Throttlebook

2016 Nissan Frontier

The 2016 Nissan Frontier earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 67/100. Expect about $45,062 to own it for five years, or $751 a month. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 44 complaints.

Recalls
1
Complaints
44
5-yr cost
$45k
MPG (EPA)
18
0
Fair
Ownership Score

2016 Nissan Frontier vs nearby years

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

Looking at a specific Frontier?

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

1 recall may apply

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

  • 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.

    Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

    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. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

5-year cost to own

Estimated $12,750 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$45,062
$751/month · $0.75/mile
Depreciation$2,622
Insurance (national avg.)$12,750
Fuel / charging$11,165
Maintenance$9,150
Repairs$4,000
Loan interest$3,510
Taxes & fees$1,865

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

44 complaints4 involved a crash1 involved a fire
  • Unknown Or Other10
  • Air Bags10
  • Fuel/Propulsion System8
  • Engine8
  • Structure4
  • Steering3

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

NHTSA crash-test stars
Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

What to check on a used 2016 Nissan Frontier

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.
  • Body and structure
    • Look for uneven gaps, mismatched paint or rust underneath.
    • Check that every door, the hood and the trunk latch properly.

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 Frontier problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2016 Nissan Frontier a good car to buy?
The 2016 Nissan Frontier earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 67/100. Expect about $45,062 to own it for five years, or $751 a month. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 44 complaints.
Does the 2016 Nissan Frontier have recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2016 Nissan Frontier, including Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood. 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 Frontier problems?
Owners filed 44 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are air bags (10), fuel/propulsion system (8), engine (8), structure (4).
How much does a 2016 Nissan Frontier cost to own for 5 years?
About $45,062 over 5 years ($751/month) at an estimated $12,750 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.