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2016 Nissan Titan XD problems

The most common problem on the 2016 Nissan Titan XD is engine and cooling, typically around 25,500 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Titan XD model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
74/100
Owner complaints
199
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
305
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2016 Nissan Titan XD problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Nissan Titan XD

Engine failure 34Loss of power 28Check engine light 23Knocking 11Stalling 11Won't shift 8Fuel smell 7Won't start 7Harsh shifting 5Power steering loss 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2016 Nissan Titan XD mention

P0087 2

Recalls 3

Equipment: other: labelsReported April 16, 2018 · 483 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Nissan Titan, 2016 and 2018 Nissan Titan XD vehicles. Accessories installed on these vehicles reduced the load carrying capacity, however, a Load Carrying Capacity modification label was not installed, possibly allowing the vehicle to be overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners and provide a new modification label, with installation instructions, free of charge. The recall began on June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑867‑7669.

Recall number 18V240000 · Recall details

Seat belts: rear/otherReported April 24, 2017 · 44,264 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Nissan Titan Crew Cab and Titan XD Crew Cab vehicles. In the event of a crash, the rear seatbelt assembly may not adequately protect the occupant's head, allowing it to contact the D-ring bolt trim cap. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
Risk
If the occupant's head contacts the D-ring bolt trim cap during a crash, there is an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install energy absorbing material to the C-Pillar Finishers and replace the Seatbelt Bolt and Bolt Cap, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 17V268000 · Recall details

Fuel system, diesel: storage: tank assemblyReported November 22, 2016 · 12,112 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 Titan Diesel XD vehicles manufactured August 7, 2015, to September 1, 2016. The affected vehicles may not have had the temporary fuel tank breather tube cap removed during the vehicle's assembly and the fuel tank breather tube may not have been connected to the bed rail. As a result, the fuel tank may not have the proper ventilation, possibly causing the fuel gauge and the distance to empty meter to both display inaccurately.
Risk
If the fuel gauge reads incorrectly, the vehicle can run out of fuel without the driver being aware, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tank breather tube, replacing the fuel tank, fuel sending unit, and/or fuel tank breather tube, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 16V847000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2016 Nissan Titan XD

Defect investigations

Loss of motive power due to broken crankshaft with no ability to restart.Opened November 15, 2023, closed June 27, 2025

On November 15, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE23020 to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2016 through 2019 Nissan Titan XD trucks equipped with 5.0L Cummins diesel engines.  The complaints allege the condition was due to a failure of the engine crankshaft.  The purpose of the investigation was to understand the scope, frequency, and safety related consequence of the alleged defect. During the investigation, it was found that the subject vehicles can experience a loss of motive power due to a failure of the crankshaft main bearings which can lead to a fractured crankshaft. This resulted in a loss of motive power and an inability to restart. An analysis of all complaint sources shows many vehicles exhibit knocking, vibration, malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) warnings, and/or poor engine performance prior to a total failure.  Some consumers report driving their truck in for repairs only to be diagnosed with a failed crankshaft.  ODI has not identified any injuries or fires attributable to this failure. ODI is aware of one complaint alleging a non-injury crash involving a curb strike. ODI is also aware of complaints of overheating starter motors and melted starter motor wiring occurring after prolonged attempts to start engines that have suffered a broken crankshaft. In its response to ODI's January 26, 2024 information request letter, Nissan provided information detailing several material and process changes involved in the production of the subject vehicle’s engine.These changes appear to coincide with incremental improvements in failure rates but there is no indication that a single factor was the primary cause of the failures. Analysis of ODI consumer complaints and manufacturer provided data found that failure rates decreased progressively for each model year. Review of failure mileage found that 50% of the failures occurred by 60,000 miles with a significant decrease in failures after 80,000 miles. Assuming average yearly mileage driven, the newest model year trucks (2019) would be near or past peak failure mileage. Given the low failure rate, the observable warnings available to the driver, and much of the fleet being past peak failure mileage, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation with no further action. The closing of the investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a defect does not exist, and the federal safety agency will take further action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

PE23020

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened September 17, 2021, still open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA21002

Technical service bulletins for the 2016 Nissan Titan XD 305

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 305 bulletins for the 2016 Nissan Titan XD

What 2016 Nissan Titan XD owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Engine · 135,899 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Titan XD. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine while idling. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, and the driver had to pull over and wait for approximately 10 minutes before resuming driving. The check engine warning light was constantly illuminated. The messages "DEF System Severely Impacted" and "Reduced Engine Power - See Dealer" were displayed during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer declined to perform repairs under TSB Number: NTB19-017 associated with the failure because the required trouble code was not retrieved. The contact, who was an independent mechanic, retrieved the required DTC through a diagnostic scan. The contact stated that the dealer denied repairs due to a lack of warranty extension coverage. After the contact provided proof of warranty extension coverage, the vehicle was taken to the dealer twice, where an actuator was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to Route 9 Nissan (273 Turnpike Rd, Westborough, MA 01581), where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the warranty extension and did not produce the required code. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and two cases were filed. The manufacturer initially denied the warranty extension coverage but later informed the contact that the vehicle required another dealer diagnosis before coverage or field technician inspection could be considered. The contact stated that the manufacturer’s national history record for the vehicle listed the fuel type as gasoline instead of diesel. The failure mileage was approximately 135,899.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Engine · ND

Crankshaft broke.

