2011 NISSAN Frontier Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
64
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
11 complaints
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.
Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Frontier. 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 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.
Oct 20, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AROUND A CURVE, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CORNER POST ON A FARM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IMPACT MOVED THE POST A COUPLE OF INCHES INTO THE FARM. ONLY THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SOME CUTS, BRUISES, AND SORENESS TO HIS ENTIRE BODY. THE CONTACT WAS UNCONSCIOUS BRIEFLY AND SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM BY THE FARM OWNER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND DEEMED TOTALED DUE TO THE SIDE AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT REPURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT CALLED ADA NISSAN AT 580-332-2233 (LOCATED AT 420 LONNIE ABBOTT BLVD, ADA, OK 74820) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WERE NOT INTERESTED IN THE MATTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Sep 20, 2019
PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT "YELLOW DASHBOARD LIGHT" THAT TYPICALLY COMES ON WHEN ANYONE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. (ANYTIME AT ANY LOCATION) ALSO THE RED AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD. DEALER STATES IT WILL COST $2400 TO REPAIR. OTHER MODELS OF NISSAN VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ARE COVERED BY A RECALL, NOT 2011 FRONTIER P/U. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SENSOR.
Feb 09, 2019
THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS FLASHING ALL THE TIME.THE PASSINGER SEAT AIRBAG LIGHT ON DASH READS AIRBAG OFF.THE DEALER WANTS TO REPLACE THE PASSINGER SEAT AIRBAG PARTS AT A COST OF $2300.NISSAN HAS RECALLED OTHER CARS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM BUT NOT THE FRONTIER.
Nov 26, 2018
+ 6 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaints
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.
Jun 10, 2022
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.
Dec 18, 2021
VDC OFF/ SLIP LIGHT ARE COMING ON AND OFF. I PUSHED THE VSC BUTTON AND IT STAYS. ITS FULL OF FLUID. ID JUST LIKE TO HAVE A TECH LOOK AT THEM, IVE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE ON DIFFERENT FRONTIER FORUMS.
Jan 08, 2019
THE BRAKE PEDAL LOST ALL PRESSURE AND BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY IMMEDIATELY AFTER HITTING SOME SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD. THIS CAUSED A COLLISION WITH THE CAR IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. EVEN AFTER VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOLLOWING THIS COLLISION, MASTER CYLINDER REPLACEMENT, AND FULL BRAKE SERVICE, THIS ISSUE STILL PERSISTS. SMALL ROAD BUMPS MAKE THE BRAKES MOMENTARILY NON-FUNCTIONAL.
Sep 01, 2018
WHILE APPLYING MY BRAKES IN TRAFFIC WHILE NOT MOVING VERY FAST I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND LOST FULL PRESSURE TO MY BRAKE PEDAL IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE TRUCK JUMP TO THE RIGHT HAND LANE THE SOME THING HAPPENED TO WEEKS AGO - THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED AT THAT TIME - THE 1ST TIME THE PEDAL DID NOT COME BACK TO FULL - BUT ON 6/23 AFTER AN HOUR OR SO THE PEDAL PUMPED BACK UP (2011 NISSAN FRONTIER)
Jun 28, 2017
+ 2 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
5 complaints
Transmission fluid mixing with coolant in radiator!
Nov 02, 2025
TRUCK STARTED NOT ENGAGING IN REVERSE AT AROUND 50,100 MILES. TOOK MY TRUCK TO LARRY H MILLER NISSAN WHERE I PAID 157.00 TO HAVE THEM TELL ME THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS OVER FULL. THEY PULLED ABOUT 3 LITERS OF EXTRA FLUID FROM TRANNY. THE FLUID APPEARS DARKER BUT THINNER THAN NORMAL. THEY SAID THE PUMP IS PROBABLY BLOWN DUE TO EXCESSIVE PRESSURE FROM THE ADDED FLUID. THIS TRANSMISSION HAS NEVER HAD SERVICE OF FLUID ADDED. NO SURE AT THIS POINT IF THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH RADIATOR CROSS CONTAMINATION BUT ABOUT 3 YEAS AGO MY HEATER STOPPED WORKING. I CHECKED MY RADIATOR TO FIND IT SEVERAL QUARTS LOW. I'M NOT SURE I WANT TO SPEND ANY MORE MONEY WITH ANYONE, ESPECIALLY NISSAN, TO HAVE THIS LOOKED FURTHER INTO, BUT I WOULD BED THAT IT IS A CROSS CONTAMINATION ISSUE.
