Transmission fluid mixing with coolant in radiator!
The worst 2011 Nissan Frontier problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags16
- Brakes13
- Transmission9
- Body6
- Electrical6
- Engine6
- Acceleration4
- Driver assistance3
- Seat belts3
- Seats3
- Steering2
- Suspension2
- Wheels2
- Fuel system1
- Locks1
- Tires1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Nissan Frontier
Recalls 1
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the drivers 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.
Recall number 23V067000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Nissan Frontier 111
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Wiring harness repair information
- Certification label and VIN plate replacement service information
- VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN...
- CAN communication codes – diagnostic tips and guidelines
- CAN communication – network diagnostic flow chart
- Vehicle key not detected / authenticated, engine will not start
- Windshield cracking
- Removing foreign material from the window glass
- Window glass warranty information
- Diagnosis of vehicle pull (drift) and/or steering wheel off-center
2011 Nissan Frontier fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | RWD | 17-19 | 22-23 | 19-21 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15-16 | 20 | 17 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14-15 | 19-20 | 16-17 |
What 2011 Nissan Frontier owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The brakes have failed several times, seems to be a known issues and affecting others. While our Nissan Truck is older, we had our Nissan checked at Midas, and then at the local Continental Nissan location, that didn’t really help, found a part that helped but only for a short period of time, as this part crapped out again yesterday 3/19/2025, and even though the brake pushed to the floor trying to stop as the brakes stopped working again! The part was only approx 2-5 months old. Nissan Frontier dealership or other places to find the actual parts needed have no real parts that would actually fix the issue. It is very sad for those in the same issue as us, pay $$$ for a used vehicle that cannot seem to be fixed, if they have even tried. I’m pretty sure nothing will be done, but wanted to file this complaint. I’m not expecting anything will be reviewed on this issue, since nothing has been seen thus far for an actual fix via Nissan etc.
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 repairs to be made. Per USAA, repairs will be approx $5000 or less. The vehicle is worth over $12,000 so they decided to repair it. The problem is that part number 98820-ZP78A (air bag control module) is no longer being manufactured by Nissan. All other parts, including the *actual* air bag can still be purchased from Nissan, but they are not making the sensor we need to fix this vehicle. We are not the only ones who cannot obtain this part.
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Vehicle frame has failed due to rust.
Paint flaking off of front fender in crease above tire on both the passenger and driver side.
2011 nissan frontier. Consumer writes in regard to illuminated check engne light.
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle was running rough. Additionally, the vehicle was shuddering violently and started to stall. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and drove to a local Pep Boys. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Engine Control Module (ECM) had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part had been discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The Actuator Assembly - Anti Skid has failed on my 2011 Frontier. My vehicle has cluster lights illuminated for ABS, brake, VDC, and SLIP. My independent mechanic pulled the codes and stated that they indicate the ABS module is going bad. This part has been discontinued by Nissan so I am not able to replace the part with a new part. The ABS system will not properly function which I would assume would be a safety issue and might impact more than the braking performance of the vehicle.
ABS module failed. The repair shop called the local Nissan dealership for parts. The Nissan dealership said the failure was a known issue. I called Nissan Customer Service for more info and they said no complaints had been filed.
Compare the 2011 Nissan Frontier
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2011 Nissan Frontier
Is the 2011 Nissan Frontier reliable?
Owners have filed 64 complaints about the 2011 Nissan Frontier, close to a typical Frontier model year.
What is the 2011 Nissan Frontier year score?
The 2011 Nissan Frontier scores 72 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Frontier: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Nissan Frontier?
Airbags, with 16 complaints, typically around 34,400 miles. Next is brakes (13).
How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Frontier have?
1 recall, covering air bags.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Nissan Frontier airbags?
Yes, 1 recall: 23V067000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Nissan Frontier have bad airbags?
The Nissan Frontier model years with the most airbags complaints are 2007 (38 complaints), 2006 (26 complaints) and 2012 (23 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Nissan Frontier get?
Official estimates for the 2011 Nissan Frontier range from 16 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 17-19 city and 22-23 highway.
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