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Air bagsPart report

2011 Nissan Frontier Air bags Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
25%of 64 total for the year
Median mileage
34,400miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the air bags of the 2011 Nissan Frontier, 25% of the 64 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,400 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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

“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 miles

“Going down back road, hit a depression, the truck naturally rocked a bit from side to side, side airbags (passenger and driver) suddenly deployed w/a horrendous loud bang, scaring me half to death a long w/my left ear ringing. Ridiculous that it is that sensitive in a 4x4 truck that they advertise navigating rough conditions. I truly hope this does not end up costing me and that Nissan steps up to the plate and makes this right. 2 other very similar reports on this site.”

NHTSA complaint #10492025, filed 2013-01, 29,370 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. Each time I get this failure notification, my airbag is disabled. …”

NHTSA complaint #11265482, filed 2019-10, 49,100 miles

“Myself and three kids and dog had been on a mild 4 wheel drive road having a little cook out and hike. We were coming home on a smooth maintained county road going and coming to stop by a stream. I think my foot was on the brake, we were maybe going 20 miles an hour when my side airbags exploded. Seat air bags and front airbags fortunately did not explode. I received mild burns and bruises on my face. My 6 y.o. Red, hurt on his chest. 11 y.o. Lost his hearing temporarily and red stinging ear. …”

NHTSA complaint #10419941, filed 2011-08, 6,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202415%
202233%
2021315%
202014%
2019518%
201828%
2017513%
20161023%
20151030%
20141126%
20131531%
20122329%
20111625%
20101932%
2009924%
20082115%
2007387%
2006264%
2005143%
200469%
200356%
200254%
2001107%
2000126%
19991722%
1998129%

Other parts of the 2011 Nissan Frontier

Brakes
13 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
9 complaints
Electrical system
6 complaints
Body and structure
6 complaints
Other or unknown
5 complaints
Engine
4 complaints
Vehicle speed control
4 complaints
Seat belts
3 complaints
Seats
3 complaints
Electronic stability control
2 complaints
Engine cooling
2 complaints
Steering
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 Nissan Frontier

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology