2016 Nissan Frontier Safety Report
2016 NISSAN FRONTIER Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Nissan Frontier
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Nissan Frontier. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (42) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 4 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Air Bags | Compare air bags issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Nissan Frontier with 17 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2022 | Check the 2022 Nissan Frontier before buying across this generation. |
Nissan Frontier Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Nissan Frontier years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Nissan Frontier | 37 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Nissan Frontier | 33 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Nissan Frontier | 25 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Nissan Frontier | 26 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Nissan Frontier | 17 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Nissan Frontier | 105 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2016 Nissan Frontier Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Nissan Frontier, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Air Bags
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Nissan onlyFuel/Propulsion System
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Nissan onlyEngine
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Nissan onlyUnknown Or Other
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Nissan onlyStructure
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Nissan onlyWheels
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Wheels issues Nissan onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Nissan Frontier
Reliability Score
The 2016 Nissan Frontier receives a reliability score of 72 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Nissan Frontier
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Nissan Frontier
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Nissan Frontier:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Deployment Failure Airbags in the 2016 Nissan Frontier have been reported to fail to deploy during accidents, which can significantly increase the risk of injury or fatality. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel Pump Malfunction Fuel pump issues are common, causing engine stalling and potential loss of control, especially at higher speeds. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Vibration And Hesitation The engine in the 2016 Nissan Frontier may experience vibration at low RPM and hesitation or stalling during acceleration, which can affect driving safety. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Structural Issues Cracks have been reported in the front right truck bed mounting location, which can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Nissan Frontier:
Airbags are a critical safety feature, and their failure can be life-threatening.
Fuel pump issues can lead to engine stalling and loss of control.
Engine vibration and hesitation can affect driving safety and performance.
Cracks in the truck bed can compromise the vehicle's structural integrity.
Recall Details for the 2016 Nissan Frontier
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2016 Nissan Frontier by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reposition the starter wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Nissan Frontier
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Nissan Frontier with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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...
A loud squeaking has developed during every day driving. After inspecting - the front right truck bed mounting location has cracked and failed.
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 IS...
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.
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.
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...
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.
Airbags didn’t deployed when the incident of the the truck crashed at the time. (April 05,2023)
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 cau...
All glass in vehicle showing spotted areas with factory tinting
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...
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...
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 AW...
ENGINE VIBRATION AT LOW RPM THAT CAN'T BE EXPLAINED BY SEVERAL MECHANICS.
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 TRA...
KEY LOCKED IN IGNITION THEN STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. CAR WAS PARKED AT A PUBLIC BEACH PARKING LOT BEFORE THE ISSUE OCCURRED.
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.
THE YAWRATE SENSOR AND ABS DIAGNOSTIC MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED TO KEEP MY VEHICLE FROM GRABBING THE BRAKES AS I STARTED DRIVING
HESITATION FROM IDLE TO TAKE OFF-NEVER KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO ACT UP,FOR EXAMPLE TURNING IN FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE-- WILL I MAKE IT THIS TIME WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT? *TR
MY VEHICLE WAS BURGLARIZED. THE THIEVES GOT IN THROUGH THE REAR SLIDING GLASS. THE LATCH DOES NOT LOCK AND IS FAULTY. IF THE LATCH WAS FULLY FUNCTIONAL, NOBODY WOULD HAVE GONE IN AND STOLEN EVERYTHING I OWNED.
Showing 20 of 42 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Nissan Frontier
Has the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER have?
The 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER has 42 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 3 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER?
The 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER involve air bags (8 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (5 complaints), engine (5 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, structure, wheels.
How many crash reports does the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER have?
There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER out of 42 total complaints (7.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER out of 42 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER?
3 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 42 complaints, 1 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER are: 1. AIR BAGS (8 complaints), 2. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5 complaints), 3. ENGINE (5 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints), 5. STRUCTURE (3 complaints). AIR BAGS is the single most-reported problem area with 8 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER?
Be cautious of airbag deployment failures and fuel system issues. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the safety of your vehicle. The 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER has 42 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER?
The 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER receives a reliability score of 72/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 42 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 4 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Airbag deployment failure and Fuel pump malfunction.
What are the known issues with the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER?
Known issues with the 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER include: Airbag deployment failure, Fuel pump malfunction, Engine vibration and hesitation, Structural issues. These are based on patterns found across 42 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Can airbags in my 2016 Nissan Frontier fail to deploy?
Yes, airbags have been reported to fail to deploy during accidents, which can increase the risk of injury or fatality.
What should I do if I experience engine stalling while driving?
Check for fuel pump issues and consult a mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Nissan Frontier?
Yes, there are recalls related to the fuel system and wiring issues in the front underhood area.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of airbag deployment failures and fuel system issues. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the safety of your vehicle.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Nissan Frontier
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Nissan Frontier. The data includes 42 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16