2011 Nissan Pathfinder
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.
- Complaints
- 45
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2011
None on file
27% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 45 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 19 |
| 1988 | 17 |
| 1989 | 15 |
| 1990 | 40 |
| 1991 | 40 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 49 |
| 1994 | 101 |
| 1995 | 170 |
| 1996 | 159 |
| 1997 | 217 |
| 1998 | 149 |
| 1999 | 104 |
| 2000 | 112 |
| 2001 | 230 |
| 2002 | 156 |
| 2003 | 110 |
| 2004 | 67 |
| 2005 | 1,050 |
| 2006 | 837 |
| 2007 | 561 |
| 2008 | 328 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 45 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 890 |
| 2014 | 576 |
| 2015 | 321 |
| 2016 | 105 |
| 2017 | 186 |
| 2018 | 78 |
| 2019 | 76 |
| 2020 | 53 |
| 2022 | 136 |
| 2023 | 107 |
| 2024 | 89 |
| 2025 | 57 |
| 2026 | 15 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
27% · 12 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-14
The passenger air bag light off comes on at times.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-01
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer (Ramsey Nissan, 401 state rt 17, upper saddle river, nj 07458) for a routine oil change.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-22
Engine
22% · 10 reportsPower train
16% · 7 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-12
I have a picture, but it's a rental car from enterprise rental in new haven ct and the drive shaft 4 mounting bolts fell off and the drive shaft disconnected from the front transfer case. Had it drop on the road there could of been a disaster.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-22
Suspension
13% · 6 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Frame is rotted from rust. Not drivable as drive train connection to wheels in rear end ready to fail at any moment. Rust is so bad it will require towing to be repaired. Repair estimate exceeds blue book value. $4800. 110,000 current mileage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-13
Service brakes
13% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2012-01-30Engine and engine cooling11V592000 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…
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector bolts free of charge. The safety recall began on January 30, 2012. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
-
R
2023-12-08Air bags23V067000 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 driverÂs 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 11V592000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 23V067000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.