2012 Nissan Frontier recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Nissan Frontier and 79 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (23), power train (20), engine (13). EPA-rated fuel economy is 16–19 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2012 ranks #13 of 14 Frontier model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (42). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Nissan Frontier. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Electrical system · wiring · fuses and circuit breakers
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.
Suspension · front · hub
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.
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
1. Frequent repeated multiple breakdown and damages to all and any MAF sensors, camshaft position sensors bank 2, VVT solenoid sensors as cause of short circuited and fire hazard high risk of IPDM and main loom wiring harnesses from careless, dangerous severe defective workmanship/installation/mounting of metal bolt and loom wiring together by the A-frame on passenger side, bel…
I was sold the 2012 Nissan Frontier SL from Lynne's Nissan City in Bloomfield, NJ being told it was a safe vehicle and passed their inspection. After bringing it to my mechanic I was informed the frame was so rusted it was unsafe to drive. They are now trying to resell the vehicle not disclosing that information.
CD player will not play any CD's and my CD's are stuck inside. The radio only works intermittently and you can hear a sound like there is an electrical connection problem somewhere. This problem started about 2 months ago. I am presently in Florida and have a long drive home back to Pennsylvania. My cellphone # is [XXX] and my email is [XXX] . My home address is as f…
Safety ratings
2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC 4WD
2012 Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC 4WD
2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC RWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Nissan Frontier.
Frontier 2WD
Auto 5-spd · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Frontier 2WD
Auto 5-spd · 6 cyl · 4.0 L
Regular
Frontier 4WD
Auto 5-spd · 6 cyl · 4.0 L
Regular
Frontier 4WD
Man 6-spd · 6 cyl · 4.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Frontier have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Nissan Frontier, most recently for electrical system · wiring · fuses and circuit breakers (02/12/2014). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Frontier?
Based on 79 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are air bags (23), power train (20), engine (13).
Is the 2012 Nissan Frontier safe?
NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2012 Nissan Frontier.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Nissan Frontier?
The 2012 ranks #13 of 14 Frontier model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (42). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Nissan Frontier get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Nissan Frontier range from 16 to 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Nissan Frontier in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: FRONTIER, Frontier.