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).
1. The Crankshaft failed. The vehicle is available for inspection. Nissan has confirmed Crankshaft and engine to be unrepairable. 2. Event happened on a weekend late afternoon on a busy highway bridge. The titan was driving in the far left lane at 65-70 mph. Had to maneuver 2 lanes over down the bridge with no power to the engine. Safety for myself and many others on the highway bridge were put into danger as they had to maneuver out of my way while also driving around 65-70mph. Tow truck company also put in danger due to the busy nature of the highway when picking up vehicle. 3. Yes the problem cannot be reproduced because the vehicle is un-drivable. It has been confirmed by a dealer. 4. Yes the vehicle has been inspected at the local Nissan dealership. They stated the Crank shaft failed which led to the engine becoming unrepairable. 5. There were zero warning signs. …
The truck down shifted twice and then shut completely off while I was driving down the interstate. I was towed to Nissan in Springfield Missouri (closest to me) and they could not figure out the issue and charged me $500. I then towed the truck to Nissan of Jefferson city, Missouri, where I bought it. They inspected the motor and told me it was a complete loss. Metal in the oil pan from internal parts. They quoted me $39k for it to be replaced and I currently owe $30k on the truck. I only had this truck for 10 months when this failure occurred and left me and my family stranded. No check engine lights, odd noises or anything. Nissan has been reluctant to help and from what I've been reading this is a very normal occurrence for these trucks. I'm not sure what I'm going to do to get through this but I don't want it to happen to anyone else, so hopefully NHTSA can sort out this issue. …
The transfer case shifted between 4x2, 4x4H and 4x4L on its own while vehicle is driving down the road. This caused ABS and traction control failure causing the vehicle to shake and drop suddenly in speed. This is a safety issue because ABS and traction control are safety features to prevent the vehicle from losing control. Nissan Titan XD has several reported issues with transfer cases from 2016-2020 where Nissan replaced them for the owners. The problem was confirmed by Nissan to be a transfer case failure. ABS, traction control, low power mode and 4X4 error lights occurred. ABS, traction control and 4x4 error lights occurred instantly. Low power mode quickly occurred afterwards which caused the vehicle to slow down rapidly on its own. I was able to travel at low speeds with hazards on to a parking lot and towed to dealer.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel system/oil system catastrophic engine failure. Yes it is How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Truck shut down on highway at 70 mph with a child and wife in the truck Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Truck needs a complete motor. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspection was through a well know ase diesel technician Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, no there was not and when did they first appear? N/A
While driving my 2016 Nissan Titan XD Cummins (86,000 miles) on the highway, the engine started making a loud clacking noise, followed by a loud breaking or displacement sound. The check engine light did not come on, and the truck did not go into limp mode. Possible issues might be crankshaft or bearing failure, piston or connecting rod damage, or a valve train problem. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. There were no prior warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms before this failure. The problem has not yet been inspected or confirmed by a dealer or service center.
The turbo actuator failed twice. I have yet to replace it a second time hoping there would be a recall. I spoke with two dealers and they tell me it is a common problem on Nissan titans with a Cummins engine. The check engine comes on and then the truck goes into limp mode. It does not want to go past 5 -10 mph. It goes away after the truck is turned off for 15 minutes. Then after a week or two it comes back. If I do not turn it off for 15 minutes the truck turns itself off.
Loud noise and engine kept running but was unresponsive. Was traveling about 70 mph just coasted off the interstate. Was pulling my pontoon boat back to the lake during rush hour if I hadn't been at an exit might have turned out different. Had it towed to nearest Nissan dealership and was told right away camshaft was broken and engine would have to be replaced.
The four-wheel drive transfer case failed locking the truck in 4WD. The transfer case had to replaced at a cost of approximately $4000. My research has found that this is a common problem with this vehicle and Nissan will not cover the repairs. This truck is like new and had never been abused or used off road and has always been maintained.
Wow Towing very little weight on flat grade. The crankshaft broke. I was told that this was a problem with this particular vehicle, not marrying the transmission and the diesel Cummins engine up correctly. This vehicle has been sitting for over two years because of this issue the cost to repair is twice with the vehicle is worth.
Multiple Occasions of Driving on Road and the Engine shuts off. I have had to safely coast the truck off the road, after several minutes the truck starts again and drives fine. This is occurring Regularly. I may go a week with the Truck driving fine, then all of a sudden it powers down and shuts off.
Transmission complaints in other Titan XD years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Nissan Titan XD?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 Nissan Titan XD, 21% of the model year's 198 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Nissan Titan XD transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 16,000 miles, and 82% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.