2016 Nissan Pathfinder problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
51
Recalls
2
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Median mileage
60,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 15 of 51 complaints (29%).
  • Airbags (8) and brakes (8) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 60,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries.
  • The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder has 2 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 10th of 21 Nissan Pathfinder model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 57% fewer complaints than the 2015 model year (119).

2016 Nissan Pathfinder problems by category

  • Engine
    15 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    8 complaints
  • Brakes · 2 crashes
    8 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    7 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    7 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    6 complaints
  • Electrical System
    5 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    3 complaints
  • Suspension
    2 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine14
Air bags8
Power train7
Unknown or other7
Service brakes6
Electrical system5
Structure:body3
Latches/locks/linkages2

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k110k–30k1030k–60k960k–100k100k–150k2150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2016 Nissan Pathfinder complaints that list mileage.

2016 Nissan Pathfinder recalls (2)

  • Recall 22V420000Jun 13, 2022322,671 vehicles
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Pathfinder vehicles. On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed.

    Risk: An unsecured hood could unexpectedly open while driving, obstructing the driver's view, and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the bell crank assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 26, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are R22A2 R22A3 and R24B7.

  • Recall 16V244000Apr 26, 20163,296,947 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.

    Risk: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

    Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • PE21022Opened Dec 9, 2021Closed Jul 8, 2022led to recall 22V420000

    Hood Latch/Bell Crank Assembly

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate consumer complaints alleging hood latch failures occurring on certain model year (MY) 2013-2016 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. Complaints received indicated a sudden and unexpected opening of the hood while the vehicle was in motion, blocking the driver's visibility.During this investigation Nissan collected parts from the field to analyze for root cause of the alleged failures. On June 13, 2022, Nissan submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a hood bell crank assembly defect in cert…

Recent 2016 Nissan Pathfinder complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Aug 10, 2026HITransmission & Drivetrain
    Driving along and it felt as if I were driving over a rumble strip. It stopped after a while, but later that evening I felt it again, but this time the shudder was stronger and it sounded almost like a loud bird chirping. I slowed and the noise stopped, but drove home slowly through the neighborhood in case something happened. I took it to the mechanic and he suggested trading it in before it gets worse, and he mentioned transmission judder, so I researched and found I'm one…
    NHTSA complaint #11755818 · source
  2. Filed Aug 3, 2026ALSuspension
    The crossmember aka- K frame, mfc part #55400-3JA2C. It completely rotted away where the suspension trailing arm connects from the wheel causing uneven and excessive wheel wear and poor handling while driving Yes it is available for inspection. Reproduced unknown Not inspected by authorities No warning lights
    NHTSA complaint #11754372 · source
  3. Filed Apr 24, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngineLighting
    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 the vehicle. I first reported this issue to Nissan in January 2025. The dealer kept the truck for about one week but stated they could not find anything wrong. The problem continues, including…
    NHTSA complaint #11733497 · source
  4. Filed Dec 12, 202576,000 miPATransmission & Drivetrain
    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 failure was retrieved). The contact was informed that the CVT transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance…
    NHTSA complaint #11704677 · source
  5. Filed Dec 1, 2025TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    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 Thursday. The car was making noises I was concerned and it wasn't accelerating like normal. I slowly drove it to Nissan dealership in Temple tx 30 mins away. The tech there immediately drove it to…
    NHTSA complaint #11702225 · source
  6. Filed Jul 31, 2025NHBody & StructureSuspension
    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 in a garage.
    NHTSA complaint #11677442 · source
  7. Filed Mar 8, 2025TXOther / Unknown
    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 refuses to replace the latch. Can you help me. The hood still vibrates as if it is not closed.
    NHTSA complaint #11647114 · source
  8. Filed Feb 10, 2025173,000 miOHBody & Structure
    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 Number: 22V420000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and the recall repair was performed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the recall repair stated that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11641624 · source

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Other 2016 Nissan models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology