CarRecallDB

2012 Nissan Frontier recalls and problems

3 recalls and 80 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Frontier.

3
recalls
80
owner complaints
4
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 Nissan Frontier recalls

Electrical system: wiring, fuses and circuit breakers

NHTSA campaign 14V052000 · reported February 12, 2014 · Nissan North America, Inc. · 13,535 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012 through 2014 Frontier vehicles manufactured from November 28, 2012, through December 17, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a circuit breaker may have been installed incorrectly causing the main wire harness connected to the circuit breaker to face outward, potentially contacting a metal bolt located on the A-pillar.
The risk
The bolt may wear through the wire harness covering, resulting in an electrical short which could cause a fire.
The fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the circuit breaker orientation. If the circuit breaker orientation is incorrect, dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Suspension: front, hub

NHTSA campaign 12V462000 · reported September 20, 2012 · Nissan North America, Inc. · 2,417 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
If the vehicle is driven in this condition, the wheel hub may break, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The 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

NHTSA campaign 11V592000 · reported December 19, 2011 · NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 14,718 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 20, 2026 · Tires

Please see attachment below

Oct 7, 2026 · Electrical system

1. Frequent repeated multiple breakdown and damages to all and any MAF sensors, camshaft position sensors bank 2, VVT solenoid sensors as cause of short circuited and fire hazard high risk of IPDM and main loom wiring harnesses from careless, dangerous severe defective workmanship/installation/mounting of metal bolt…

Jun 8, 2025 · Structure

I was sold the 2012 Nissan Frontier SL from Lynne's Nissan City in Bloomfield, NJ being told it was a safe vehicle and passed their inspection. After bringing it to my mechanic I was informed the frame was so rusted it was unsafe to drive. They are now trying to resell the vehicle not disclosing that information.

Apr 20, 2025 · Electrical system

CD player will not play any CD's and my CD's are stuck inside. The radio only works intermittently and you can hear a sound like there is an electrical connection problem somewhere. This problem started about 2 months ago. I am presently in Florida and have a long drive home back to Pennsylvania. My cellphone # is […]…

May 10, 2024 · Electrical system · 179,002 miles

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The contact…

Frontier model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2009 33711
2010 45930
2011 16441
2012 38040
2013 14851
2014 24231
2015 03321

Across all years, the 2006 Frontier has the most complaints (617). All Nissan Frontier years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Nissan Frontier, the most recent reported on February 12, 2014 (Electrical system: wiring, fuses and circuit breakers). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Frontier?
Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (23 complaints), followed by power train (20).
How many 2012 Nissan Frontier complaints mention a crash or fire?
4 of 80 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 8 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 20, 2026.