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2012 Nissan Frontier

The Verdict

80 Smooth Ride

The 2012 Nissan Frontier has 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (25 complaints) and body (22 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 80/100, it earns a "Smooth Ride" rating. If you're shopping for a Nissan Frontier, consider the 2025 model year which has 90% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2025 has 90% fewer complaints

View the 2025 Nissan Frontier dashboard →

80

Klunk Score: Smooth Ride

This vehicle year has significantly fewer complaints than average. A reliable choice.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 1

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

14V052000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

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 ...

Risk

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

Remedy

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 b...

Reported Dec 2, 2014

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20008319374226
2001421521587
2002461925427
200331710217
200423591712
201116112179
2012220251413
20131332156
20141311756
20151211235
201614210152
2017838145
2018103732
201983827
202141444
2022431524921
202542001

By Category

Electrical
25
Body
22
Engine
14
Transmission
13

By Severity

1
33
2
35
3
2
4
4

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2012 Nissan Frontier stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Body 1

Please see attachment below

6d ago
Engine 1

1. Frequent repeated multiple breakdown and damages to all and any MAF sensors, camshaft position sensors bank 2, VVT solenoid sensors as cause of short circuited and fire hazard high risk of IPDM and main loom wiring harnesses from careless, dangerous severe defective workmanship/installation/mounting of metal bolt and loom wiring together by the A-frame on passenger side, below glove box, on side wall/fender close to passenger door. It appears the factory and Nissan installed backward circuit breaker also. The thick black wire (possibly power wire) and loom harness wiring are rubbing into each other causing possible big hole on the wire/loom insulation resulting to overheating of wire and short circuiting all or most wiring/loom harnesses of entire engine and engine bay. 2. The dangerous rubbing of wire and bolt is extremely dangerous fire risk/hazard also endangering lives of vehicle occupants and commuters on the road and posing danger to the public and city/State infrastructures. 3. Already reported/notified both Nissan Consumer Affairs and local Nissan Dealer on 10/6/2026 and both of them malicously refused and declined to recognize the defect, issue, risk, danger, problem. And they also refused to perform necessary repair. 4. Manufacturer Nissan declined and refused to recognize and acknowledge the serious high danger and defective product and severely flawed manufacturing/mounting/assembly. Local police process unknown. 5. Engine sputtering and resulted to inoperative condition on October 2026. Multiple sensors on bank 2 damaged/failed all at once at the same time indicative of serious IPDM compromised/defect and short circuited wires/loom connected to multiple sensors. Short circuit tracing using tracing device and multimeters confirmed damaged and affected electrical wires as result of Nissan manufacturer creation of unsafe and dangerous product. We, all of us,should be resolving/rectifying major serious problems that pose danger to lives of public

19d ago
Body 2

I was sold the 2012 Nissan Frontier SL from Lynne's Nissan City in Bloomfield, NJ being told it was a safe vehicle and passed their inspection. After bringing it to my mechanic I was informed the frame was so rusted it was unsafe to drive. They are now trying to resell the vehicle not disclosing that information.

16mo ago
Electrical 2

CD player will not play any CD's and my CD's are stuck inside. The radio only works intermittently and you can hear a sound like there is an electrical connection problem somewhere. This problem started about 2 months ago. I am presently in Florida and have a long drive home back to Pennsylvania. My cellphone # is [XXX] and my email is [XXX] . My home address is as follows: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

18mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The contact shifted into park(P); however, several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the cam shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and had the cam shaft sensor replaced again. Additionally, the contact stated that the ignition key was no longer working and turning the ignition switch. The contact then drove the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle failure had reoccurred, and the vehicle was not taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.

29mo ago
Electrical 1

We were told about the recall, never got a recall letter in the mail. When we went to Nissan, they said they couldn’t help us if only we had the recall letter.

30mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH in cold weather with the seat belt connected, the seat belt warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side seat belt assembly and the sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 89,333.

