2011 Nissan Frontier

● Typical for this model
2011 Nissan Frontier
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:29:10.299Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Nissan Frontier Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2011 highlighted. 1998: 129 complaints 1998 1999: 78 complaints 2000: 189 complaints 2001: 134 complaints 2002: 124 complaints 2002 2003: 77 complaints 2004: 66 complaints 2005: 532 complaints 2006: 616 complaints 2006 2007: 520 complaints 2008: 136 complaints 2009: 37 complaints 2010: 59 complaints 2010 2011: 64 complaints 2011 2012: 78 complaints 2013: 48 complaints 2014: 42 complaints 2014 2015: 33 complaints 2016: 42 complaints 2017: 38 complaints 2018: 25 complaints 2018 2019: 28 complaints 2020: 22 complaints 2021: 17 complaints 2022: 110 complaints 2022 2023: 62 complaints 2024: 17 complaints 2025: 7 complaints 2026: 5 complaints 2026
2011: 64 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
1998129
199978
2000189
2001134
2002124
200377
200466
2005532
2006616
2007520
2008136
200937
201059
201164
201278
201348
201442
201533
201642
201738
201825
201928
202022
202117
2022110
202362
202417
20257
20265

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 22%

22% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

On January 25, 2024 my son was driving this truck and hit a dog on the highway. His driver side airbag deployed, the driver side seatbelt would not retract, and there was some minor body damage.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240429

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AROUND A CURVE, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CORNER POST ON A FARM.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190920

The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231020

SERVICE BRAKES 19%

19% of complaints: service brakes — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180901

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT IT WAS HARD AND FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FENCE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20170808

POWER TRAIN 14%

14% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171226

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20110502

STRUCTURE 8%

8% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20231208 — air bags

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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver’s airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.

Campaign 23V067000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2011 Nissan Frontier — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 23V067000 (air bags) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2015 ▲ 2009 ▲ 2017

WORST YEARS

■ 2006 ■ 2005 ■ 2007

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2011 Nissan Frontier reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Nissan Frontier is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Frontier?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Frontier have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.