2016 Nissan Frontier problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 43 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Nissan Frontier, filed between 2015-11-10 and 2026-07-28. The most common problem areas are the air bags (10, 23%), engine (8, 19%) and fuel/propulsion system (8, 19%). Owners reported 3 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 1 recall for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Nissan Frontier complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 10 | 23% | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Unknown or other | 9 | 21% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 8 | 19% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 19% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 9% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 5% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 1 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 2% | 0 | 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.
Air bags: 10 complaints
- 10 complaints of 43 (23%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- Owners reported 2 crashes and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Nissan Frontier covers this system.
Engine: 8 complaints
- 8 complaints of 43 (19%) name the engine.
- Owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Nissan Frontier covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 8 complaints
- 8 complaints of 43 (19%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 2 of them also name the unknown or other; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Nissan Frontier covers this system.
Structure: 4 complaints
- 4 complaints of 43 (9%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- Owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Nissan Frontier covers this system.
Power train: 3 complaints
- 3 complaints of 43 (7%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Nissan Frontier covers this system.
Service brakes: 3 complaints
- 3 complaints of 43 (7%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Nissan Frontier covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names FRONTIER, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Nissan Frontier recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Frontier?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Nissan Frontier's most common problem areas are the air bags (10 of 43 complaints), engine (8 of 43 complaints) and fuel/propulsion system (8 of 43 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Nissan Frontier have?
NHTSA has 43 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Nissan Frontier, including 3 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Nissan Frontier's problems?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Nissan Frontier; 0 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.