About average for the Pathfinder
Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Pathfinder year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 50,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Pathfinder years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 105 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (28, 27% of complaints), followed by the air bags and the brakes and stability control. That ranks 7th of 12 Pathfinder years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 2 recalls.
1 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder before you buy.
Engine and cooling
28 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
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 was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 29,400 miles
My front differential and transmission failed at the same time while I was driving on a major highway. I had to repair both components at a dealership costing me over $8000.Owner complaint, filed 2022
Air bags
18 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 9,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
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 just found this out when vehicle was taken to Nissan…Owner complaint, filed 2024
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.Owner complaint, filed 2023
Brakes and stability control
14 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
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 liable for their faulty brake systems. Someone can get hurt or…Owner complaint, filed 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. The contact pumped the brake pedal and the vehicle…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 64,175 miles
Electrical system
11 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 64,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
2016 nissan pathfinder with 81,000 miles. Dual cooling fans behind radiator have loud rattle, especially while a/c is being used. Nissan of chattanooga east states common failure at bearings inside the dual cooling fans behind radiator. This is not covered by warranty but is so very common there absolutely should be a recall by nissanOwner complaint, filed 2019, at 81,000 miles
2016 pathfinder nissan. Consumer writes in regard to reimbursement for part [VIN] that was caused from a manufacturing issue.Owner complaint, filed 2019
Transmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
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…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 76,000 miles
Body, doors and structure
6 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 173,000 miles
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 vehicle in for was R22A3, a safety recall having to do with…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Lights, wipers and visibility
6 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
Sunroof spontaneously exploded. While driving at approximately 35 miles per hour on a smooth, relatively level, paved road, the sunroof spantaneously exploded. The elevation above sea level was less than 200ft, and the outside temperature was in the mid 30s. The sunroof was not hit by an object. The explosion sounded like a gunshot, and…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Sunroof shattered while driving on highway for no reason and nissan is not wanting to repair due to being out of mileage warrantyOwner complaint, filed 2018, at 38,000 miles
Seats and seat belts
4 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
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 investigated it and the middle seat was about to come disconnected…Owner complaint, filed 2024
I was sitting at a red light and was rear ended and my two front seats collapsed. If I would have had anyone in the backseats they would have been badly injured or died. *tr...updated 12/22/16 *bf..updated 04/11/17 *bf updated 09/07/2017Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 6,600 miles
Wheels and tires
4 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
I was driving on the highway when my car started vibrating (much like the feeling of when a car needs to get the wheels aligned). I got off of the highway to take it to a nearby nissan dealership service parts shop to have it looked at. About a block away from the dealership, when I was driving, my front right wheel flew off of my…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 17,000 miles
While driving our 2016 nissan pathfinder vehicle, we felt a sudden vibration and then the next thing we knew, the right front wheel (tire and rim) fell off the car. The vehicle came down on what remained of the right front wheel assembly. I managed to keep the vehicle on the road until we had enough speed to then coast to a complete stop…Owner complaint, filed 2017, at 9,900 miles
Steering
3 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
Loud whistling noise coming from the power steering pump. All research suggest nissan knows this is an issues and says it is normal.Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 47,000 miles
Steering became stiff while drivivinf and car seems to pull on opposite direction of the turn. Dealer notes steering pump leak.Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 21,000 miles
Suspension
2 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
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 lightsOwner complaint, filed 2026
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.Owner complaint, filed 2025
Cruise control and acceleration
2 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
While coming to a stop brake pedal will fade causing the pedal to touch the floor and forcing the driver to release and reapply brakes. Also while using cruise control on the highway, the vehicle begins to rapidly accelerate and de-accelerate causing a 'jerking' motionOwner complaint, filed 2019, at 50,000 miles
Fuel system
1 complaintHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Nissan Pathfinder complaints by year
Compare the 2016 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2016 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Nissan Pathfinder | About average | 2 |
| 2016 Toyota Highlander | One of the better years | 3 |
| 2016 Honda Pilot | Among the worst years | 8 |
| 2016 Ford Explorer | Among the worst years | 15 |
2016 Nissan Pathfinder recalls
Doors, hood and latches
- Risk
- An unsecured hood could unexpectedly open while driving, obstructing the driver's view, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the bell crank assembly, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags Occupant classification
- 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.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify their owners.
Full recall summary
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.
2016 Nissan Pathfinder questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder?
The most reported problem areas on the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder are the engine and cooling (28 complaints), the air bags (18 complaints) and the brakes and stability control (14 complaints).
Is the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder a good year to buy?
About average for the Pathfinder. Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Pathfinder year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 50,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Pathfinder years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. The most recent, from Jun 2022, covers the doors, hood and latches. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2016 Nissan Pathfinder problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 50,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the air bags gave a mileage of about 9,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Nissan Pathfinder years should I avoid?
The Pathfinder years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2013, 2014 and 2015. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2012 and 2020. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
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