Owners have filed 27 complaints
about the 2011 Nissan Xterra with NHTSA between 2011 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 15 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 5
Against the median year of the Nissan Xterra. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 57
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2011 Nissan Xterra
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
933.3%
Median failure at 42,432 miles
Engine & Cooling
622.2%
Median failure at 54,000 miles
Electrical System
414.8%
Median failure at 42,000 miles
Tires
27.4%
Median failure at 16,600 miles
Stability & Traction Control
13.7%
Fuel & Propulsion
13.7%
Suspension
13.7%
Median failure at 56,000 miles
Body & Structure
13.7%
Steering
13.7%
Transmission & Drivetrain
13.7%
Median failure at 22,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
16.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
320.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
320.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
533.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
16.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
213.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2011 Nissan Xterra SUV 4WD
—
—
—
25.6% risk
2011 Nissan Xterra SUV RWD
—
—
—
24.6% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2011peak 3Sep 2025
Recalls on the 2011 Nissan Xterra
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202305310,846 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel airbag cover could detach and become a projectile when the airbag inflates in a crash. Note: This recall is for certain vehicles that had the steering wheel airbag replaced. Safety Risk: Projectiles in the occupant compartment could increase the risk of an injury. Corrective Actions: Nissan will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering wheel airbag cover.
Recall 202305217,214 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel airbag cover could detach and become a projectile when the airbag inflates in a crash. Safety Risk: Projectiles in the occupant compartment could increase the risk of an injury. Corrective Actions: Nissan will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering wheel airbag cover.
Recall 2011436528 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the engine oil cooler stud (onto which the oil filter is mounted) could fail. This could cause an engine oil leak, which could illuminate the instrument panel's engine oil warning lamp. Abnormal noise and rough engine performance may also be noticed and, in the worst case, the engine could fail and stop suddenly while the vehicle is in motion. Engine failure would result in lost vehicle propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the engine oil cooler connector stud.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lyons, CO
AIR BAGS
The airbag warning light started flashing. I took the car to Valley Nissan in Longmont, Colorado where I was told that they need to replace the AirBag Diagnosis Sensor and the RH side Airbag Module. Valley Nissan said that these parts were no longer being produced, so they could not complete this repair. The airbag system is not functioning which puts me and my passengers at risk if there is an accident that should activate the airbags.
NHTSA complaint #11684563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle's mileage was approximately 129,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 188,000 in 2022.
NHTSA complaint #11677288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesWest Palm Beach, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, an engine oil leak was present. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the oil connector bolt and O-ring seal needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not replaced. The contact was aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V592000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11605423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cordova, AL
ENGINE
The vehicle was driving just fine, then about a month later the heat gauge started to fluctuate, i replaced the radiator caps, thermostat...it ran good for another month, started to overheat....i made sure water was in radiator and overflow...about a month went by the gauge started to fluctuate again, now there is water in my oil, meaning a cracked head gasket...this is the 2nd vehicle ive purchased that the same thing has hapoened to.
NHTSA complaint #11594707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cheltenham, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Hole in exhaust system due to weld failure in support clamp The problem is reoccurring every year over a 3 1/2 year period
NHTSA complaint #11541014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cheltenham, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Hole in exhaust system due to weld failure in support clamp The problem is reoccurring every year over a 3 1/2 year period
NHTSA complaint #11541014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chipley, FL
AIR BAGS
Nissan consumer affairs Case #48955822 Manufacturer Recall NumberPC948 NHTSA Recall Number23E-012 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary THE RESIN EMBLEM ON THE DRIVER S AIRBAG MODULE COVER IN AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY HAVE REDUCED DURABILITY DUE TO POTENTIAL SUPPLIER PRODUCTION PROCESS VARIATION. IN THIS CONDITION, OVER TIME THE POSTS OF THE EMBLEM MAY DEVELOP CRACKS, AND THE EMBLEM AND RETAINER COMPONENTS COULD DETACH IN THE EVENT OF AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I attempted to reach a buy back agreement with Nissan consumer affairs and the request was denied with no reason given. I have requested a remedy to this recall with no response. I refuse to drive a vehicle that is deemed too unsafe to sell. I demand Nissan to buy this vehicle back.
NHTSA complaint #11524629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chipley, FL
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that an unknown dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and offered to buy back the vehicle however, the offer was declined. The contact was provided a case number but no further assistance. VIN tool confirms parts not available
NHTSA complaint #11524634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansing, MI
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11517357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keaau, HI
ENGINE
ENGINE FAILED
NHTSA complaint #11406625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakton, VA
STEERING
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK AND ENGINE WILL SHUT DOWN
NHTSA complaint #11353433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakton, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK AND ENGINE WILL SHUT DOWN
NHTSA complaint #11353433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakton, VA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK AND ENGINE WILL SHUT DOWN
NHTSA complaint #11353433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,858 milesFranklin, NC
AIR BAGS
PURCHASED VEHICLE IN MARCH 2018 WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG ALERT FLASHING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. EVERYTHING I TRIED WOULD NOT EXTINGUISH IT, CONNECTING RELEASING AND RECONNECTING THE PASSENGER SEATBELT, TURNING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OFF AND ON A COUPLE OF TIMES. SO I DECIDED TO CHECK ON RECALLS AND FOUND THREE OF THE FOUR COMPLAINTS FOR THIS MAKE/MODEL ARE FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11080806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesCape Canaveral, FL
ENGINE
EXHAUST MANIFOLD FAILED. DEFECTIVE WELD DURING MANUFACTURING PROCESS. ALLOWED HEAT AND EXHAUST GASES EMISSION. SUPERSEDES COMPLAINT NUMBER: 11035945 & COMPLAINT NUMBER: 11035942. NOW I HAVE THE MANIFOLD OFF THE VEHICLE I CAN CLEARLY SEE THE DEFECTIVE WELD.
