Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Nissan Titan XD owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Good Afternoon, My brother was driving my Nissan Titan XD 5.0 Cummins Diesel from Naples, FL to Ft . Lauderdale FL , and the truck was running fine at around 70-80 mph with no issues .As soon as he proceeded to the exit in Lauderdale around 60mph, all of a sudden truck flashed all kinds of warning lights came on randomly and motor shut down . Smoke coming from starter and solenoid below the fuse box. He is an engineer for North Collier Fire and put out the flames immediately . I took the motor in to shop and they found the motor was seized up and burned harness near starter. I went to a few mechanic shops including Nissan and no one could give me a solid answer on what had happed with the truck , besides that it just seized up . No one would take blame. I was trying to do some research on these trucks and found numerous owners had the same problems as me. …
Was driving at about 40 mph with cruise control on, when my passenger and I noticed extreme vibrations and noises with. Began slowing to turn into a gas station just ahead when the clunking became so violent the front of the vehicle was bouncing. As I turned into the gas station, there was a loud bang, smoke billowed from the hood, and the engine stalled leaving me with no power steering. I turned as hard as I could to avoid gas pumps and people fueling their cars, and ended up running up a curb with no power to steer away. No warning lights came on until I came to a stop. Smoke and oil continued running from the front of my truck for several minutes. I feel fortunate to have walked away from such a violent breakdown. I am told the truck needs a new engine and transmission resulting from a broken crankshaft, and have been refused any warranty or good will assistance. …
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Titan. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull into a nearby parking lot. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart and was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbocharger had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact, that the dealer was not certified to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed to Lorenzo Nissan (30501 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33030); where the same assessment was provided. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had denied the Extended Warranty coverage. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,859. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Titan XD. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the engine was seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was an abnormal grumbling sound from the engine. The vehicle coasted and came to an abrupt stop. The contact stated that he experienced a catastrophic engine failure. The contact sustained a seatbelt rash and whiplash, but medical attention was not provided. The crankshaft had snapped. The driver was stranded for two hours in the desert. The vehicle was towed to his residence. The local dealer was contacted, who recommended an engine replacement. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-50 MPH and hauling 2,000 additional pounds, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic failure with the turbo and the turbo became inoperable. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver was able to drive approximately 4-6 MPH to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, while receiving routine maintenance, the lift pump failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 73,646.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that the low fuel pressure message was displayed, and the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure was related to Emissions Recall: PD128. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the engine was replaced, but the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact about additional diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling rough while being started. While driving at 5 MPH, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The vehicle failed to restart. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The manufacturer offered to assist with the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Titan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was not available.
Driving down the interstate at roughly 80mph. Truck started to shake violently almost causing me to loose control of truck and an enclosed trailer. Truck then shut down. No check engine lights or warnings. I coasted to a stop to find small fire in the engine bay. Got it towed to a mechanic, he drained the oil and found the oil pan was full of metal fragments. Suspected crank failure.
Hello, I have purchased this Titan XD diesel 3 years ago from Nissan Dealership in MD, (Anwerpan Nissan). That dealership informed me before It was an issued with turbo chargers and replaced them. Over the 3 years I was maintained this truck with proper oil changes and other service. I have outfitted with camping (ovelanding equipment), so this summer in July we went to camp in Upper Peninsula, MI, when the engine just stopped working right on hwy, and it's lucky enough no accident happened and we are be able to roll on side of the road. I have towed the truck to Garber Nissan, MI, they have troubleshooted engine and said it will need a full engine replaced as bearing spun and may be broken crankshaft. I found out later from forums and Facebook it's a very common problem with these engines. …
NHTSA investigations
Loss of motive power due to broken crankshaft with no ability to restart.
On November 15, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE23020 to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2016 through 2019 Nissan Titan XD trucks equipped with 5.0L Cummins diesel engines. The complaints allege the condition was due to a failure of the engine crankshaft.
Engine complaints in other Titan XD years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2016 Nissan Titan XD?
NHTSA has 134 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2016 Nissan Titan XD, 68% of the model year's 198 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Nissan Titan XD engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2016 Nissan Titan XD, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Nissan Titan XD engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 26,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.