Used Nissan Titan 2nd Gen (2016-2024): Buyer's Guide

The 2017 Nissan Titan logged 172 NHTSA complaints and 8 fire incidents in its first full year on sale. The 2023 Titan has 2 recalls and near-zero complaint activity. Same F-Alpha platform. Same 5.6L V8. The ownership experience diverges dramatically by model year — and even more dramatically by powertrain.

The gas V8 in this generation is one of the most durable truck engines sold in the last decade. Owners on TitanTalk.com routinely post 200,000-mile updates with nothing more than fluid changes. But the 2017-2019 version of that engine has a documented cylinder #7 oil-starvation defect that can require a short-block replacement at $4,000-7,000. The 9-speed transmission introduced in 2020 launched with a rollaway recall and a class action lawsuit. And the Cummins 5.0L turbodiesel available in the Titan XD from 2016 to 2019 has a fuel pump failure mode that can destroy the engine and cost $10,000 or more to repair.

This guide covers what most used Titan guides skip: the specific cylinder issue on the pre-refresh gas V8, why the 9-speed recall status matters before you sign anything, and why no used Titan XD diesel is worth buying regardless of how clean it looks.

This Generation at a Glance

Nissan redesigned the Titan from the ground up for the 2016 model year on its new F-Alpha (A61) platform. The launch was staggered: only the heavy-duty Titan XD arrived for 2016, equipped with the Cummins 5.0L turbodiesel. The standard half-ton Titan with the gas V8 didn't reach dealers until the 2017 model year.

Mid-cycle milestones within the generation:

• 2016: Titan XD only. Cummins diesel debut. First-year issues, no half-ton gas Titan yet.
• 2017: Half-ton Titan with 5.6L V8 and 7-speed auto. Cylinder #7 scuffing TSB issued later (NTB19-057a). Alternator harness fire-risk recall (19V495000). 172 NHTSA complaints.
• 2018: Same engine and transmission. 88 complaints. Transmission shift-quality complaints continue.
• 2019: Fewer complaints (41). Last year of 7-speed auto. Last year for Cummins diesel in Titan XD.
• 2020: Full mid-cycle refresh. 9-speed automatic replaces 7-speed. Power bumped to 400hp / 413 lb-ft. Premium fuel now recommended. Safety Shield 360 standard on all trims. Cummins diesel dropped permanently.
• 2021: 9-speed rollaway recall issued (22V457000). Airbag control unit recall (24V580000).
• 2022: Second 9-speed recall (22V671000 — TCM reprogramming). Rearview camera recall. Complaints stabilize.
• 2023: 2 recalls. Lowest complaint rate of the generation.
• 2024: Final model year (Nissan announced discontinuation August 2023). 1 recall. Best build quality of the generation.

See Titan market data by year: 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024

Powertrain and Trim Breakdown

5.6L VK56VD V8 (2017-2024): The Good Engine With One Serious Catch

The 5.6L V8 is the reason to buy a Titan. It's a large-displacement, naturally aspirated, direct-injection V8 that makes genuine power (390-400hp depending on year), tows capably, and has a reputation on TitanTalk.com for reaching high mileage without major surgery. Forum members regularly post 200,000+ mile updates. The engine has no timing belt, uses a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine, and responds well to straightforward oil-change maintenance.

But the 2017-2019 versions have a documented failure pattern you need to check before buying.

The Cylinder #7 Defect (2017-2019)

Nissan issued TSB NTB19-057a (also referenced as ITB19-016) for 2017-2019 Titans with the VK56VD engine. The issue: the oil jet that lubricates the bottom of the #7 piston and cylinder wall can be misaligned, clogged, or faulty from the factory. When cylinder #7 doesn't receive adequate oil, the piston skirt and cylinder wall scuff against each other. You get a persistent engine knock that doesn't fade with warmup. The knock follows RPM. It doesn't go away.

Diagnosis requires a borescope inspection of cylinder #7. Deep vertical scuffing on the cylinder wall means a short block replacement: $4,000 to $7,000 depending on shop and parts availability. NHTSA opened a preliminary investigation into the crankshaft failures associated with this issue. Nissan replaced affected engines under warranty, but coverage depends on mileage and whether the TSB was previously addressed on the specific truck.

