2016 Nissan Titan XD
The 2016 Nissan Titan XD was a redesigned truck positioned between a light-duty and heavy-duty pickup. It was available with two engine options: a 5.6L V8 gasoline engine producing 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque and a 5.0L Cummins turbodiesel V8 producing 310 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque. The gasoline engine was paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel engine was paired with an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission. Many owners appreciated the Titan XD’s unique positioning, offering more capability than a typical half-ton truck. Common complaints included a rough ride, lower than expected fuel economy (especially with the diesel), and some reliability concerns.
Engine
5.0L Cummins Turbo Diesel V8
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light. Can be caused by oil starvation or excessive boost.
- Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Frequent regeneration cycles, reduced engine power, check engine light, and potential for DPF clogging, especially with frequent short trips.
- Solution: Forced regeneration, DPF cleaning, or DPF replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- EGR Cooler Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, engine overheating.
- Solution: Replace the EGR cooler.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Glow Plug Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Hard starting in cold weather, rough idle, check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the faulty glow plug(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
5.6L Gasoline V8
- Fuel Injector Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, loss of power, check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Actuator Issues (Variable Valve Timing)
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, loss of power, check engine light, engine knocking.
- Solution: Replace the camshaft actuator(s) and perform an oil change.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Aisin 6-Speed Automatic (Paired with 5.0L Diesel)
- Torque Converter Shudder
- Description/Symptoms: Vibration or shaking during acceleration, especially at lower speeds.
- Solution: Flush the transmission fluid or replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or jerky gear changes.
- Solution: Transmission software update, fluid flush, or valve body repair/replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
7-Speed Automatic (Paired with 5.6L Gasoline V8)
- Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or jerky gear changes, especially between certain gears.
- Solution: Transmission software update or valve body repair/replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Rear Leaf Spring Squeaking
- Description/Symptoms: Annoying squeaking noise from the rear suspension, especially when going over bumps.
- Solution: Lubricate the leaf spring bushings or replace the bushings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Front Suspension Ball Joint Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, loose steering, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replace the worn ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Dead battery after short periods of inactivity.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair parasitic draw on the electrical system, replace faulty battery, or check alternator output.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Sensor Failures (Crankshaft Position, Camshaft Position, etc.)
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor engine performance, stalling.
- Solution: Replace the faulty sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Inaccurate Fuel Gauge
- Description/Symptoms: Fuel gauge reading inaccurately, sometimes showing empty when the tank is not empty.
- Solution: Replace the fuel level sensor or fuel pump assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on Frame and Undercarriage
- Description/Symptoms: Visible rust forming on the frame and undercarriage, especially in areas where road salt is used.
- Solution: Rust removal and preventative coating application.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Tailgate Assist Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Tailgate drops suddenly without assistance.
- Solution: Replace the tailgate assist strut.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Infotainment System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response times, Bluetooth connectivity problems.
- Solution: Software update or replacement of the infotainment system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Window not moving up or down, or moving slowly.
- Solution: Replace the power window motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Heater Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: Seat heater not working or overheating.
- Solution: Replace the seat heater element or control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary The 2016 Nissan Titan XD had a mixed reputation. The diesel engine offered strong towing capabilities but was also prone to expensive issues like turbocharger and DPF failures. The gasoline engine was more reliable but still suffered from issues like fuel injector and camshaft actuator problems. Both transmissions had some reports of harsh shifting. Suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior issues were also reported. Overall, the severity and cost of these issues varied, with some being relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, while others could be major and costly. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor them into their purchase decision.