2011 Nissan Frontier Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2011 Nissan Frontier has a complaint index of 65, ranking 8th worst among 21 model years, with a Caution verdict. Owners reported 64 complaints led by airbags (16, 25%) and brakes (14, 22%), plus one recall for cracked airbag covers.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 65/100
- #8 of 21 Frontier years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 64
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 15.5 city / 20 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2011 Nissan Frontier problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags16 (25%)
- Brakes14 (22%)
- Engine10 (16%)
- Structure & Body10 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (14%)
- Electrical System6 (9%)
- Other5 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (6%)
- Seat Belts3 (5%)
- Steering2 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Side airbags deployed unexpectedly during low-speed driving over bumps or curves, in one case causing minor burns.
- Brake pedal reportedly lost pressure or became hard after hitting small road bumps, leading to collisions.
- Dashboard warning lights and electrical systems reportedly failed together while driving, cutting power to the engine and brakes.
- Passenger airbag warning light illuminated with lighter occupants even though the dealer said the system was working as designed.
- Owners described a noticeable delay between pressing the accelerator and the truck responding.
- Paint reported chipping near the rear fender wells, which one owner attributed to a body design flaw.
2011 Nissan Frontier recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V067000Feb 10, 2023Airbags404,690 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
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 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.
2011 Nissan Frontier fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15.5 MPG
- Highway
- 20 MPG
- Combined
- 17 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Frontier years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Nissan Frontier reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2011 Frontier a complaint index of 65 and a Caution verdict, ranking 8th worst out of 21 model years for this truck. Airbags and brakes account for the largest share of complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2011 Nissan Frontier?
- Airbags are the top problem area, making up 25% of complaints (16 of 64), with a median failure mileage of 34,400 miles. Brakes follow closely at 22% of complaints.
- Does the 2011 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (23V067000) covers a resin emblem on the driver's airbag cover that can crack and detach; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2011 Frontier compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 65 is better than the 2005-2008 Avoid-rated years (75-100) but worse than 2009, 2013-2015, 2018-2021, and other Good or Best years with lower indexes.