32mo ago
Electrical 2

Took vehicle to dealership for recall. Air bag light on dashboard was flashing. Dealer said air bag was ok and they did not go any further to find the problem. The light is still flashing, so I do not know if my air bags are safely operative. Thank you very much.1031

35mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

36mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

36mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

36mo ago
Electrical 2

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS APPEARED ON A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 83,000 MILES . NO ACCIDENT HAS OCCURRED BUT ITY IS OF CONCERN SINCE OTHER MANUFACTURER MODELS HAVE HAD SAME PROBLEMS AND WERE REPAIRED BY DEALER THROUGH MANUFACTURER RECALL

42mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2012 Nisan Frontier. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving under 50 MPH, the supplemental air bag safety warning light remained illuminated. The VIN search confirmed that the vehicle has one open recall at this time NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the passenger seat belt assembly pretensioner, and passenger’s side seat cushion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,000.

43mo ago
Electrical 4

Involved in a auto accident on June 11 2021. Airbags deployed, however, little rock type projectiles also exploded from the airbag landing all over the car and passenger causing a risk to the eyes, face and other body parts. Has not been taken to the dealer, auto I believe is totaled. Photos sent to adjuster along with photos of the car damage. No warnings. I have photos have the projectiles throughout the car and I have also collected a small sample in a zip bag.

65mo ago
Body 2

THE PAINT ABOVE THE FRONT WHEEL WELL ON BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE OF MY 2012 NISSAN FRONTIER (BLUE) WITH 69,0000 MILES IS PEALING OFF IN CHUNKS. IF DO AN INTERNET SEARCH ON 'PAINT FLAKING NISSAN FRONTIER' YOU CAN SEE NUMEROUS PICTURES. TALKING WITH THE DEALER, PREVALENT ISSUE ON DARK COLORED FRONTIERS (BLUE IS ESPECIALLY PREVALENT. CLEARLY A FACTORY DEFECT AS THE PAINT IS NOT ADHERING TO THE PRIMER. TALKED TO NISSAN CONSUMER SUPPORT AND THEY BASICALLY SAY IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY SO GOOD LUCK WITH REPAIR. CLEARLY THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT POOR CUSTOMER SUPPORT. HAS IT BEEN FIXED? MY EXPECTATION IS THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOME COST SHARE FOR THIS REPAIR.

68mo ago
Engine 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AN UNKNOWN WIRE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRE WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO ASSISTANCE PROVIDED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FINANCED THROUGH AN AUTHORIZED NISSAN DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,000.*DT Consumer stated there is more accurate statement on BBB Complaint Form Complete.

68mo ago
Engine 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UP A MOUNTAIN AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO NAPA NISSAN (510 SOSCOL AVE, NAPA, CA 94559) WHERE THE MECHANIC REPLACED TWO CAMSHAFT POSITIONING SENSORS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME CAMSHAFT SENSORS WERE REPLACED TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES BY THE SAME DEALER FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,291.

73mo ago
Body 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE FLOORBOARD UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAUSED BY EXTREME CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

76mo ago
Engine 2

THE VEHICLE WOULD RANDOMLY STALL WHILE DRIVING, PARTICULARLY WHEN SLOWING FOR A TRAFFIC SIGNAL. THE ENGINE STOPPING WOULD CAUSE ALL POWER ASSISTED FUNCTIONS TO CEASE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER AND BRAKE. MOST RECENTLY THE VEHICLE WOULD START EXTREME HESITATION WHILE DRIVING AND I COULD NOT GET UP TO THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH. I HAD TO USE MY FLASHERS TO WARN OTHER DRIVERS THAT MY SPEED WAS ONLY APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING. THIS WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY WHERE VEHICLES RAPIDLY APPROACHED FROM THE REAR. IT WOULDN'T NEGOTIATE A LARGE HII (LACK OF POWER) AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MY HOME. RECEIPT BELOW. *TR

77mo ago
Transmission 2

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS SON WHO OWNS A 2012 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUDDERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AFTER EXPERIENCING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO METRO NISSAN OF MONTCLAIR 9440 AUTOPLEX ST, MONTCLAIR, CA 91763, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 63,000.

81mo ago

74 total

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