2016 Nissan Frontier Recalls, Problems & MPG

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 43 owner complaints for the 2016 Nissan Frontier. The EPA rates it 17 to 21 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Recalls
1
Owner complaints
43
Crashes / fires reported
3 / 1
EPA combined
17–21 MPG

2016 Nissan Frontier recalls

  • Electrical SystemMar 31, 2016 · NHTSA 16V181000+

    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.

    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.

Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.

Most reported 2016 Nissan Frontier problems

Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.

  • Air Bags10
  • Unknown or Other9
  • Fuel/Propulsion System8
  • Engine8
  • Structure4
  • Service Brakes3
  • Power Train3
  • Wheels2

2016 Nissan Frontier gas mileage

EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).

VersionEngineCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Frontier 2WD2.5 L 4 cyl, Manual 5-spd192321$3,050
Frontier 2WD2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic 5-spd172219$3,400
Frontier 2WD4.0 L 6 cyl, Manual 6-spd172219$3,400
Frontier 2WD4.0 L 6 cyl, Automatic 5-spd162218$3,550
Frontier 4WD4.0 L 6 cyl, Manual 6-spd162118$3,550
Frontier 4WD4.0 L 6 cyl, Automatic 5-spd152117$3,800

Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.

Questions

Does the 2016 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Nissan Frontier, most recently for the electrical system (Mar 31, 2016). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2016 Nissan Frontier problems?

Owners filed 43 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are air bags (10), unknown or other (9), fuel/propulsion system (8).

What gas mileage does the 2016 Nissan Frontier get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Nissan Frontier at 17 to 21 MPG combined (best version: 19 city / 23 highway).

Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.