repaired · 2017 Q3
Electrical system: starter assembly
Risk. An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
2016 Nissan FrontierProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 44 owner complaints about the 2016 Nissan Frontier, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 16V-181 the manufacturer reports only 99% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 25, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Nissan Frontier has problems
44 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
10Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
8Fuel/propulsion system
8Engine1 crash/fire/injury
4Structure1 crash/fire/injury
3Steering2 crash/fire/injury
3Power train
3Service brakes
2Wheels
2Electrical system
55 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 10 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 0 |
| Engine | 8 | 1 |
| Structure | 4 | 1 |
| Steering | 3 | 2 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 1 |
| 5 other systems | 5 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2016 Nissan Frontier recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Nissan.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Frontier year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Frontier median. How we score
'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Nissan Frontier safety ratings
2016 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (19.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Frontier owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The airbag warning light is blinking and has been for approximately 9 months. I live in Salida, CO which does not have a Nissan Dealership to take my vehicle into for servicing. I recently saw an article on Fox 31 News pertaining to the same airbag malfunction and would like to know what to do…
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle air bags warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the air bag system was disconnected under the passenger’s side dashboard. The system was…
I HAVE A 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER WITH ONLY 68,000 MILES ON IT. THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH STARTED FLASHING. I TOOK IT TO ANY MOHR NISSAN AND THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOR INSIDE THE PASSENGER SEAT THAT TELLS THE SYSTEM IF SOMEONE IS SITTING THERE HAS FAILED AND THAT IT IS AN $1800 REPAIR, BECAUSE…
Own a 2016 Frontier?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.