VehicleVerdict

2011 Nissan Pathfinder problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is among the quieter years of the Pathfinder on NHTSA's books: 59 complaints (53% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (12), engine (10), and transmission (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

59

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Pathfinder years?

Pathfinder NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted1,560 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 31 complaints1988: 17 complaints1989: 19 complaints1990: 44 complaints1991: 49 complaints1992: 38 complaints1993: 67 complaints1994: 108 complaints1995: 218 complaints1996: 214 complaints1997: 293 complaints1998: 194 complaints1999: 144 complaints2000: 166 complaints2001: 299 complaints2002: 206 complaints2003: 147 complaints2004: 86 complaints2005: 1,560 complaints2006: 1,224 complaints2007: 846 complaints2008: 458 complaints2009: 51 complaints2010: 61 complaints2011: 59 complaints2012: 35 complaints2013: 1,208 complaints2014: 747 complaints2015: 432 complaints2016: 128 complaints2017: 253 complaints2018: 121 complaints2019: 119 complaints2020: 74 complaints2022: 195 complaints2023: 147 complaints2024: 114 complaints2025: 74 complaints2026: 8 complaints
Pathfinder NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Pathfinder years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Nissan Pathfinder problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1220%
Engine1017%
Transmission712%
Brakes610%
Suspension610%
Electrical System47%
Seat Belts35%
Other35%
Steering23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Seats12%
Latches & Locks12%
Fuel System12%
Visibility & Wipers12%

Does the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

11V592000EngineDecember 19, 2011 · 14,718 units

Defect

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, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN NV VEHICLES. SOME OF THE BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE ENGINE OIL COOLER AND THE ENGINE OIL FILTER TO THE ENGINE IN THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO BELOW SPECIFICATION STRENGTH. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY BREAK AT THE OIL FILTER ATTACHMENT POINT AND CAN CAUSE AN ENGINE OIL LEAK.

Consequence

IF THERE IS AN ENGINE OIL LEAK, THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WOULD DROP AND THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MY AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING ON AND OFF. THE DEALER SAID IT IS THE AIRBAG SWITCH. I HAD TO PAY $150.00 TO GET IT DIAGNOSED AND THE 2 FRONT AIRBAGS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AT THE TOTAL OF $2500.00. MY VEHICLE HAS ONLY 46,000 MILES, THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. I SEE THERE ARE A LOT MORE HAVING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 2, 2016

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 5, 2017

“MY VEHICLE IS TO THE POINT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. SOMETHING IN STEERING MECHANISM, IDK BUT WHEN DRIVING ANY DIFFERENTIAL IN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE IS ALL OVER THE ROAD.. I AM A SINGLE PERSON WITH GRANDCHILDREN AND THIS IS NOT SAFE. IT IS SO BAD IT WALKS INTO ANOTHER LANE OF TRAFFIC. THIS STARTED A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 1, 2016

“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. Recall for this problem existed on this make/model for…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 12, 2023

“WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 30MPH WHEN I CAME TO MAKE A STOP MY BRAKES WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR CAUSING ME TO ALMOST CRASH UNTIL E BRAKE BROUGHT ME TO A STOP. MECHANIC CHECKED AND COULD NOT GET THE TRUCK TO DO IT AGAIN. BRAKES AND ROTORS AND BRAKE FLUID ARE ALL IN TACT .”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 6, 2020

2011 Nissan Pathfinder — common questions

Is the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 59 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Pathfinder year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2011 Pathfinder problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (12 complaints), engine (10 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).

Does the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Pathfinder years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pathfinder years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2013, 2007, 2014, 2008, 2015, 2001, 1997, 2017, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2022, 1998, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Pathfinder years belongs to 1986.

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.