2016 Nissan Pathfinder
This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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 |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 19 |
| 1988 | 17 |
| 1989 | 15 |
| 1990 | 38 |
| 1991 | 39 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 49 |
| 1994 | 91 |
| 1995 | 170 |
| 1996 | 159 |
| 1997 | 217 |
| 1998 | 149 |
| 1999 | 104 |
| 2000 | 112 |
| 2001 | 230 |
| 2002 | 156 |
| 2003 | 110 |
| 2004 | 67 |
| 2005 | 1050 |
| 2006 | 837 |
| 2007 | 561 |
| 2008 | 328 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 45 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 889 |
| 2014 | 573 |
| 2015 | 318 |
| 2016 | 103 |
| 2017 | 183 |
| 2018 | 76 |
| 2019 | 73 |
| 2020 | 50 |
| 2022 | 133 |
| 2023 | 97 |
| 2024 | 68 |
| 2025 | 42 |
| 2026 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
26% of complaints: engine — 27 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I DROVE UP TO 16,000 MILES AND THEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY MADE A WEIRD SOUND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180410
The engine in this vehicle has shut off two times while we were driving it. We were forced to make emergency exits off of the roadway in order to prevent injury to ourselves and others.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240320
17% of complaints: air bags — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH11% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ELECTRICAL PROBLEM RESULTED IN LOSS OF RPM AND BRAKES. COULD NOT SHUT OFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180328
11% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The engine in this vehicle has shut off two times while we were driving it. We were forced to make emergency exits off of the roadway in order to prevent injury to ourselves and others.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240320
6% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
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
Hood Latch/Bell Crank Assembly
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the bell crank assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 26, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are R22A2 R22A3 and R24B7.
Campaign 22V420000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V244000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V420000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder have?
2 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.