VehicleVerdict

2012 Nissan Pathfinder problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is among the quieter years of the Pathfinder on NHTSA's books: 35 complaints (72% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (6), suspension (5), and other (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

35

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Pathfinder years?

Pathfinder NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted1,560 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 31 complaints1988: 17 complaints1989: 19 complaints1990: 44 complaints1991: 49 complaints1992: 38 complaints1993: 67 complaints1994: 108 complaints1995: 218 complaints1996: 214 complaints1997: 293 complaints1998: 194 complaints1999: 144 complaints2000: 166 complaints2001: 299 complaints2002: 206 complaints2003: 147 complaints2004: 86 complaints2005: 1,560 complaints2006: 1,224 complaints2007: 846 complaints2008: 458 complaints2009: 51 complaints2010: 61 complaints2011: 59 complaints2012: 35 complaints2013: 1,208 complaints2014: 747 complaints2015: 432 complaints2016: 128 complaints2017: 253 complaints2018: 121 complaints2019: 119 complaints2020: 74 complaints2022: 195 complaints2023: 147 complaints2024: 114 complaints2025: 74 complaints2026: 8 complaints
Pathfinder NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Pathfinder years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Nissan Pathfinder problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine617%
Other514%
Suspension514%
Airbags411%
Electrical System411%
Brakes39%
Steering26%
Body & Structure26%
Transmission26%
Lighting13%
Visibility & Wipers13%

Does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V462000SuspensionSeptember 20, 2012 · 2,417 units

Defect

Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra two-wheel drive vehicles manufactured from June 19, 2012, through July 12, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with front wheel hubs that may not meet the design hardness specifications. A wheel hub that was manufactured below hardness specification may wear prematurely and eventually crack.

Consequence

If the vehicle is driven in this condition, the wheel hub may break, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replaced the left and right side front wheel hub assemblies free of charge. The safety recall began on October 22, 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.

11V592000EngineDecember 19, 2011 · 14,718 units

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE MOUNT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 8, 2015

“WHEN DRIVING AT ANY TIME, MORNING, AFTERNOON.... CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL GO ON AND WITHIN SECONDS, MINUTES..., ENGINE WILL REV, SEIZE AND WHEN PRESSING GAS, ENGINE WILL REV BUT BARELY ANY PROPULSION. IF DRIVING AT 60MPH, ENGINE WILL SEIZE AND SPEED WILL DROP IMMEDIATELY. NO CONTROL OF MOTOR OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 12, 2019

“Right lower control arm snapped while driving at highway speed (65MPH) causing vehicle into a 360 spin. Vehicle spun, was hard to control and tire blew out at speed. Others behind me or in front may have gotten involved if traffic was heavier at the time. Vehicle wasnt inspected, no police…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 13, 2025

“The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked on the road outside his friend's residence. The contact stated that as he approached the vehicle, he saw smoke coming from the windows. The contact stated that when he opened the vehicle, he saw that the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 25, 2021 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH, A DEER JUMPED INTO THE ROAD CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO IT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO INJURIES SUSTAINED AND THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 16, 2015 · crash

2012 Nissan Pathfinder — common questions

Is the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 35 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Pathfinder year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2012 Pathfinder problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (6 complaints), suspension (5 complaints), other (5 complaints).

Does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Pathfinder years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pathfinder years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2013, 2007, 2014, 2008, 2015, 2001, 1997, 2017, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2022, 1998, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Pathfinder years belongs to 1986.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.