MYRModel Year Report

2012 Nissan Xterra

○ Not enough data
2012 Nissan Xterra
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:57:12.782Z

Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
16

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

2000: 214 complaints 2000 2001: 150 complaints 2002: 157 complaints 2002 2003: 72 complaints 2004: 84 complaints 2004 2005: 845 complaints 2006: 780 complaints 2006 2007: 557 complaints 2008: 119 complaints 2008 2009: 19 complaints 2010: 38 complaints 2010 2011: 24 complaints 2012: 16 complaints 2012 16 2013: 4 complaints 2014: 10 complaints 2014 2015: 10 complaints
2000: 214 complaints 2000 2001: 150 complaints 2001 2002: 157 complaints 2002 2003: 72 complaints 2003 2004: 84 complaints 2004 2005: 845 complaints 2005 2006: 780 complaints 2006 2007: 557 complaints 2007 2008: 119 complaints 2008 2009: 19 complaints 2009 2010: 38 complaints 2010 2011: 24 complaints 2011 2012: 16 complaints 2012 16 2013: 4 complaints 2013 2014: 10 complaints 2014 2015: 10 complaints 2015
2000: 214 complaints 2000 2001: 150 complaints 2001 2002: 157 complaints 2002 2003: 72 complaints 2003 2004: 84 complaints 2004 2005: 845 complaints 2005 2006: 780 complaints 2006 2007: 557 complaints 2007 2008: 119 complaints 2008 2009: 19 complaints 2009 2010: 38 complaints 2010 2011: 24 complaints 2011 2012: 16 complaints 2012 16 2013: 4 complaints 2013 2014: 10 complaints 2014 2015: 10 complaints 2015

2012: 16 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19990
2000214
2001150
2002157
200372
200484
2005845
2006780
2007557
2008119
200919
201038
201124
201216
20134
201410
201510

Known problem areas

Only 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Power train

6 of 16 total reports mention: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

1) Rubber stopper under clutch pedal has failed multiple times, preventing vehicle from starting in various locations, usually parking lots and mostly after dark which presents potential safety concerns.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-25

Clutch burnt out with 5 min between 1st incidence of barely slipping and total failure leaving me stranded on roadside with little notice and nowhere safe to pull off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-25

Vehicle would not start, because of a broken clutch pedal stopper. This broken part prevented the depressed clutch pedal from activating the clutch safety switch.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-06

Also filed under Engine

Engine

4 of 16 total reports mention: engine.

Show complaint excerpts

I recently had a diagnosis of radiator coolant mixing with transmission following my vehicle being towed bc I lost power while driving with no warning signs. I was given an estimate for repairs of $5000.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-02-27

Air bags

4 of 16 total reports mention: air bags.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Xterra. 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-07-10

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Xterra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-05-15

Passenger side air bag warning light intermittently goes on w/ seat occupied (120LB adult), seat belt fastened, seat in normal upright position - indicating the air bag is deactivated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-23

Tires

1 of 16 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

Fuel/propulsion system

1 of 16 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2012-01-30Engine and engine cooling11V592000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2012-10-22Suspension12V462000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Nissan Xterra — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 11V592000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 12V462000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Nissan Xterra reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Xterra?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Xterra have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.