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Model year record

2012 Nissan Frontier recalls & problems

The 2012 Nissan Frontier has 3 safety recalls and 80 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (23 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints80filed by owners
Crashes · fires4 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths8 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Electrical systemFeb 12, 2014

Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers

Recall 14V05200013,535 vehicles

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.
Risk
The bolt may wear through the wire harness covering, resulting in an electrical short which could cause a fire.
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.
SuspensionSep 20, 2012

Front › Hub

Recall 12V4620002,417 vehicles

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.
Risk
If the vehicle is driven in this condition, the wheel hub may break, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
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 coolingDec 19, 2011

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 11V59200014,718 vehicles

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.
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.
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC 4WD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk19.8%

2012 Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC 4WD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk19.8%

2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC RWD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk21.2%

2012 Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC RWD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk21.2%

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Frontier 2WD

21mpg combined
City / highway19 / 23 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Frontier 2WD

19mpg combined
City / highway17 / 22 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Frontier 2WD

17mpg combined
City / highway15 / 20 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Frontier 2WD

17mpg combined
City / highway16 / 20 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Frontier 4WD

17mpg combined
City / highway16 / 20 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Frontier 4WD

16mpg combined
City / highway14 / 19 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Air bagsPassenger side frontal › Cushion2320646,250 mi
Power train2010032,215 mi
Engine1310025,012 mi
Unknown or other910261,000 mi
Electrical system700127,600 mi
StructureBody; Body › Tailgate700050,000 mi
Vehicle speed control500077,961 mi
Seat belts500070,166 mi
Suspension300029,000 mi
SeatsFront assembly › Head restraint2000—
Wheels2102—
Latches/locks/linkages1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.