NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 Nissan Pathfinder Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 23 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Nissan dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2012 Nissan Pathfinder owner complaints

Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, describing incidents dated June 4, 2013 to November 13, 2025.

Most-cited components

Engine 6 complaints
Suspension 5 complaints
Unknown or Other 5 complaints
Air Bags 4 complaints
Electrical System 3 complaints
Power Train 2 complaints

Of the 23 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 23 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11700670 · Filed November 20, 2025
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…
ODI #11662905 · Filed May 24, 2025
Rear subframe sagging and unsafe due to rust and corrosion.
ODI #11582196 · Filed April 10, 2024
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…

Read all 23 complaints

Wheel Hubs May Crack Due To Insufficient Hardness

NHTSA #12V462000 · Suspension — Front — Hub · NHTSA notice

Reported September 20, 2012 · Nissan North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 2,417 vehicles

Owners notified October 22, 2012 · Vehicles built June 19, 2012 – July 12, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

ENGINE OIL COOLER CONNECTOR BOLT

NHTSA #11V592000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported December 19, 2011 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 14,718 vehicles

Owners notified January 30, 2012

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

IF THERE IS AN ENGINE OIL LEAK, THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WOULD DROP AND THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

2012 Nissan Pathfinder SUV RWD

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

24% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

2012 Nissan Pathfinder SUV 4WD

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

23% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

23 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder.

Suspension

ODI #11700670

Incident: November 13, 2025 · Filed: November 20, 2025

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

Suspension

ODI #11662905

Incident: May 15, 2025 · Filed: May 24, 2025

Rear subframe sagging and unsafe due to rust and corrosion.

Suspension; Structure

ODI #11582196

Incident: April 6, 2024 · Filed: April 10, 2024

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.

Suspension

ODI #11574413

Incident: September 22, 2023 · Filed: February 28, 2024

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.

Suspension; Structure

ODI #11517890

Incident: April 11, 2023 · Filed: April 19, 2023

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.

Steering; Air Bags; Engine

ODI #11510111

Incident: March 4, 2023 · Filed: March 4, 2023

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.

Power Train; Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11466529

Incident: May 27, 2022 · Filed: May 28, 2022

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

Electrical System

ODI #11440673

Fire

Incident: October 25, 2021 · Filed: November 16, 2021

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.

Electrical System; Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11421203

Incident: June 16, 2021 · Filed: June 16, 2021

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.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11395821

Incident: February 16, 2016 · Filed: February 11, 2021

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

Other Nissan Pathfinder model years

Check your 2012 Nissan Pathfinder VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Nissan Pathfinder at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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