2012 Nissan Xterra Problems

Below Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Nissan Xterra.

20112013
Complaints
16
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2012 Nissan Xterra Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#16 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:18,562 mi
#24 complaints

Airbags

#34 complaints

Engine Problems

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Nissan Xterra.

Transmission / Drivetrain
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
18,562
Airbags
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine Problems
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Xterra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2012 Nissan Xterra

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~17,135 vehicles.

12V462000Suspension:front:hub
~2,417 affected

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.

11V592000Engine & Cooling
~14,718 affected

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 Xterra Years

2012 Nissan Xterra — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2012 Nissan Xterra reliable?
Verdict: Below Average Complaints. The 2012 Nissan Xterra has 16 NHTSA complaints, 0 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Transmission / Drivetrain with 6 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2012 Nissan Xterra?
Top reported problems: Transmission / Drivetrain (6 complaints, avg 18,562 mi); Airbags (4 complaints); Engine Problems (4 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Nissan Xterra?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 18,562 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
Does the 2012 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 17,135 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2012 Nissan Xterra?
Fewer complaints than typical for this model. That's a good sign, but every individual car is different — the VIN still tells you what happened to this specific one.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Nissan Xterra reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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