Before you buy
This 2012 Nissan Xterra has 15 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2012 Nissan Xterra Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2012 Nissan Xterra 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 Xterra Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2012 Nissan Xterra SUV 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated25.6% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
25.6% 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 Xterra has 15 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Xterra
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 15
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 20
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2012 Nissan Xterra problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Airbag Malfunctions
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2012 Nissan Xterra?
This NISSAN XTERRA year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2012 Nissan Xterra
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Nissan Xterra, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
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
The NISSAN XTERRA has 15 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 15 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 2 federal recall campaigns
- No crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2012 Nissan Xterra complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Xterra. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Xterra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
1) Rubber stopper under clutch pedal has failed multiple times, preventing vehicle from starting in various locations, usually parking lots and mostly after dark which presents potential safety concerns. This is a rubber part that allows vehicle to start only when clutch is depre…
Clutch burnt out with 5 min between 1st incidence of barely slipping and total failure leaving me stranded on roadside with little notice and nowhere safe to pull off.
Extreme smell of gas after filling gas tank while out of town. Odor was so strong it required all windows to be down to drive without feeling affected by fumes and I was terrified that someone would fluck a cigarette out of a car somewhere, especially at a stop light, and cause a…
Nissan states that they have no repair solution on NHTSA Recall 23E-012 as of the date of this complaint. Nissan states that this is a safety issue. The originally reported issue is allegedly >8 months old without resolution. This safety issue presents a clear and on-going da…
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a rea…
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repa…
I recently had a diagnosis of radiator coolant mixing with transmission following my vehicle being towed bc I lost power while driving with no warning signs. I was given an estimate for repairs of $5000. I had the extended warranty but wasn't told of the radiator issues w Xterra.…
PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE ON MY MANUAL TRANSMISSION. LESS THAN 48000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND THE CLUTCH IS GONE. THIS IS FAR TOO LITTLE TRAVEL FOR THE CLUTCH TO BE FAILING AT. DEGRADATION HAS ADVANCED RAPIDLY OVER A MATTER OF WEEKS AND DAYS AND NOW I FEAR HAVING MY FAMILY RIDE …
I'M FILING A COMPLAINT BEFORE I HAVE AN INCIDENT. I OWN A NISSAN XTERRA. MANY OTHER NISSAN XTERRA OWNERS HAVE HAD SPONTANEOUS SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WHEN TRAVELING VERY SLOWLY, GENERALLY ON DIRT ROADS. SOME OF THESE DEPLOYMENTS HAVE CAUSED INJURIES. THE PROBLEM APPEARS …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN XTERRA. AFTER MOVING THE VEHICLE FROM A PARKING SPOT, THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL LEAKING UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. …
VEHICLE'S ENGINE SEIZED WHILE BEING OPERATED AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED. REASON GIVEN BY DEALERSHIP WHEN TOWED IN WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE HOWEVER THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT FOR EITHER OIL OR ENGINE ISSUE DISPLAYED AT ANY TIME LEADING UP TO ENGINE FAILURE. THERE HAD BEEN A PREVIOUS O…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIR…
I FIRST NOTICED MY CLUTCH START TO SLIP UPON LEAVING A STOP SIGN. 15 MILES LATER I WAS STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH NO GEARS. MY CLUTCH HAD GONE OUT ON A BRAND NEW XTERRA WITH 1800 MILES ON IT. IT WAS TOWED TO THE CONCORD, CA NISSAN DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT. I WAS BAD…
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY GOES ON W/ SEAT OCCUPIED (120LB ADULT), SEAT BELT FASTENED, SEAT IN NORMAL UPRIGHT POSITION - INDICATING THE AIR BAG IS DEACTIVATED. I ASKED THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE (NEW) FROM ABOUT THIS ANOMALY AT THE FIRST SERVICE …
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, BECAUSE OF A BROKEN CLUTCH PEDAL STOPPER. THIS BROKEN PART PREVENTED THE DEPRESSED CLUTCH PEDAL FROM ACTIVATING THE CLUTCH SAFETY SWITCH. THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT, BECAUSE THIS A 4WD VEHICLE INTENDED FOR OFF-ROAD USE; HAD THIS PART BROKEN "IN THE MIDDLE …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Nissan Xterra.
Safety recalls
2012 Nissan Xterra recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Xterra. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2012 Nissan Xterra buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Nissan Xterra reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 15 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. This NISSAN XTERRA year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle. 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 Xterra?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (6 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (4 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Nissan Xterra?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Nissan Xterra?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Nissan Xterra, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 15 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Nissan Xterra have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Nissan Xterra. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Nissan Xterra?▾
This NISSAN XTERRA year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain 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 VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Xterra reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Nissan Xterra based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
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.