2012 Nissan Pathfinder recalls and problems

The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has 2 safety recalls and 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
23
Crashes / fires
2 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Nissan Pathfinder recalls

Recall 12V-462: Suspension

Reported Sep 20, 2012 · 2,417 vehicles affected · Nissan North America, Inc.

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

Reported Dec 19, 2011 · 14,718 vehicles affected · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 Pathfinder problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine5
Unknown or Other5
Suspension5
Air Bags4
Electrical System3
Power Train2
Steering2
Service Brakes2
Structure2
Visibility1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Exterior Lighting1

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
  • Suspension › Rear — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 92,000 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 Pathfinder complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · reported Nov 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
Structure · at 133,000 miles · reported Apr 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 · reported Feb 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 · at 156,000 miles · reported Apr 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.…
Steering · reported Mar 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.

Other Nissan Pathfinder years

Compare all Nissan Pathfinder years · All Nissan models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder: 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 Pathfinder?

Owners report engine problems most often (5 reports), followed by unknown or other (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 92,000 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.