YearToAvoid

2016 Nissan Frontier Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

55/100

#10 most-complained of 21 Frontier years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2016 Nissan Frontier has 43 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 55 out of 100 — #10 highest of 21 Frontier model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is airbags (10 complaints, 23% of the total). Complaints report 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries.

Complaints
43
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
3 / 1
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
18.5
16.5 city / 22 hwy

Top 2016 Nissan Frontier problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags10 (23%)
  2. Other9 (21%)
  3. Engine8 (19%)
  4. Fuel System8 (19%)
  5. Structure & Body4 (9%)
  6. Brakes3 (7%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain3 (7%)
  8. Electrical System2 (5%)
  9. Steering2 (5%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (5%)
2016 Nissan Frontier complaints: complaints filed per month4Nov 2015Jan 2017Apr 2018Jan 2019May 2020Dec 2020Jun 2024Jul 2026
54 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2015 to Jul 2026; peak Jan 2019 (4).

2016 Nissan Frontier recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 16V181000Mar 31, 2016Electrical System1,554 vehicles

    Electrical system:wiring:front underhood

    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.

    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.

2016 Nissan Frontier fuel economy and fuel cost

City
16.5 MPG
Highway
22 MPG
Combined
18.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,500
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2016 compared with other Frontier years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2014Good3542218.5
2015Best2033018.5
2016Caution5543118.5
2017Caution5038118.5
2018Best025218.5

All Nissan Frontier years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 Nissan Frontier ranks #10 of 21 among Frontier model years (Complaint Index 55/100, verdict: Caution). It has 43 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Frontier?
The most reported problem areas are airbags (10 complaints), engine (8 complaints), and fuel system (8 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 32,500 miles.
Does the 2016 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2016 Nissan Frontier, most recently reported 2016, covering electrical system.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Nissan Frontier?
EPA rates the 2016 Nissan Frontier at 18.5 MPG combined (16.5 city / 22 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,500. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.