YearToAvoid

2016 Nissan Pathfinder Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 30 engine-related complaints for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder, 29% of all complaints filed for this model year. Median mileage at failure was 50,000, and no related recall is listed for this engine issue.

Engine complaints
30
29% of 105
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
50,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe a loud humming or clicking noise from the engine area, often mistaken by dealers as normal operation.
  • Multiple reports describe the cooling fan rattling or hitting the fan shroud, producing a rubbing or knocking noise during driving and idling.
  • Several owners report the radiator fan assembly failing outright, sometimes with the fan striking the radiator and risking a puncture.
  • Some drivers report that replacement fan assemblies failed again after being repaired.
  • A few owners note dealers citing parts backorders for the radiator fan and shroud assembly due to high demand.
  • One report links the engine cooling fan issue to overheating and stalling risk if left unaddressed.

When 2016 Nissan Pathfinder engine complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 3, 2018, latest Apr 24, 2026.

2016 Nissan Pathfinder engine complaints: complaints filed per month4Apr 2018Jan 2019Jul 2019Dec 2019Jul 2020Jul 2021Mar 2024Apr 2026
30 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2018 to Apr 2026; peak Jan 2020 (4).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Pathfinder model year

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

  1. 20109 (23%)
  2. 201110 (22%)
  3. 20126 (26%)
  4. 2013150 (17%)
  5. 201486 (15%)
  6. 201594 (29%)
  7. 201630 (29%)
  8. 201787 (47%)
  9. 201822 (29%)
  10. 201921 (28%)
  11. 202018 (38%)
  12. 202224 (18%)
  13. 202318 (17%)
  14. 202421 (26%)
  15. 202510 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder?
NHTSA lists 30 engine complaints for this model year, making up 29% of all complaints filed for the 2016 Pathfinder.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder engine or cooling fan?
No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine complaint area.
At what mileage do these engine problems usually show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 50,000 miles.
What is the main engine complaint owners report?
Most complaints describe the cooling fan rattling, hitting the fan shroud, or failing outright, sometimes with an accompanying noise or overheating concern.
Did any 2016 Pathfinder engine complaints involve a crash or fire?
NHTSA records show 1 crash and 0 fires linked to these engine complaints.

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.