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Check by VIN to confirm the
exact model and see every recall for it.
Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.
US recalls (2)
Suspension: front, hub
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 and remedy
Risk: If the vehicle is driven in this condition, the wheel hub may break, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
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.
Engine and engine cooling
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 and remedy
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.
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.
Canadian recalls (2)
Show 2 Canadian recalls
Airbag
2023-02-10 · campaign 2023-053
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel airbag cover could detach and become a projectile when the airbag inflates in a crash.
Note: This recall is for certain vehicles that had the steering wheel airbag replaced.
Safety Risk:
Projectiles in the occupant compartment could increase the risk of an injury.
Corrective Actions:
Nissan will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering wheel airbag cover.
Other
2019-08-21 · campaign 2019-420
Issue:
This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones.
Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Safety Risk:
Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury.
Corrective Actions:
The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Owner complaints (23)
Owners filed 23 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries reported). Among 40 model years of this model, it ranks #35 for the most complaints (median 104).
| Most-reported problem | Complaints | |
|---|
| Engine | 5 | |
| Unknown or other | 5 | |
| Suspension | 5 | |
| Air bags | 4 | |
| Electrical system | 3 | |
| Power train | 2 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Service brakes | 2 | |
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|
| 2012 Nissan Pathfinder SUV RWD | – | – | – | 3★ |
| 2012 Nissan Pathfinder SUV 4WD | – | – | – | 3★ |
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for each 2012 Nissan Pathfinder version.
| Version | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|
| Pathfinder 2WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,850 |
| Pathfinder 4WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,150 |
| Pathfinder 4WD 5.6 L Automatic (S5) | 13 | 18 | 15 | $5,500 |
Need this data in your app?
Recalls, complaints, crash ratings and fuel economy as a JSON API. Decode up to 50 VINs per call and get a daily feed of new recalls.
Explore the API →Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport
Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada).
Recalls updated 2026-10-30.