Jul 22, 2019
AT 27,000 MILES THE CLUTCH STARTED SLIPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON I-5 FREEWAY. THE PROBLEM CAUSED ME TO PULL OVER AND GET OFF THE ROAD AS THE VEHICLE COULD NOT GO AT THE SPEED OF THE TRAFFIC CREATING DANGER. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CLUTCH AND THE FLYWHEEL WERE REPLACED.
Mar 06, 2019
MY CLUTCH KEEPS WEARING OUT AFTER APPROXIMATELY 25,000 MILES. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK USED WITH 60,000 MILES AND REPLACED THE CLUTCH AT 81,893 MILES, 107,179 MILES AND IT IS NOW SLIPPING AGAIN AT 131,521 MILES. I HAVE OWNED AND DRIVEN PRIMARILY MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES SINCE 1975 AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. I HAVE DRIVEN NEARL ONE MILLION MILES IN VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND REPLACED ONLY ONE CLUTCH. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN THE CLUTCH THAT NISSAN USES. THE FIRST TIME WAS 02/27/15 THE SECOND TIME WAS 5/24/16 AND MOST RECENTLY 12/20/17
Dec 26, 2017
YEA I GOT A NISSAN FRONTIER NEW AND MY WARRANTY IS UP DUE TO 5 YEARS BUT UNDER 60000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT BAD.. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY WANT ABOUT 7500 FOR TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT...I WAS DRIVING NEXT THING YOU KNOW ON THE FREEWAY I PRESS ON THE PEDAL IT REVS HIGH BUT DOESN'T GO ANYWHERE... THIS IS SO SAD I THINK THEY MAKE THE CAR KNOWING THAT IT WOULD GO BAD AFTER THE SHORT WARRANTY I DIDN'T FIX MY TRUCK YET BECAUSE THE PRICING IS WAY TOO HIGH TO AFFORD AFTER BUYING THE TRUCK
May 17, 2016
STRUCTURE
5 complaints
Paint flaking off of front fender in crease above tire on both the passenger and driver side.
May 25, 2023
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER FAILED CAUSING THE TIRE TO RUB AGAINST THE TRUCK BED. AS A RESULT, THE TIRE LOST TREAD AND EXHIBITED SCRAPES ON THE SIDE WALLS. IN ADDITION, THE VALVE WAS MADE OF RUBBER CAUSING THE TIRE MONITOR TO BE UNABLE TO READ THE TIRE PRESSURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 5/11/15*CN
Mar 23, 2015
AUTOMOBILE HAS BODY RUST AND RUST LIKE STAINING. NISSAN ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR BY PUTTING SANDING PUDDING AND PAINTING IT. CAR STILL HAS CONSTANT RUST PROBLEMS. NISSAN CORPORATE OFFICE IS UNABLE TO COME UP WITH SOLUTION AT THIS TIME. THE REAR BUMPER IN PARTICULAR HAS THAT ISSUE NISSAN CUT HOLES IN IT TO DRAIN WATER OUT AFTER IT RAINS TO PREVENT FURTHER RUSTING. ONGOING ISSUE WITH NO SOLUTION. THIS IS A 2011 MODEL PURCHASED NEW. *TR
Oct 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OPENED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT MANUALLY HELD THE DOOR IN ORDER FOR IT TO REMAIN CLOSED WHILE DRIVING, DUE TO THE FAULTY LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,530.
Jan 25, 2013
2011 BLUE PAINT COLOR PROBLEM PAINT IS CHIPPING AT THE REAR FENDER WELLS JUST BEFORE THE REAR TIRE LOOKS LIKE THE FRONT TIRES ARE CAUSING SAND TO HIT THIS AREA DESIGN FLAW HAVING FEND STICK OUT LIKE THIS DEALER IS WORKING ON THIS STILL GOING TO RE PAINT BUT SEEMS LIKE IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND I HAVE SEEN THIS ON OTHER NISSAN TRUCKS NOT JUST MINE.. TRUCK DOES NOT HAVE NERF BARS SEE ALLOT OF THESE TRUCK WITH THOSE NOT SEEING THE PROBLEM ON THOSE.. *TR
Oct 15, 2011
ENGINE
3 complaints
2011 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ILLUMINATED CHECK ENGNE LIGHT.
