This page covers 2 recalls, 45 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder.
15–16 mpg combined
14.7–15.7 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
For the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder, the most prominent complaint pattern centers on airbag system warnings and structural rust. Owners frequently report the airbag warning light staying on, sometimes accompanied by the seatbelt warning light and a non-functional horn, a cluster of symptoms that points to wiring or clock spring issues within the restraint system. The engine draws the second-highest complaint volume, with owners describing rough idling, stalling, and persistent check engine lights commonly tied to camshaft position sensor codes that return even after parts are replaced. Suspension and frame complaints round out the picture, with multiple owners reporting severe undercarriage rust that compromises the frame and rear drivetrain mounts, in several cases the repair cost exceeded the vehicle's market value and the truck had to be towed rather than driven.
45
Total Complaints
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder has two recalls, the more serious involving an engine oil cooler stud that can fail, causing an oil leak that may lead to sudden engine shutdown while driving.
The second recall involves the driver's airbag cover emblem, which can crack and break free when the airbag deploys, sending a fragment toward the driver or front occupants.
At a glance
What can fail
The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may crack and come loose during air bag deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The engine oil cooler stud that holds the oil filter can break, causing oil to leak. This may trigger the oil warning light, cause rough running or noise, and in severe cases lead to sudden engine failure while driving.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the engine oil cooler connector stud.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
