2012 Nissan Pathfinder: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2012 Nissan Pathfinder? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 23 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2012 Nissan Pathfinder Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2012 Nissan Pathfinder trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2012 Nissan Pathfinder Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2012 Nissan Pathfinder SUV 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated22.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
22.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has 23 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Pathfinder
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 23
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 16
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 14 / 20
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Suspension Failures
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Suspension Failures, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for reported problems such as stalling or loss of power.
- Check suspension components for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for reported problems such as stalling or loss of power.
- Check suspension components for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 23 complaints for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, issues are concentrated in the engine, suspension, and airbag systems. Two crash-related complaints were reported, but the overall confidence in these findings is low due to the small sample size.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints (6) among the 2012 model year.
- Suspension failures are the second most reported issue with 5 complaints.
- Airbag malfunctions were reported in 4 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Suspension Failures
- Airbag Malfunctions
All 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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,…
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 w…
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.
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 o…
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.
Check engine light comes on and vehicle will not cycle through gears. Will go into drive, reverse, neutral but not 1st, second, third. Vehicle will go back to normal after I disconnect the battery for a few minutes but the same issue will happen a few days later
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked on the road outside his friend's residence. The contact stated that as he approached the vehicle, he saw smoke coming from the windows. The contact stated that when he opened the vehicle, h…
We purchased the truck in 2018. Starting last year the truck starting losing power, not cutting on. Replaced the battery and have had 5 mechanics check it. Not one mechanic has been able to find the issue. Today my truck cut off in a tunnel with my children in the car. This could…
THE GEAR SHIFT WILL NOT ENGAGE ALLOWING ME TO SHIFT FROM P TO D AND PUT THE CAR IN GEAR WITHOUT MANUALLY OVERRIDING AND STICKING A SCREW DRIVER DOWN IN THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY.*JB*JB
WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES THEY SEEMED TO REACT NORMALLY. THEN THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. AT THAT POINT IT WAS BRAKING BUT NOT AS EFFICIENTLY AS IT SHOULD. THE INEFFICIENCY OF THE BRAKES WOULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO OVERSHOOT THE STOPPING POINT OF THE INTERSECTION. RATHER THAN ST…
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY TIME, MORNING, AFTERNOON.... CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL GO ON AND WITHIN SECONDS, MINUTES..., ENGINE WILL REV, SEIZE AND WHEN PRESSING GAS, ENGINE WILL REV BUT BARELY ANY PROPULSION. IF DRIVING AT 60MPH, ENGINE WILL SEIZE AND SPEED WILL DROP IMMEDIATELY. NO CONTR…
I BOUGHT MY NISSAN PATHFINDER JUNE 2012 BRAND NEW...I HAVEN'T HAD ANY ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE UNTIL AUGUST 2, 2018 IN MY GARAGE I TRIED TO START IT BUT IT WOULDN'T CRANK. I HAD IT TOWED TO NISSAN SERVICE....I WAS TOLD IT SHOULDN'T BE DOING THIS IF YOU BOUGHT YOUR CAR NEW...AFTER D…
IF THE TRANSMISSION IN THE "N" POSITION (NEUTRAL), THE PARKING BREAK CAN'T HOLD THE CAR ON INCLINE SPACE! THAT PROBLEM EXIST IN ALL NISSAN PATHFINDERS YEAR 2012 AND UP, WE FIND IT IN THE OTHER PATHFINDERS ON THE DEALERSHIP TOO (THAT MEANS IT IS NOT THE SINGLE PROBLEM JUST WIT…
WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN SEIZE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES, 2 TIMES ON THE FREEWAY AT 55 - 65 MPH, SEIZED IN MOTION, STEPPED ALL THE WAY DOWN ON GAS AFTER ENGINE SEIZED, ENGINE REVS, HARDLY ANY POWER, ALMOST DOWN TO 10 MPH IN LESS THAN 10 SECOND…
I WAS IN A 40MPH CAR ACCIDENOT AND MY FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH, A DEER JUMPED INTO THE ROAD CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO IT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO INJURIES SUSTAINED AND THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIA…
WE BOUGHT A 2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER ON SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2015 USED FOR $27,999.00. WE PUT $3,000.00 DOWN PAYMENT ON THE VEHICLE. WE WERE UNDER THE IMPRESSION, AND WERE TOLD BY OUR SALESMAN THAT WE DIDN'T HAVE TO PAY WI TAXES AND THAT ANY OTHER TAXES WOULD BE INCLUDED IN OUR LOAN. …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE MOUNT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,…
I RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER, TOOK MY CAR IN, THEY SAID IT WAS DONE, IT WAS NOT DONE CORRECTLY, I TOOK IT BACK WAS TOLD IT WAS A CLIP NOT CLIPPED CORRECTLY,. THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AGAIN. I CALLED AND TOLD THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY.. I'M DRIVING W …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder.
2012 Nissan Pathfinder Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2012 Nissan Pathfinder Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 23 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
#1: Engine Problems (6 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (5 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 23 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Pathfinder reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.