Owners have filed 56 complaints
about the 2016 Nissan Frontier with NHTSA between 2015 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 27 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 17
Against the median year of the Nissan Frontier. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
19.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
59% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2016 compares with every other Nissan Frontier
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
412.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
515.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
515.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
825.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
825.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
26.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2015peak 4Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2016 Nissan Frontier
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
16V181000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2016150126 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles equipped with a V6 engine, the starter motor wiring harness may have been installed in an incorrect position. This could cause the wiring harness to come in contact with the starter heat shield resulting in an electrical short, which would increase the risk of fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction : Dealers will inspect and reposition the wiring harness as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Greeley, COCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
Airbags didn’t deployed when the incident of the the truck crashed at the time. (April 05,2023)
NHTSA complaint #11519626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greeley, COCrash3 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Airbags didn’t deployed when the incident of the the truck crashed at the time. (April 05,2023)
NHTSA complaint #11519626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Federal WAY, WAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
IN MOTION, PULLING INTO PARKING STALL, WHEN SOMETHING STARTED TO SMELL LIKE IT WAS ON FIRE, STARTED TO SEE FLAMES COMING FROM MOTOR. CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. POLICE CASE #19-0773 *DT *DT
NHTSA complaint #11170646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Federal WAY, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IN MOTION, PULLING INTO PARKING STALL, WHEN SOMETHING STARTED TO SMELL LIKE IT WAS ON FIRE, STARTED TO SEE FLAMES COMING FROM MOTOR. CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. POLICE CASE #19-0773 *DT *DT
NHTSA complaint #11170646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Federal WAY, WAFire
ENGINE
IN MOTION, PULLING INTO PARKING STALL, WHEN SOMETHING STARTED TO SMELL LIKE IT WAS ON FIRE, STARTED TO SEE FLAMES COMING FROM MOTOR. CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. POLICE CASE #19-0773 *DT *DT
NHTSA complaint #11170646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesGrand Terrace, CACrash
AIR BAGS
WE PURCHASED OUR 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER IN OCTOBER 2016. UNFORTUNATELY WE HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THREE MAJOR CAR ACCIDENTS AND TWO OUT OF THE THREE TIMES THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. EVERY ACCIDENT WE WERE INVOLVED IN COST OVER $10,000 TO REPAIR OUR VEHICLE SO WE KNOW THAT THE FRONT END DAMAGE WAS VERY SEVERE. WE WOULD LIKE OUR VEHICLE INSPECTED FOR ANY AIR BAG MAIL FUNCTION THE LAST ACCIDENT WE WERE INVOLVED IN WE HIT VERY HARD AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL PRETTY HARD.
NHTSA complaint #11080268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Ligonier, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
OUR 2016 NISSAN FRONTER HAS A SLOW AIR LEAK ON THE TIRES AFTER HAVEING THEM CHECKED BY A TIRE DEALER IT WAS FOUND THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR (TPS) WAS LEAKING AT THE CORE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE CORE OR THE NUT THAT HOLDS THE TPS ON THE WHEEL. GALVONIC REACTION HAD WELDED ALL IN PLACE . DEALER CUT THE VALVE OFF AND REPLACED WITH A NEW TPS (NON METAL) AS IS THERE PRATICE AS THEY HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH METAL ONES IN THE PAST . I THINK THIS COULD BE A PROBLEM WITH OTHER TPSs AND COULD HAVE LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE OR AT LEAST THE OWNER WOULD BE UNABLE TO ADD AIR TO TIRE THE TPS IS A STOCK NISSAN SCHRADER ELECTRONICS RTPMS 40700 1AA0B BLUE IN COLOR
NHTSA complaint #11753328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Slidell, LA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am experiencing a fuel pump issue that stalls the engine while driving. The issue will sometimes go away if I first loosen the fuel cap on the gas tank to relieve built up pressure but after driving for 10 to 15 minutes or so the vehicle will begin to jerk while accelerating then it will stall and cut off. I have to wait a few minutes once it cuts off and then I can start the engine up again and drive for another 10 to 15 minutes before the issue occurs again. The vehicle has over 120,000 miles on it and all parts are original to the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11694089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashville, TN
STRUCTURE:BODY
A loud squeaking has developed during every day driving. After inspecting - the front right truck bed mounting location has cracked and failed.
