2011 Nissan Xterra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 Nissan Xterra: 2 recalls, 24 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #11V592000 · 2011 · 14,718 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If there is an engine oil leak, the engine oil pressure would drop and the engine could seize, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector bolts free of charge. The safety recall began on January 30, 2012.
Airbags Vehicle recall #23V067000 · 2023 · 404,690 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driverâs airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (9): the most common themes are warning light on (4).
- Engine (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (2): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (2).
The 2011 Nissan Xterra has 24 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 16 Xterra model years for complaints (well below the 194 average). Complaints peaked in 2014 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 54,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (38 complaints, 4 recalls), 2012 (16 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Nissan Xterra.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Nissan Xterra. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 Nissan Xterra problems?
Owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (9), engine (5), electrical (4).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Nissan Xterra get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.0 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 Nissan Xterra repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.