VehicleVerdict

2016 Nissan Pathfinder problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder sits mid-pack among Pathfinder years: 128 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 124, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (28), other (22), and airbags (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

128

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Pathfinder years?

Pathfinder NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted1,560 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 31 complaints1988: 17 complaints1989: 19 complaints1990: 44 complaints1991: 49 complaints1992: 38 complaints1993: 67 complaints1994: 108 complaints1995: 218 complaints1996: 214 complaints1997: 293 complaints1998: 194 complaints1999: 144 complaints2000: 166 complaints2001: 299 complaints2002: 206 complaints2003: 147 complaints2004: 86 complaints2005: 1,560 complaints2006: 1,224 complaints2007: 846 complaints2008: 458 complaints2009: 51 complaints2010: 61 complaints2011: 59 complaints2012: 35 complaints2013: 1,208 complaints2014: 747 complaints2015: 432 complaints2016: 128 complaints2017: 253 complaints2018: 121 complaints2019: 119 complaints2020: 74 complaints2022: 195 complaints2023: 147 complaints2024: 114 complaints2025: 74 complaints2026: 8 complaints
Pathfinder NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Pathfinder years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Nissan Pathfinder problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2822%
Other2217%
Airbags1814%
Brakes1411%
Electrical System119%
Transmission65%
Visibility & Wipers54%
Tires & Wheels43%
Seats32%
Latches & Locks32%
Steering32%
Body & Structure32%
Speed Control22%
Fuel System11%
Child Seat11%
Suspension11%
Lighting11%
Seat Belts11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V420000Latches & LocksJune 13, 2022 · 322,671 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Pathfinder vehicles. On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed.

Consequence

An unsecured hood could unexpectedly open while driving, obstructing the driver's view, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the bell crank assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 26, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are R22A2 R22A3 and R24B7.

16V244000AirbagsApril 26, 2016 · 3,296,947 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.

Consequence

If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I DROVE UP TO 16,000 MILES AND THEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY MADE A WEIRD SOUND. I WENT TO 2 NISSAN DEALERSHIPS TO CHECK IT OUT AND IT SAID IT WAS NORMAL FOR 2016 PATHFINDER.BUT WHILE DRIVING SOMETIMES IT WILL CAUSE A HUMMING NOISE LIKE A BEE AND ITS REALLY ANNOYING, I WENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND IT SAID…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 2, 2018 · crash

“I DROVE UP TO 16,000 MILES AND THEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY MADE A WEIRD SOUND. I WENT TO 2 NISSAN DEALERSHIPS TO CHECK IT OUT AND IT SAID IT WAS NORMAL FOR 2016 PATHFINDER.BUT WHILE DRIVING SOMETIMES IT WILL CAUSE A HUMMING NOISE LIKE A BEE AND ITS REALLY ANNOYING, I WENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND IT SAID…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 2, 2018 · crash

“ON 21 DEC 2020 WE WERE IN A ACCIDENT WITH A DEER WE WEAR GOING ABOUT 80MPH WHEN THE DEAR CAME OUT OF NO WEAR AND WE HIT IT HEAD ON AND NEITHER ONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED MY HUSBAND HIT HIS HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL AND NEITHER ONE THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED I WAS SITTING IN PASSENGER SEAT AND NOTHING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 21, 2020 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS ENTERING THE DRIVE WAY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDDLE WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A PATIO AND STRUCK AN ABOVE GROUND POOL. THE POOL WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER HITTING THE POOL AND CAME TO REST WITH THE FRONT TIRES OFF THE WALL OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 2, 2020 · crash

“2016 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH 81,000 MILES. DUAL COOLING FANS BEHIND RADIATOR HAVE LOUD RATTLE, ESPECIALLY WHILE A/C IS BEING USED. NISSAN OF CHATTANOOGA EAST STATES COMMON FAILURE AT BEARINGS INSIDE THE DUAL COOLING FANS BEHIND RADIATOR. THIS IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY BUT IS SO VERY COMMON THERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 10, 2019

2016 Nissan Pathfinder — common questions

Is the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

It is close to typical for the Pathfinder: 128 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2016 Pathfinder problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (28 complaints), other (22 complaints), airbags (18 complaints).

Does the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Nissan Pathfinder years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pathfinder years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2013, 2007, 2014, 2008, 2015, 2001, 1997, 2017, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2022, 1998, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Pathfinder years belongs to 1986.

How safe is the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.