2011 Nissan Pathfinder: common problems and reliability

One of the better Pathfinder years.

45 owner complaints, most about air bags. 2 recalls.

Should I buy a 2011 Pathfinder?

The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder has 45 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and engine.

Safety record for the 2011 model year

45
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
0
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Pathfinder years only. How we score it

Is 2011 a good year for the Pathfinder?

Across the 16 Pathfinder model years we track, complaint volume runs from 23 (2012) to 1,135 (2014). With 45 complaints, the 2011 Pathfinder sits below the model's median of 81.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

air bags
12
engine
10
power train
7
suspension
6
service brakes
6

Recalls affecting the 2011 Pathfinder

engine and engine cooling

Campaign 11V592000

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.

air bags:frontal

Campaign 23V067000

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.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the current generation (2022+), which replaced the CVT with a conventional 9-speed automatic, initial sentiment is mixed.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Pathfinder. See the full Pathfinder owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Pathfinder listings typically run $17,239–$29,266.

Other Pathfinder model years

Compare every Pathfinder year side by side to see how 2011 ranks against the rest.

2026 Pathfinder2025 Pathfinder2024 Pathfinder2023 Pathfinder2022 Pathfinder2020 Pathfinder2019 Pathfinder2018 Pathfinder2017 Pathfinder2016 Pathfinder2015 Pathfinder2014 Pathfinder2013 Pathfinder2012 Pathfinder2010 Pathfinder

Compare the Pathfinder against its rivals

Pathfinder vs Subaru SolterraPathfinder vs Hyundai Santa FePathfinder vs Acura MDXPathfinder vs Dodge Dakota

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