2012 Nissan Frontier recalls and problems
The 2012 Nissan Frontier has 3 safety recalls and 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Nissan Frontier vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Nissan Frontier recalls
Recall 14V-052: Electrical System
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012 through 2014 Frontier vehicles manufactured from November 28, 2012, through December 17, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a circuit breaker may have been installed incorrectly causing the main wire harness connected to the circuit breaker to face outward, potentially contacting a metal bolt located on the A-pillar.
Risk: The bolt may wear through the wire harness covering, resulting in an electrical short which could cause a fire.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the circuit breaker orientation. If the circuit breaker orientation is incorrect, dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Recall 12V-462: Suspension
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 11V-592: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
2012 Nissan Frontier problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 23 | |
| Power Train | 20 | |
| Engine | 13 | |
| Unknown or Other | 9 | |
| Electrical System | 7 | |
| Structure | 7 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | |
| Seat Belts | 5 | |
| Suspension | 3 | |
| Seats | 2 | |
| Wheels | 2 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 3
- Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint — 1
- Structure › Body › Tailgate — 1
- Structure › Body › Door — 1
- Structure › Frame and Members — 1
- Air Bags › Passenger Side Frontal › Cushion — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 43,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Nissan Frontier complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Nissan Frontier years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Nissan Frontier: 14V-052 (electrical system), 12V-462 (suspension), 11V-592 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Nissan Frontier?
Owners report air bags problems most often (23 reports), followed by power train (20). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 43,000 miles.
Are Nissan recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.