MYRModel Year Report

2016 Nissan Frontier

▲ Better than typical
2016 Nissan Frontier
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:29:07.802Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Nissan Frontier Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2016 highlighted. 1998: 129 complaints 1998 1999: 78 complaints 2000: 189 complaints 2001: 134 complaints 2002: 124 complaints 2002 2003: 77 complaints 2004: 66 complaints 2005: 532 complaints 2006: 616 complaints 2006 2007: 520 complaints 2008: 136 complaints 2009: 37 complaints 2010: 59 complaints 2010 2011: 64 complaints 2012: 78 complaints 2013: 48 complaints 2014: 42 complaints 2014 2015: 33 complaints 2016: 42 complaints 2016 2017: 38 complaints 2018: 25 complaints 2018 2019: 28 complaints 2020: 22 complaints 2021: 17 complaints 2022: 110 complaints 2022 2023: 62 complaints 2024: 17 complaints 2025: 7 complaints 2026: 5 complaints 2026
2016: 42 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
1998129
199978
2000189
2001134
2002124
200377
200466
2005532
2006616
2007520
2008136
200937
201059
201164
201278
201348
201442
201533
201642
201738
201825
201928
202022
202117
2022110
202362
202417
20257
20265

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 24%

24% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180319

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 19%

19% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 8 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 19%

19% of complaints: engine — 8 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
STRUCTURE 10%

10% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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*JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20190117

SERVICE BRAKES 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes — 3 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231231

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20160413 — electrical system

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016 Frontier V6 vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to March 7, 2016.

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.

Campaign 16V181000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2016 Nissan Frontier — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 16V181000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2015 ▲ 2009 ▲ 2017

WORST YEARS

■ 2006 ■ 2005 ■ 2007

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Nissan Frontier is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Frontier?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Frontier have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.