NHTSA complaint #11075142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesCape Canaveral, FL
ENGINE
DRIVER'S SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BROKE WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY ON BUMPY ROAD. FLANGE THAT ATTACHED TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER SEPARATED FROM STAINLESS STEEL PIPING. NOW HEAT AND CARBON MONOXIDE IS PUMPING OUT UNDER DRIVER'S FEET. VERY LOUD. NISSAN SAYS "TOUGH LUCK" - WE ARE NOT PAYING. 54,000 MILES, 7 YEARS OLD.
NHTSA complaint #11035942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesCape Canaveral, FL
ENGINE
DRIVER'S SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BROKE WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY ON BUMPY ROAD. FLANGE THAT ATTACHED TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER SEPARATED FROM STAINLESS STEEL PIPING. NOW HEAT AND CARBON MONOXIDE IS PUMPING OUT UNDER DRIVER'S FEET. VERY LOUD. NISSAN SAYS "TOUGH LUCK" - WE ARE NOT PAYING. 54,000 MILES, 7 YEARS OLD.
NHTSA complaint #11035945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,169 milesPayson, AZ
AIR BAGS
JUST OVER 42K MILES THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT BEGAN SPONTANEOUSLY TO BLINK - THE AIRBAG SENSOR HAD FAILED. THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN A COLLISION OF ANY KIND. AFTER TALKING W NISSAN, THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR IT BECAUSE THE "VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY." COST TO REPAIR SO FAR IS $3,169 AND CLIMBING. THE ENTIRE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED BUT IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM - NOW THEY ARE REPLACING OTHER PARTS ONE AT A TIME BECAUSE THEY DON'T SEEM TO KNOW WHAT SENSOR HAS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS GARAGE KEPT IN MARYLAND WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED IN APRIL 2011. I HAVE LIVED IN AZ FOR 4 YRS AND STILL HAVE IT GARAGED.
NHTSA complaint #10885365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,432 milesPayson, AZ
AIR BAGS
PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 4/25/11 IN MD - MOVED TO AZ IN JUNE2012. THE VEHICLE HAS JUST OVER 42,000 MILES - ONE WK AGO THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, BLINKS CONTINUOUSLY. TOOK TO THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALER - 92 MILES AWAY- WAS TOLD IT WAS THE SENSOR, THEY HAD NO PART, WOULD COST $2,000 TO REPLACE AND MIGHT NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT AND HAS BEEN REGULARLY SERVICED. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM NISSAN HAS RECALLED LOTS OF OTHER MODELS FOR - THEY SHOULD COVER THIS! THIS HAPPENED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10881814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesChicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE HANDS FREE BLUETOOTH SYSTEM FAILED. WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE SOUND QUALITY WOULD BE IMPAIRED AND PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM USING THE HANDS FREE OPTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.
NHTSA complaint #10651054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesDoylestown, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY LEAKED AND THE POSITIVE ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE BATTERY CLAMP BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BATTERY CONTINUED TO LEAK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #10631036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 miles10984, NY
TIRES
BF GOODRICH TIRES ON NEW NISSAN XTERRA ONLY LASTED 32000 MILES ARE THEY KIDDING.
NHTSA complaint #10583671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,731 milesSalome,, AZ
AIR BAGS
ON MARCH 3 WE STARTED OUR CAR AND THE PASSENGER'S AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON SHOWING THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THE NEXT DAY WHEN WE TOOK OUR VEHICLE INTO THE NISSAN DEALER FOR SERVICE, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER ONE SINCE NONE WERE IN STOCK. WE WAITED NEARLY A MONTH AND THEN CONTACTED THE NISSAN CORPORATION CUSTOMER SERVICE. AFTER SEVERAL CALLS WE WERE INFORMED YESTERDAY THAT THERE WOULD NOT BE A MODULE AVAILABLE UNTIL THE END OF MAY. THIS MEANS THAT THE ONLY AUTOMOBILE WE HAVE NOW HAS NO AIRBAG PROTECTION FOR THE PASSENGERS. WE HAVE PAID IN ADVANCE FOR THIS PART WHICH COST $1414.35!
NHTSA complaint #10578920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesProvo, UT
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE OVER 5 MPH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TEST RESULTS SHOWED A FAULTY CLUTCH WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 22,000.
NHTSA complaint #10496864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesPittsburgh, PA
SUSPENSION
PASSENGER SIDE REAR LEAF SPRING FOUND TO BE BROKEN AT INSPECTION AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. OFF WARRANTY AT 57,000 MILES AND A WEEK LATER DRIVER SIDE LEAF SPRING COMPLETELY BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON 65MPH ON HIGHWAY NEARLY CAUSING A SERIOUS CRASH,. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP- WRIGHT NISSAN IN WEXFORD PA OPENLY ADMITS ITS A DEFECTIVE PART ISSUE AND THERE IS NO WAY I COULD HAVE DONE THIS AS THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN OFF-ROAD AND ITS THE PRO-4 OFFROAD VERSION OF THE VEHICLE. THEY TOLD ME THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN, YET I WAS OFF 36K WARRANTY AND STILL HAD TO PAY FOR IT. I AM REQUESTING A RECALL ON THOSE PARTS. IT IS A BIG SAFETY HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10487701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.