Does the 2016 Nissan Altima have recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2016 Nissan Altima, including Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch; Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification; Structure › Emergency › Escape/Egress/Exit. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2016 Nissan Altima problems?

Owners filed 555 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are power train (235), engine (86), air bags (72), vehicle speed control (65).

How much does a 2016 Nissan Altima cost to own for 5 years?

About $37,705 over 5 years ($628/month) at an estimated $10,000 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2016 Nissan Altima

The 2016 Nissan Altima earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 62/100. Expect about $37,705 to own it for five years, or $628 a month. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 555 complaints.

Recalls: 4
Complaints: 555
5-yr cost: $38k
MPG (EPA): 26

Fair

Ownership Score

2016 Nissan Altima vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific Altima?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

4 recalls may apply

For the 2016 Nissan Altima. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.
Risk: Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released again and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an Owners Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: Recall 16V-029 remains open for any unremedied 2013-2015 Altimas and this recall applies to all vehicles covered by 16V-029 even if those repairs have already been performed.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

5-year cost to own

Estimated $10,000 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$37,705

$628/month · $0.63/mile

Depreciation	$2,262
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$7,730
Maintenance	$7,320
Repairs	$4,000
Loan interest	$2,793
Taxes & fees	$1,600

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

555 complaints28 involved a crash3 involved a fire

Power Train235
Engine86
Unknown Or Other81
Air Bags72
Vehicle Speed Control65
Exterior Lighting42

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
Frontal: 5 out of 5 stars
Side: 5 out of 5 stars
Rollover: 4 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2016 Nissan Altima 4 DR FWD

What to check on a used 2016 Nissan Altima

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Airbags
- The airbag light should come on at start-up and then go out.
- Ask for proof that any airbag recalls were completed.
Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2016 Nissan Altima problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2016 Nissan Altima a good car to buy?: The 2016 Nissan Altima earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 62/100. Expect about $37,705 to own it for five years, or $628 a month. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 555 complaints.
Does the 2016 Nissan Altima have recalls?: NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2016 Nissan Altima, including Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch; Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification; Structure › Emergency › Escape/Egress/Exit. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2016 Nissan Altima problems?: Owners filed 555 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are power train (235), engine (86), air bags (72), vehicle speed control (65).
How much does a 2016 Nissan Altima cost to own for 5 years?: About $37,705 over 5 years ($628/month) at an estimated $10,000 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.