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Nissan Frontier

EPA MPG: 17 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2012 Frontier has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2012 Nissan Frontier has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Nissan Frontier owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

""All related to rust problems , intermittently ABS activation with normal braking on dry surfaces""

Anonymous, MD (2012 Nissan Frontier SL 4.0-L V6)
Calipers

"Calipers seem to start dragging as in not retracting often. In doing so the breaks wear out sooner which in turn are quick to wear on the rotors if I don't catch it in time because I am never able to hear the break wear tab"

Anonymous, NY (2012 Nissan Frontier SV 4.0-L V6)
Regular brake failure

"Needed new pads and rotors"

Anonymous A., (2012 Nissan Frontier SV 4.0-L V6)
Rotors

"front brakes started squealing. had to replace rotors and brake pads"

Anonymous, IA (2012 Nissan Frontier S Unsure)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"Check engine light kept coming on until all four vents were replaced."

Anonymous A., FL (2012 Nissan Frontier SL 4.0-L V6)

"Check engine light came on and wouldn't go off. Took it to be worked on and they said 1 of 4 catalytic converters had to be replaced. Cost $1900."

Anonymous, VA (2012 Nissan Frontier SV 4.0-L V6)
Exhaust leaks

"Bracket rusted threw pipe"

Anonymous, (2012 Nissan Frontier SV 4.0-L V6)
Other/unsure

"-Trunk latch wouldn't work -Horn stopped working -Airbag light stays on in spite of it being functional (according to mechanic) -Shocks sqeaking a lot"

Anonymous, (2012 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X 4.0-L V6)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"The paint has chalked and peeled on the roof and in certain places around the doors. We noticed the discoloration on the roof when we purchased the truck and it has slowly gotten worse."

Anonymous, MA (2012 Nissan Frontier SL 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Rust

""Rust that has affected brakes, including ABS, shocks, oil pan, struts.""

Anonymous, MD (2012 Nissan Frontier SL 4.0-L V6)

""While normal for age, would like to have a vehicle that does not rust so quickly underneath""

Anonymous, PA (2012 Nissan Frontier SL Unsure)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"$2000 repair cost for condenser, compressor, and components."

Anonymous, NV (2012 Nissan Frontier SV 4.0-L V6)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

CD player

"The load disc function quit. It whirs but does not grab the disc completely"

Anonymous, NY (2012 Nissan Frontier SV 4.0-L V6)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Fuel leaks

"smelled gas in the cab- there was leak in the fuel line near the gas can- could not get my truck inspected. It required dropping the gas tank to replace it."

Anonymous, MA (2012 Nissan Frontier SL 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"This has a locking tailgate. Lock has frozen up."

Anonymous, PA (2012 Nissan Frontier SL Unsure)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2012 Pickup Trucks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 12, 2014
The bolt may wear through the wire harness covering, resulting in an electrical short which could cause a fire.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V052000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 13535
SUSPENSION
Sep 20, 2012
If the vehicle is driven in this condition, the wheel hub may break, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V462000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2417
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Dec 19, 2011
IF THERE IS AN ENGINE OIL LEAK, THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WOULD DROP AND THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V592000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 14718
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