This page covers 2 recalls, 42 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Nissan Frontier.
17–18 mpg combined
13.1–13.8 L/100km
Small Pickup Trucks 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
Complaints about the 2016 Nissan Frontier cluster most heavily around airbags, the engine, and the fuel system. On the airbag side, owners frequently report the warning light illuminating or blinking persistently, with some describing the light staying on for months. Engine complaints describe internal failures including knocking, as well as stalling while driving, a symptom several owners connect to the fuel system. Fuel-related reports center on two patterns: difficulty fueling due to the tank overflowing or spitting back fuel at the pump, and engine stalls or jerking under acceleration that owners associate with fuel delivery problems. Loosening the fuel cap temporarily relieving the stalling symptom is a detail that surfaces in more than one account. A smaller number of owners mention structural issues with the truck bed mounting points cracking.
42
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Nissan Frontier has 2 recalls, both concerning the same fire risk on V6 models: a starter motor wiring harness that may sit too close to the starter heat shield, causing a short circuit that can start an engine fire.
At a glance
What can fail
The starter motor wiring harness may be positioned incorrectly and contact the starter heat shield, creating an electrical short that could cause a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the wiring harness and reposition it if needed to prevent contact with the heat shield.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The starter motor wire harness may be installed incorrectly, allowing its terminal to touch the heat shield and cause an electrical short.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and reposition the starter wire harness as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
