Verdict
2016 Nissan Frontier: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2016 Nissan Frontier — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Fewer reported complaints than most truck.
Owners filed 42 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 92% of 2016 trucks. Air Bags leads the reports (24%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2016 trucks, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
42
Reports to NHTSA, 2016
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
18.5
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 92% of 2016 trucks
The bar is this car's percentile among 2016 trucks by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (24% of 42 reports), followed by engine (14%).
+ 5 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 42 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11519626, ODI 11080268, ODI 11608384, ODI 11519270, ODI 11389453.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Electrical System · 16V181000Details +Close −
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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2016 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC RWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
2016 Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC 4WD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
2016 Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC RWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
2016 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC 4WD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 19 | 23 | 21 |
| Frontier 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 17 | 22 | 19 |
| Frontier 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 5-spd | 17 | 22 | 19 |
| Frontier 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 16 | 21 | 18 |
| Frontier 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 5-spd | 16 | 22 | 18 |
| Frontier 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 5-spd | 15 | 21 | 17 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2016 Nissan Frontier: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2016 Nissan Frontier?
Owners filed 42 NHTSA complaints about the 2016 Nissan Frontier — fewer complaints than 92% of comparable 2016 trucks, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2016 Nissan Frontier?
The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (24% of complaints) and engine (14%).
How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Frontier have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2016 Nissan Frontier, covering components such as electrical system. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Nissan Frontier get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Nissan Frontier between 17 and 21 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.