Forum threads on TitanTalk.com about engine knock run to dozens of pages, with owners documenting failures from 30,000 to 100,000 miles. The consensus: if you hear an RPM-following tick that doesn't clear up at operating temperature, walk away.

7-Speed Automatic (2017-2019)

The 7-speed automatic in pre-refresh Titans has well-documented shift-quality problems. Owners report harsh 7-to-3 downshifts under moderate throttle, torque converter lockup clunks in 3rd gear, and erratic hunting between gears on inclines.

Nissan issued TSB NTB17-016 to reflash the ECM and TCM together. Forum consensus: the reflash fixes roughly 80% of the complaint. If the seller's truck hasn't had this TSB applied, budget for a dealer visit or ask that it be completed before purchase. The reflash is free at any Nissan dealer.

9-Speed Automatic (2020-2024)

The 2020 refresh brought a new 9-speed automatic alongside the extra 10 horsepower. The 9-speed introduced a different problem: hesitation and lurching under low-speed acceleration, particularly from a rolling stop.

Nissan issued two recalls addressing 9-speed transmission issues on 2020-2022 Titans:

• 22V457000 (June 2022): Parking pawl may not engage when shifted to Park, creating a rollaway risk. Fix: replace the parking pawl pin.
• 22V671000 (September 2022): A second rollaway recall affecting 2020-2022 trucks. Fix: reprogram TCM and ECM.

A class action lawsuit (filed 2022) covered 2020-2021 Titan and Frontier owners experiencing shift hesitation. Owners reported continued problems even after dealer software updates. The 2022-2024 model years appear more settled in owner reports, with fewer complaints about shift quality.

Before buying any 2020-2022 Titan: Confirm both parking pawl recalls are completed. Run the VIN at recall check. A truck with open rollaway recalls should not be on the road.

5.0L Cummins ISV5.0T V8 Diesel (2016-2020 Titan XD): Don't Buy This Engine

The Cummins 5.0L diesel was a marquee feature when Nissan launched the Titan XD in 2016. On paper, 555 lb-ft of torque and a 12,314-lb tow rating sounded competitive. In practice, the engine was a reliability disaster that Nissan quietly dropped after the 2019 model year.

The CP4 Fuel Pump Problem

The Cummins ISV5.0T uses a Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel injection pump. This pump was engineered for European diesel fuel, which has higher lubricity than U.S. diesel. American diesel fuel doesn't adequately lubricate the CP4's internal metal components. Over time, metal shavings from pump wear contaminate the entire fuel system. The shavings travel to the injectors, block them, and cause a complete no-start engine failure. Repair cost: $8,000 to $15,000 or more for a full fuel system replacement and engine cleaning.

In March 2023, law firm Hagens Berman filed a class action lawsuit against Nissan and Cummins alleging the CP4 defect was known and undisclosed. As of mid-2026, the lawsuit remains pending.

DEF System Failures

The diesel exhaust fluid system requires a strict 32.5% urea concentration. DEF crystallizes when exposed to air, clogging the DEF injector, pump, and lines. The DEF sensors are highly sensitive — even slight concentration variation triggers system errors. Forum threads on TitanXDForum.com document repeated DEF error codes, DEF system replacements, and trucks entering a limp mode that limits top speed.

EGR Clogging and Turbo Failures

EGR clogging is a documented issue on 2016-2019 XD diesel trucks, leading to rough running and carbon buildup requiring cleaning or replacement. Turbocharger failures have also been reported, typically beyond 80,000 miles.

Crankshaft Failures (Titan XD, Specific Batches)

NHTSA opened a preliminary investigation into crankshaft failures on Titan XD diesel models. Forum reports from TitanXDForum.com document sudden crankshaft breakage and spun rod bearings, some occurring as early as 32,000 miles. Cummins acknowledged awareness of affected engine batches.

The verdict on the Cummins diesel: Every used Titan XD diesel carries compounding risk. The CP4 pump failure can destroy the engine with little warning. There's no reliable way to know whether a specific truck has reached the failure threshold. Skip it.

Trim-Specific Notes

The Titan's trim lineup runs from the base S through the off-road-focused PRO-4X to the plush Platinum Reserve. The hierarchy changed slightly over the generation.

S — Base trim, 2WD available. Cloth interior, basic feature set. Uncommon on the used market. Worth considering only if you're buying for work use and don't care about resale.

