2016 Nissan Pathfinder problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 107 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder, filed between 2016-04-07 and 2026-08-10. The most common problem areas are the engine (27, 25%), air bags (19, 18%) and electrical system (11, 10%). Owners reported 10 crashes and 5 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Nissan Pathfinder complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 27 | 25% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 21 | 20% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 19 | 18% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 10% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 11 | 10% | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 8 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 4 | 4% | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 3 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Structure | 3 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 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.
Engine: 27 complaints
- 27 complaints of 107 (25%) name the engine.
- 5 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder covers this system.
Air bags: 19 complaints
- 19 complaints of 107 (18%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 2 of them also name the seats; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder; 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.”
Electrical system: 11 complaints
- 11 complaints of 107 (10%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 5 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder covers this system.
Service brakes: 11 complaints
- 11 complaints of 107 (10%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- Owners reported 4 crashes in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder covers this system.
Power train: 8 complaints
- 8 complaints of 107 (7%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 2 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder covers this system.
Visibility/wiper: 4 complaints
- 4 complaints of 107 (4%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2019 | 26 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 3 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names PATHFINDER, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder's most common problem areas are the engine (27 of 107 complaints), air bags (19 of 107 complaints) and electrical system (11 of 107 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder have?
NHTSA has 107 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder, including 10 reported crashes.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder's problems?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.