2016 Nissan Pathfinder recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder and 107 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (27), unknown or other (21), air bags (19). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2016 ranks #7 of 13 Pathfinder model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (207). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 3.6 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Latches/locks/linkages · hood · latch
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air bags · sensor · occupant classification
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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 tradi…
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
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 abou…
Safety ratings
2016 Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD
2016 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder.
Pathfinder 2WD
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Pathfinder 4WD
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder, most recently for latches/locks/linkages · hood · latch (06/13/2022). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder?
Based on 107 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (27), unknown or other (21), air bags (19).
Is the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder safe?
The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2016 a good year for the Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2016 ranks #7 of 13 Pathfinder model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (207). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 3.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder range from 22 to 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: PATHFINDER, Pathfinder.