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Model-year record

2012 Nissan Pathfinder
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2012 Nissan Pathfinder

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

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

Known issues

Suspension issues lead owner complaints (22% of 23 reports), followed by air bags (13%).

Suspension22% · 5 reports
Air Bags13% · 3 reports
Electrical System13% · 3 reports
Engine9% · 2 reports
Steering9% · 2 reports
Unknown Or Other9% · 2 reports
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)4% · 1 report
Engine And Engine Cooling4% · 1 report

+ 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.

Individual complaint reports(23)

Showing the 23 most recent reports
SuspensionNov 2025 · ODI 11700670Details +

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 involved. No warning before incident. Incident happened with no symtons or prior knowledge

Reported
Nov 2025
Incident date
Nov 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11700670 at NHTSA →
SuspensionMay 2025 · ODI 11662905Details +

Rear subframe sagging and unsafe due to rust and corrosion.

Reported
May 2025
Incident date
May 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11662905 at NHTSA →
SuspensionApr 2024 · ODI 11582196Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed that the rear tires were abnormally damaged. The contact stated that upon further inspection, he noticed that the subframe was severely corroded and fractured. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there would be no assistance because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

Reported
Apr 2024
Incident date
Apr 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11582196 at NHTSA →
SuspensionFeb 2024 · ODI 11574413Details +

Rear lower control arm broke while driving. Vehicle had to be moved on a rollback. Upon replacing control arm, cracks have been found at several points on the crossmember subframe. As it stands, the vehicle is a danger to have on the road.

Reported
Feb 2024
Incident date
Sep 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11574413 at NHTSA →
SuspensionApr 2023 · ODI 11517890Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to wobble as if the steering wheel was being turned to the left and to the right repeatedly. The contact stated the vehicle wobbled more violently after driving over bumps in the road. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact’s husband checked the under carriage and observed that the driver's side rear tire was nearly rusted through. Additionally, there was an inch of room above the wheel well. The contact stated that wheel was turned inward the wheel well. The contact stated that her husband observed extensive rust on the rear subframe and members. The contact stated the vehicle was undrivable. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

Reported
Apr 2023
Incident date
Apr 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11517890 at NHTSA →
SteeringMar 2023 · ODI 11510111Details +

There was no incident but now I’m scared to drive my vehicle that I’m still paying for and my insurance telling me if I don’t get the recall resolve it’s going to be an issue.

Reported
Mar 2023
Incident date
Mar 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11510111 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2022 · ODI 11466529Details +

Check engine light comes on and vehicle will not cycle through gears. Will go into drive, reverse, neutral but not 1st, second, third. Vehicle will go back to normal after I disconnect the battery for a few minutes but the same issue will happen a few days later

Reported
May 2022
Incident date
May 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11466529 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemNov 2021 · ODI 11440673 · fireDetails +

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 headliner of the vehicle and the seats had burned. The contact stated that the fire had extinguished itself as the windows were closed. The contact stated that he was able to start the vehicle and drive it to his residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was not filed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

Reported
Nov 2021
Incident date
Oct 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11440673 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJun 2021 · ODI 11421203Details +

We purchased the truck in 2018. Starting last year the truck starting losing power, not cutting on. Replaced the battery and have had 5 mechanics check it. Not one mechanic has been able to find the issue. Today my truck cut off in a tunnel with my children in the car. This could have and felt like an extremely dangerous situation. Upon further research Nissans losing power is a common issue. Nissan needs to take action and fix the malfunctions. I can’t afford to be without a car, nor should I have to repair an issue that Nissan is responsible for.

Reported
Jun 2021
Incident date
Jun 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11421203 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherFeb 2021 · ODI 11395821Details +

THE GEAR SHIFT WILL NOT ENGAGE ALLOWING ME TO SHIFT FROM P TO D AND PUT THE CAR IN GEAR WITHOUT MANUALLY OVERRIDING AND STICKING A SCREW DRIVER DOWN IN THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY.*JB*JB

Reported
Feb 2021
Incident date
Feb 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11395821 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesFeb 2020 · ODI 11309506Details +

WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES THEY SEEMED TO REACT NORMALLY. THEN THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. AT THAT POINT IT WAS BRAKING BUT NOT AS EFFICIENTLY AS IT SHOULD. THE INEFFICIENCY OF THE BRAKES WOULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO OVERSHOOT THE STOPPING POINT OF THE INTERSECTION. RATHER THAN STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION, I APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR TO GET THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. THE BRAKES CONTINUED TO OPERATE IN THAT MANNER FOR THE REMINDER OF THAT TRIP. ON ALL SUBSEQUENT USES OF THE TRUCK, WHICH WAS TO GET BACK TO OUR HOMETOWN DEALERSHIP, THE BRAKES DID RESPOND NORMALLY. IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER SINCE 2/9/20 AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE CHECKED DTC'S, WIRING, VACUUM HOSES, ROTORS, PADS, BRAKE BOOSTER, MASTER CYLINDER, AND FLUID AND CANNOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS.*DT

Reported
Feb 2020
Incident date
Feb 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11309506 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherApr 2019 · ODI 11195861Details +

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 SPEED. THIS IS THE 15TH TIME I'M 2 YEARS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED.

Reported
Apr 2019
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11195861 at NHTSA →
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Aug 2018 · ODI 11118530Details +

I BOUGHT MY NISSAN PATHFINDER JUNE 2012 BRAND NEW...I HAVEN'T HAD ANY ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE UNTIL AUGUST 2, 2018 IN MY GARAGE I TRIED TO START IT BUT IT WOULDN'T CRANK. I HAD IT TOWED TO NISSAN SERVICE....I WAS TOLD IT SHOULDN'T BE DOING THIS IF YOU BOUGHT YOUR CAR NEW...AFTER DIAGNOSIS THEY TOLD ME IT WAS MY COMPUTER (ECM)SO, IS THAT NORMAL FOR A 6 YEAR OLD CAR?ALSO, NO WARNING SIGNS OR ANYTHING..

Reported
Aug 2018
Incident date
Aug 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11118530 at NHTSA →
Parking BrakeJul 2018 · ODI 11110419Details +

IF THE TRANSMISSION IN THE "N" POSITION (NEUTRAL), THE PARKING BREAK CAN'T HOLD THE CAR ON INCLINE SPACE! THAT PROBLEM EXIST IN ALL NISSAN PATHFINDERS YEAR 2012 AND UP, WE FIND IT IN THE OTHER PATHFINDERS ON THE DEALERSHIP TOO (THAT MEANS IT IS NOT THE SINGLE PROBLEM JUST WITH MY CAR), BUT THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR THIS MODEL(?!?) IF THE TRANSMISSION IN THE "P" POSITION (PARK) THAT PROBLEM DOES NOT EXIST (BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION HOLDS THE CAR) BUT THE PARKING BREAK ITSELF CAN NOT HOLD THE CAR ON INCLINE! I DID NOT FIND THE SAME PROBLEM ON ANY OTHER MODELS/MAKES...

Reported
Jul 2018
Incident date
Feb 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11110419 at NHTSA →
EngineMay 2018 · ODI 11096647Details +

WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN SEIZE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES, 2 TIMES ON THE FREEWAY AT 55 - 65 MPH, SEIZED IN MOTION, STEPPED ALL THE WAY DOWN ON GAS AFTER ENGINE SEIZED, ENGINE REVS, HARDLY ANY POWER, ALMOST DOWN TO 10 MPH IN LESS THAN 10 SECONDS. BOTH TIMES, WAS AFTERNOON RUSH HOUR AND WHILE TRYING TO GET TO THE SHOULDER LANE, I HAD TO CROSS 2-3 LANES OF VERY FAST TRAFFIC, DROPPING TO ROUGHLY 10 MPH, BARELY MISSING IMPACT WITH OTHER CARS, BOTH TIMES. THE OTHER 2 TIMES, I WAS YIELDING WHILE MAKING A CORNER AND THE CAR SEIZED, SAME SPOT AND SAME EXPERIENCE AS THE FREEWAY, WHAT FEELS LIKE ALMOST COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. 5TH TIME HAPPENED TODAY, MAKING A CORNER, TRIED TO EXCEL, ENGINE REVED AND SEIZED. ALL TIMES, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON PRIOR TO. PLEASE NOTE, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE SAME ISSUE, NHSTA RECALL 11V-592. WHEN I CHECKED WITH NISSAN AND DEALER, THEY BOTH SAID MY VIN WASN'T PART OF THE RECALL, BUT I'M EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. THIS IS A MAJOR ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.

Reported
May 2018
Incident date
May 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11096647 at NHTSA →
Air BagsFeb 2016 · ODI 10838927 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

I WAS IN A 40MPH CAR ACCIDENOT AND MY FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

Reported
Feb 2016
Incident date
Feb 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 10838927 at NHTSA →
Air BagsFeb 2016 · ODI 10825803 · crashDetails +

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. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Reported
Feb 2016
Incident date
Dec 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10825803 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2015 · ODI 10808991Details +

WE BOUGHT A 2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER ON SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2015 USED FOR $27,999.00. WE PUT $3,000.00 DOWN PAYMENT ON THE VEHICLE. WE WERE UNDER THE IMPRESSION, AND WERE TOLD BY OUR SALESMAN THAT WE DIDN'T HAVE TO PAY WI TAXES AND THAT ANY OTHER TAXES WOULD BE INCLUDED IN OUR LOAN. THAT PROVED TO BE FALSE! IF WE WOULD'VE KNOWN THE IL TAXES WASN'T INCLUDED, WE WOULDN'T HAVE PUT SUCH A LARGER DOWN PAYMENT ON THE VEHICLE. WE'VE HAD THIS VEHICLE NOW FOR ALMOST 3 MONTHS AND WERE THINKING,... "WHY MAKE PAYMENTS ON SOMETHING THAT HAS A LOT OF MILES, WHEN WE COULD MAKE PAYMENTS ON A BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH NO MILES?" SO WE WENT TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP TO BUY A NEW 2015 VEHICLE. WHILE WE ARE AT THIS DEALERSHIP, THEY INFORM US THAT WHEN THEY RAN THE VIN #:, IT CAME UP THAT OUR PATHFINDER HAS "STRUCTURAL DAMAGE" AS WELL AS "LEFT FRONT DAMAGE." ALL OF WHICH WE WERE UNAWARE OF. MAD CITY SALES NEVER SHOWED US A CAR FAX, ALTHOUGH THEY CLAIM THEY DID. THEY DID NOT HAVE A BUYERS GUIDE ON THE VEHICLE WHEN WE TEST DROVE IT. IF THEY WOULD'VE, WE WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. WHEN WE QUESTIONS MAD CITY ABOUT THE DAMAGE, THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT IT, BUT WERE SURE THEY HAD TOLD US. THEN, THEY CALL BACK AND SAY THEY FOUND PAPERS WITH OUR SIGNATURES/INITIALS STATING THAT THEY SHOWED US. THESE PAPERS ARE DATED FOR JULY 21ST, 2015. WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER!! SO I DON'T SEE HOW OUR SIGNATURES GOT ON THESE FORMS. IT LOOKS LIKE THEY SOMEHOW COPY AND PASTED OUR SIGNATURES ONTO THESE FORMS. WE FEEL CHEATED AND USED AND MISINFORMED ABOUT THE VEHICLE WE PURCHASED. I'VE SINCE THEN CHECKED INTO REVIEWS OF THIS COMPANY, AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF OTHER CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE EXACT SAME ISSUE! THEY FALSIFY DOCUMENTS TO MAKE A SALE. WE WOULD LIKE A FULL REFUND ON THIS VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE MONEY THEY TOOK FROM US.

Reported
Dec 2015
Incident date
Sep 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10808991 at NHTSA →
EngineNov 2015 · ODI 10789170Details +

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.

Reported
Nov 2015
Incident date
Nov 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10789170 at NHTSA →
Air BagsSep 2015 · ODI 10778272Details +

I RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER, TOOK MY CAR IN, THEY SAID IT WAS DONE, IT WAS NOT DONE CORRECTLY, I TOOK IT BACK WAS TOLD IT WAS A CLIP NOT CLIPPED CORRECTLY,. THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AGAIN. I CALLED AND TOLD THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY.. I'M DRIVING W IT FLASHING STILL.. I FEAR ONE DAY IT WILL GO OFF ON ITS OWN. I AM 68 YRS OLD AND LOW INCOME ... I CANNOT PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS NOT REPAIRED... MY CAR WAS FINE BEFORE THEY TOUCHED IT ...HOW DO I GET THEM TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED?

Reported
Sep 2015
Incident date
May 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10778272 at NHTSA →
SteeringSep 2015 · ODI 10764180Details +

STEERING THE VEHICLE, GRADUALLY BECAME HARDER (IT WOULD PULL SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT. WHEN CHECKING AIR PRESSURE, I NOTICED THE FRONT TIRES WERE WORN EXCESSIVELY. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR, WHERE I WAS TOLD I MUST HAVE HIT A CURVE OR HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, NEITHER WAS THE CASE. I HAD TO HAVE THE COMPLETE FRONT-END OF THE VEHICLE REPLACED BY AUTO NATION SOUTH BAY NISSAN OF HAWTHORNE,CA INVOICE #685460, WHICH INCLUDED: RACK AND PINION, STEERING ANGLE SENSOR, GEAR AND LINKAGE, SWITCH ASSEMBLY COMBINATION, AND CORE.

Reported
Sep 2015
Incident date
Dec 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10764180 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingApr 2014 · ODI 10583934Details +

WHILE DRIVING I WAS HEARING A RUMBLING SOUND EVERYTIME I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL. I TOOK IT TO NISSAN OF BRANDON ON 4-11-14 AND WAS INFORMED THAT I HAVE CROSS CONTAMINATION OF ENGINE COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID. NISSAN ADVISED IT WOULD BE $5800 TO FIX. THERE WAS A CIVIL LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST NISSAN TO REPAIR OR REIMBURSE THE OWNERS FOR OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE. HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE LAW SUIT ONLY COVERED UP TO 100,000 MILES AND I'M AT 130,000 NISSAN WILL NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *TR

Reported
Apr 2014
Incident date
Apr 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10583934 at NHTSA →
VisibilityJun 2013 · ODI 10520580Details +

I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH (POSTED SPEED LIMIT) AT 1150PM WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES IN THE NEAR VICINITY IN FRONT OF ME OR BEHIND ME WHEN THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED ON MY 2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THERE WAS NO APPARENT CAUSE AND THE DEALER STATED NISSAN WOULD NOT REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY OR DEFECTIVE PARTS. *TR

Reported
Jun 2013
Incident date
Jun 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10520580 at NHTSA →

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 +

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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Suspension · 12V462000Details +

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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

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

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Pathfinder 2WD4.0L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive152217
Pathfinder 4WD4.0L 6-cyl4-Wheel Drive142016
Pathfinder 4WD5.6L 8-cyl4-Wheel Drive131815

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 the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

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. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

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.