Dec 19, 2022
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED AND BEFORE DELIVERY THE DEALERSHIP FOUND OIL LEAKS THAT THEY DEEMED A SAFETY ISSUE AND THEY FIXED AT NO CHARGE. ABOUT A FEW DAYS AFTER DELIVERY, I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS STILL A LEAK AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THEY DEEMED THIS TO NOT BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND REFUSED TO FIX IT AT NO CHARGE. IS IT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY OR MINE?
Nov 12, 2019
CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WENT BAD AT 70,000 MILES. RESULTED IN ENGINE SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKE BOOSTING. LUCKILY HAD JUST TURNED ONTO A RESIDENTIAL ROAD SO HAD SPACE TO STOP TRUCK.
Mar 14, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
IPDM RELAY OR IPDM BOARD ISSUE AT 78K, TOTAL NO CRANK NO START AND VEHICLE DRIVING ISSUES
Mar 28, 2017
2011 NISSAN FRONTIER MODELS DELAY RESPONSE IN ACCELERATION DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL.WIFE SAYS THIS HAS AL MOST CAUSED ACCIDENT .NISSAN NEEDS TO KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM TO GET REPAIRED.DEALER SAYS DELAY IS CAUSED BY POTENTOMETER RELAYING INFO TO COMPUTER. *TT
Jul 12, 2011
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE 805 FREEWAY WHEN MY AIRCONDITIONER LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING. SHORTLY THEREAFTER ALL THE LIGHTS STARTED COMING ON THE DASH BOARD. THEN I LOST POWER TO THE ENGINE AND BRAKES. ALL POWER WAS LOST. I HAD TO MERGE ON TO THE 8 WEST FREEWAY AND I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO USE MY HANDBRAKE TO SLOW DOWN AND COME TO REST ON THE SHOULDER. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, WE COULD SMELL BURNING AND THEN NOTICED THERE WAS FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE AREA COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. THE CAR THEN WAS QUICKLY ENGULFED BY FLAMES AND DESTROYED. *TR
May 02, 2011
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
Vehicle frame has failed due to rust.
Sep 05, 2023
LEAF SPRING
Apr 20, 2019
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
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.
Dec 05, 2022
2011 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EVAPORATION EMMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM. THE CONSUMER STATED IN ORDER TO FILL THE TANK WITH GAS, THE GAS SPOUT MUST BE HELD ABOUT 3 QUARTERS OF THE WAY OUT OF THE FILLER NECK. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THIS WOULD CAUSE SPILLING OR SPLASHING. THE CONSUMER STATED AT A PARTICULAR GAS STATION THE GAS NASAL HAD A WIDE RUBBER GASKET ON THE GAS NOZZLE DISPENSER THAT COVERED THE ENTRANCE TO THE GAS TANK.
Dec 17, 2021
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
My air bag light kept flashing on my 2011 Nissan Frontier Pro 4x4, I had it looked at when I got my oil changed and was told that it is a malfunction where you click the seat belt into, the light is off now but once some one sets in the passenger side seat and puts the seat belt on the light will come back on, due to malfunction in the seat belt, and if I would get into a accident and some one is sitting in the passenger side the seat belt will not properly secure them
Jun 16, 2021
SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON A SMOOTH COUNTY ROAD WITHOUT A COLLISION AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. DRIVER ONLY IN THE VEHICLE, EARS ARE RINGING. HAD TO CUT THE AIR BAGS TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. IN DRIVE WAY, UNUSABLE AT THIS POINT. SEAT BELT RETRACTORS ACTIVATED SO CANNOT USE SEATBELT AT THIS POINT.
