no report yet
Front: hub
Risk. If the vehicle is driven in this condition, the wheel hub may break, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
2012 Nissan PathfinderProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 23 owner complaints about the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 20, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has problems
23 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
5Engine
5Suspension
4Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
3Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
2Power train
2Service brakes
2Steering
2Structure
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
44 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 0 |
| Suspension | 5 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 1 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2012 Nissan Pathfinder recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Nissan.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Pathfinder year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Pathfinder median. How we score
1917153839304991170159217149104112230156110671,05083756132837404523891577321105188787648137107876415
'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Nissan Pathfinder safety ratings
2012 Nissan Pathfinder SUV 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 3 stars (22.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Pathfinder owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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
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…
Own a 2012 Pathfinder?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.