For over two and a half decades, the Nissan Pathfinderhas been a consistent offering in the midsize SUV class that has carved a niche for itself with its practicality and functionalism. It is one of the more sought-after offerings in the market that coalesces a striking exterior design with a luxuriously-appointed interior setup, to give buyers the best bang for the buck. But the SUV’s oneness lies in its safety and reliability. It scores a 5-star rating in the tests conducted by the NHTSA and has only 81 complaints and 1 recall listed to its name. Additionally, there is one open investigation about its hood latch failure. However, when you compare the statistics to a sales volume of 81,700 units, the performance does not seem underwhelming. A 2016 Nissan Pathfinder for sale is available at $30,000 and it competes with the likes of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Toyota Highlander, and the Chevrolet Traverse.
2016 Nissan Pathfinder User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Illumination of airbag light: Among the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder issues, the illumination of the airbag light is a common occurrence. Buyers have reported the passenger airbag warning light illuminating, indicating the disabling of the airbag. As a result, in case of a crash, the airbag might not deploy. This happens due to an Occupant Classification System (OCS) error, which fails to identify a passenger in the front seat. To deal with the issue, Nissanhas introduced a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID: 16V244000.
Mechanical Complaints
- Noisy cooling fans: The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder cooling fan problems are the most reported issues in the current iteration. Complainants have recorded a rattling noise from the cooling fans when the air conditioning system is turned on. The reason for the problem, as described by the brand, is the failure of the bearings behind the radiator, which can result in the overheating of the engine. While no definitive solution is currently available, most complainants have had to replace their cooling fans.
- Brake system failure: Among other 2016 Nissan Pathfinder problems, buyers have reported that despite the brake pedal being depressed, the vehicle does not come to a stop. Rather complainants have noticed that the SUV continues to accelerate, which has resulted in a crash in many situations.
- Rattling noise from the steering wheel: The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder power steering pump noise is similar to what buyers of the previous iteration have experienced. As mentioned on unofficial forums, complainants have reported a whining noise originating from the steering system, irrespective of whether the vehicle is turning or idling at a stop sign. Currently, there are no solutions available for the buyers, however, in the previous model year, users had to either get the power steering system replaced or add an insulator to the functionality.
Structural Complaints
- Structural issues: Buyers of the 2016 Pathfinder have reported two problems with the SUVs built. The first issue is concerned with the random explosion of the sunroof, which results in the glass pieces flying outward. Additionally, several buyers have also noted issues with the latching system. In most cases, the hood latch has been reported disengaging, which causes the hood to open when the vehicle is in motion. Currently, there is a pending investigation for the same.
2016 Nissan Pathfinder Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|
1. |
26th Apr 2016 |
16V244000 |
Non-deployment of passenger airbags due to OCS error |
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may falsely identify an adult as a child or identify the seat as empty despite it being occupied, resulting in the non-deployment of the airbag in case of a crash. |
Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS, free of cost. |
Should you buy the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder is a generalist and a value proposition. It is capaciously built on the inside, vaunts easy-to-drive dynamics, and is impressively efficient, making it the perfect family option. Even in terms of reliability, the capabilities of the SUV remain uncompromised. While some recurring complaints have plagued the units of the current iteration, Nissan has been proactive in providing an easy and reliable solution for all such issues. So, the Pathfinder fares well in each aspect, and we do not find any reason to veto the vehicle. However, if you still would like to check out the alternatives, the 2016 Toyota Highlander promises to be an all-around option.