Oct 28, 2015
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK AS NORMAL WHEN I HEARD A CHATTER FROM THE GEAR SHIFT.. I LOST ALL POWER IN THE LOW GEARS AND IT WOULD TAKE 45 SECONDS TO GET TO 60 MPH. I DROVE IT A SHORT WAY LIKE THAT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I PARKED MY TRUCK FOR A FEW HOURS AN WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE IT BACK HOME THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO BE FIXED AND WAS DRIVING NORMAL. I STARTED MY DRIVE HOME AND AFTER 50 MILES I COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING SO I STARTED TO GET OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AT THAT POINT I LOST ALL POWER AND THE TRUCK WAS DEAD. IT WOULD NOT START AND I HAD TO CALL FOR A TOW TRUCK TO GET MY FAMILY AND I HOME. I WAS WATCHING THE TEMPERATURE AND OIL PRESSURE GAUGES ON THE DASH AND THEY WERE NORMAL SO IT WAS A SURPRISE TO ME WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THE PROBLEM HAPPENED BECAUSE THE LOWER PART OF THE RADIATOR THAT COOLS THE TRANSMISSION CRACKED LEAKING RADIATOR FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS CAUSED ALL THE PARTS TO SWELL UP CAUSING THE COMPUTER TO BURN UP, SENSORS TO FAIL. I SPENT OVER $4000 ON PARTS AND LABOR TO GET THIS FIXED. THAT INCLUDED A REBUILD KIT, BAND,PISTON, EXCHANGE REBUILT TORQUE CONVERTER, NEW VALVE ASSEMBLY, RADIATOR, RADIATOR CAP, FRONT PUMP BUSHING, CRANK SENSOR,REVOLUTION SENSOR, AND ALL THE LABOR. THERE WERE KNOWN ISSUES OF THIS EXACT PROBLEM AND EARLIER MODELS UP TO 2010. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ABOUT IT. WELL THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE ON THE 2011 MODEL. I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR ALL MY COST SINCE NISSAN KNEW ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND STILL MADE A INFERIOR PRODUCT THE FOLLOWING YEAR. THEY DID NOTHING TO ADDRESS THIS ENGINEERING FLAW EVEN THOUGH THEY HAD COMPLETE KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM. THIS COULD OF BEEN AVOIDED BY HAVING A SEPARATE TRANSMISSION COOLER . NISSAN WAS NEGLIGENT FOR LETTING THIS DESIGN GO TO MARKET WHEN THEY ALREADY KNEW IT WAS AN ISSUE. IT SHOULD OF BEEN RESOLVED ON THE 2011 BUT IT WASN'T,
Sep 22, 2016
10/2010 ORDERED A 2011 NISSAN FRONTIER PRO-4X ; DELIVERED 11/26/10, 9 MILES. PERSONAL COMMUTING AND RECREATION; NOT COMMERCIAL DUTY! ONLY PULLED POP-UP CAMPER & UTILITY TRAILERS A FEW TIMES, OFTEN SMELL CLUTCH "BURN" AFTER BACKING UP (ESPECIALLY SLIGHTLY INCLINED DRIVEWAY: BOTH MAX 2K LBS): TRUCK IS RATED FOR TOWING 6K LBS: SO LIMITS NEVER EXCEEDED. ABOUT 18 MONTHS & 14K MILES THE CLUTCH STARTED SLIPPING WHEN GOING 65 MPH ON HIGHWAY IN CRUISE CONTROL, SLIPPAGE CAUSING CRUISE CONTROL TO FALL OFF SUDDENLY. NISSAN DEALER SERVICE MANAGER ACCUSED ME OF DRAG RACING, CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR AND THE PREMATURE FAILURE! UNBELIEVABLE! HE GAVE ME THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT, & IN FIRST 3 YR/36K FULL WARRANTY SO FIXED IT FREE: NORMALLY A $1,500 BILL. JUST PASSED 33K MILES AND 3 1/2 YEARS ORIGINAL OWNERSHIP (8/2014): WHEN I OPERATE/LET THE CLUTCH OUT ROUGHNESS FELT IN THE MECHANISM; ENGINE RPMS REV HIGHER THAN NORMAL DURING GEAR CHANGES; TRYING TO ACCELERATE ENGINE RPMS REV HIGHER THAN NORMAL (UP TO 1K) AND VEHICLE LACKS SPEED INCREASE RESPONSE; CRUISE CONTROL DROPS OFF AT 30, 40, 50 AND 65 MPH WITHIN 30 SECONDS! SMELL CLUTCH BURN IN CITY TRAFFIC. PAST 3 YEAR WARRANTY; STILL WITHIN 5 YEAR DRIVE TRAIN WARRANTY PERIOD; SO GOING TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER AGAIN AND SEE WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT IT. I HAVE 30+ YEARS OF DRIVING MANUAL SHIFT VEHICLES; DRIVE VERY CONSERVATIVE AND SMOOTH; AND COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSED. SERIOUSLY DISAPPOINTED ABOUT THIS NISSAN FRONTIER'S CLUTCH SITUATION! TWO CLUTCHES FAILED WITHIN 36K MILES AND LESS THAN 4 YRS OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE; PERFORMING NORMAL DRIVING DUTIES! OTHERS TOO. ALSO SEE??: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NISSAN/FRONTIER/2010/CLUTCH/PREMATURE_CLUTCH_FAILURE.SHTML THIS PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE ISSUE IS RIDICULOUS; NO WONDER DEALER(S) DID NOT BELIEVE ME AND OTHERS! THIS COULD ALSO BE A HAZARD IF FAILS IN TRAFFIC! *TR
Aug 29, 2014
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
BOTH REAR AXLES ARE LEAKING AT 60,265 MILES. I WAS TOLD THIS COULD LEAD TO BRAKE PAD CONTAMINATION WHICH WOULD REDUCE BRAKING CAPABILITY AS WELL AS THE EFFECTIVENESS O THE PARKING BRAKE.
