Nissan Frontier Brake Pad Cost and ABS 'System Fault' Light Fix (2022-2025): What You'll Pay and the Bulletin to Ask For

The current Frontier (2022 and newer) finally got a real redesign: a 310-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, a nine-speed automatic, and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Cars.com lists a 12-inch front rotor and an 11-inch rear rotor on the 2022 S. That's a solid setup for a midsize pickup, but towing, off-road mud and city driving all chew through pads.

What a Frontier brake job costs

RepairPal didn't post a separate number for the 2022 Frontier when we checked, but it's the same generation and brake setup as the 2023-2025 trucks.

Signs it's just pads

• Squealing when you brake, which usually comes from the wear indicator.
• Grinding, which means metal is touching the rotor. Get it in now.
• Shaking in the pedal or wheel when stopping from highway speed, pointing to warped or uneven rotors.
• Longer stops, especially with a load or trailer.

The ABS and "System fault" warning (NTB22-084)

This is the most common brake-related complaint for the 2022 Frontier at NHTSA. Owners describe the ABS light, traction control light, forward and rear collision warnings, and a yellow "System fault" message all popping up together. Some say it happened on mountain roads or in stop-and-go traffic, and several made repeat dealer visits.

Nissan's bulletin BR22-001 / NTB22-084 (September 29, 2022) covers 2022-2023 Frontier trucks built July 13, 2021 through October 10, 2022. The trigger is ABS codes C1116 (stop lamp switch) and/or C1142 (pressure sensor circuit). The fix:

• Install a CHMSL relay and jumper harness that splices into the stop lamp switch circuit.
• Replace the stop lamp switch.
• Reprogram the ABS control module, if it's one of the listed part numbers.
• Clear all codes.

One owner reported that after this bulletin was done, intelligent cruise control didn't brake properly and code C1A13-72 came back. If that happens to you, go back to the dealer and get it documented.

Another brake killer: rear axle seal leaks

One 2022 Frontier owner reported failing a state inspection because the left rear axle seal was leaking gear oil onto the brakes and rotors. Oil-soaked pads won't grip, and they can't be cleaned. If you see wet, dark gunk on the inside of a rear wheel, the seal has to be fixed and the pads replaced.

Recalls to check first

No brake recalls on the 2022-2025 Frontier as of October 2026. But check these by VIN, since they matter when you're stopped or parked:

• 22V457 and 22V671 (2022 Frontier, along with 2020-2021): the transmission parking pawl may not engage in Park. Nissan reprograms the transmission computer for free. Until it's done, use the parking brake every time.
• 24V479 (2024 Frontier): the front right lower link may have an oversized ball joint that can corrode and separate. Free replacement.
• 23V273 (2023 Frontier): tires with a possible inner bead tear. Free replacement.

DIY or shop?

Pads on a Frontier are a straightforward DIY if you've done disc brakes before. The big savings is labor, which KBB puts at $211 to $247 per axle at a dealer. Just inspect the rotors, hardware and caliper slides while you're in there.

What to ask the shop

• "Is this price front, rear or both?"
• "Do the rotors need replacing, or are they in spec?"
• "Any sign of an axle seal leak?"
• "Has NTB22-084 been done on my VIN?"
• "Are all recalls done?"

Is it worth fixing?

Yes. Brakes on a 2022-2025 Frontier are affordable to maintain, and the scariest warning-light problem has a known free fix on covered trucks. Stay on top of pads if you tow, and don't ignore oil on the brakes.

More help is on the Nissan Frontier repair page. Shifting rough? Read our Frontier 9-speed transmission guide. Prices checked October 14, 2026.