2016 Nissan Altima Problems
What owners have reported about the 2016 Nissan Altima, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2016 Nissan Altima a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 554 complaints with NHTSA, the 6th most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and airbags.
554 complaints 4 recalls 6th worst of 17 Altima years
Top 2016 Nissan Altima problems
Transmission problems
235 complaints (42%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and column shift.
Engine problems
86 complaints (16%) name the engine.
Airbag problems
71 complaints (13%) name the airbags, most often the frontal impact.
Acceleration problems
65 complaints (12%) name the acceleration and speed control, most often the accelerator pedal.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (285 of 554). The amber line is the middle value, about 60,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2016 Nissan Altima recalls
Latch
If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time. Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released again and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an OwnerÂ’s Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Note: Recall 16V-029 remains open for any unremedied 2013-2015 Altimas and this recall applies to all vehicles covered by 16V-029 even if those repairs have already been performed.
Recall 20V315000 · May 2020Latch, Escape / egress / exit
The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied. As a result, the cable may interfere with the window regulator causing the rear passenger door to unlatch and inadvertently open without warning when the window is lowered. If the rear passenger door opens while the vehicle is moving, the rear passengers have an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will secure the latch-lock cables in the correct position using the new remedy procedure, free of charge.
Recall 18V915000 · Dec 2018Latch
The rear door latch/lock cable on the vehicles may have been improperly routed. As a result, lowering a rear window may inadvertently cause that door to unlatch and open. If the rear passenger doors inadvertently open while the vehicle is in motion, it may increase the risk of injury to the rear passengers.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will correct the rear door latch/lock cable routing, free of charge.
Recall 17V040000 · Jan 2017Occupant classification
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. 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.
Recall 16V244000 · Apr 2016Get an email when your 2016 Nissan Altima gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2016 Nissan Altima, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Altima years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2016 Nissan Altima problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2016 Nissan Altima a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 554 complaints with NHTSA, the 6th most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and airbags.
What are the most common 2016 Nissan Altima problems?
Owners most often report problems with the transmission, engine, airbags and acceleration and speed control. 235 complaints (42%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and column shift.
At what mileage do 2016 Nissan Altima transmission problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 50,000–82,000 miles, with a middle value near 67,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Altima have?
4. Latch (20V315000); Latch, Escape / egress / exit (18V915000); Latch (17V040000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2016 Nissan Altima?
Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2023, 2022 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.