2011 Nissan Pathfinder recalls and problems

The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder has 2 safety recalls and 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
45
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 Nissan Pathfinder recalls

Recall 23V-067: Air Bags

Reported Feb 10, 2023 · 404,690 vehicles affected · Nissan North America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 11V-592: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Dec 19, 2011 · 14,718 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If there is an engine oil leak, the engine oil pressure would drop and the engine could seize, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2011 Nissan Pathfinder problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags12
Engine10
Power Train7
Suspension6
Service Brakes5
Electrical System4
Seat Belts3
Unknown or Other3
Steering2
Wheels2
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Visibility1

Most reported parts

  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch — 1
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 46,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2011 Nissan Pathfinder complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · reported Jun 11, 2025
Rear sub frame has significant rust, snapped while driving at slow speed, there was no injury but steering was affected, no harm done this time but it is a known issue, 2wd model has a recall for the same part with the same issue
Air Bags · reported Jun 9, 2025
My airbag light and seatbelt light are on and the horn has stopped working. Frame and front suspension is making a horrible creaking sound and has been for months. Frame seems to be rotted … I’ve taken it to multiple places to have it looked at…. I’ve also seen other complaints on here of people having the same issue! This poses a huge safety risk! Definitely needs a recall for both issues!
Electrical System · reported Mar 5, 2024
Through a check engine light for camshaft position sensor bank 1 so I replaced both of them well that cleared the check engine light for a min and was running good the after five min of running it started rough idling cutting off and throwing a check engine light for p0340 again I sent it to the Nissan dealer shop they said it didn’t have no check light they tested the sensors and said there good and don’t know what it could be
Suspension · reported Dec 13, 2023
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 years 2004 to 2009. This vehicle is 2011 with no recall as yet.
Air Bags · reported Sep 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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.

Other Nissan Pathfinder years

Compare all Nissan Pathfinder years · All Nissan models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder: 23V-067 (air bags), 11V-592 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder?

Owners report air bags problems most often (12 reports), followed by engine (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 46,000 miles.

Are Nissan recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.