The 2016 Nissan Note faces several notable issues. Engine oil consumption and transmission jerking affect performance, leading to decreased reliability. The electrical system shows frequent battery drainage concerns, while front suspension noise impacts ride comfort. Additionally, owners have reported brake performance problems, with fading and squeaking typically indicating concerns over stopping distance. Recall issues also exist, including potential airbag deployment failures and CVT-related power losses. Despite these drawbacks, the Note offers impressive fuel efficiency, achieving up to 56 mpg with the gasoline engine. Understanding these common problems is crucial for prospective buyers and owners alike, revealing further insights into this vehicle's performance.
Overview of the 2016 Note
The 2016 Nissan Note is a small hatchback that's practical and efficient. It's compact, measuring 4,100 mm long and 1,730 mm wide, making it easy to drive in the city.
Despite its size, there's plenty of room inside for both people and their stuff.
This model comes with two engine choices. There's a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with 79 horsepower and a 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 90 horsepower.
Both engines use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to save on fuel. The gasoline engine gets about 56 mpg, while the diesel version reaches around 74 mpg. This makes it a good option for daily driving.
Inside, the Note offers comfort and convenience. It includes Bluetooth connectivity and a touchscreen for entertainment.
The cabin is spacious, and the seats can be adjusted to create more cargo space. When you fold down the back seats, you can get up to 1,492 liters of space, which is great for bigger items.
The 2016 Note has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It comes with several safety features like multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and advanced brakes.
This makes it a reliable choice for those looking for a safe and efficient small car.
Common problems reported for the 2016 Note

Component/System | Specific Issues | Frequency of Occurrence | Trends/Changes Over Time | How the Problem Manifests | Impact on Performance | Consumer Satisfaction (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Engine | Uses too much oil | Moderate | More reports over time | Engine light on, oil leaks | Lower engine performance and efficiency | 75% |
Transmission | Jerks when shifting | High | Stays high | Jerking sensation, slow gear changes | Might lose speed, rough ride | 65% |
Electrical System | Battery drains quickly | Moderate | Increasing reports | Hard to start, electrical parts fail | Affects electronics and starting | 70% |
Suspension | Noise from front suspension | Low | Stable | Clunking noises, vibration while driving | Impacts ride comfort and handling | 80% |
Brakes | Brakes fade or squeak | Moderate | Steady | Noisy brakes, less braking efficiency | Safety issues, longer stopping | 68% |
Air Conditioning | Cools poorly | Low | Fewer reports over time | Weak airflow, warm instead of cold air | Uncomfortable in hot weather | 72% |
Infotainment System | Software issues | Moderate | More complaints | Screen freezes, connectivity problems | Affects user experience and convenience | 67% |
Common Problems for the 2016 Nissan Note
The 2016 Nissan Note has several common issues affecting different parts of the vehicle.
Engine: The engine uses too much oil. This happens moderately often and is increasing. Signs include the engine light turning on and oil leaks. It leads to lower performance and efficiency.
Transmission: The car jerks when shifting gears. This problem is frequent and consistent. It causes a jerking feeling and slow gear changes, which can lead to a rough ride and possible loss of speed.
Electrical System: The battery drains quickly. This issue is moderately common and on the rise. It makes the car hard to start and causes electrical parts to fail, reducing reliability.
Suspension: There are noises from the front suspension. While not common, it does occur. There are clunking noises and vibrations when driving, affecting comfort and handling.
Brakes: Brakes fade or squeak. This problem occurs moderately and consistently. The brakes are noisy and less efficient, raising safety concerns due to longer stopping distances.
Air Conditioning: The system cools poorly. This is not a frequent issue and reports are decreasing. The airflow is weak and the air is warm, causing discomfort in hot weather.
Infotainment System: There are software issues. This problem happens moderately and is increasing. The screen freezes and connectivity is poor, affecting the user experience.
Recall information specific to the 2016 Note
Some 2016 Nissan Note owners may want to know about recall issues with their cars. Knowing the details of these recalls is important for safety. The 2016 model has faced some recalls.
- Airbag problems: The airbag control unit might not work, so airbags may not deploy in a crash.
- Transmission troubles: Some cars have issues with the CVT, causing power loss while driving.
- Fuel leaks: There is a risk of fuel leaks, which could lead to fires.
- Brake problems: Some models have a faulty brake master cylinder, reducing braking power.
Nissan has fixed these problems. Affected car owners were asked to take their cars to dealerships for free repairs.
Owners can check if their car is affected by looking on the NHTSA website or contacting Nissan.
Owner reviews and satisfaction rates for the 2016 model
Owners of the 2016 Nissan Note have mixed feelings about their cars. Some like its fuel efficiency, which gets about 54 miles per gallon. This is great for city driving and daily trips.
But, some owners aren't happy with how the car handles and rides. They think the suspension doesn't work well on bumpy roads, making rides less comfy. Also, the cabin can be noisy at high speeds, which some find annoying.
