Verdict
2012 Nissan Pathfinder: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Fewer reported complaints than most SUV.
Owners filed 23 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 77% of 2012 SUVs. Suspension leads the reports (22%). 2 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2012 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
23
Reports to NHTSA, 2012
Safety recalls
2
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
16
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 77% of 2012 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2012 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Suspension issues lead owner complaints (22% of 23 reports), followed by air bags (13%).
+ 4 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 23 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11700670, ODI 11662905, ODI 11582196, ODI 11574413, ODI 11517890.
Recalls(2)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Engine And Engine Cooling · 11V592000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
Suspension · 12V462000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2012 Nissan Pathfinder SUV RWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
2012 Nissan Pathfinder SUV 4WD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 5-spd | 15 | 22 | 17 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 5-spd | 14 | 20 | 16 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S5) | 13 | 18 | 15 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2012 Nissan Pathfinder: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?
Owners filed 23 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder — fewer complaints than 77% of comparable 2012 SUVs, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?
The most-reported problem areas are Suspension (22% of complaints) and air bags (13%).
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder have?
2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, covering components such as engine and engine cooling. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder between 15 and 17 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.