Severe Issues

2016 NISSAN PATHFINDER Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. This model year has 105 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

105
Complaints
10
Crashes
β€”
Fires
5
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
2
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2016 Nissan Pathfinder Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
28
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
#2
21
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:1
#3
19
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:1

Considering a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems281β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues211β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions191β€”β€”
Brake System145β€”β€”
Electrical Faults11β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain7β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues43β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper4β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems3β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic31β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues31β€”β€”
Steering Defects31β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration2β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System1β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility1β€”β€”β€”
Equipment1β€”β€”β€”
Other/Unknown11β€”β€”
Child Seat1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 105 most recent complaints

Electrical FaultsApr 24, 2026

My 2024 Nissan Frontier has experienced repeated complete power loss more than three times. The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while on the street and cannot be restarted. During some incidents, even the emergency hazard lights did not work. I had to use jump cables to restart th…

Transmission / DrivetrainDec 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and sputtered while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where DTC: P17F1 (Internal CVT fail…

Transmission / DrivetrainDec 1, 2025

Around 160,000 miles my CVT transmission went out. I almost got into a wreck no warning lights just stopped on me. When I took it to my local dealership in waco, Texas they told me I'll be good to wait over the weekend that they first opening wasn't until Tuesday. I came by on a …

Suspension FailuresJul 31, 2025

The rear subframe has completely rusted out from the inside, and is broke off on the right side and almost broken off on the left side. The car is now unsafe to drive. There were no warning lights, messages or problems before this. The car is only 9 years old and is always kept i…

Transmission / DrivetrainMay 30, 2025

VIBRATION AND NOISE WHEN MAKING LOW SPEED TURNS ABNORMAL NOISE, VIBRATION AND BINDING FEELING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL

Uncategorized IssuesMar 8, 2025

There is a recall for replacement of the hood latch. the recall ID is R24B7. I have taken my car to the dealer twice. All they do is inspect and clean the part. They do not replace the part. It was my understanding the hood latch should be replaced. However Gunn NIssan ref…

Door Lock IssuesFeb 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while receiving an oil change, the mechanic was unable to securely close the hood of the vehicle. The mechanic lubricated the hood latch and was able to close the hood. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign N…

Engine ProblemsJan 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the cooling fan became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the cooling fan system needed to be replaced. The vehicle…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 9, 2024

Car was functioning fine and then suddenly stopped one day as I was entering expressway, car just stopped and had to tow to Nissan dealer. I was told alternator is not functioning and when doing systems check CVT/transmission alert was noted and said I need new transmission. In m…

Seat Belt IssuesSep 21, 2024

The middle passenger and middle seat seatbelt latch came disconnected from the vehicle. My son who is 9 was sitting behind the passenger seat when his entire seatbelt came off from where it connects to the car. I had him switch to the middle seat and when I got home i investigat…

Transmission / DrivetrainAug 18, 2024

This vehicle had a cvt transmission recall but I was never notified even though I have own this car for the past 7years please help

Structural ProblemsJun 15, 2024

After taking my Nissan Pathfinder to Nissan 112 for a safety recall on February 10, 2024, they improperly completed the recall, leaving the hood stuck closed. Despite multiple appointments and 23 calls with consumer affairs, the issue remains unresolved. The recall I brought my …

Airbag MalfunctionsApr 13, 2024

Occupant Air bag sensor is on constantly and Air bag light on dashboard. My vehicle has never been in an accident. There was a recall issued for my vehicle in 2016. I purchased my car in 2017 new and it was overstock vehicle. The recall was cleared in August 2016 by dealer and I …

Electrical FaultsMar 20, 2024

The engine in this vehicle has shut off two times while we were driving it. We were forced to make emergency exits off of the roadway in order to prevent injury to ourselves and others. This is a life-threatening situation when the vehicle loses engine power while it is being dri…

Door Lock IssuesNov 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the trunk latch was inoperable and not closing securely. The contact stated the failure had been recurring for approximately two years. The contact stated had received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V420000…

Brake SystemMay 2, 2023

Every year when it warms up, the brakes fade. I've had new pads, rotors, new fluid. Still have brake fade. Took it to mechanic, he tried a new master cylinder. Still have brake fade. This is a known issue for these vehicles. Something needs to be done. Nissan needs to be held lia…

Brake SystemApr 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 45 MPH and coming to a stop light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the brake pedal went to the floorboard.…

Airbag MalfunctionsMar 11, 2023

Passenger Airbag sensor not showing that airbag is on for front passenger seat even though passenger sitting there. Recall issued in 2016 and Nissan still does not have a fix for this yet.

Airbag MalfunctionsJan 12, 2023

The passenger airbag doesn’t activate at all. The OCS sensor is faulty. When someone sits in the front passenger seat, the airbag remains off. This is a known defect with Nissan Pathfinders. We were told ours will not be fixed as our VIN is not included in the recall. However, th…

Structural ProblemsDec 10, 2022

Hood latch was marked as repaired (cleaned and lubricated) in recall report but secondary latch still sticks and I have to manually push the lever out of position to get my hood to latch down properly. All the dealership did was look at it, grease it, and call it good. It is stil…

Page 1 of 6

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder.

Recalls for 2016 Nissan Pathfinder

2 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

16V244000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

22V420000Invalid Date
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

2016 Nissan Pathfinder β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder has 105 NHTSA owner complaints, 10 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (28 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (28 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (21 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (19 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder?β–Ύ

The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder has 10 crash-related complaints and 0 fire reports out of 105 total NHTSA complaints. 5 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. The largest issue: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder?β–Ύ

The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Nissan Pathfinder reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2016 Nissan Pathfinder

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.