2016 Nissan Altima Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 Altima
5
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (235 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 235 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (86 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 86 NHTSA complaints
Air Bags complaints Red flag
Check that no airbag warning lights are on, and ask the seller for proof that any airbag recalls were completed. (70 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 70 NHTSA complaints
Vehicle Speed Control complaints Red flag
Test cruise control on the highway and confirm it engages and disengages cleanly. (65 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 65 NHTSA complaints
Exterior Lighting complaints Check
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (42 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 42 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
43 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
4
Structure Red flag
If the rear passenger door opens while the vehicle is moving, the rear passengers have an increased risk of injury.
Latches/Locks/Linkages Red flag
If the rear passenger doors inadvertently open while the vehicle is in motion, it may increase the risk of injury to the rear passengers.
Air Bags Red flag
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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages Red flag
Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 Altima–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Altima have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Altima. The most serious involve Structure (18V915000) and Latches/Locks/Linkages (17V040000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 Altima?
The top complaint areas are Power Train (235 complaints) and Engine (86 complaints), out of 553 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Altima?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Power Train, which drew 235 complaints for this model-year.