2016 Nissan Frontier: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Nissan Frontier: 1 recall, 43 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical, Electrical Vehicle recall #16V181000 · 2016 · 1,554 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (10): the most common themes are warning light on (4).
- Other / unknown (9): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel & propulsion (8): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3).
- Engine (8): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3), stalls / loses power (3).
The 2016 Nissan Frontier has 43 owner complaints, ranking #18 of 29 Frontier model years for complaints (well below the 116 average). Complaints peaked in 2020 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 32,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (33 complaints, 0 recalls), 2017 (38 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 23 | 21 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Nissan Frontier.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2016 Nissan Frontier. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Nissan Frontier problems?
Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (10), other / unknown (9), fuel & propulsion (8).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Nissan Frontier get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Nissan Frontier repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.