2011 Nissan Frontier Problems
Compared with other Nissan Frontier years
Typical for this model
49/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Nissan Frontier year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 14 of its 64 complaints were filed by the end of 2013.
- Most reported problem: Long or soft brake pedal (15 complaints, median 66,950 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2014
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 64filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 47,800miles, 50 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl RWD · 17 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 Nissan Frontier (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about air bag warning lights that come on or flash without a collision, frequently traced by dealers to the passenger seat or seat belt sensors, and about brake pedal travel that gets long or soft, sometimes after hitting a bump. Transmission and clutch complaints, body rust and trim issues, and occasional stalls round out the reports. Many of the sampled complaints were filed at relatively low mileage, though the driveline and brake reports tend to appear at higher miles.
- Air bags
Air bag warning light flashes or stays on
- 10 complaints (16%)
- median 49,100 mi at 6.9 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2011–2021
Owners describe the air bag warning light flashing or staying lit with no crash involved, often together with a passenger-side indicator showing the air bag as off. Several say a dealer reset the light and it returned, and others were quoted repairs for the passenger seat cushion or seat belt assembly in the hundreds to a couple thousand dollars. Some report the warning appears or disappears depending on whether someone is sitting in the passenger seat. Reported from very low mileage up to about 130,000 miles, with many under 60,000 miles.
Recall 23V0670004 related service bulletins
What to check: Turn the key on and confirm the air bag light goes out after the self-check, and sit in the passenger seat to see whether the indicator reads correctly. Ask whether any air bag control unit reprogramming or campaign work was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The airbag light is lit and will not reset. I am not sure if the airbag is operating correctly or not. I have seen several similar complaints online. The vehicle has not been involved in a collision or any other damage.”
NHTSA complaint #10659385, filed 2014-11, 14,000 miles“I have repeatedly gotten indicators (via vehicle's computer) of air bag failure, on a vehicle of low mileage, which has never been in an accident, and has gotten failures regarding the front passenger seat, which is rarely used. The first time, the dealer replaced the seatback and airbag under warranty. The second time the dealer replaced the seatbelt assembly. How, the 3rd time, they tell me that the same seat - cushion needs to be replaced, along with the airbag, and that I have to pay over $2,000 for this. …”
NHTSA complaint #11265482, filed 2019-10, 49,100 miles - Brakes
Long or soft brake pedal
- 15 complaints (23%)
- median 66,950 mi at 6.2 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2025
Complaints describe the brake pedal sinking toward the floor or feeling spongy, giving longer stopping distances, sometimes after the vehicle passes over a bump or irregularity. Some owners say the pedal recovers after pumping, while others report master cylinder replacement or ABS module diagnosis. A few owners also mention ABS, VDC, and slip lights coming on along with the pedal issue. Reported from near-new mileage up to about 160,000 miles, with many between roughly 70,000 and 150,000 miles.
What to check: Press and hold the brake pedal with the engine running to see whether it holds firm or slowly sinks, and ask about any prior master cylinder or ABS work. Confirm whether ABS and VDC warning lights stay off after start-up.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While applying my brakes in traffic while not moving very fast I hit a bump in the road and lost full pressure to my brake pedal it went to the floor and the truck jump to the right hand lane the some thing happened to weeks ago - the master cylinder was replaced at that time - the 1st time the pedal did not come back to full - but on 6/23 after an hour or so the pedal pumped back up (2011 Nissan Frontier)”
NHTSA complaint #11002053, filed 2017-06, 109,000 miles“While driving and attempting to stop at a stop sign the brakes became spongy (not firm) and pedal traveled to the floor resulting in longer braking distances unless I pump the pedal. This occurred after applying the brakes ahead of a stop sign as the vehicle rolled over a bump/irregularity in the road. The ABS and vdc (anti-slip) activated briefly then the pedal got soft. It remained in this condition (spongy and excessive pedal travel) until reached my destination. …”
NHTSA complaint #11306559, filed 2020-02, 156,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission and clutch problems
- 8 complaints (13%)
- median 54,000 mi at 6.6 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2012–2020
Owners report automatic transmissions that rev without moving the truck, refuse to engage reverse, or lose power in lower gears, with some quoted large replacement estimates. Manual-transmission owners describe clutches slipping at highway speed or after relatively short intervals, sometimes noticed as a burning smell when backing a trailer. Complaints also mention fluid found overfilled without any service history. Mostly reported between about 13,000 and 150,000 miles, with clutch reports clustered in the 27,000 to 130,000 mile range.
