2012 Nissan Frontier Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 16 engine complaints for the 2012 Nissan Frontier, 21% of its 78 total complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 28,000 miles. One related recall (11V592000) covers engine connector bolts, but most stalling reports are unrelated to it.
- Engine complaints
- 16
- 21% of 78
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 28,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden stalling at highway speeds, sometimes with loss of power steering and braking assist.
- Several describe the engine hesitating or losing acceleration power when trying to speed up or maintain speed on highways.
- Camshaft position sensor failures are reported, in one case replaced twice on the same vehicle.
- Some owners describe engine surging, sputtering, or rough idle with dashboard warning lights illuminated.
- One owner reported a repeated engine failure pattern, describing it as the fourth engine replacement with the same issue reported by the dealer.
- Coolant leak complaints mention a smell after driving and a radiator that does not pull coolant back from the overflow reservoir.
When 2012 Nissan Frontier engine complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 1, 2012, latest May 10, 2024.
Engine recalls for the 2012 Nissan Frontier
- NHTSA 11V592000Dec 19, 2011Engine14,718 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Remedy: 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.
Engine complaints by Frontier model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems in the 2012 Nissan Frontier?
- NHTSA lists 16 engine complaints for the 2012 Frontier, which is 21% of the 78 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2012 Nissan Frontier?
- Yes. Recall 11V592000 covers the engine and involves replacing connector bolts. Nissan notified owners and dealers performed the replacement free of charge.
- At what mileage do 2012 Frontier engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints is 28,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- Do 2012 Frontier engine problems cause crashes?
- NHTSA data links one crash to complaints in this area, with no reported fires or injuries.