2012 Nissan Frontier

79 federal complaints (100 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 111 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 29 model years of the Nissan Frontier →
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
17 city / 22 hwy
Federal complaints
79
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
23
Power train
20
Engine & cooling
14
Other
9
Body & structure
7
Electrical system
7
Speed control
5
Seat belts
5
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 7 complaints01 years old: 9 complaints2 years old: 8 complaints3 years old: 11 complaints4 years old: 4 complaints5 years old: 9 complaints56 years old: 4 complaints7 years old: 8 complaints8 years old: 3 complaints9 years old: 3 complaints10 years old: 1 complaints1011 years old: 8 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 79 of 79 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 13 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 16 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 14 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 8 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 5 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 2 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 3 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 1 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 64 of 79 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

23 complaint records2 crash reports
"THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE MIDDLE OF THE DASH IS ON AND THE SEAT BELT LIGHT IS ON AND BLINKING WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Power train

20 complaint records1 crash report
"SHIFTER FOR THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO INTO DRIVE STANDING THE DRIVER AND VEHICLE. SHIFTER ASSEMBLY FOUND DEFECTIVE AND WAS REPLACED AT NISSAN DEALERSHIP. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

14 complaint records1 crash report
"CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DETERMINED CODE PO488. THE VENTILATION SYSTEM FOR THE GAS TANK - DOES NOT FORM A VACUUM WHEN ENGINE RUNNING AND IMPACT FUEL DELIVERY...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
14V052000Electrical SystemNissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012 through 2014 Frontier vehicles manufactured from November 28, 2012, through December 17, 2013.Normally free
12V462000SuspensionNissan is recalling certain model year 2012 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra two-wheel drive vehicles manufactured from June 19, 2012, through July 12, 2012.Normally free
11V592000Engine And Engine CoolingNISSAN 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...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2023053
2023-02-10
Airbag10,846Issue: On certain vehicles, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel airbag cover could detach and become a projectile when the airbag inflates in a crash.
2014039
2014-02-12
Electrical1,373On certain vehicles, a circuit breaker was installed incorrectly during vehicle assembly, and could cause damage to the wiring harness, potentially disabling power seat and sunroof functions, discharging the battery and/or causing a short.
2012310
2012-09-19
Steering13On certain 2wd vehicles, the front hubs may have been manufactured incorrectly and could crack. This could allow the wheel to wobble, causing a noticeable vibration and, as a result, the driver may experience difficulty controlling the...

