Worst 2012 Nissan Frontier Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Airbags
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Nissan Frontier.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 22 | 2 | — | 50,950 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 20 | 1 | — | 43,086 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 12 | 1 | — | 46,481 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | — | 54,409 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | — | — | 85,983 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | — | — | 61,847 mi | |
| Body Structure | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Passenger Side Frontal:Cushion | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seats:Front Assembly:Head Restraint | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Door | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Tailgate | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Frame And Members | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Frontier. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2012 Nissan Frontier
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~30,670 vehicles.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012 through 2014 Frontier vehicles manufactured from November 28, 2012, through December 17, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a circuit breaker may have been installed incorrectly causing the main wire harness connected to the circuit breaker to face outward, potentially contacting a metal bolt located on the A-pillar.
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.
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.
Other Nissan Frontier Years
2012 Nissan Frontier — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Nissan Frontier reliable?
What are common problems with the 2012 Nissan Frontier?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Nissan Frontier?
How safe is the 2012 Nissan Frontier?
Does the 2012 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2012 Nissan Frontier?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Frontier reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 Nissan Frontier
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