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2012 Nissan XterraProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 16 owner complaints about the 2012 Nissan Xterra, most often about the power train. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

2012 Nissan Xterra
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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints160 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage13kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 21, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Michael Sheehan, CC BY 2.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 Nissan Xterra has problems

16 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train60
Air bags40
Engine40
Fuel/propulsion system10
Tires10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2012 Nissan Xterra 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

Front: hub

Recall 12V-462 · Sep 20, 2012 · 2,417 vehicles

Risk. If the vehicle is driven in this condition, the wheel hub may break, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 11V-592 · Dec 19, 2011 · 14,718 vehicles

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 Xterra 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 Xterra median. How we score

'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2012 Nissan Xterra safety ratings

2012 Nissan Xterra SUV 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Rollover: 3 stars (25.6% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Xterra owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

Clutch burnt out with 5 min between 1st incidence of barely slipping and total failure leaving me stranded on roadside with little notice and nowhere safe to pull off.
Complaint 11567748 · Jan 25, 2024
1) Rubber stopper under clutch pedal has failed multiple times, preventing vehicle from starting in various locations, usually parking lots and mostly after dark which presents potential safety concerns. This is a rubber part that allows vehicle to start only when clutch is depressed. I request…
Complaint 11567746 · Jan 25, 2024
PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE ON MY MANUAL TRANSMISSION. LESS THAN 48000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND THE CLUTCH IS GONE. THIS IS FAR TOO LITTLE TRAVEL FOR THE CLUTCH TO BE FAILING AT. DEGRADATION HAS ADVANCED RAPIDLY OVER A MATTER OF WEEKS AND DAYS AND NOW I FEAR HAVING MY FAMILY RIDE IN THE VEHICLE IN…
Complaint 11011458 · Jul 29, 2017 · 47,291 miles

Own a 2012 Xterra?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.