2016 Nissan Pathfinder: common problems and reliability

One of the weaker Pathfinder years.

107 owner complaints, most about engine. 2 recalls.

Should I buy a 2016 Pathfinder?

The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder has 107 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and air bags.

Safety record for the 2016 model year

107
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
10
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Pathfinder years only. How we score it

Is 2016 a good year for the Pathfinder?

Across the 16 Pathfinder model years we track, complaint volume runs from 23 (2012) to 1,135 (2014). With 107 complaints, the 2016 Pathfinder sits above the model's median of 81.

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

engine
27
air bags
19
service brakes
14
electrical system
11
power train
8

Recalls affecting the 2016 Pathfinder

air bags:sensor:occupant classification

Campaign 16V244000

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. 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. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.

latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Campaign 22V420000

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Pathfinder vehicles. On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the current generation (2022+), which replaced the CVT with a conventional 9-speed automatic, initial sentiment is mixed.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Pathfinder. See the full Pathfinder owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Pathfinder listings typically run $17,239–$29,266.

Other Pathfinder model years

Compare every Pathfinder year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Pathfinder against its rivals

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