2012 Nissan Frontier problems and complaints
Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Nissan Frontier. The most-reported areas: Air Bags (23), Power Train (20), Engine (13).
Key takeaways
- 80 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 4 involve a crash, 0 a fire, 8 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 23 | 29% |
| Power Train | 20 | 25% |
| Engine | 13 | 16% |
| Unknown Or Other | 9 | 11% |
| Electrical System | 7 | 9% |
| Structure | 7 | 9% |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 6% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | 6% |
| Suspension | 3 | 4% |
| Seats | 2 | 3% |
| Wheels | 2 | 3% |
| Tires | 1 | 1% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
Parts for the 2012 Nissan Frontier
GarageDex's verified specs for this car. Each Buy button searches Amazon for that exact part.
- Battery
- Engine oil
- Oil filter
- Engine air filter
- Cabin air filter
- Wiper blades
- Headlight bulb
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| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 4/5 |
| 2012 Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 4/5 |
| 2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PU/CC RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 3/5 |
| 2012 Nissan Frontier King Cab PU/EC RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 3/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Tires - filed 2026-10-20
Please see attachment below
Electrical System,engine - filed 2026-10-07
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 an...
Structure - filed 2025-06-08
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.
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More for the 2012 Nissan Frontier
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.