2012 NISSAN Pathfinder Problems

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Premium Report

Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

SUSPENSION

3 complaints

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

Nov 20, 2025

Rear subframe sagging and unsafe due to rust and corrosion.

May 24, 2025

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.

Feb 28, 2024

AIR BAGS

3 complaints

I WAS IN A 40MPH CAR ACCIDENOT AND MY FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

Feb 29, 2016

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

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.

Feb 12, 2016

Crash: 1

I RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER, TOOK MY CAR IN, THEY SAID IT WAS DONE, IT WAS NOT DONE CORRECTLY, I TOOK IT BACK WAS TOLD IT WAS A CLIP NOT CLIPPED CORRECTLY,. THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AGAIN. I CALLED AND TOLD THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY.. I'M DRIVING W IT FLASHING STILL.. I FEAR ONE DAY IT WILL GO OFF ON ITS OWN. I AM 68 YRS OLD AND LOW INCOME ... I CANNOT PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS NOT REPAIRED... MY CAR WAS FINE BEFORE THEY TOUCHED IT ...HOW DO I GET THEM TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED?

Sep 28, 2015

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

2 complaints

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.

Apr 10, 2024

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.

Apr 19, 2023

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

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*JB

Feb 11, 2021

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.

Apr 12, 2019

ENGINE

2 complaints

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.

May 18, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE MOUNT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.

Nov 09, 2015

STEERING,AIR BAGS,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Mar 04, 2023

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

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

May 28, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Nov 16, 2021

Fire: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Jun 16, 2021

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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.*DT

Feb 16, 2020

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

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..

Aug 08, 2018

PARKING BRAKE,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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...

Jul 10, 2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

WE BOUGHT A 2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER ON SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2015 USED FOR $27,999.00. WE PUT $3,000.00 DOWN PAYMENT ON THE VEHICLE. WE WERE UNDER THE IMPRESSION, AND WERE TOLD BY OUR SALESMAN THAT WE DIDN'T HAVE TO PAY WI TAXES AND THAT ANY OTHER TAXES WOULD BE INCLUDED IN OUR LOAN. THAT PROVED TO BE FALSE! IF WE WOULD'VE KNOWN THE IL TAXES WASN'T INCLUDED, WE WOULDN'T HAVE PUT SUCH A LARGER DOWN PAYMENT ON THE VEHICLE. WE'VE HAD THIS VEHICLE NOW FOR ALMOST 3 MONTHS AND WERE THINKING,... "WHY MAKE PAYMENTS ON SOMETHING THAT HAS A LOT OF MILES, WHEN WE COULD MAKE PAYMENTS ON A BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH NO MILES?" SO WE WENT TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP TO BUY A NEW 2015 VEHICLE. WHILE WE ARE AT THIS DEALERSHIP, THEY INFORM US THAT WHEN THEY RAN THE VIN #:, IT CAME UP THAT OUR PATHFINDER HAS "STRUCTURAL DAMAGE" AS WELL AS "LEFT FRONT DAMAGE." ALL OF WHICH WE WERE UNAWARE OF. MAD CITY SALES NEVER SHOWED US A CAR FAX, ALTHOUGH THEY CLAIM THEY DID. THEY DID NOT HAVE A BUYERS GUIDE ON THE VEHICLE WHEN WE TEST DROVE IT. IF THEY WOULD'VE, WE WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. WHEN WE QUESTIONS MAD CITY ABOUT THE DAMAGE, THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT IT, BUT WERE SURE THEY HAD TOLD US. THEN, THEY CALL BACK AND SAY THEY FOUND PAPERS WITH OUR SIGNATURES/INITIALS STATING THAT THEY SHOWED US. THESE PAPERS ARE DATED FOR JULY 21ST, 2015. WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER!! SO I DON'T SEE HOW OUR SIGNATURES GOT ON THESE FORMS. IT LOOKS LIKE THEY SOMEHOW COPY AND PASTED OUR SIGNATURES ONTO THESE FORMS. WE FEEL CHEATED AND USED AND MISINFORMED ABOUT THE VEHICLE WE PURCHASED. I'VE SINCE THEN CHECKED INTO REVIEWS OF THIS COMPANY, AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF OTHER CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE EXACT SAME ISSUE! THEY FALSIFY DOCUMENTS TO MAKE A SALE. WE WOULD LIKE A FULL REFUND ON THIS VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE MONEY THEY TOOK FROM US.

Dec 08, 2015

STEERING

1 complaint

STEERING THE VEHICLE, GRADUALLY BECAME HARDER (IT WOULD PULL SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT. WHEN CHECKING AIR PRESSURE, I NOTICED THE FRONT TIRES WERE WORN EXCESSIVELY. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR, WHERE I WAS TOLD I MUST HAVE HIT A CURVE OR HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, NEITHER WAS THE CASE. I HAD TO HAVE THE COMPLETE FRONT-END OF THE VEHICLE REPLACED BY AUTO NATION SOUTH BAY NISSAN OF HAWTHORNE,CA INVOICE #685460, WHICH INCLUDED: RACK AND PINION, STEERING ANGLE SENSOR, GEAR AND LINKAGE, SWITCH ASSEMBLY COMBINATION, AND CORE.

Sep 16, 2015

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING I WAS HEARING A RUMBLING SOUND EVERYTIME I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL. I TOOK IT TO NISSAN OF BRANDON ON 4-11-14 AND WAS INFORMED THAT I HAVE CROSS CONTAMINATION OF ENGINE COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID. NISSAN ADVISED IT WOULD BE $5800 TO FIX. THERE WAS A CIVIL LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST NISSAN TO REPAIR OR REIMBURSE THE OWNERS FOR OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE. HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE LAW SUIT ONLY COVERED UP TO 100,000 MILES AND I'M AT 130,000 NISSAN WILL NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *TR

Apr 21, 2014

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH (POSTED SPEED LIMIT) AT 1150PM WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES IN THE NEAR VICINITY IN FRONT OF ME OR BEHIND ME WHEN THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED ON MY 2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THERE WAS NO APPARENT CAUSE AND THE DEALER STATED NISSAN WOULD NOT REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY OR DEFECTIVE PARTS. *TR

Jun 18, 2013

4.3/5.0

38 reviews

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 2012 NISSAN Pathfinder, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 2012 NISSAN Pathfinder for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 2012 NISSAN Pathfinder 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

2012 NISSAN Pathfinder VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 2012 NISSAN Pathfinder Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 2012 NISSAN Pathfinder dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your NISSAN dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2012 NISSAN Pathfinder have?

The 2012 NISSAN Pathfinder currently has 23 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2012 NISSAN Pathfinder?

The most common problems reported for the 2012 NISSAN Pathfinder are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2012 NISSAN Pathfinder problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2012 NISSAN Pathfinder comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 2012 NISSAN Pathfinder?

You can report safety problems with your 2012 NISSAN Pathfinder directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 2012 NISSAN Pathfinder VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 2012 NISSAN Pathfinder reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2012 NISSAN Pathfinder. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.