This page covers 2 recalls, 105 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder.
22 mpg combined
10.7 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 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.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder centers on the engine and transmission, with a secondary cluster around airbags. On the powertrain side, owners frequently describe CVT transmission failures, hesitation, sputtering under acceleration, loss of power, and in some cases complete stops while driving with no prior warning lights. Engine complaints follow a similar theme of unexpected stalling or power loss. The airbag category draws a notable share of reports as well, though owners in those complaints more often describe concerns with the passenger seat occupant sensor and warning light behavior rather than deployment events. The brake complaints are fewer in volume but include reports of reduced stopping performance. A handful of owners also mention structural concerns, particularly rear subframe corrosion, and some describe vibration or binding sensations during low-speed turns tied to the rear differential.
105
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder has two recalls, the more serious being a hood latch that can fail to secure when closed and fly open while driving, blocking the driver's view and raising the risk of a crash.
The second recall involves the passenger seat sensor, which reads whether the front passenger seat is occupied by an adult, a child, or is empty in order to control airbag deployment. A fault in this system can cause the passenger frontal airbag to not deploy as intended in a crash, leaving the front passenger with less protection than expected.
At a glance
What can fail
The secondary hood latch may fail to secure properly and remain unlatched even when the hood is closed.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the bell crank assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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 front passenger seat's occupant detection system may incorrectly identify an adult as a child or miss an occupied seat. This can cause the passenger airbag to stay off during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram or replace the occupant detection and airbag control units to ensure proper airbag operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
