VehicleVerdict

2016 Nissan Frontier problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Nissan Frontier sits mid-pack among Frontier years: 55 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 85, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (10), fuel system (8), and engine (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

55

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Frontier years?

Frontier NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted836 complaints1998: 146 complaints1999: 106 complaints2000: 224 complaints2001: 155 complaints2002: 152 complaints2003: 92 complaints2004: 89 complaints2005: 750 complaints2006: 836 complaints2007: 699 complaints2008: 187 complaints2009: 44 complaints2010: 76 complaints2011: 84 complaints2012: 98 complaints2013: 65 complaints2014: 50 complaints2015: 48 complaints2016: 55 complaints2017: 45 complaints2018: 29 complaints2019: 39 complaints2020: 31 complaints2021: 25 complaints2022: 192 complaints2023: 114 complaints2024: 28 complaints2025: 9 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Frontier NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Frontier years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Nissan Frontier problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1018%
Engine815%
Other815%
Fuel System815%
Body & Structure47%
Transmission35%
Brakes35%
Electrical System35%
Tires & Wheels24%
Steering24%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Driver Assistance12%
Seat Belts12%
Suspension12%

Does the 2016 Nissan Frontier have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V181000Electrical SystemMarch 31, 2016 · 1,554 units

Defect

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 contact the heat shield and result in an electrical short.

Consequence

An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reposition the starter wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WE PURCHASED OUR 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER IN OCTOBER 2016. UNFORTUNATELY WE HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THREE MAJOR CAR ACCIDENTS AND TWO OUT OF THE THREE TIMES THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. EVERY ACCIDENT WE WERE INVOLVED IN COST OVER $10,000 TO REPAIR OUR VEHICLE SO WE KNOW THAT THE FRONT END DAMAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 20, 2018 · crash

“IN MOTION, PULLING INTO PARKING STALL, WHEN SOMETHING STARTED TO SMELL LIKE IT WAS ON FIRE, STARTED TO SEE FLAMES COMING FROM MOTOR. CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. POLICE CASE #19-0773 *DT *DT*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 17, 2019 · fire

“AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN DRIVING ON A DIRT ROAD. FUEL RELATED, BUT NOT SURE, ENGINE LIGHT IS ON IT MIGHT BE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM VENT CIRCUIT SHORTED. LEFT WHEEL PASSENGER SIDE ROTOR COVER KEEPS TWISTING AND RUBS AGAINST THE WHEEL AND MAKES NOISE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 22, 2017

“AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN DRIVING ON A DIRT ROAD. FUEL RELATED, BUT NOT SURE, ENGINE LIGHT IS ON IT MIGHT BE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM VENT CIRCUIT SHORTED. LEFT WHEEL PASSENGER SIDE ROTOR COVER KEEPS TWISTING AND RUBS AGAINST THE WHEEL AND MAKES NOISE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 22, 2017

“IN MOTION, PULLING INTO PARKING STALL, WHEN SOMETHING STARTED TO SMELL LIKE IT WAS ON FIRE, STARTED TO SEE FLAMES COMING FROM MOTOR. CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. POLICE CASE #19-0773 *DT *DT*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 17, 2019 · fire

2016 Nissan Frontier — common questions

Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 55 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Frontier year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2016 Frontier problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (10 complaints), fuel system (8 complaints), engine (8 complaints).

Does the 2016 Nissan Frontier have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Nissan Frontier. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Frontier years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Frontier years to avoid are 2006, 2005, 2007, 2000, 2022, 2008, 2001, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among Frontier years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.