Filed Sep 5, 2026 · Engine · TN

Engine failed unexpectedly and without warning. After doing research there is a widespread problem with the 2016 diesel engine.

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Fuel system · GA

The cp4.2 high pressure fuel pump failed sending metal through the system and destroying the fuel system.

Filed Jun 19, 2026 · Transmission · CA

I purchased this Nissan Titan XD used in 2018 with 20,000 miles on the vehicle. Since that time, it's been driven an average of 4,000 miles per year. Current odometer reading is 53,813 miles. The truck has had all required and recommended service done on the manufacturer's recommended schedule. We were headed west on [XXX] and were approximately 18 miles west of El Centro when the engine experienced catastrophic failure from the main bearing failure which damaged the crank and pistons. There were no warning lights, or messages showing prior to the engine failure. All gauges were reading normal. We went from normal operating to the engine sounding like it was grinding a bag of hammers instantly and without warning, Our safety and the safety of other was put at risk because the engine failed so unexpectedly, we barely had time to get to the side of the roaad. I was barely able to get to the shoulder . We were then stuck there within inches of traffic moving at high speeds until a toow truck could be sent. That took hours while we stayed seatbelted into our truck in 96 degree weather waitng for a wrecker. Even the slightest bit of distarction by one of the driver coming by us cold have been catastrophis. We count oursekves lucky we weren't hit. The vehicle was eventually towed to Nissan Imperial in El Centro. The diagnosis was confirmed as a failed main bearings. I know this was investigated earlier by the federal safety agency, but these trucks are still on the road and still failing at very low mileages and usages. This is obviously a defect by Nissan and Cummins as all the failures of this type I see are in 2016 year model trucks with the 5.0 Cummns diesel. Nissan has acknowledged that the failure was failed crank bearings but refuses to take any responsibility for a $69,000 vehicle that only went 53,813 miles before turning itself into a large paperweight. I need help dealing with Nissan on theis please. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Engine · GA

Truck died while traveling at 60MPH, once safely pulled over saw it shutdown due to low oil pressure. Checked the oil level and found correct level on dipstick. Attempted to start, no start. Towed to shop, they drained the oil and verified correct oil quantity cam out. Pulled the oil pan and found metal in the oil pan. Told I need a replacement engine. Engine has 95k miles with proper maintenance performed per the owners manual.

Filed Jan 31, 2026 · Transmission · MT

Wow Towing very little weight on flat grade. The crankshaft broke. I was told that this was a problem with this particular vehicle, not marrying the transmission and the diesel Cummins engine up correctly. This vehicle has been sitting for over two years because of this issue the cost to repair is twice with the vehicle is worth.

Filed Jan 9, 2026 · Engine · MI

I was driving down the freeway on cruise,when all of a sudden,the vehicle started vibrating and shaking violently.This happened in the middle of a downpour,and the tires broke loose momentarily,but I was able to gain control,and safely pull on to the shoulder.After searching the internet,this incident sounds very much like a broken crankshaft,as described in the many,many reports of this type of failure,especialy in the 2016 model years,like mine.

Filed Dec 19, 2025 · Electrical · 226,000 miles · TX

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Nissan Titan. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact later discovered a mileage discrepancy. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 31,190. When the vehicle was later taken to a dealer for an engine failure, the dealer informed the contact that the mileage was 226,000.

Filed Dec 10, 2025 · Transmission · IL

Driving down the interstate 2 days in a row cruise control 72 mph and go into reduced engine power. I believe it is the EGR cooler as well as many other people’s are having the same issue.

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Other model years

20162023

Questions about the 2016 Nissan Titan XD

Is the 2016 Nissan Titan XD reliable?

Owners have filed 199 complaints about the 2016 Nissan Titan XD, close to a typical Titan XD model year.

What is the 2016 Nissan Titan XD year score?

The 2016 Nissan Titan XD scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Titan XD: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Nissan Titan XD?

Engine and cooling, with 135 complaints, typically around 25,500 miles. Next is transmission (42).

How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Titan XD have?

3 recalls, covering equipment, seat belts and fuel system, diesel.

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