2016 Nissan Altima problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 553 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Nissan Altima, filed between 2016-05-02 and 2026-09-08. The most common problem areas are the power train (235, 42%), engine (86, 16%) and air bags (70, 13%). Owners reported 28 crashes, 3 fires, 32 injuries and 1 death in these complaints. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Nissan Altima complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 235 | 42% | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Engine | 86 | 16% | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| Unknown or other | 81 | 15% | 4 | 1 | 7 |
| Air bags | 70 | 13% | 12 | 1 | 15 |
| Vehicle speed control | 65 | 12% | 4 | 0 | 5 |
| Electrical system | 42 | 8% | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 42 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 29 | 5% | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 27 | 5% | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 22 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 16 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 12 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 11 | 2% | 4 | 0 | 7 |
| Seats | 10 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Visibility/wiper | 8 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 235 complaints
- 235 complaints of 553 (42%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 37 of them also name the engine; owners reported 3 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Nissan Altima covers this system.
Engine: 86 complaints
- 86 complaints of 553 (16%) name the engine.
- 37 of them also name the power train; owners reported 3 crashes and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Nissan Altima covers this system.
Air bags: 70 complaints
- 70 complaints of 553 (13%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 6 of them also name the power train; owners reported 12 crashes, 1 fire and 15 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Nissan Altima; the recall, campaign 16V244000, says: “In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied.”
Vehicle speed control: 65 complaints
- 65 complaints of 553 (12%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 33 of them also name the power train; owners reported 4 crashes and 5 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Nissan Altima covers this system.
Electrical system: 42 complaints
- 42 complaints of 553 (8%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 9 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 death in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Nissan Altima covers this system.
Exterior lighting: 42 complaints
- 42 complaints of 553 (8%) name the exterior lighting — headlights, tail and brake lights and turn signals.
- 3 of them also name the power train; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Nissan Altima covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 14 |
| 2017 | 25 |
| 2018 | 55 |
| 2019 | 115 |
| 2020 | 80 |
| 2021 | 57 |
| 2022 | 67 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2024 | 34 |
| 2025 | 36 |
| 2026 | 17 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names ALTIMA, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Nissan Altima recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Altima?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Nissan Altima's most common problem areas are the power train (235 of 553 complaints), engine (86 of 553 complaints) and air bags (70 of 553 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Nissan Altima have?
NHTSA has 553 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Nissan Altima, including 28 reported crashes and 3 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Nissan Altima's problems?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Nissan Altima; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.