Inside the car, many people like the roomy legroom and storage. The seats can be adjusted, and the trunk space is big, which is useful for families.
However, some people aren't happy with the quality of materials inside, wanting a more upscale feel.
When it comes to reliability, opinions are mixed. Some owners have had problems with electronic parts and minor mechanical issues. This mix of experiences leads to different levels of satisfaction among users.
Comparison to previous and subsequent Note model years
The Nissan Note has changed over the years, showing shifts in what buyers want and new tech. The first version came out in 2005. It was roomy inside but small outside, great for city driving.
In 2012, the second version was better on fuel and had new safety features. It had a sleek shape and driver help systems.
By 2016, the Note looked more stylish and had better entertainment options. It focused on saving fuel, getting about 50 miles per gallon, which was better than older models.
But, people had some problems with the automatic transmission and electrical parts, especially in 2013 and 2014 models.
The 2020 models added more tech, like ProPILOT Assist, which helped with driving tasks. These newer models are generally more reliable, but some people found the tech a bit complicated to learn.
Tips for buying a used 2016 Note
Looking to buy a used 2016 Nissan Note? Keep these tips in mind to avoid common pitfalls and find a vehicle that suits your needs.
- Check Service Records: Make sure the car has regular maintenance logs. This ensures the vehicle has been well cared for.
- Look for Common Issues: Pay attention to signs of transmission problems or electrical faults, which some 2016 models have experienced.
- Take a Test Drive: When driving, notice how the car handles. Check the brakes and acceleration. Listen for any strange noises that might signal problems.
- Inspect the Interior and Exterior: Examine the seats, dashboard, and paint for any damage or wear and tear.
These steps can help you find a reliable 2016 Nissan Note.
Considering a professional inspection can also provide peace of mind before you decide to buy.
Maintenance recommendations for the 2016 Note
Proper care keeps your 2016 Nissan Note running smoothly. Regular check-ups on oil, tires, and brakes can make your drive better and avoid problems.
Maintenance Schedule Overview
Task | How Often | Why It Matters |
---|---|---|
Oil Change | Every 5,000 miles | Keeps engine smooth |
Tire Rotation | Every 6,000 miles | Ensures even wear |
Brake Check | Every 10,000 miles | Maintains safety |
Change the oil every 5,000 miles or six months. This keeps the engine running well and saves fuel. Rotate tires every 6,000 miles to wear them evenly; this helps with handling and stability.
Check the brakes every 10,000 miles to avoid surprises. Look at the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to keep brakes working well.
At each oil change, check fluids like coolant and transmission fluid. This prevents overheating and breakdowns.
Look at the battery and electrical setup often, especially in colder places, to avoid starting problems.
Resale value and long-term ownership costs
Maintaining a 2016 Nissan Note helps it run well and affects its resale value and ownership costs over time. This compact hatchback is known for being reliable, which can help keep its market value up. Cars with a good service history and in good shape usually sell for more.
Several things affect how much a Nissan Note is worth when you sell it. These include how many miles it has, its service history, and general wear and tear. On average, a well-kept 2016 Nissan Note can keep about 50-60% of its original value after five years. Other cars like the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit might lose value at different rates, sometimes faster.
Ownership Cost Breakdown
Cost Component | Estimated Annual Cost | Impact on Resale Value |
---|---|---|
Insurance | $800 | Low |
Maintenance | $600 | Medium |
Fuel | $1,200 | Low |
Depreciation | $1,500 | High |
The yearly cost to own a Nissan Note is about $3,100. Compared to other cars, the Note uses fuel efficiently and doesn't cost much to maintain. Owning a Nissan Note long-term is a smart choice for those who want a reliable car that doesn't cost too much and holds its value well.
People Also Ask
What Is the Average Lifespan of a 2016 Nissan Note?
A 2016 Nissan Note can last about 10 to 15 years. How long it lasts depends on how you drive it, how often you take care of it, and the roads you drive on. Regular check-ups can help it last longer and work better.
How Does the 2016 Nissan Note Perform in Winter Conditions?
The 2016 Nissan Note does well in winter because it has a good heating system, enough space under the car, and handles well. But, how well it drives on snow depends a lot on the quality of its tires.
Are There Any Aftermarket Modifications Recommended for the 2016 Note?
For the 2016 Nissan Note, you can add better suspension parts to make it handle better, buy nicer tires for more grip, and use a performance air filter to help the engine run smoother. Always ask experts if these changes will work well with your car.
What Are Common DIY Repairs for the 2016 Nissan Note?
You can do some simple repairs on a 2016 Nissan Note by yourself. Change the air filters, replace the oil and oil filters, put in new wiper blades, and fix small electrical problems. Doing these helps your car run better and last longer.
How Does Insurance Cost Compare for the 2016 Note Versus Competitors?
Insurance for the 2016 Nissan Note is usually similar to other cars in its class. Things like safety, repair costs, and theft rates affect the price. It's best to get quotes from different insurance companies to find out what you'll pay based on your needs.