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Nissan issues recall for 2025 Frontier pickups
Nissan has announced a recall affecting 13,719 model year 2025 Frontier pickups due to a software logic error that can cause the daytime running lights (DRLs) to dim when the idle start-stop system restarts the engine. Because this behavior fails to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 for lighting, Nissan will update the engine control module software free of charge. Owners are expected to receive notification letters beginning September 17, 2025. The recall is cataloged as R25C3.
What the recall means for owners
The fix is procedural: dealers will install an updated engine control module (ECM) software calibration that corrects the DRL dimming behavior when the idle stop-start system re-engages. There is no hardware replacement planned and Nissan reports no charge to owners for the remedy. If you drive a 2025 Frontier, check your mail for the recall notice or contact your local Nissan dealer and reference recall number R25C3.
Vehicle specifications and typical drivetrain details
The 2025 Nissan Frontier sits in the mid-size pickup segment and typically features a robust V6 engine paired with an automatic transmission. Common specifications for the Frontier line include a 3.8-liter V6 producing around 300–310 hp, a class-competitive towing capacity, and a durable ladder-frame chassis designed for work and light off-road use. Payload and towing figures vary by trim and equipment but keep the Frontier competitive with rivals in its class.
Design and practicality
The Frontier combines rugged exterior styling with a practical, user-focused interior. Bed configurations, trim choices, and available off-road upgrades make it a versatile option for both daily driving and weekend adventures. Safety and illumination systems such as the DRLs are intended to enhance visibility — which is why the recall addresses a lighting software fault directly tied to regulatory compliance.
Performance and driving dynamics
With its V6 powertrain and tuned suspension, the Frontier balances towing capability with on-road comfort. The idle start-stop system is a fuel-saving feature found on modern trucks; the software update corrects a rare interaction between that system and the DRLs to restore proper lighting performance during engine restarts.
Market positioning and comparison
The Frontier competes in the mid-size pickup market against the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and other compact-to-mid-size trucks. Nissan positions the Frontier as a value-oriented option that emphasizes reliability, off-road potential, and a strong powertrain. Compared with rivals, the Frontier often appeals to buyers seeking a straightforward truck with solid towing capability and modern safety features.
What drivers should do now
If you own a 2025 Nissan Frontier, verify whether your VIN is included in recall R25C3 by contacting a Nissan dealer or checking the NHTSA recall database. Schedule the free ECM software update at a dealership if your vehicle is affected. Until the remedy is applied, be aware of any unusual dimming of the daytime running lights during engine start-stop events and avoid driving at night if you suspect lighting problems.
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