2011 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
Compared with other Nissan Pathfinder years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× that of a typical Nissan Pathfinder 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.
- 10 of its 45 complaints were filed by the end of 2013.
- Most reported part: Air bags (12 complaints, median 91,200 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 45filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 46,000miles, 31 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 4.0L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 45 consumer complaints for the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. The part named most often is air bags, with 12 complaints (27% of the total), followed by engine (10) and transmission and drivetrain (7). 31 of the complaints include a mileage, and 55% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 46,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 104 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 5 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Engine complaints overlap with 4 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 13 Nissan Pathfinder model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than 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 bags12 27%
- Engine10 22%
- Brakes6 13%
- Suspension6 13%
- Electrical system4 8.9%
- Other or unknown3 6.7%
- Seat belts3 6.7%
- Steering2 4.4%
- Wheels2 4.4%
Also reported: Fuel system (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “My airbag light keeps flashing on and off. The dealer said it is the airbag switch. I had to pay $150.00 to get it diagnosed and the 2 front airbags will need to be replaced at the total of $2500.00. My vehicle has only 46,000 miles, this should be a safety issue. I see there are a lot more having the same problem. This happened when I switch the car on and remains on.”
NHTSA complaint #10861011, filed 2016-04, 46,000 milesEngine: “While driving down the road at speeds of 40 MPH my car's engine has stalled. My car at times will not turn over but then will crank and the vdc slip light comes on and my engine sputters. The battery is good, the alternator is good. Recently it almost stalled while driving, the battery light came on but then it accelerated just fine. Now it is intermittently making a loud humming/grinding noise.”
NHTSA complaint #11256327, filed 2019-09, 167,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “My vehicle is to the point I am afraid to drive it. Something in steering mechanism, idk but when driving any differential in the road the vehicle is all over the road.. I am a single person with grandchildren and this is not safe. It is so bad it walks into another lane of traffic. This started a few weeks ago and I took to a local mechanic and he could not find a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10892705, filed 2016-08, 62,000 milesBrakes: “Was traveling at about 30mph when I came to make a stop my brakes went all the way to the floor causing me to almost crash until e brake brought me to a stop. Mechanic checked and could not get the truck to do it again. Brakes and rotors and brake fluid are all in tact .”
NHTSA complaint #11297566, filed 2020-01, 119,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
55% of the 31 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 26,000 and 92,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder · SUV 4WD | not rated | — | — | — | 3 · 22.8% risk |
| Pathfinder · SUV RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 3 · 23.7% 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 Pathfinder 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,850 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,150 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $5,500 |
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 Pathfinder 2008–2011, Xterra 2008–2011, Frontier 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.
- 11V592000Dec 19, 2011Engine and engine coolingCovers: Nissan Pathfinder 2011–2012, Xterra 2011–2012, Infiniti FX 2011 +3 more
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2011 infiniti fx, model year 2012 infiniti m, model year 2011-2012 nissan frontier, model year 2011-2012 nissan xterra, model year 2011-2012 nissan pathfinder, and model year 2012 nissan nv vehicles. Some of the bolts…
Recall details for the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder → · 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. 104 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031720Apr 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…
- 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.
Other model years of the Nissan Pathfinder
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 | 76,900 | 0 | 5 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 56 | 9,000 | 1 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 86 | 13,500 | 2 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 107 | 15,800 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 69 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 136 | 11,500 | 5 | 5 | 23 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 53 | 19,700 | 0 | 5 | 23 | 7 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 76 | 40,000 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 26 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2018 | 78 | 16,000 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 188 | 42,710 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 105 | 48,900 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 321 | 44,254 | 5 | 5 | 23 | 96 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 576 | 47,500 | 11 | 5 | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 891 | 15,000 | 11 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2012 | 23 | 87,000 | 2 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 2011 | 45 | 46,000 | 2 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 40 | 111,386 | 4 | — | 18 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 37 | 91,000 | 3 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 328 | 106,534 | 4 | — | 17 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 561 | 99,123 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 837 | 93,000 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,050 | 90,024 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 67 | 76,684 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 110 | 100,750 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 156 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 230 | 99,782 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 112 | 124,697 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 104 | 130,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 149 | 112,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 217 | 113,400 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 159 | 121,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 170 | 127,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 91 | 127,500 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 49 | 141,500 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 30 | 123,698 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 39 | 157,016 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 38 | 192,412 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 15 | — | 2 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 17 | 148,000 | 2 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 19 | — | 2 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
All Nissan Pathfinder model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder have?
NHTSA recorded 45 consumer complaints for the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 12 complaints (27% of the total), followed by engine with 10.
Has the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder (Pathfinder 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,850 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder reported?
Among the 31 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 46,000 miles and the middle half falls between 26,000 and 92,000 miles; 55% 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.