Does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, the most recent reported on September 20, 2012 (Suspension: front, hub). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (5 complaints), followed by suspension (5).

How many 2012 Nissan Pathfinder complaints mention a crash or fire?

2 of 23 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2012 Nissan Pathfinder recalls and problems

2 recalls and 23 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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 Pathfinder recalls

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.

Engine5
Suspension5
Unknown or other5
Air bags4
Electrical system3
Power train2
Service brakes2
Steering2
Structure2
Electronic stability control (ESC)1

What owners report

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

Nov 20, 2025 · Suspension
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, no police involved. No warning before…

May 24, 2025 · Suspension
Rear subframe sagging and unsafe due to rust and corrosion.

Apr 10, 2024 · Structure · 133,000 miles
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 was notified of the failure and provided…

Feb 28, 2024 · Suspension
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.

Apr 19, 2023 · Suspension · 156,000 miles
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 over bumps in the road. The contact…

Pathfinder model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2009	3	37	1	0
2010	4	40	2	0
2011	2	45	0	1
2012	2	23	2	1
2013	11	891	16	1
2014	11	576	19	3
2015	5	321	11	1

Across all years, the 2005 Pathfinder has the most complaints (1,050). All Nissan Pathfinder years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, the most recent reported on September 20, 2012 (Suspension: front, hub). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?: Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (5 complaints), followed by suspension (5).
How many 2012 Nissan Pathfinder complaints mention a crash or fire?: 2 of 23 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 20, 2025.