Oilseed crops are vital for global food security, industrial applications and biofuel production. However, their productivity is stymied by nutrient deficiency stress, negatively affecting plant growth, metabolism and crop yield quality. Phytohormones such as auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, ethylene, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid are central in modulating plant responses to nutrient scarcity by regulating root growth, mechanisms of nutrient uptake and pathways of adaptation to stress. These hormones’ coordination of complex signaling networks enhances nutrient transport, metabolic homeostasis and gene expression to strengthen plant resilience under nutrient-deficient conditions. There are several avenues to leverage, including genetic breeding, molecular biotechnology and precision agriculture, to enhance oilseed crops’ nutrient-use efficiency. To that end, novel techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, transcriptomics and metabolomics allow more profound modifications within hormone biosynthesis and signaling pathways that support the development of nutrient-efficient and stress-tolerant cultivars. In addition, the combined use of phytohormonal treatments with microbial biofertilizers, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven nutrient management and site-specific fertilization strategies offers excellent potential for optimal crop performance with minimal environmental impacts. Future research should focus on deciphering the intricate hormonal crosstalk that controls nutrient acquisition and discovering novel transgenic and agronomic interventions for increasing resilience to nutrient stress. Formulating climate-resilient oilseed crops demands a multifaceted strategy in plant physiology, molecular biology and sustainable agricultural approaches. It is essential to navigate these advancements to enhance nutrient-use efficiency and increase crop productivity while ensuring sustainable agricultural systems can combat the global challenges of nutrient stress.