2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. This model year has 23 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Suspension Failures
Uncategorized Issues
Considering a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 23 most recent complaints
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.
Recalls for 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2012 Nissan Pathfinder — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has 23 NHTSA owner complaints, 2 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (6 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 23 total NHTSA complaints. 1 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?▾
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. The largest issue: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.