2012 Nissan Pathfinder recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder and 23 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are suspension (5), engine (5), unknown or other (5). EPA-rated fuel economy is 15–17 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2012 has the fewest owner complaints of any Pathfinder model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 3.6 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
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
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 knowledg…
Rear subframe sagging and unsafe due to rust and corrosion.
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…
Safety ratings
2012 Nissan Pathfinder SUV 4WD
2012 Nissan Pathfinder SUV RWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder.
Pathfinder 2WD
Auto 5-spd · 6 cyl · 4.0 L
Premium
Pathfinder 4WD
Auto (S5) · 8 cyl · 5.6 L
Premium
Pathfinder 4WD
Auto 5-spd · 6 cyl · 4.0 L
Premium
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, most recently for suspension · front · hub (09/20/2012). 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 Pathfinder?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are suspension (5), engine (5), unknown or other (5).
Is the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder safe?
NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2012 has the fewest owner complaints of any Pathfinder model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 3.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder range from 15 to 17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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: PATHFINDER, Pathfinder.