SV — The most common trim in the used market (1,029 inventory listings on CarScout vs. 753 for PRO-4X). Covers the basics well: 4WD available, crew cab, Nissan's infotainment system. The 9-inch screen arrived as an option in 2020. A good value pick for buyers who want a capable truck without paying for features they won't use.

PRO-4X — The off-road trim. Standard equipment includes Bilstein remote-reservoir shocks, an electronic locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and hill descent control. The PRO-4X's Bilstein suspension handles significantly better than the standard setup on rough terrain. For buyers who tow, haul, or drive off-road, the PRO-4X is worth the premium.

One caveat: the 2020 refresh moved the 9-inch touchscreen and navigation to PRO-4X as standard. Pre-refresh PRO-4X trucks have a smaller screen unless the tech package was optioned.

SL — Leather interior, larger touchscreen, tech features. Good for buyers who want comfort over off-road capability.

Platinum Reserve — Top trim. Leather everywhere, premium audio (Fender 12-speaker system), ventilated front seats, panoramic moonroof. Commands a significant premium on the used market. Worth it only if the features matter to you — a well-optioned SL or PRO-4X does everything the Platinum Reserve does for less.

2020 Refresh Dividing Line

The 2020 refresh added Safety Shield 360 (automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning) to all trims as standard. Pre-refresh Titans don't have it at all unless it was an individual option on upper trims. If driver-assist features matter to you, target 2020 or newer.

Which Model Years to Target Within This Generation

The sweet spot is 2022-2023. Both parking pawl recalls are long-resolved, dealer inventory has been serviced, and the 9-speed software has been refined. The 2023 in particular shows essentially flat complaint activity and only two recalls, neither related to drivability. Prices reflect the discontinuation news — buyers shopping a dead-end nameplate get a discount that owners of F-150s and Silverados don't.

The 2019 is the best pre-refresh value. It avoids the worst first-year issues of the 7-speed era, has a lower complaint count than 2017-2018, and comes in at lower prices than post-refresh trucks. The TSB reflash should have been completed by now on dealer-serviced examples.

Avoid 2016 and 2017 as primary choices. The 2016 is XD-diesel-only. The 2017 combines the cylinder #7 risk, the 8 documented fire incidents from the alternator recall, and the highest complaint count of any year in this generation.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

All Model Years (5.6L V8)

• Cold start engine knock test: Start the engine cold. Listen for a tick or knock that follows RPM. Let it run to operating temperature. If the knock is still present at full operating temperature, it's not normal warm-up noise — it's the cylinder #7 scuffing pattern. Don't buy it without a borescope inspection of cylinder #7 first.
• VIN recall check: Run the VIN through /tools/recall-lookup before driving. Confirm the alternator harness recall (19V495000) is completed on 2017-2019 trucks. Confirm both parking pawl recalls (22V457000 and 22V671000) are completed on 2020-2022 trucks.
• Frame undercarriage inspection: Inspect all weld points, shock mount brackets, and crossmembers for rust. Trucks operated in northern states or Canada with road salt exposure show frame rust at welds — hairline rust at welds is common and manageable, but deep rust at structural mounting points is a dealbreaker.
• Transmission test drive: On pre-refresh trucks (2017-2019), test for harsh 7-to-3 downshifts under moderate throttle. If pronounced, ask for proof the NTB17-016 reflash was completed. On 2020-2021 trucks, test for hesitation from a rolling stop and lurching under light acceleration. Acceptable after recall completion; persistent after recall completion is a red flag.
• Service records: Ask specifically for documentation of differential fluid changes. The rear differential fluid is often neglected on work trucks. Skipped service intervals here lead to premature wear.
• Oil level and color check: Pull the dipstick. Brown oil, low level, or a milky appearance (indicating coolant contamination) warrants immediate professional inspection before purchase.

Titan XD (Diesel) — Specific

• Don't buy a Titan XD diesel. If you're considering one: have an independent diesel shop test fuel system pressure, inspect the CP4 pump for metal contamination, and scope the injectors. Budget for the possibility of full fuel system replacement regardless of what the inspection shows.

PRO-4X Specific

• Inspect the Bilstein shocks for leaking oil. They carry a premium replacement cost ($800-1,500 for a full set aftermarket). Check for uneven tire wear that would indicate worn out shocks or alignment issues from previous off-road use.
• Check the electronic locking rear differential by engaging it in a parking lot. Indicator light should illuminate and the diff should lock without grinding.