Jun 10, 2016
THE VENT FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL CLOGGED AND A BACK UP OF PRESSURE PUSHED THE SEALS ON THE AXLE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE AXLE AND BRAKES. I DO NOT DRIVE OFF ROAD OR SUBMERGE THE DRIVE TRAIN.
Aug 11, 2015
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
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.
Mar 20, 2025
AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
MY AIRBAG LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH A YEAR AGO I TOOK IT TO NISSAN THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A SEAT CUSHION SENSOR IT WOULD COST ME $500.00 TO HAVE IT FIXED. I AM WRITTING THIS IN COMPLAINT THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN IN RECALL I HAVE WAITED FOR THIS PERIOD IN EXPECTATION OF RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE. ALSO A FAILURE CODE FOR BELT TENSIONER. TO HAVE THESE ITEMS REPAIRED WOULD COST A TOTAL OF $2175.14. I DON'T AGREE I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR. NO ONE SITS IN THE SEAT, NOTHING SHOULD GO WRONG WITH THE SENSOR. IT CAME ON ALL OF A SUDDEN. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE.
Oct 26, 2020
STEERING
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING BRACKET DETACHED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT LOSS POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEER BELT SHIFTED FORWARD AND DETACHED THE SERPENTINE BELT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER STEERING. SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BELT DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED CROWN NISSAN OF GREENVILLE (2712 LAURENS RD, GREENVILLE, SC 29607) AND INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRACKET WAS DISCONTINUED AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER DUE TO THE REPAIR COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 213,000.
Sep 25, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
VEHICLE BLOWER TURNS OFF AFTER GOING THROUGH CAR WASH, OR INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. CAN CAUSE ISSUES WITH FOGGING UP WINDOWS AND VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING WHEN HAPPENING ON FREEWAY. UNSURE AS TO NATURE OF WHY. *TR
May 22, 2020
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN THE BRAKES BECAME SPONGY (NOT FIRM) AND PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR RESULTING IN LONGER BRAKING DISTANCES UNLESS I PUMP THE PEDAL. THIS OCCURRED AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES AHEAD OF A STOP SIGN AS THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER A BUMP/IRREGULARITY IN THE ROAD. THE ABS AND VDC (ANTI-SLIP) ACTIVATED BRIEFLY THEN THE PEDAL GOT SOFT. IT REMAINED IN THIS CONDITION (SPONGY AND EXCESSIVE PEDAL TRAVEL) UNTIL REACHED MY DESTINATION. THE FIRST INSTANCE OF THIS OCCURRING THE BRAKE SYSTEM SEEMED TO CORRECT ITSELF WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED AND IGNITION OFF OVERNIGHT (GOOD PEDAL FIRMNESS AND NORMAL PEDAL TRAVEL AND BRAKING DISTANCES THE NEXT MORNING). HOWEVER, AFTER A SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED (BRAKE GETS SOFT AFTER ABS AND ANTI-SLIP ACTIVATES) THE SPONGY AND LONG PEDAL TRAVEL REMAINS. REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER AND BLED SYSTEM (USED MOTIVE POWER BLEEDER) DID TROUBLESHOOTING ON BRAKE BOOSTER, BOOSTER VACUUM LINE AND CHECK VALVE AND ALL CHECKED FINE. INSPECTED BRAKE LINES FOR BULGES, DAMAGE AND LOOSENESS AT ALL CALIPERS ALL OK. ALL PADS AND ROTORS CHECKED GOOD (NO EXCESSIVE WEAR OR MISSING PARTS). ALSO, DISCONNECTED BATTERY TO SEE IF THE ABS/VDC SYSTEM RESETS. NO CHANGE TO BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND SPONGY FEEL. BRAKE PROBLEMS AS DESCRIBED STILL REMAINS.
