VehicleVerdict

2011 Nissan Frontier problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2011 Nissan Frontier sits mid-pack among Frontier years: 84 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 84, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (16), brakes (13), and transmission (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

84

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Frontier years?

Frontier NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted836 complaints1998: 146 complaints1999: 106 complaints2000: 224 complaints2001: 155 complaints2002: 152 complaints2003: 92 complaints2004: 89 complaints2005: 750 complaints2006: 836 complaints2007: 699 complaints2008: 187 complaints2009: 44 complaints2010: 76 complaints2011: 84 complaints2012: 98 complaints2013: 65 complaints2014: 50 complaints2015: 48 complaints2016: 55 complaints2017: 45 complaints2018: 29 complaints2019: 39 complaints2020: 31 complaints2021: 25 complaints2022: 192 complaints2023: 114 complaints2024: 28 complaints2025: 9 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Frontier NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Frontier years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Nissan Frontier problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1619%
Brakes1315%
Transmission911%
Electrical System810%
Engine67%
Body & Structure67%
Other56%
Speed Control45%
Seat Belts34%
Seats34%
Tires & Wheels34%
Steering22%
Suspension22%
Fuel System11%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Driver Assistance11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2011 Nissan Frontier have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V067000AirbagsFebruary 10, 2023 · 404,690 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. The engine of the vehicle is fine and completely operational. Since then, we have been waiting for…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 25, 2024 · crash

“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. EVEN AFTER VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOLLOWING THIS COLLISION, MASTER CYLINDER REPLACEMENT, AND FULL BRAKE SERVICE,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 21, 2017 · crash

“AT 27,000 MILES THE CLUTCH STARTED SLIPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON I-5 FREEWAY. THE PROBLEM CAUSED ME TO PULL OVER AND GET OFF THE ROAD AS THE VEHICLE COULD NOT GO AT THE SPEED OF THE TRAFFIC CREATING DANGER. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CLUTCH AND THE FLYWHEEL WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 4, 2018

“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. I HAD TO MERGE ON TO THE 8 WEST FREEWAY AND I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO USE MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 27, 2011 · fire

“AUTOMOBILE HAS BODY RUST AND RUST LIKE STAINING. NISSAN ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR BY PUTTING SANDING PUDDING AND PAINTING IT. CAR STILL HAS CONSTANT RUST PROBLEMS. NISSAN CORPORATE OFFICE IS UNABLE TO COME UP WITH SOLUTION AT THIS TIME. THE REAR BUMPER IN PARTICULAR HAS THAT ISSUE NISSAN CUT HOLES IN IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 13, 2013

2011 Nissan Frontier — common questions

Is the 2011 Nissan Frontier reliable?

It is close to typical for the Frontier: 84 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2011 Frontier problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (16 complaints), brakes (13 complaints), transmission (9 complaints).

Does the 2011 Nissan Frontier have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Nissan Frontier. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Frontier years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Frontier years to avoid are 2006, 2005, 2007, 2000, 2022, 2008, 2001, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among Frontier years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.