2011 Nissan Pathfinder Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 22%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,950miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder, 22% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,950 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Took the truck the truck to the dealer for regular scheduled oil change(6/11/14) . On 6/14/14 the service engine soon light came on. The light when off on 6/15/14. On 6/18/14 while driving the engine oil light came on and the oil pressure gauge when to zero. I took the truck back on 6/20/14 to the dealer. The service said there was nothing wrong.I was told to bring it back if I had any problems. On 6/26/14 the oil light came on and the pressure gauge when to zero. I had the car towed to the dealer. Theory are trying to determine what's wrong with the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10606654, filed 2014-06, 40,000 miles“Dear authority, I just bought a used Nissan Pathfinder 2011 with 15000 miles a week ago. It has had problem with acceleration. I took it to a Nissan dealer and was told that the transmission and radiator were both failed. This is very dangerous on highway if this Pathfinder's engine failed and stopped working. I do not want to put my family at risk on this truck. Please take action at once as how many car owners have already been experienced same problem. It would be too late if some serious accidents happened. The us government should protect its citizen and not the foreign car maker, I.e. …”
NHTSA complaint #10511561, filed 2013-05, 15,000 miles“Service engine soon light continuously goes off and on. Took it to various mechanics and all say there's nothing wrong. Noticed the light goes off in certain weather, but not all the time. Since mechanics say there's nothing wrong, I can't say how it affects the vehicle. This has been an issue for 2 years.”
NHTSA complaint #11180020, filed 2019-02, 92,000 miles“Car is making a very loud exhaust sound. Mechanic said the manifold has a crack. This car is a 2011, and it doesn't seem possible for this age car that is driven by a female 43 year old to have such issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10578240, filed 2014-04, 49,900 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10152515Nov 28, 2018OBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. We are re-circulating this update to make regional and dealer…
- 10109200Mar 9, 20172010-2015 FRONTIER, 2010-2012 PATHFINDER AND XTERRA; VIBRATION WHILE IDLING This bulletin has been amended to add 2013-2015 Frontier and additional steps for that model range…
- 10192478Nov 25, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION Starting with 2010 Model Year, Nissan vehicles have been gradually incorporating a new type of DTC known as Permanent DTC or P-DTC. If a vehicle is equipped…
- 10192293Jan 13, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement Engine Control Modules (ECMs) for many newer Nissan vehicles are now "Blank" ECMs. Blank ECMs come without software and must be programmed (not…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | 16% |
| 2024 | 19 | 22% |
| 2023 | 15 | 14% |
| 2022 | 18 | 13% |
| 2020 | 17 | 32% |
| 2019 | 15 | 20% |
| 2018 | 13 | 17% |
| 2017 | 83 | 44% |
| 2016 | 27 | 26% |
| 2015 | 74 | 23% |
| 2014 | 62 | 11% |
| 2013 | 105 | 12% |
| 2012 | 5 | 22% |
| 2011 | 10 | 22% |
| 2010 | 6 | 15% |
| 2009 | 7 | 19% |
| 2008 | 61 | 19% |
| 2007 | 114 | 20% |
| 2006 | 147 | 18% |
| 2005 | 144 | 14% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 6 | 5% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology