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
The worst 2012 Nissan Pathfinder problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine6
- Suspension5
- Airbags4
- Electrical3
- Body2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine6
- Suspension5
- Airbags4
- Electrical3
- Body2
- Brakes2
- Steering2
- Transmission2
- Driver assistance1
- Lights1
- Visibility1
Recalls 2
Suspension: front: hub
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 12V462000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 11V592000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 107
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Wiring harness repair information
- Certification label and VIN plate replacement service information
- VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN...
- CAN communication codes – diagnostic tips and guidelines
- CAN communication – network diagnostic flow chart
- Vehicle key not detected / authenticated, engine will not start
- Windshield cracking
- Removing foreign material from the window glass
- Window glass warranty information
- Diagnosis of vehicle pull (drift) and/or steering wheel off-center
2012 Nissan Pathfinder fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 22 | 17 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 20 | 16 |
| 5.6L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 18 | 15 |
What 2012 Nissan Pathfinder owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Rear subframe sagging and unsafe due to rust and corrosion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Compare the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
Pathfinder vs Ford ExplorerPathfinder vs Dodge DurangoPathfinder vs Kia SorentoPathfinder vs Honda PilotPathfinder vs Toyota HighlanderPathfinder vs GMC AcadiaPathfinder vs Chevrolet TraversePathfinder vs Buick Enclave
Other model years
199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020222023202420252026
Questions about the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
Is the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Owners have filed 23 complaints about the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, fewer than a typical Pathfinder model year.
What is the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder year score?
The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder scores 83 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Pathfinder: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?
Engine and cooling, with 6 complaints. Next is suspension (5).
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder have?
2 recalls, covering suspension and engine and engine cooling.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 11V592000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Nissan Pathfinder have bad engine?
The Nissan Pathfinder model years with the most engine complaints are 2005 (433 complaints), 2006 (331 complaints) and 2007 (242 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder get?
Official estimates for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder range from 15 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 22 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history