The 2016 Nissan Frontier is a pickup truck that came with a choice of 2.5L 4-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl engines. At 10 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Small Pickup Trucks 2WD, Small Pickup Trucks 4WD |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.5L 4-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 5-spd, Manual 6-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 15–19 city / 21–23 highway / 17–21 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,200–$3,950 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 426–514 grams per mile |
| EPA fuel economy score | 3–5 out of 10 |
| EPA greenhouse gas score | 3–5 out of 10 |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 4,661–5,814 lb |
| Versions tested by EPA | 6 configurations: Frontier 2WD, Frontier 4WD |
| Age | 10 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 2016 Nissan Frontier. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
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.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Owners have filed 43 complaints about the 2016 Nissan Frontier with NHTSA. 3 reports involved a crash and 1 report involved a fire. Owners reported 3 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Nissan Frontier, by version tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pu/Cc, 4WD | Not rated | — | — | ★★★★☆ | 19.8% |
| Pu/Ec, 4WD | Not rated | — | — | ★★★★☆ | 19.8% |
| Pu/Cc, RWD | Not rated | — | — | ★★★☆☆ | 21.2% |
| Pu/Ec, RWD | Not rated | — | — | ★★★☆☆ | 21.2% |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.
Manufacturers have filed 119 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2016 Nissan Frontier. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate/L
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate/L
CAN COMMUNICATION CODES - DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this
CAN COMMUNICATION - NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulleti
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
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It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 2016 Frontiers that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Nissan Frontier; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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