2016 Nissan Altima
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 122 |
| 1994 | 106 |
| 1995 | 180 |
| 1996 | 92 |
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 123 |
| 1999 | 87 |
| 2000 | 160 |
| 2001 | 159 |
| 2002 | 1047 |
| 2003 | 883 |
| 2004 | 276 |
| 2005 | 1091 |
| 2006 | 824 |
| 2007 | 471 |
| 2008 | 1028 |
| 2009 | 1547 |
| 2010 | 380 |
| 2011 | 241 |
| 2012 | 423 |
| 2013 | 2303 |
| 2014 | 1111 |
| 2015 | 941 |
| 2016 | 544 |
| 2017 | 382 |
| 2018 | 223 |
| 2019 | 223 |
| 2020 | 172 |
| 2021 | 67 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
42% of complaints: power train — 230 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY16% of complaints: engine — 86 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: air bags — 67 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
HUSBAND WAS IN AN ACCIDENT IN JUNE. STOPPED AT A REDLIGHT ON THE CITY STREET GOING NORTH, WHEN HE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. THE REAR END ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171107
DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT TIME OF ACCIDENT. NEITHER STEERING WHEEL NOR SIDE AIRBAGS. DRIVER, MYSELF, WAS GOING WITH FLOW OF TRAFFIC (40-44 MPH) ON CITY STREET ON THE 2ND LANE AT 5:30 PM AT TIME OF ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171102
12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 63 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 NISSAN ALTIMA.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161107
7% of complaints: electrical system — 37 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
AS WE WERE PULLING UP TO STOP LIGHT CAR DIED, WOULD NOT START BACK UP. SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND IMMEDIATELY FLAMES. TOTAL LOSS OF CAR BURNED THE COMPLETE MOTOR ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE DASH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170313
SAFETY TIMELINE
Nissan North America, Inc.
Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors.
Campaign 16V244000 — check if this car was fixed
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles. The rear door latch/lock cable on the vehicles may have been improperly routed.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will correct the rear door latch/lock cable routing, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 17V040000 — check if this car was fixed
Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will secure the latch-lock cables in the correct position using the new remedy procedure, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7669.
Campaign 18V915000 — check if this car was fixed
Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an OwnerÂs Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the...
Campaign 20V315000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (230 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (86 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (67 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V244000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V040000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V915000 (latches/locks/linkages, structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V315000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Nissan Altima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Nissan Altima is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Altima?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Altima have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.