Photo: Cutlass / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons
2016 Nissan Frontier: common problems and reliability
An average Frontier year.
43 owner complaints, most about air bags. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2016 Frontier?The 2016 Nissan Frontier has 43 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and fuel/propulsion system. Owners most often flag timing chain/guide complaints (2005+ models): mentioned as a potential maintenance item.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Nissan Frontier vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Frontier years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Frontier?
Across the 29 Frontier model years we track, complaint volume runs from 25 (2018) to 1,234 (2006). With 43 complaints, the 2016 Frontier sits below the model's median of 74.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Frontier
electrical system:wiring:front underhood
Campaign 16V181000Nissan 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is bifurcated by generation and is generally positive for well-maintained, post-2010 models.
- IsolatedTiming chain/guide complaints (2005+ models)
Mentioned as a potential maintenance item.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Frontier. See the full Frontier owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Frontier listings typically run $13,127–$32,339.
Other Frontier model years
Compare every Frontier year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Frontier against its rivals
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