2011 Nissan Xterra

Routine

Owners filed 24 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 2 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags9
000
Engine5
000
Tires2
000
Suspension1
000
Structure › Body1
000
Power Train1
000
Engine and Engine Cooling1
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc)1
000
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer1
000
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery1
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal23V067000
Filed Feb 10, 2023404,690 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Engine and Engine Cooling11V592000
Filed Dec 19, 201114,718 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Sep 2, 2025CO

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.

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Jul 30, 2025CO

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 30, 2024140,000 milesFL

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.

Engine
Filed Jun 17, 2024AL

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 27, 2023PA

Hole in exhaust system due to weld failure in support clamp The problem is reoccurring every year over a 3 1/2 year period

Air Bags
Filed May 31, 2023FL

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.

Air Bags
Filed May 31, 2023FL

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

Air Bags
Filed Apr 17, 2023MI

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.

Engine
Filed Apr 6, 2021HI

ENGINE FAILED

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Sep 6, 2020VA

WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK AND ENGINE WILL SHUT DOWN

Air Bags
Filed Mar 22, 2018115,858 milesNC

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.

Engine
Filed Feb 26, 201854,000 milesFL

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.

Engine
Filed Oct 23, 201754,000 milesFL

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.

Engine
Filed Oct 23, 201754,000 milesFL

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.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 17, 201642,169 milesAZ

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.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 30, 201642,432 milesAZ

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.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 29, 201419,000 milesIL

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.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Sep 5, 201465,000 milesPA

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.

Tires
Filed Apr 19, 201432,000 milesNY

BF GOODRICH TIRES ON NEW NISSAN XTERRA ONLY LASTED 32000 MILES ARE THEY KIDDING. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Apr 10, 201476,731 milesAZ

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! *TR

20 of 24 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201510000Routine
201410000Routine
20134000Routine
201216200Routine
2011 — this page24200Routine
201038600Routine
200919500Routine
2008119830Routine
2007557230Above average
2006780531Fatalities reported
2005845660Above average
200484330Routine
200372320Routine
2002157672Fatalities reported
2001150550Routine
2000214541Fatalities reported
19990100Routine

Compare every Xterra year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 10, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.