Owners have filed 35 complaints
about the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder with NHTSA between 2013 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 29 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 6
Against the median year of the Nissan Pathfinder. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 59
11.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 23
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2012 compares with every other Nissan Pathfinder
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
617.1%
Median failure at 82,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
514.3%
Median failure at 92,000 miles
Suspension
514.3%
Median failure at 144,500 miles
Airbags
411.4%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 36,000 mi
Brakes
38.6%
Median failure at 64,000 miles
Electrical System
38.6%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 111,000 mi
Body & Structure
25.7%
Median failure at 144,500 miles
Steering
25.7%
Median failure at 37,535 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
25.7%
Median failure at 130,000 miles
Stability & Traction Control
12.9%
Median failure at 134,336 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
12.9%
Median failure at 8,748 miles
Lights
12.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
16.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
320.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
16.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
213.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
640.0%
150,000+ miles
213.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2013peak 3Nov 2025
Recalls on the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202305310,846 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel airbag cover could detach and become a projectile when the airbag inflates in a crash. Note: This recall is for certain vehicles that had the steering wheel airbag replaced. Safety Risk: Projectiles in the occupant compartment could increase the risk of an injury. Corrective Actions: Nissan will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering wheel airbag cover.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 111,000 milesLake Ronkonkoma, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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, he saw that the headliner of the vehicle and the seats had burned. The contact stated that the fire had extinguished itself as the windows were closed. The contact stated that he was able to start the vehicle and drive it to his residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was not filed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
NHTSA complaint #11440673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesDenver, COCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS IN A 40MPH CAR ACCIDENOT AND MY FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10838927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Antonio, TXCrash
AIR BAGS
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 DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10825803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lisbon, CT
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 incident. Incident happened with no symtons or prior knowledge
NHTSA complaint #11700670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wausau, WI
SUSPENSION
Rear subframe sagging and unsafe due to rust and corrosion.
NHTSA complaint #11662905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesYoungstown, OH
SUSPENSION
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 an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there would be no assistance because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #11582196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesYoungstown, OH
STRUCTURE
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 an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there would be no assistance because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #11582196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belva, WV
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.
NHTSA complaint #11574413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesAllardt, TN
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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 stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact’s husband checked the under carriage and observed that the driver's side rear tire was nearly rusted through. Additionally, there was an inch of room above the wheel well. The contact stated that wheel was turned inward the wheel well. The contact stated that her husband observed extensive rust on the rear subframe and members. The contact stated the vehicle was undrivable. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
NHTSA complaint #11517890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesAllardt, TN
SUSPENSION:REAR
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 stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact’s husband checked the under carriage and observed that the driver's side rear tire was nearly rusted through. Additionally, there was an inch of room above the wheel well. The contact stated that wheel was turned inward the wheel well. The contact stated that her husband observed extensive rust on the rear subframe and members. The contact stated the vehicle was undrivable. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
NHTSA complaint #11517890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11510111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11510111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11510111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denham Springs, LA
POWER TRAIN
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
NHTSA complaint #11466529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denham Springs, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11466529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denham Springs, LA
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11466529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesLake Ronkonkoma, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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, he saw that the headliner of the vehicle and the seats had burned. The contact stated that the fire had extinguished itself as the windows were closed. The contact stated that he was able to start the vehicle and drive it to his residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was not filed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
NHTSA complaint #11440673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 have and felt like an extremely dangerous situation. Upon further research Nissans losing power is a common issue. Nissan needs to take action and fix the malfunctions. I can’t afford to be without a car, nor should I have to repair an issue that Nissan is responsible for.
NHTSA complaint #11421203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 have and felt like an extremely dangerous situation. Upon further research Nissans losing power is a common issue. Nissan needs to take action and fix the malfunctions. I can’t afford to be without a car, nor should I have to repair an issue that Nissan is responsible for.
NHTSA complaint #11421203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
ENGINE
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 have and felt like an extremely dangerous situation. Upon further research Nissans losing power is a common issue. Nissan needs to take action and fix the malfunctions. I can’t afford to be without a car, nor should I have to repair an issue that Nissan is responsible for.
NHTSA complaint #11421203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardendale, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11395821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesGeorgetown, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
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 STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION, I APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR TO GET THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. THE BRAKES CONTINUED TO OPERATE IN THAT MANNER FOR THE REMINDER OF THAT TRIP. ON ALL SUBSEQUENT USES OF THE TRUCK, WHICH WAS TO GET BACK TO OUR HOMETOWN DEALERSHIP, THE BRAKES DID RESPOND NORMALLY. IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER SINCE 2/9/20 AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE CHECKED DTC'S, WIRING, VACUUM HOSES, ROTORS, PADS, BRAKE BOOSTER, MASTER CYLINDER, AND FLUID AND CANNOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #11309506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesMililani, HI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 CONTROL OF MOTOR OR SPEED. THIS IS THE 15TH TIME I'M 2 YEARS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #11195861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,336 milesFairburn, GA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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 DIAGNOSIS THEY TOLD ME IT WAS MY COMPUTER (ECM)SO, IS THAT NORMAL FOR A 6 YEAR OLD CAR?ALSO, NO WARNING SIGNS OR ANYTHING..
NHTSA complaint #11118530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crestwood, KY
PARKING BRAKE
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 WITH MY CAR), BUT THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR THIS MODEL(?!?) IF THE TRANSMISSION IN THE "P" POSITION (PARK) THAT PROBLEM DOES NOT EXIST (BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION HOLDS THE CAR) BUT THE PARKING BREAK ITSELF CAN NOT HOLD THE CAR ON INCLINE! I DID NOT FIND THE SAME PROBLEM ON ANY OTHER MODELS/MAKES...
NHTSA complaint #11110419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crestwood, KY
SERVICE BRAKES
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 WITH MY CAR), BUT THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR THIS MODEL(?!?) IF THE TRANSMISSION IN THE "P" POSITION (PARK) THAT PROBLEM DOES NOT EXIST (BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION HOLDS THE CAR) BUT THE PARKING BREAK ITSELF CAN NOT HOLD THE CAR ON INCLINE! I DID NOT FIND THE SAME PROBLEM ON ANY OTHER MODELS/MAKES...
NHTSA complaint #11110419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesMililani, HI
ENGINE
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 SECONDS. BOTH TIMES, WAS AFTERNOON RUSH HOUR AND WHILE TRYING TO GET TO THE SHOULDER LANE, I HAD TO CROSS 2-3 LANES OF VERY FAST TRAFFIC, DROPPING TO ROUGHLY 10 MPH, BARELY MISSING IMPACT WITH OTHER CARS, BOTH TIMES. THE OTHER 2 TIMES, I WAS YIELDING WHILE MAKING A CORNER AND THE CAR SEIZED, SAME SPOT AND SAME EXPERIENCE AS THE FREEWAY, WHAT FEELS LIKE ALMOST COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. 5TH TIME HAPPENED TODAY, MAKING A CORNER, TRIED TO EXCEL, ENGINE REVED AND SEIZED. ALL TIMES, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON PRIOR TO. PLEASE NOTE, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE SAME ISSUE, NHSTA RECALL 11V-592. WHEN I CHECKED WITH NISSAN AND DEALER, THEY BOTH SAID MY VIN WASN'T PART OF THE RECALL, BUT I'M EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. THIS IS A MAJOR ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.
NHTSA complaint #11096647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesDenver, COCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS IN A 40MPH CAR ACCIDENOT AND MY FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10838927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.