Nissan · Known Issues

2011 Nissan Pathfinder Problems: 1 Known Issue

2011 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder has 1 documented issue. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

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On the 2005-2012 Nissan Pathfinder, owners of the R51 Pathfinder report rust bubbling through the paint on the rear hatch (liftgate) at low mileage, with reports between about 10,000 and 45,000 miles. Owners have found it on both sides of the hatch handle and around the license plate light. Other reported spots are the top underside of the hatch near the rear washer pipe, and the welds above the tail lights behind the hatch. Nissan has not stated a cause. In one case the dealer fitted a new handle with a gasket so it no longer hit the paint when the hatch closed. One owner says the rust came back in the same places within a few months of a dealer repair, and the dealer then replaced the whole hatch. Owners also report rust on the roof of the same vehicles.

Common Symptoms

Bubbling paint on the rear hatch
Rust running from either side of the hatch handle
Visible rust around the license plate light
Rust returning in the same spot after a repair

How to Fix

Check first: open the hatch and look on both sides of the handle, around the license plate light, and along the top underside of the hatch near the washer pipe. Also check the welds above the tail lights. Repair options owners report: 1) If the rust has not gone through the metal, apply a rust preventative to slow it down. 2) Remove the rust, repaint the hatch, and refit the handle with a gasket so it no longer touches the paint. One dealer did this, and the job took 2-3 days. 3) Replace the hatch if the rust comes back after repair. One owner got a new tailgate after a dealer repair failed within a few months. Coverage: Nissan's US corrosion warranty lasts 60 months with unlimited miles. It covers only sheet metal that rusts all the way through, forming a hole. Every 2005-2012 Pathfinder is now past that 60-month limit. Nissan rejected one owner's claim for license plate light rust because the warranty had already run out. Another owner had hatch rust repaired under warranty.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

POR-15 3-Step Stop Rust System
Universal coating system, not a liftgate structural repair. Surface must be prepared and completely dry; use PPE and a compatible UV-stable topcoat/color finish where exposed.
POR-15

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $3,000

Research This Issue

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Community Reported

Medium ConfidenceUpdated Nov 7, 2026

NHTSA Recalls9 recalls

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.

Campaign #10E01900020/05/2010

STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR

NISSAN HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2010 TO MARCH 13, 2010. ON SOME OF THE POTENTIALLY AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE FASTENERS SECURING THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG MODULE, AND ALSO THE FASTENERS SECURING THE STEERING SHAFT POSITIONING BRACKET MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.

Campaign #10V11500024/03/2010

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, QX56, FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2009 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2010. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.

Campaign #10V20800014/05/2010

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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.

Campaign #23V06700010/02/2023

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.

Campaign #10V40100010/09/2010

+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Pathfinder problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: Rear Hatch Rust Around the Handle and License Plate Light. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder has 1 known issue compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Pathfinder problems?

Repair costs for known Nissan Pathfinder issues range from $200 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2005-2012 Nissan Pathfinder Rear Hatch Rust Around the Handle and License Plate Light?

Owners of the R51 Pathfinder report rust bubbling through the paint on the rear hatch (liftgate) at low mileage, with reports between about 10,000 and 45,000 miles. Owners have found it on both sides of the hatch handle and around the license plate light. Other reported spots are… Repairs typically run $200-$3,000. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.