How common are engine problems on the 2016 Nissan Altima?

NHTSA lists 127 engine-related complaints for the 2016 model year, which is 23% of the 553 total complaints filed for that year.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Nissan Altima engine?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area.

At what mileage do 2016 Altima engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 54,220 miles.

Have engine complaints caused crashes or injuries?

Yes, NHTSA data tied to this engine problem area for the 2016 Altima lists 6 crashes and 6 injuries, with 0 fires.

Is the 2016 Altima's engine complaint rate worse than other years?

Its 23% share of complaints tied to engine issues is higher than most other Altima years shown, though 2019 (28%) and 2020 (27%) report higher shares.

2016 Nissan Altima Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 127 engine-related complaints for the 2016 Nissan Altima, 23% of all 553 complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure is 54,220 miles. No related recalls are listed for this problem area.

Engine complaints: 127; 23% of 553
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 54,220 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report the engine stalling or shutting off suddenly while driving, with dash lights going dark and no throttle response before the engine restarts on its own.
Some describe the vehicle continuing to accelerate even after applying the brake or trying to deactivate cruise control, in at least one case leading to a crash.
Others report the car hesitating, jerking, or revving with rising RPMs while losing forward acceleration, especially at highway speeds.
Several owners describe the car dying or coasting to a stop unexpectedly, then failing to restart or move for a period of time.
One owner reported occasional acceleration drag, RPM needle fluctuation, and a check engine light that appeared around the median failure mileage of 54,220 miles.

When 2016 Nissan Altima engine complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 7, 2016, latest Aug 3, 2026.

127 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q3 (8).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Nissan Altima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Altima model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201070 (18%)
201147 (20%)
2012105 (25%)
2013206 (9%)
2014100 (9%)
201595 (10%)
2016127 (23%)
201773 (19%)
201823 (10%)
201964 (28%)
202043 (27%)
20217 (10%)
20227 (23%)
20237 (24%)
20245 (12%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2016 Nissan Altima?: NHTSA lists 127 engine-related complaints for the 2016 model year, which is 23% of the 553 total complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Nissan Altima engine?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area.
At what mileage do 2016 Altima engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 54,220 miles.
Have engine complaints caused crashes or injuries?: Yes, NHTSA data tied to this engine problem area for the 2016 Altima lists 6 crashes and 6 injuries, with 0 fires.
Is the 2016 Altima's engine complaint rate worse than other years?: Its 23% share of complaints tied to engine issues is higher than most other Altima years shown, though 2019 (28%) and 2020 (27%) report higher shares.