The Lemon Index2016 Nissan Frontier.
The 2016 Nissan Frontier is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 23 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 26, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 1 recall, and it gets 17 to 21 mpg combined. The best Nissan Frontier year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 43 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Frontier year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 9K to 54K miles on the car (24 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 1
- electrical 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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 119 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The MIL is ON with DTC P0448 (EVAP canister vent control valve close) stored in the ECM
- DRIVE SHAFT BOOT SERVICE INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION If a Drive Shaft (Axle Shaft) Boot on…
- 2015-2017 frontier; mil on with dtc p0448 and/or difficult to fill the fuel tank if you…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
| Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Takata recall air bag display lite flashes on and off ! Not safe in motion
2016 Nissan Frontier owner · NHTSA complaint 11203149
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 26; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Frontier year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2016 Nissan Frontier problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (26%), fuel or ev drive system (13%) and body structure (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Frontier have?
1 safety recall (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Nissan Frontier get?
17 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2016 Nissan Frontier problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 9,700 and 54,300 miles. The middle report was at 32,500 miles, from 24 complaints.
Does the 2016 Nissan Frontier have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Nissan Frontier cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Nissan Frontier have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Frontier year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2018 and 2014.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works