2016 Nissan Altima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 2.5 4dr Sedan, 3.5 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 27 city / 39 hwy
- Length
- 191.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,203–3,475 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2016 midsize car (26.2 MPG).
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints555 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 141 for similar models — most often about the power train.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Nissan Altima is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 192 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,203 lb (2.5 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (27 city / 39 highway), 18% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 555 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Altima — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Altima →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 4dr Sedan | 191.7 in | 72 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 62.6 / 62.2 in | 3,203 lb | 60/40 |
| 3.5 4dr Sedan | 191.7 in | 72 in | 58.3 in | 109.4 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,475 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 39 / 31 | +18% | $2,150 | 287 |
| Altima SR | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 37 / 30 | +15% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 26 | -1% | $2,600 | 352 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Nissan Altima.
Similar 2016 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Nissan Altima (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Honda Civic | 35 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Honda Accord | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (4)
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · May 28, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V315000 · 1,831,818 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.
- Risk
- 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 OwnerÂs Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. 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.
Structure › Emergency › Escape/Egress/Exit · Dec 19, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V915000 · 341,003 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. 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.
- Risk
- 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. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7669.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Jan 18, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V040000 · 341,005 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles. 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.
- Risk
- 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. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Apr 26, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V244000 · 3,296,947 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. 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.
- Risk
- 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. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Not every 2016 Nissan Altima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Nissan Altima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 232 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 86 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 71 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 58,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Nissan Altima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Altima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Altima | 30 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 7 |
| 2024 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 41 |
| 2023 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 30 |
| 2022 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 31 |
| 2021 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 70 |
| 2020 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 161 |
| 2019 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 234 |
| 2018 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 226 |
| 2017 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 393 |
| 2015 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 952 |
| 2014 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 8 | 1,025 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →