2016 Nissan Altima

The 2016 Nissan Altima is a mid-size sedan known for its comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. It offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine producing 182 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Owners generally appreciate the Altima’s smooth ride and good gas mileage. Common complaints include issues with the CVT transmission and some electrical problems.

Engine

2.5L Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. Symptoms include the low oil pressure light illuminating, engine knocking, and reduced engine performance.
  • Solution: The specific repair varies depending on the cause and severity of the oil consumption. It may involve replacing piston rings or other internal engine components. A complete engine rebuild or replacement might be necessary in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+

3.5L V6 No Issues Found

Transmission

CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

• CVT Failure/Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The most common complaint is CVT failure or malfunction. Symptoms include shuddering, jerking during acceleration, hesitation, slipping, or complete loss of power. Warning lights such as the “Check Engine” light or transmission-specific warning lights may illuminate.
  • Solution: In many cases, the CVT needs to be replaced. A software update may resolve some minor issues, but more significant problems usually necessitate a replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls:
    • 16V912000: This recall addresses a software issue in the Transmission Control Module (TCM) that may cause the CVT to enter a fail-safe mode, resulting in reduced speed or stalling.

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the car battery draining prematurely, even when the vehicle is turned off. This can lead to difficulty starting the car or a completely dead battery.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the source of the parasitic drain is crucial. This may involve testing individual electrical components to identify the culprit. Repairing or replacing the faulty component will resolve the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
• Navigation/Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Navigation system freezes, glitches, or becomes unresponsive. Bluetooth connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Software updates, resetting the system, or replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+

Exterior

• Rust on Rear Subframe/Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners in regions with heavy road salt usage have reported excessive rust on the rear subframe and other suspension components.
  • Solution: Applying rust inhibitor or protective coating to slow down rust. Replacement of rusted components may be necessary in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$1,500+ depending on the amount of damaged components

Interior

• Airbag Warning Light
  • Description/Symptoms: The airbag warning light illuminates on the dashboard, indicating a potential issue with the airbag system. This may be caused by a faulty sensor, wiring issue, or a problem with the airbag control module.
  • Solution: A diagnostic scan is needed to identify the source of the problem. Depending on the issue, the solution may involve replacing a sensor, repairing wiring, or replacing the airbag control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+

Summary

The 2016 Nissan Altima has some notable issues, particularly concerning the CVT transmission. These issues can be expensive to repair, making it crucial to thoroughly inspect the transmission before purchasing a used model. Oil consumption in the 2.5L engine and electrical problems are also concerns to be aware of. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, and the cost of repairs can vary significantly depending on the specific problem.