Feb 02, 2020
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
1 complaint
I HAVE REPEATEDLY GOTTEN INDICATORS (VIA VEHICLE'S COMPUTER) OF AIR BAG FAILURE, ON A VEHICLE OF LOW MILEAGE, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, AND HAS GOTTEN FAILURES REGARDING THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, WHICH IS RARELY USED. THE FIRST TIME, THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEATBACK AND AIRBAG UNDER WARRANTY. THE SECOND TIME THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEATBELT ASSEMBLY. HOW, THE 3RD TIME, THEY TELL ME THAT THE SAME SEAT - CUSHION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE AIRBAG, AND THAT I HAVE TO PAY OVER $2,000 FOR THIS. EACH TIME I GET THIS FAILURE NOTIFICATION, MY AIRBAG IS DISABLED. SO, IT IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. THE AIR BAG FAILURE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON RANDOMLY, NOT RELATED TO A DRIVING INCIDENT.
Oct 01, 2019
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE HORN ON THESE TRUCK HAVE STOP WORKING THIS IS MY SECOND 2011 NISSAN FRONTIER TRUCK THAT SAME THING HAPPENS THE HORN JUST STOPS WORKING AND WITH HOUSTON, TEXAS TRAFFIC WE NEED A WORKING HORN IN OUR VEHICLES.
Feb 12, 2019
WHEELS
1 complaint
A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE STEEL WHEELS ALLOWS WATER TO PUDDLE IN A CHANNEL IN THE WHEEL -- BECAUSE THERE IS INADEQUATE DRAINAGE BEHIND A SHOULDER ON THE RIM. FURTHERMORE THE COATING OF THE STEEL RIM IS INADEQUATE TO PREVENT RUSTING OF THE RIM. THUS, AFTER AS LITTLE AS 57,500 MILES, THE PUDDLING IN THIS UNDRAINED CHANNEL LEADS TO SEVERE CORROSION, WITH FOLLOWING ADVERSE RESULTS. (1) THE CORROSION INVADES THE HOLE FOR THE TPMS WHICH IS LOCATED RIGHT IN THE CHANNEL -- CAUSING LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE AROUND THE BASE OF THE TPMS, THAT CANNOT BE EASILY REMEDIED. (2) THE EXTENT AND SEVERITY OF THE CORROSION AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE STRONGLY PREDICTS EVENTUAL CATASTROPHIC WHEEL FAILURE DURING THE NORMAL LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE.
Dec 04, 2018
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE HOOD OF MY TRUCK POPPED OPENED AT 67 MPH WHILE DRIVING ON 595 EAST BOUND ON FLORIDA HIGHWAY BETWEEN FLAMINGO AND UNIVERSITY EXITS. DUE TO THE IMPACT IT CRACKED MY WINDSHIELD AND OBVIOUS LOSS OF VISIBILITY TO HIGHWAY. AFTER PULLING OVER AND INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT SEEMS LIKE THE LATCH OF THE HOOD CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED AN EXPLANATION HOW THIS MALFUNCTION COULD HAVE HAPPENED. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO HARM TO MYSELF ONLY THE DAMAGE TO HOOD, WINDSHIELD, TOP OF VEHICLE ROOF AND MISSING LATCH AND THE EMERGENCY CABLE THAT IS HOOKED UP TO HOOD. MY ANTENNA ALSO BROKE FROM THE IMPACT AND THE HOOD DOES NOT CLOSE ALL THE WAY.
Oct 23, 2017
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SHOWS "OFF" WHEN OCCUPIED.