What to check: On a test drive, check that shifts are firm and immediate, that reverse engages without delay, and that the clutch does not slip under acceleration in a higher gear. Ask for transmission and clutch service records and check fluid level and color.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“At 27,000 miles the clutch started slipping. The vehicle was in motion on I-5 freeway. The problem caused me to pull over and get off the road as the vehicle could not go at the speed of the traffic creating danger. The next day I took it to a repair shop where the clutch and the flywheel were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11184598, filed 2019-03, 27,000 miles“My clutch keeps wearing out after approximately 25,000 miles. I bought this truck used with 60,000 miles and replaced the clutch at 81,893 miles, 107,179 miles and it is now slipping again at 131,521 miles. I have owned and driven primarily manual transmission vehicles since 1975 and never had this problem before. I have driven nearl one million miles in vehicles with manual transmissions and replaced only one clutch. There is obviously a defect in the clutch that Nissan uses. …”
NHTSA complaint #11056630, filed 2017-12, 131,500 miles - Engine
Engine stalls or runs rough while driving
- 5 complaints (8%)
- median 17,200 mi at 1.7 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2022
Owners describe the engine shutting off or losing power while driving, in some cases at highway speed, with warning lights on the dash and the truck unable to restart. Complaints mention crankshaft position sensor replacement in some cases and an engine control module diagnosed as failed in another. One owner also notes difficulty filling the fuel tank without the nozzle partly withdrawn. Reported from under 10,000 miles up to about 160,000 miles.
What to check: Check that the check engine light is off and ask whether the crankshaft position sensor or engine control module has been replaced. Scan for stored codes during a pre-purchase inspection.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“After leaving a remote logging road in northern maine woods, my wife and I headed back towards bangor , maine. While traveling apx 60 MPH the truck lost power, some warning lights on dash illuminated, I was forced to pull over. Engine was chugging, could not keep it running. I shut it off and attempted to drive further, I could not. It was towed to dealer and crankshaft position sensor replaced. I give thanks it didn't happen on the logging road where there is no cell signal and few other cars.”
NHTSA complaint #10486243, filed 2012-11, 8,289 miles“I was driving along the 805 freeway when my airconditioner lights started flashing. Shortly thereafter all the lights started coming on the dash board. Then I lost power to the engine and brakes. All power was lost. I had to merge on to the 8 west freeway and I was lucky to be able to use my handbrake to slow down and come to rest on the shoulder. After exiting the vehicle, we could smell burning and then noticed there was flames coming from under the front right tire area coming from under the engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10398455, filed 2011-05, 17,200 miles - Body and structure
Body rust and paint wear
- 6 complaints (9%)
- median 40,765 mi at 5.0 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2011–2023
Complaints describe rust and rust staining on body panels, particularly around the rear bumper and rear fender areas, with owners saying repairs were attempted and the problem returned. Others report paint chipping ahead of the rear tires and water collecting in the rear bumper area. A separate group describes corrosion on steel wheels around the tire pressure sensor that led to air loss. Reported from about 24,000 to 57,000 miles on trucks only a few years old at the time.
What to check: Inspect the rear bumper, fender lips, and wheel wells for bubbling or staining, and look at the steel wheels around the valve stems for corrosion. Ask whether any body panels have been repainted.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“A design defect in the steel wheels allows water to puddle in a channel in the wheel -- because there is inadequate drainage behind a shoulder on the rim. Furthermore the coating of the steel rim is inadequate to prevent rusting of the rim. Thus, after as little as 57,500 miles, the puddling in this undrained channel leads to severe corrosion, with following adverse results. …”
NHTSA complaint #11155991, filed 2018-12, 57,000 miles“Automobile has body rust and rust like staining. Nissan attempted to repair by putting sanding pudding and painting it. Car still has constant rust problems. Nissan corporate office is unable to come up with solution at this time. The rear bumper in particular has that issue Nissan cut holes in it to drain water out after it rains to prevent further rusting. Ongoing issue with no solution. This is a 2011 model purchased new.”
NHTSA complaint #10548542, filed 2013-10, 24,000 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection that scans for stored codes and checks the air bag and ABS systems is worthwhile on this model year. Ask for records of brake hydraulic, air bag sensor, and transmission or clutch work, and look closely at the body and wheels for corrosion.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 57 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 64 consumer complaints for the 2011 Nissan Frontier. 50 of the complaints include a mileage, and 52% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 47,800 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 110 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Nissan Frontier model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 49 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags16 25%
- Brakes13 20%
- Electrical system6 9.4%
- Body and structure6 9.4%
- Other or unknown5 7.8%
- Engine4 6.3%
- Vehicle speed control4 6.3%
- Seat belts3 4.7%
- Seats3 4.7%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (2), Engine cooling (2), Steering (2), Suspension (2), Wheels (2), Forward collision avoidance (1), Fuel system (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “My airbag light began to flash a year ago I took it to Nissan they told me it was a seat cushion sensor it would cost me $500.00 to have it fixed. I am writting this in complaint that this has not been in recall I have waited for this period in expectation of receiving a recall notice. Also a failure code for belt tensioner. To have these items repaired would cost a total of $2175.14. I don't agree I should be responsible for the front passenger seat airbag sensor. No one sits in the seat, nothing should go wrong with the sensor. It came on all of a sudden. When starting the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11366501, filed 2020-10, 121,372 milesBrakes: “The brake pedal lost all pressure and brakes did not function properly immediately after hitting some small bump in the road. This caused a collision with the car in front of my vehicle. Even after vehicle was repaired following this collision, master cylinder replacement, and full brake service, this issue still persists. Small road bumps make the brakes momentarily non-functional.”
