Titan (A61)
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Reliability Overview
The Nissan Titan spent its second generation as the perennial outsider in the full-size truck class, and its reliability record helps explain why the segment's domestic trio never lost sleep over it. Across the A61 generation, which ran from 2016 until Nissan retired the Titan after 2024, owners filed 604 complaints, and they concentrate hard in the powertrain. Engine issues lead at 293, nearly half the total, with transmission trouble close behind at 143. For a truck built to chase the F-150 and Silverado on durability, that is the wrong place to carry the weight of the complaints.
The powertrain is the headline and the caution. The generation's engine draws the lowest rating in the data, and the pairing of heavy engine and transmission complaints points to a driveline that did not match the segment benchmarks for toughness. Nissan simplified the lineup to a single 5.6-liter V8 for the 2020 refresh, dropping the Cummins diesel that had anchored the heavier-duty Titan XD, but the complaint pattern held. Electrical faults at 96 and fuel-system problems at 77 fill out a top five where every category carries a critical flag.
Sixteen fire reports across the generation stand out on a truck with this complaint volume, and they align with the engine, electrical, and fuel-system concerns that dominate the record. The 15 recalls reinforce those themes. Multiple campaigns address transmission software and hardware, engine wiring, and exterior lighting, several of them shared with the related Frontier. The transmission recalls in particular line up with the 143 owner complaints in that category.
The Titan makes sense for a used-truck buyer drawn to its lower entry price and its simplicity next to a heavily-optioned domestic rival, but only with clear eyes about the powertrain record. This is a truck to buy on condition and service history, not on the badge's reputation, because the reliability data asks for more scrutiny than the class leaders do.
Engine Reliability Ratings
Nissan Titan Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Nissan Titan regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
Shop the Titan on condition, not on model year, since the A61 generation held a consistent complaint profile from 2016 through its 2024 finale. The one meaningful lineup change came in 2020, when Nissan dropped the Cummins diesel and standardized on the 5.6-liter V8, so a diesel Titan XD is an early-generation-only proposition with its own parts and service considerations.
Put the powertrain at the center of any inspection. Drive the truck through a full range of gear changes and watch for hard shifts, slipping, or hesitation, because transmission complaints are heavy and back up two separate recalls. Check the engine for leaks, listen for unusual noise under load, and confirm it runs to temperature cleanly. Given sixteen fire reports across the generation, inspect the engine bay and wiring for signs of heat damage or amateur repairs, and confirm the electrical recalls have been completed.
Run the VIN through Nissan's recall lookup and verify the transmission, engine-wiring, and lighting campaigns are closed. A pre-sale inspection by a truck-savvy independent shop is worth the cost here, and a documented maintenance history carries more weight on this truck than on its better-regarded rivals.
Recalls (15)
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 and 2024 Titan vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) may be missing a spacer, which can allow the fastener to loosen and result in an unsecured ACU.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 Titan and Frontier vehicles. The tires may have a tear in the inner bead which can cause a rapid loss of tire pressure.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Frontier and Titan vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rogue, 2022 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Titan rental vehicles. When the Sirius XM subscription is set to "Not Subscribed," it may cause the infotainment head unit to reboot, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2022 Titan, Titan XD, Frontier, and 2021-2022 Rogue vehicles. The in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system may continuously reboot when the vehicle is restarted, which can result in an inoperative rearview display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Titan, 2020-2022 Frontier, and 2023 Z vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Titan, Titan XD, and Versa vehicles. The front right and/or left turn signal bulb can crack and fail to illuminate.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Altima and 2018-2021 Titan vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019 Titan vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The headlights may have incorrect aiming marks. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Titan and Titan XD pickup trucks. The engine wiring harness could contain an exposed wire that can cause an electrical short or arcing if it contacts another wire.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017-2019 gasoline, light duty, Titan vehicles. The alternator harness may have been damaged during the engine installation process, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Nissan Titan, 2016 and 2018 Nissan Titan XD vehicles. Accessories installed on these vehicles reduced the load carrying capacity, however, a Load Carrying Capacity modification label was not installed, possibly allowing the vehicle to be overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Nissan Titan Crew Cab and Titan XD Crew Cab vehicles. In the event of a crash, the rear seatbelt assembly may not adequately protect the occupant's head, allowing it to contact the D-ring bolt trim cap. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2016-2025 Nissan Titan problems?
The 2016-2025 Nissan Titan has accumulated 604 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Transmission, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Nissan Titan engine is most reliable?
The 2016-2025 Nissan Titan was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Nissan Titan Unidentified Engine has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2016-2025 Nissan Titan a good used car?
The 2016-2025 Nissan Titan can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 604 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2025 Nissan Titan have?
The 2016-2025 Nissan Titan has 604 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2016-2025 Nissan Titan?
There are 15 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2016-2025 Nissan Titan vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Nissan Titan?
Before buying a used Nissan Titan, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Transmission, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Titan?
The 2024 Nissan Titan received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 3 stars (22.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 604 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.