Running Costs

The 5.6L V8 is not an economical engine. Premium fuel is recommended on post-2020 trucks with the revised tune. Annual fuel costs from EPA data:

Key maintenance intervals:

• Oil changes: Every 5,000-7,500 miles. Nissan recommends full synthetic 0W-20.
• Spark plugs: 105,000-mile interval using Iridium plugs. Budget $400-600 for a shop to do this — it's a straightforward job on the V8.
• Differential fluid (front and rear): Every 30,000 miles. Neglected on most used examples. Budget $150-250 to have it serviced at purchase.
• Transmission fluid: Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on use. Many used examples will have never had this done. Budget $150-200.
• Timing chain: Nissan designs this to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement interval. Rattling at cold start is an early warning sign.
• Brake rotors: Typical for a full-size truck. Expect rotor replacement at 60,000-80,000 miles if it towed regularly.

Known expensive repairs:

• Cylinder #7 short block (2017-2019 V8 scuffing): $4,000-7,000
• 9-speed transmission overhaul: $2,500-4,500
• Bilstein shock set (PRO-4X): $800-1,500 aftermarket

FAQ Block

Is the Nissan Titan 5.6L V8 reliable? Yes — when properly maintained and on a good example. The VK56VD V8 is one of the more durable full-size truck engines of the past decade, with documented high-mileage ownership past 200,000 miles. The 2017-2019 version has a cylinder #7 oil-starvation defect (TSB NTB19-057a) that requires a pre-purchase cold-start inspection. Post-2020 examples have fewer documented engine issues.

What year Nissan Titan should I avoid? Avoid the 2016 (Cummins diesel only, first-year XD issues), the 2017 (172 NHTSA complaints, 8 fire incidents from the alternator harness recall, highest cylinder #7 scuffing risk), and the 2020-2021 (9-speed transmission rollaway recalls that need verification before purchase). The 2023-2024 are the cleanest years in the generation.

Is the Nissan Titan XD diesel worth buying used? No. The 5.0L Cummins diesel in the 2016-2019 Titan XD has a CP4 high-pressure fuel pump that generates metal shavings in U.S. diesel fuel, contaminating the entire fuel system. Engine replacement cost can reach $10,000-15,000. A class action lawsuit against Nissan and Cummins was filed in 2023. The diesel was dropped entirely after 2019. Avoid all used Titan XD diesel trucks regardless of mileage or service history.

How many miles does a Nissan Titan last? Second-gen Titan owners on TitanTalk.com routinely reach 200,000 miles on the gas V8 with standard maintenance. Some have documented 250,000-300,000 miles with no major drivetrain work. The engine is the strong point of this generation. The transmission (both 7-speed and 9-speed generations) is the variable — trucks with histories of towing or hard use are higher risk.

Is the 2020 Nissan Titan 9-speed transmission fixed? Partially. The two parking pawl recalls (22V457000 and 22V671000) address the rollaway risk with hardware replacement and software reprogramming. Nissan issued the fixes for free at dealers. A class action lawsuit from 2020-2021 owners claims the shift hesitation issues weren't fully resolved by software updates. On 2022-2024 trucks, owner reports of shift hesitation drop significantly, suggesting either improved manufacturing or more effective software calibration over time.

Bottom Line

The gas V8 Titan is an underrated truck selling at a discount because it's discontinued and not named F-150. That's an opportunity for the right buyer. Target a 2022-2023 with the PRO-4X trim if you need off-road capability, or an SV if you just want a capable, durable full-size truck for less than a comparable RAM or Ford.

Before buying anything 2017-2019: listen for the cold-start knock. Before buying anything 2020-2022: run the VIN and confirm both rollaway recalls are resolved. Never buy a Titan XD diesel.

Run every VIN through a recall check. CarScout members can track price drops on specific Titan trims, model years, and configurations at usecarscout.com — useful for a truck with this much year-to-year variability.

Data sourced from NHTSA recalls database, EPA fuel economy data, and real owner experiences from TitanTalk.com, TitanXDForum.com, CarComplaints.com, and CoPilot. See the full Nissan Titan market data for pricing and inventory.