2016 Nissan FRONTIER
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2016 Nissan FRONTIER has 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 50. The most common issue is air bags problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2016 nissan frontier. after the vehicle was serviced for an oil change, the air bag warning light illuminated. the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 14,007. the vin was unavailable. updated 08/30/. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.
55
Total Complaints
1
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.1x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
AIR BAGS
10 complaints- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,007. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 08/30/
- • THE ISSUE WITH MY NISSAN FRONTIER IS THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING (INDICATING THAT THERE IS NOT SOMEONE SITTING IN THE SEAT AND THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT GO OFF) WHILE THERE HAVE BEEN FULL-GROWN ADULTS SITTING PROPERLY IN THE SEAT. . I WAS SENT TO A DEALER, WHERE I
- • 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.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,007. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 08/30/”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2016 Nissan FRONTIER
Based on 32 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 35K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
FUEL SYSTEM
OTHER
AIR BAGS
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (1)
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.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Nissan FRONTIER
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Nissan FRONTIER
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Nissan FRONTIER Service Intervals
CVT-equipped models (Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Pathfinder) MUST use Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid, not conventional ATF. Frequent CVT service extends life significantly.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Nissan New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2016 FRONTIER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Nissan dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 55 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,007. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 08/30/
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: THE THROTTLE ON THE TRUCK WILL FAIL TO ACCELERATE THEN WILL SURGE FORWARD. OTHER TIMES IT IS AS IF THE TRUCK ENGINE IS TRYING TO QUIT RUNNING . TODAY I STOPPED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND NO DCTS ON THE COMPUTER, AFTER TEST DRIVING THE TRUCK 10 MI. NO PROBLEMS FOUND. BUT THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: WHEN I STOP AND PUT THE GAS AGAIN THE TRANSMISSION DO NOT ENGAGE, AFTER AFTER SKIPPING THE ENGAGE IT ENGAGE SUDDENLY.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: 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 S
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Nissan dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Nissan FRONTIER — Year Comparison
How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 55
- Recalls
- 1
- Fire reports
- 2
- Crash reports
- 3
- Injury reports
- 3
- Segment avg
- 50
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2016 Nissan FRONTIER