NHTSA complaint #11624547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waycross, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE FUELING AT DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS THE TANK SPILLS/BELCHES GAS ALL OVER. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS RECALLED. THERE ARE ENDLESS COMPLAINTS ON [XXX] OF SIMILAR ISSUES OCCURRING TO OTHER FRONTIER OWNERS. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND WAS QUOTED OVER $800 TO REPLACE ALL 5 COMPONENTS OF THE SYSTEM AS NISSAN HAS SUGGESTED IN A BULLETIN FOR MECHANICS. IF NISSAN IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE ENOUGH TO ISSUE A TECHNICAL BULLETIN THEN THE ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED FOR FREE BECAUSE GAS SPILLING/SPRAYING ALL OVER ME EVERY TIME I FILL UP MY VEHICLE IS OUT RIGHT DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11614337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salida, CO
AIR BAGS
The airbag warning light is blinking and has been for approximately 9 months. I live in Salida, CO which does not have a Nissan Dealership to take my vehicle into for servicing. I recently saw an article on Fox 31 News pertaining to the same airbag malfunction and would like to know what to do about my problem.
NHTSA complaint #11608384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Partlow, VA
ENGINE
Head gasket blew and it warped the heads at 98,000 miles Replace motor with a 51,000 mile motor and less than 2 months later, motor is knocking inside with broken peices of the motor. I have to replace it again.
NHTSA complaint #11597546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, MD
WHEELS
The issues iw with the lug nuts expanding locking on the tire so it cannot be takeoff for rotation or replacement or if you have a flat tire tout on the spare. Went to BJ's tire in Pasadena, MD (1-410-647-6600) to have a rotation and they said they could not do it the lug nuts expanded to larger size and it could cross thread if they got them off and tried tout them back on. AS WELL THEY MIGHT NOT BE SECURED TIGHT ENOUGH THAT THEY WOULD NOT FALLOFF WHILE DRIVING. A SAFTY ISSUES WITH BJ'S. BOTH MECHANICS VERIFIED IT AND THE TWO MANAGERS OF THE STORE AS WE.. I did not believe them so I took it to Sheehy Nissan in glen Burnie where the two top managers verified that the lug nut expanded so large they had to be replaces OR IT WOULD BE A SAFTY ISSUE with me driving with he old one on as they cannot be safely tightened down and may come off during driving. So I need all 24 lug nuts replaced. I think he said they expanded from 21 mm (or cm) to 22.5 mm (or cm).the manager has been doing this for over 30 years and his assistant said the same who has been doing it for over 25 years. Mr Brian Jordan at 1-410-760-3500 ext #81052) So I need all 24 replaced as the rest could expand. The real cost is over $800 but willing to do it for like $550 plus tire rotation. As both BJ's managers and tire people and Nissan managers are saying thesis a serious safety issue I believe them. They say unless proper tools used other issues can occur. And ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO REMOVE BY THE OWNER OF THE VECHILE. Especially if the person icon the road replacing the tier with the spare. They showed me on the internet the issues with ford and other manufactures from before 2000 having this issue. As I am [XXX] it would be really hard to deal with if an emergency came up o the road. You need look into this issue. IT IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE esp. for older folks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11592565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waynesville, NC
POWER TRAIN
My 2016 Nissan Frontier is leaking axle grease from the driver side rear tire. The grease/oil got all over the brake pads, rotor, and emergency brake. This seems to be a very common issue that was supposed to have been resolved several models prior.
NHTSA complaint #11562865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waynesville, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2016 Nissan Frontier is leaking axle grease from the driver side rear tire. The grease/oil got all over the brake pads, rotor, and emergency brake. This seems to be a very common issue that was supposed to have been resolved several models prior.
NHTSA complaint #11562865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greeley, COCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
Airbags didn’t deployed when the incident of the the truck crashed at the time. (April 05,2023)
NHTSA complaint #11519626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greeley, COCrash3 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Airbags didn’t deployed when the incident of the the truck crashed at the time. (April 05,2023)
NHTSA complaint #11519626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,632 milesBelleville, IL
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle air bags warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the air bag system was disconnected under the passenger’s side dashboard. The system was reconnected, and the failure was remedied. The contact stated that the failure had recently reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 90,632.
NHTSA complaint #11519270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Allen, VA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
All glass in vehicle showing spotted areas with factory tinting
NHTSA complaint #11517510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesBrookhaven, NY
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11466030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,400 milesIndianapolis, IN
AIR BAGS
I HAVE A 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER WITH ONLY 68,000 MILES ON IT. THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH STARTED FLASHING. I TOOK IT TO ANY MOHR NISSAN AND THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOR INSIDE THE PASSENGER SEAT THAT TELLS THE SYSTEM IF SOMEONE IS SITTING THERE HAS FAILED AND THAT IT IS AN $1800 REPAIR, BECAUSE THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT IS TO REPLACE THE WHOLE SEAT. THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T SAY WHETHER THE AIRBAG WOULD DEPLOY OR NOT IN AN ACCIDENT IF I DIDN'T FIX THE SENSOR.
