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2016 Nissan Frontier
Solid pick. The public record on this car is clean for its age — inspect it, then negotiate with confidence.
42 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Very few owner complaints for its age and sales volume.
Complaints are overwhelmingly minor — almost none involve crashes, fires, or injuries.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2016 Nissan Frontier, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Airbags (10) · Fuel system (8) · Engine (8)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint — a rough guide, not a schedule.
Airbags
24%10 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“Airbags didn’t deployed when the incident of the the truck crashed at the time. (April 05,2023)”
Fuel system
19%8 complaints · 2 in the last 2 years
“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 bu…”
Engine
19%8 complaints
“ENGINE VIBRATION AT LOW RPM THAT CAN'T BE EXPLAINED BY SEVERAL MECHANICS.”
Body & structure
10%4 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“A loud squeaking has developed during every day driving. After inspecting - the front right truck bed mounting location has cracked and failed.”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Electrical System · 16V181000
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.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2016 Nissan FRONTIER beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2016? See how every Frontier model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2016 Nissan Frontier against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.