Aug 27, 2017
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT IT WAS HARD AND FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE VIA EMAIL. NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Aug 08, 2017
SUSPENSION,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
LEAD SPRING SNAP FOR NO REASON AFTER TAKING A NICE SUNDAY DRIVE I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS JUST HERD A RATTLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE IT WAS A CLEAN SNAP STRAIGHT ACROSS ON THE MIDDLE LEAF SPRING? DRIVING ON 106 HWY NEW HAMPSHIRE
Mar 26, 2017
SUSPENSION
1 complaint
TRUCK STARTED TO RATTLE AND GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. BROKE THE MAIN LEAF SPRING IN HALF. DIDN'T LOAD THE TRUCK OR HIT ANYTHING.
Aug 11, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
DRIVER DOOR LOCKING ITSELF INTERMITTENTLY. HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN OCT OF 2012. THE KEY WAS NOT LEFT IN THE IGNITION AND THERE IS NOT A BUTTON THAT CAN BE PUSHED THAT LOCKS ONLY THE DRIVERS DOOR. *TR
Dec 22, 2014
TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
I WAS CHANGING A FLAT TIRE ON MY FRONTIER AND WHEN I RELEASED THE SPARE TIRE, THE SIDE WALL WAS WORN DOWN SO THE TIRE COULD NOT BE USED. THE WAY THE TIRE IS MOUNTED UNDER THE TRUCK CAUSED 4 GASHES INTO THE SIDEWALL. *TR
Feb 25, 2014
SEATS
1 complaint
SEAT MATERIALS ARE PREMATURELY WEARING OUT, AT 6139 MILES DRIVER SEAT WAS REPLACED BY NISSAN GARAGE, AT 16726 MILES, BOTH SEATS WERE REPLACED BY NISSAN AS A GOOD WILL GESTURE, ACCORDING TO NISSAN, NOW AT 19000 MILES BOTH SEATS ARE BECOMING THREAD BARE AGAIN. EACH REPLACEMENT WAS WITH THE SAME MATERIALS AS THE ORIGINAL. *TR
Jan 09, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
AFTER LEAVING A REMOTE LOGGING ROAD IN NORTHERN MAINE WOODS, MY WIFE AND I HEADED BACK TOWARDS BANGOR , MAINE. WHILE TRAVELING APX 60 MPH THE TRUCK LOST POWER, SOME WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH ILLUMINATED, I WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER. ENGINE WAS CHUGGING, COULD NOT KEEP IT RUNNING. I SHUT IT OFF AND ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE FURTHER, I COULD NOT. IT WAS TOWED TO DEALER AND CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR REPLACED. I GIVE THANKS IT DIDN'T HAPPEN ON THE LOGGING ROAD WHERE THERE IS NO CELL SIGNAL AND FEW OTHER CARS. *TR
Nov 27, 2012
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY TO APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND CONTINUED TO APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Sep 18, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
WHILE BACKING UP FROM PARK POSITION FRONT BRAKES MAKE A LOW GROAN OR RUBBIING SOUND LIKE THE CALIPERS ARE NOT RELEASING PROPERLY. HAVE HAD IT IN THE DEALER TWICE, ONCE THEY PUT MOLYCOTE GREASE ON THE PADS, THEN THEY REPLACED THE PADS AND TURNED ROTORS ALL DONE WITH LESS THAN 5,000 MILES,STILL HAS THE PROBLEM. ALSO SEEMS LIKE ONCE YOU BRAKE AND COME TO COMPLETE STOP AND START AGAIN TAKES ALOT OF POWER TO GET GOING LIKE THERE IS A DRAG ON THE FRONT END.ALSO ROTORS A VERY HOT. *KB
Dec 31, 2011
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING VIOLENTLY AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS TAMPERED WITH DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF SUGAR BEING INSIDE OF IT. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL LINE NEEDED TO BE CLEANED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 25,000.
Jul 28, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2011 NISSAN Frontier have?
The 2011 NISSAN Frontier currently has 64 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2011 NISSAN Frontier?
The most common problems reported for the 2011 NISSAN Frontier are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2011 NISSAN Frontier problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2011 NISSAN Frontier comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - NISSAN Frontier
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2020 Problems
2019 Problems
2018 Problems
2017 Problems
2016 Problems
2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2012 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2003 Problems
2002 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
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