NHTSA complaint #11389453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesGrand Junction, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE FUELING AT DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS THE TANK SPILLS/BELCHES GAS ALL OVER. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS RECALLED. THERE ARE ENDLESS COMPLAINTS ON WWW.CLUBFRONTIER.ORG OF SIMILAR ISSUES OCCURRING TO OTHER FRONTIER OWNERS. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND WAS QUOTED OVER $800 TO REPLACE ALL 5 COMPONENTS OF THE SYSTEM AS NISSAN HAS SUGGESTED IN A BULLETIN FOR MECHANICS. IF NISSAN IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE ENOUGH TO ISSUE A TECHNICAL BULLETIN THEN THE ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED FOR FREE BECAUSE GAS SPILLING/SPRAYING ALL OVER ME EVERY TIME I FILL UP MY VEHICLE IS OUT RIGHT DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE. BULLETIN NUMBER NTB16-122
NHTSA complaint #11385655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pepper Pike, OH
ENGINE
ENGINE VIBRATION AT LOW RPM THAT CAN'T BE EXPLAINED BY SEVERAL MECHANICS.
NHTSA complaint #11375755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesHuntsville, AL
ENGINE
ENGINE HESITATES OR STALLS ON ACCELERATION. WHEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP ENGINE HESITATES TO NEAR STALL NO MATTER HOW HARD OR FAR YOU PRESS GAS PEDAL. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. INTERMITTENT ISSUE, NO FAILURE CODES WHEN TESTED. IF ENGINE DOESN'T STALL, VEHICLE IS AT A STAND STILL EVEN WITH GAS PEDAL TO FLOOR OR PUMPING GAS PEDAL. IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME, EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. NEARLY HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC SEVERAL TIMES. DEALERSHIP HAS HAD MANY REPORTS OF SAME ISSUE, BUT NO SOLUTION. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11373557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesHuntsville, AL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ENGINE HESITATES OR STALLS ON ACCELERATION. WHEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP ENGINE HESITATES TO NEAR STALL NO MATTER HOW HARD OR FAR YOU PRESS GAS PEDAL. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. INTERMITTENT ISSUE, NO FAILURE CODES WHEN TESTED. IF ENGINE DOESN'T STALL, VEHICLE IS AT A STAND STILL EVEN WITH GAS PEDAL TO FLOOR OR PUMPING GAS PEDAL. IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME, EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. NEARLY HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC SEVERAL TIMES. DEALERSHIP HAS HAD MANY REPORTS OF SAME ISSUE, BUT NO SOLUTION. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11373557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delray Beach, FL
STEERING
KEY LOCKED IN IGNITION THEN STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. CAR WAS PARKED AT A PUBLIC BEACH PARKING LOT BEFORE THE ISSUE OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #11352922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delray Beach, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
KEY LOCKED IN IGNITION THEN STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. CAR WAS PARKED AT A PUBLIC BEACH PARKING LOT BEFORE THE ISSUE OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #11352922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesPahoa, HI
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION AND BRAIN REPAIR BY DEALERSHIP UNDER WARRANTY 20017, AND OVERHEATING PROBLEM DUE TO RADIATOR IN 2020 AFTER EXPIRE OF WARRANTY, $1000 OUT OF POCKET REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #11349599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesPahoa, HI
ENGINE
TRANSMISSION AND BRAIN REPAIR BY DEALERSHIP UNDER WARRANTY 20017, AND OVERHEATING PROBLEM DUE TO RADIATOR IN 2020 AFTER EXPIRE OF WARRANTY, $1000 OUT OF POCKET REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #11349599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,700 milesGlade Hill, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
THE YAWRATE SENSOR AND ABS DIAGNOSTIC MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED TO KEEP MY VEHICLE FROM GRABBING THE BRAKES AS I STARTED DRIVING
NHTSA complaint #11328733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,700 milesGlade Hill, VA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE YAWRATE SENSOR AND ABS DIAGNOSTIC MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED TO KEEP MY VEHICLE FROM GRABBING THE BRAKES AS I STARTED DRIVING
NHTSA complaint #11328733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.