How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Nissan Frontier?

NHTSA lists 20 Transmission & Powertrain complaints out of 78 total complaints for the 2012 Frontier, or 26% of all complaints for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Nissan Frontier transmission?

No. NHTSA shows no related recalls for the Transmission & Powertrain area on the 2012 Frontier.

What is the most common transmission complaint on the 2012 Frontier?

Multiple owners report the shifter assembly failing to move into drive, stranding the driver, with dealership replacement needed.

At what mileage do 2012 Frontier transmission problems usually occur?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 32,215 miles at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2012 Frontier.

Did any 2012 Frontier transmission complaints involve a crash?

Yes, NHTSA records one crash tied to a Transmission & Powertrain complaint on the 2012 Frontier, with no fires or injuries reported.

2012 Nissan Frontier Transmission & Powertrain Problems

Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 20 of 78 complaints (26%) on the 2012 Nissan Frontier, the highest share of any Frontier model year listed. The dominant pattern is a shifter assembly that fails to move into drive, at a median 32,215 miles. No related recall exists for this area.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 20; 26% of 78
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 32,215 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Shifter assembly repeatedly fails to move into drive, stranding the vehicle and requiring dealership replacement.
Vehicle shudders unexpectedly while driving at various speeds, then returns to normal operation.
Four-wheel drive line bolts separated, causing the front driver's side to drop and damaging the transfer case and floor board.
Electric control module failure caused the vehicle to refuse acceleration beyond 30 mph and jerk violently, leading to a crash.
Rack and pinion seal leaked after a rusted breather/screen built up pressure, with the dealer denying warranty coverage.

When 2012 Nissan Frontier transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 26, 2012, latest Feb 18, 2020.

20 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2012 to Feb 2020; peak Mar 2015 (8).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2012 Nissan Frontier

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Frontier model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2005262 (49%)
2006220 (36%)
2007222 (43%)
200854 (40%)
20098 (22%)
201015 (25%)
20119 (14%)
201220 (26%)
20136 (13%)
20146 (14%)
20155 (15%)
20163 (7%)
20176 (16%)
20182 (8%)
20197 (25%)
202012 (52%)
20215 (26%)
202224 (22%)
202313 (20%)
20246 (27%)
20252 (25%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Nissan Frontier?: NHTSA lists 20 Transmission & Powertrain complaints out of 78 total complaints for the 2012 Frontier, or 26% of all complaints for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Nissan Frontier transmission?: No. NHTSA shows no related recalls for the Transmission & Powertrain area on the 2012 Frontier.
What is the most common transmission complaint on the 2012 Frontier?: Multiple owners report the shifter assembly failing to move into drive, stranding the driver, with dealership replacement needed.
At what mileage do 2012 Frontier transmission problems usually occur?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 32,215 miles at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2012 Frontier.
Did any 2012 Frontier transmission complaints involve a crash?: Yes, NHTSA records one crash tied to a Transmission & Powertrain complaint on the 2012 Frontier, with no fires or injuries reported.