DecodedCars2011 Nissan Frontier
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Crew Cab 4x2 Sv, Crew Cab 4X4 Sv/Sl/Pro-4x, King Cab 4X4 Sv/Pro-4x, King Cab S/Box 4x2 S
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 205.5–205.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,728–4,559 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Nissan Frontier is a small pickup truck offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 206 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 126-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,343 lb (Crew Cab 4x2 Sv).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 23 highway), 10% better than the 2011 small pickup truck average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2011
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Frontier — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Frontier →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew Cab 4x2 Sv | 205.9 in | 72.8 in | 70.1 in | 125.6 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,343 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab 4X4 Sv/Sl/Pro-4x | 205.9 in | 72.8 in | 70.1 in | 125.6 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,559 lb | 57/43 |
| King Cab 4X4 Sv/Pro-4x | 205.5 in | 72.8 in | 69.7 in | 126 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,326 lb | 57/43 |
| King Cab S/Box 4x2 S | 205.5 in | 62.2 in | 68.5 in | 126 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,728 lb | 57/43 |
| King Cab S/Box 4x2 Sv | 205.5 in | 72.8 in | 69.7 in | 126 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,129 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 23 / 21 | +10% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Frontier 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -1% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Frontier 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -11% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Frontier 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 20 / 17 | -11% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Frontier 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -4% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Frontier 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -10% | $4,200 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Nissan Frontier.
Similar 2011 small pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Nissan Frontier (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Ford F-150 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Chevrolet Colorado | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 GMC Canyon | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Honda Ridgeline | 17 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2011 Suzuki Equator | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Frontal · Feb 10, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V067000 · 404,690 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the driverÂs 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.
Not every 2011 Nissan Frontier is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Nissan Frontier buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 12 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Service Brakes — 11 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Power Train — 8 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 72,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Nissan Frontier. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Frontier years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Frontier | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Frontier | 21 | 224 in | Not rated | 1 | 11 |
| 2025 Frontier | 21 | 224 in | Not rated | 3 | 9 |
| 2024 Frontier | 21 | 224 in | Not rated | 3 | 22 |
| 2023 Frontier | 21 | 224 in | Not rated | 1 | 66 |
| 2022 Frontier | 20 | 224 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 112 |
| 2021 Frontier | 20 | 205.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 20 |
| 2020 Frontier | 20 | 205.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 23 |
| 2019 Frontier | 21 | 205.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 28 |
| 2018 Frontier | 21 | 205.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 25 |
| 2017 Frontier | 21 | 205.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 38 |
| 2016 Frontier | 21 | 205.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 44 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →