2016 Nissan Frontier Problems
Compared with other Nissan Frontier years
Typical for this model
46/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× that of a typical Nissan Frontier year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 17 of its 44 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported part: Air bags (10 complaints, median 52,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2015, 2018, 2019
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 44filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 32,500miles, 24 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl RWD · 17 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Nissan Frontier (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 44 consumer complaints for the 2016 Nissan Frontier. The part named most often is air bags, with 10 complaints (23% of the total), followed by other or unknown (10) and engine (8). 24 of the complaints include a mileage, and 71% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 32,500 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 119 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 3 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 13 Nissan Frontier model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 46 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags10 23%
- Other or unknown10 23%
- Engine8 18%
- Fuel system8 18%
- Body and structure4 9.1%
- Brakes3 6.8%
- Steering3 6.8%
- Electrical system2 4.5%
- Wheels2 4.5%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Seat belts (1), Suspension (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “I have a 2016 Nissan Frontier with only 68,000 miles on it. The airbag light on the dash started flashing. I took it to any mohr Nissan and they diagnosed that the sensor inside the passenger seat that tells the system if someone is sitting there has failed and that it is an $1800 repair, because the only way to fix it is to replace the whole seat. They said they couldn't say whether the airbag would deploy or not in an accident if I didn't fix the sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #11389453, filed 2021-01, 68,400 milesOther or unknown: “My vehicle was burglarized. The thieves got in through the rear sliding glass. The latch does not lock and is faulty. If the latch was fully functional, nobody would have gone in and stolen everything I owned.”
NHTSA complaint #11229697, filed 2019-07, 72,000 milesEngine: “When the throttle pedal is pressed the engine does not react immediately. Very difficult to pull out into traffic. Very dangerous pulling out into traffic. You never know how long it is going to take for the engine to respond to the throttle position sensor (tps) and accelerate. I have been to the selling dealer 2 times for this, they cannot duplicate the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11092116, filed 2018-05, 14,000 milesFuel system: “I have documented everything. Pictures, receipts, who I talked to, dates. Everything in a long outline that I will attach. Please read it. The issue is that I purchased this truck 12-28-2016 and have yet to get the advertised fuel capacity of 21.1 gallons. My truck gets about consistently 15 gallons to fill up and no reserve tank. Nissan is not disputing that there is a defect and my vehicle is not the only one. There is another truck at my dealership right now with the same exact problem. And the dealership has admitted that there are others. Plus I've found more online in forums. …”
NHTSA complaint #10967385, filed 2017-03, 9 milesMileage when problems were reported
71% of the 24 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 10,000 and 52,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Nissan Frontier. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier · crew cab 4WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| Frontier · extended cab 4WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| Frontier · crew cab RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 3 · 21.2% risk |
| Frontier · extended cab RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 3 · 21.2% risk |
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2016 Nissan Frontier version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Frontier 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Frontier 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Frontier 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Frontier 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Frontier 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 16V181000Mar 31, 2016Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhoodCovers: Nissan Frontier 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016 Frontier V6 vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to March 7, 2016. The starter motor wire harness may have been installed in an incorrect position, allowing the starter harness terminal to…
Recall details for the 2016 Nissan Frontier → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 119 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10251535Feb 22, 2024Equipment, Electrical system. SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR INFOTAINMENT ISSUES This bulletin is no longer active. To access infotainment software updates via the Infotainment Software Update Utility: Select SPECIALTY TOOLS, and then…
- 10249899Jan 29, 2024Electrical system. NISSANCONNECT NAVIGATION SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE TO RESOLVE SEVERAL ISSUES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Frontier
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 2,700 | 1 | 4 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 9 | — | 3 | 4 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 22 | 1,100 | 3 | 4 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 66 | 4,500 | 1 | 4 | 21 | 94 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 112 | 2,000 | 6 | 4 | 20 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 20 | 26,500 | 2 | 4 | 20 | — | Rising |
| 2020 | 23 | 28,000 | 2 | 4 | 20 | — | Rising |
| 2019 | 28 | 12,000 | 1 | 4 | 19 | 21 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 25 | 9,745 | 2 | — | 19 | 31 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 38 | 17,500 | 1 | 4 | 19 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 44 | 32,500 | 1 | — | 19 | 46 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 33 | 29,000 | 0 | — | 19 | 23 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2014 | 42 | 35,000 | 2 | — | 19 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 48 | 27,000 | 1 | — | 19 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2012 | 80 | 43,000 | 3 | — | 19 | 72 · More | Rising |
| 2011 | 64 | 47,800 | 1 | — | 19 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 59 | 41,000 | 4 | — | 19 | 72 · More | Rising |
| 2009 | 37 | 60,097 | 3 | — | 19 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 136 | 85,000 | 5 | — | 19 | 77 · More | Stable |
| 2007 | 520 | 82,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 617 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 532 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 66 | 61,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 77 | 65,500 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 124 | 69,500 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 134 | 73,850 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 189 | 88,125 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 78 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 129 | 110,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Nissan Frontier model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Nissan Frontier have?
NHTSA recorded 44 consumer complaints for the 2016 Nissan Frontier as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Nissan Frontier is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 10 complaints (23% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 10.
Has the 2016 Nissan Frontier been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Nissan Frontier get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Nissan Frontier (Frontier 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Nissan Frontier reported?
Among the 24 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 32,500 miles and the middle half falls between 10,000 and 52,000 miles; 71% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.