2011 Nissan Xterra
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 214 |
| 2001 | 150 |
| 2002 | 157 |
| 2003 | 72 |
| 2004 | 84 |
| 2005 | 845 |
| 2006 | 780 |
| 2007 | 557 |
| 2008 | 119 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2010 | 38 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2012 | 16 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 24 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
9 of 24 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
PURCHASED VEHICLE IN MARCH 2018 WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG ALERT FLASHING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180322
WHILE DRIVING ON A DIRT ROAD IN MY 2011 NISSAN XTERRA PRO 4X MY SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS LOCKED AS IF IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE DRIVEN THAT SAME PART AT LEAST ONE DOZEN TIMES BEFORE WITHOUT ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120319
5 of 24 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle was driving just fine, then about a month later the heat gauge started to fluctuate, i replaced the radiator caps, thermostat...it ran good for another month, started to overheat....i made sure water was in radiator and overflow...about...
NHTSA ODI report, 20240617
EXHAUST MANIFOLD FAILED. DEFECTIVE WELD DURING MANUFACTURING PROCESS. ALLOWED HEAT AND EXHAUST GASES EMISSION. SUPERSEDES COMPLAINT NUMBER: 11035945 & COMPLAINT NUMBER: 11035942.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180226
2 of 24 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS B.F.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110121
2 of 24 total reports mention: electrical system.
1 of 24 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
PASSENGER SIDE REAR LEAF SPRING FOUND TO BE BROKEN AT INSPECTION AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. OFF WARRANTY AT 57,000 MILES AND A WEEK LATER DRIVER SIDE LEAF SPRING COMPLETELY BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON 65MPH ON HIGHWAY NEARLY CAUSING A SERIOUS CRASH,.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121207
SAFETY TIMELINE
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, A
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.
Campaign 11V592000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 23V067000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Nissan Xterra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V592000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V067000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 Nissan Xterra reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Xterra?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Xterra have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.