NHTSA complaint #11123947, filed 2018-09, 76,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Truck started not engaging in reverse at around 50,100 miles. Took my truck to larry h miller Nissan where I paid 157.00 to have them tell me that my transmission was over full. They pulled about 3 liters of extra fluid from tranny. The fluid appears darker but thinner than normal. They said the pump is probably blown due to excessive pressure from the added fluid. This transmission has never had service of fluid added. No sure at this point if this is a problem with radiator cross contamination but about 3 yeas ago my heater stopped working. …”
NHTSA complaint #11233784, filed 2019-07, 50,100 milesElectrical system: “Vehicle blower turns off after going through car wash, or intermittently while driving. Can cause issues with fogging up windows and visibility when driving when happening on freeway. Unsure as to nature of why.”
NHTSA complaint #11325509, filed 2020-05, 87,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
52% of the 50 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 17,200 and 82,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Nissan Frontier. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier · extended cab 4WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| Frontier · crew cab 4WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| Frontier · crew cab RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 3 · 21.2% risk |
| Frontier · extended cab RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 3 · 21.2% risk |
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2011 Nissan Frontier version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Frontier 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Frontier 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Frontier 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Frontier 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Frontier 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 23V067000Feb 10, 2023Air bags › FrontalCovers: Nissan Frontier 2008–2011, Pathfinder 2008–2011, Xterra 2008–2011 +3 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
Recall details for the 2011 Nissan Frontier → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 110 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11007001Jul 8, 2024Air bags. VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN ID #: PC945 and PC948 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2005-2013 Frontier (D40) 2005-2012 Pathfinder (R51)…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Frontier
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 2,700 | 1 | 4 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 9 | — | 3 | 4 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 22 | 1,100 | 3 | 4 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 66 | 4,500 | 1 | 4 | 21 | 94 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 112 | 2,000 | 6 | 4 | 20 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 20 | 26,500 | 2 | 4 | 20 | — | Rising |
| 2020 | 23 | 28,000 | 2 | 4 | 20 | — | Rising |
| 2019 | 28 | 12,000 | 1 | 4 | 19 | 21 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 25 | 9,745 | 2 | — | 19 | 31 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 38 | 17,500 | 1 | 4 | 19 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 44 | 32,500 | 1 | — | 19 | 46 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 33 | 29,000 | 0 | — | 19 | 23 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2014 | 42 | 35,000 | 2 | — | 19 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 48 | 27,000 | 1 | — | 19 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2012 | 80 | 43,000 | 3 | — | 19 | 72 · More | Rising |
| 2011 | 64 | 47,800 | 1 | — | 19 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 59 | 41,000 | 4 | — | 19 | 72 · More | Rising |
| 2009 | 37 | 60,097 | 3 | — | 19 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 136 | 85,000 | 5 | — | 19 | 77 · More | Stable |
| 2007 | 520 | 82,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 617 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 532 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 66 | 61,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 77 | 65,500 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 124 | 69,500 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 134 | 73,850 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 189 | 88,125 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 78 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 129 | 110,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Nissan Frontier model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Frontier?
Owners of this model year most often write about air bag warning lights that come on or flash without a collision, frequently traced by dealers to the passenger seat or seat belt sensors, and about brake pedal travel that gets long or soft, sometimes after hitting a bump. The issues reported most often: Air bag warning light flashes or stays on; Long or soft brake pedal; Transmission and clutch problems.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 Nissan Frontier have?
NHTSA recorded 64 consumer complaints for the 2011 Nissan Frontier as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2011 Nissan Frontier is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 16 complaints (25% of the total), followed by brakes with 13.
Has the 2011 Nissan Frontier been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Nissan Frontier get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Nissan Frontier (Frontier 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2011 Nissan Frontier reported?
Among the 50 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 47,800 miles and the middle half falls between 17,200 and 82,000 miles; 52% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.