Before you buy
This 2011 Nissan Xterra has 24 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2011 Nissan Xterra Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2011 Nissan Xterra trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2011 Nissan Xterra Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2011 Nissan Xterra SUV 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated25.6% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
25.6% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011 Nissan Xterra has 24 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Xterra
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 24
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 20
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2011 Nissan Xterra problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2011 Nissan Xterra?
This NISSAN XTERRA year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2011 Nissan Xterra
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 Nissan Xterra, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The NISSAN XTERRA has 24 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 24 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 2 federal recall campaigns
- No crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2011 Nissan Xterra complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Nissan Xterra. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Nissan Xterra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 …
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 1…
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 sea…
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 start…
Hole in exhaust system due to weld failure in support clamp The problem is reoccurring every year over a 3 1/2 year period
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 POTENTI…
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 a…
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 reason…
ENGINE FAILED
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK AND ENGINE WILL SHUT DOWN
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 DE…
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.
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.…
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…
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 REPAI…
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 …
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 OCC…
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 BATTER…
BF GOODRICH TIRES ON NEW NISSAN XTERRA ONLY LASTED 32000 MILES ARE THEY KIDDING. *TR
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 SI…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Nissan Xterra.
Safety recalls
2011 Nissan Xterra recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Nissan Xterra. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2011 Nissan Xterra buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Nissan Xterra reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 24 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. This NISSAN XTERRA year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Xterra?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (9 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (6 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Nissan Xterra?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Nissan Xterra?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Nissan Xterra, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 24 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Nissan Xterra. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2011 Nissan Xterra?▾
This NISSAN XTERRA year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Xterra reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2011 Nissan Xterra based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.