership for additional repairs.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 25, 2025Power trainODI 11676077

Engine

4 reports
“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently stalled; the contact waited several minutes for the vehicle to return to normal operation. The Check Engine warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel temperature valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the radiator needed to be flushed and refilled. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 22, 2026EngineODI 11745630
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
5.6L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S9)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Titan 2WD
Auto (S9), 8 cyl, 5.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162218$4,300490
Titan 4WD
Auto (S9), 8 cyl, 5.6 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
152118$4,300514
Titan 4WD PRO4X
Auto (S9), 8 cyl, 5.6 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
152117$4,550524
  • Titan 2WD
    Auto (S9), 8 cyl, 5.6 L
    16 city · 22 hwy · $4,300/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Titan 4WD
    Auto (S9), 8 cyl, 5.6 L
    15 city · 21 hwy · $4,300/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Titan 4WD PRO4X
    Auto (S9), 8 cyl, 5.6 L
    15 city · 21 hwy · $4,550/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

5 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Nissan Titan Crew Cab PU/CC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
22.8%
Overall
— / 5
Nissan Titan King Cab PU/EC 4WD
Frontal crash
Not rated
Side crash
Not rated
Side pole
Not rated
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
4 / 5
Nissan Titan Crew Cab PU/CC RWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
— / 5
Nissan Titan King Cab PU/EC RWD
Frontal crash
Not rated
Side crash
Not rated
Side pole
Not rated
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 14524Vehicle 14523Vehicle 14501
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2020 Titan questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Titan have?

5 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2020 Nissan Titan problems?

Owners filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (8), power train (7), engine (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Nissan Titan get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Nissan Titan at 17–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2020 Nissan Titan?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Nissan Titan 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026