EngineMedium
Timing chain tensioner rattle on the VQ40.
- Typically appears
- 120,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for rattle on cold start.
2016 Nissan Frontier problems
A 2016 Nissan Frontier is now 10 years old, so an average example has covered around 135,000 miles. A late-run car · the most reliable part of the generation, but higher-mileage wear items are usually the deciding factor. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2016 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2016 Nissan Frontier is 10 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 135,000 miles. At that mileage 2 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
Faults a 2016 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~135k miles an average 2016 car has covered.
ExhaustLow
Exhaust manifold / stud failure with a tick.
- Typically appears
- 100,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for a tick that fades when warm.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
TransmissionCritical
Radiator internal failure mixing coolant into the transmission ('milkshake').
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Check transmission fluid for a pink, milky look; ask about radiator/bypass fix.
BodyMedium
Bed and frame corrosion in salt regions.
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Inspect the frame and bed for rust.
Inspecting a 2016 Nissan Frontier?
Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.
Check this exact carNissan Frontier · frequently asked questions
Is the Frontier reliable?
Very tough mechanically; the radiator cross-contamination fault is the main watch-out.
What is the milkshake problem?
A failed radiator lets coolant into the transmission, wrecking it — check the fluid.
Should I bypass the transmission cooler?
Many owners fit an external cooler and bypass the radiator loop preventatively.