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB09-131C
Apr 2026
StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label.
NTB23-081C
Jul 2024
SERVICE CAMPAIGNAir BagsVOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN ID #: PC945 and PC948 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2005-2013 Frontier (D40) 2005-2012 Pathfinder (R51) 2005-2013 Xterra (N50) Check Service COMM or Dealer Business Systems (DBS)...
NTB10-066C
May 2024
Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-027D
May 2024
Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-107G
May 2024
Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB09-081K
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-028I
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperREMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB17-019H
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperWINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB08-097L
Sep 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB23-049
Jun 2023
Electrical System12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing.
NTB23-053
Jun 2023
Electrical SystemSILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components.
NTB13-107F
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB16-003C
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemINTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB03-074Q
Apr 2023
Exterior LightingHEADLAMP, FOG LAMP, OR REAR COMBINATION LAMP FOGGING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB10-145B
Mar 2023
Service BrakesABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB09-081J
Feb 2023
VisibilityWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-028H
Feb 2023
VisibilityREMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB08-097K
Feb 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB10-126C
Feb 2023
WheelsWHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-027C
Feb 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingCAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-097J
Feb 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingEVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB17-082E
Feb 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingDTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB15-079G
Feb 2022
Fuel SystemMIL ON WITH DTC P0448 This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB15-079F
Jan 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingMIL ON WITH DTC P0448 This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB99-001F
Dec 2021
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB15-036A
Mar 2021
Electrical System2010-2015 NISSAN; AUTO DOOR UNLOCK DOES NOT WORK This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB99-001e
Feb 2021
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
DOR-M3J3F-07
Jun 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingThese SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
DOR-M9J4S-07
Jun 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingThese SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
NTB15-079e
Apr 2020
Fuel System2005-2019 FRONTIER; MIL ON WITH DTC P0448 This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB20-026
Mar 2020
Exterior Lighting2005-2019 FRONTIER; HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP SERVICE PART SERVICE INFORMATION The mounting stud diameter for the high-mounted stop lamp service part has changed from 5 mm to a 6 mm.
NTB15-079d
Feb 2019
Engine And Engine Cooling2005-2019 FRONTIER; MIL ON WITH DTC P0448 This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-097g
Jan 2019
Fuel SystemALL MODEL YEAR 2012 AND NEWER NISSAN VEHICLES; EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION This bulletin does NOT apply to LEAF vehicles and Titan XD vehicles with V8 diesel engine. This bulletin has been amended. See Amendment History on the last page.
NTB17-082b
Jan 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingNISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin does NOT apply to LEAF vehicles and Titan XD vehicles with V8 diesel engine. This bulletin has been amended. See Amendment History on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB17-030a
Nov 2018
Fuel SystemNISSAN; FUEL TANK IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FILL This bulletin applies to Titan XD vehicles with a gas engine. The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year.
Revision 1-NEVAP
Nov 2018
EquipmentOBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. We are re-circulating this update to make regional and dealer personnel aware that we are re-notifying customers at this time.
NTB18-080
Nov 2018
Air BagsAIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHING INDICATING SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC MODE IF YOU CONFIRM The air bag warning light is flashing slowly (repeating 2 seconds ON, 2 seconds OFF).
NTB17-030a
Aug 2018
Fuel SystemNISSAN; FUEL TANK IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FILL This bulletin applies to Titan XD vehicles with a gas engine. This bulletin has been amended. Changes have been made throughout. It is necessary for you to read this revised procedure to properly perform this action.
NTB03-074m
Apr 2018
Exterior LightingFOG LAMP AND/OR HEADLAMP FOGGING This bulletin has been amended to add Fog Lamps and modify one step in the flow chart on page 3. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB11-044c
Mar 2018
WheelsWHEEL BALANCING SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. The publication date has been revised to include the latest models and model years. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
REVISION 3_P7318
Jan 2018
Air BagsAir Bag Control Unit Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign UPDATE January 5, 2018 The announcement from October 6, 2017 has been revised: - Dealers may now use revised TSB NTB17-070 to resume repair of 2004-2006 model year vehicles.
P7318
Oct 2017
Electrical SystemAir Bag Control Unit Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign UPDATE October 6, 2017 The announcement from August 15, 2017 has been revised to include: - Claims information for unintended airbag deployment (related to campaign) Temporary suspension of this campaign on all affected...
NTB11-044b
Sep 2017
EquipmentWHEEL BALANCING SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. The publication date has been revised to include the latest models and model years. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB17-082a
Aug 2017
Service BrakesNISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. The APPLIED VEHICLES and CLAIMS INFORMATION sections have been revised. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
REV1_P7318
Aug 2017
Air BagsAir Bag Control Unit Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign Temporary suspension of this campaign on all affected 2004-2006 model year vehicles.
P7318a
Jun 2017
Electrical SystemAir Bag Control Unit Reprogram Software Update Notice ***** Campaign Update***** Updated software has been released to ASIST at 3:00 PM Central Time to address concerns with some vehicles not being able to complete the reprogramming.
P7318b
Jun 2017
Air BagsAir Bag Control Unit Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is committed to customer satisfaction.
NTB17-071
Jun 2017
Air BagsVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2012-2014 TITAN, FRONTIER, AND XTERRA; AIR BAG DIAGNOSIS SENSOR UNIT INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting a voluntary service campaign on certain specific model year 2012- 2014 Titan, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles to reprogram the air bag diagnosis sensor...
NTB17-030
Mar 2017
Fuel SystemNISSAN; FUEL TANK IS SLOW OR DIFFICULT TO FILL IF YOU CONFIRM The fuel tank is slow or difficult to fill (filling nozzle shuts off before tank is full). IMPORTANT: Make sure this incident has been duplicated at a gas station by dealer service staff.
NTB13-021b
Mar 2017
Engine2010-2015 FRONTIER, 2010-2012 PATHFINDER AND XTERRA; VIBRATION WHILE IDLING This bulletin has been amended to add 2013-2015 Frontier and additional steps for that model range. Please discard the previous version of this bulletin.
NTB17-026
Mar 2017
SuspensionBALL JOINT AXIAL END PLAY PROCEDURE SERVICE INFORMATION When working on the front suspension, use the updated service information in this bulletin along with the Electronic Service Manual (ESM). The updated information in this bulletin is a correction and a supplement to the ESM.
NTB14-068b
Feb 2017
VisibilityPOWER MOONROOF INITIALIZATION SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. The APPPLIED VEHICES section and step 3 on page 3 have been revised. No other changes have been made. Please discard all previous versions.
NTB12-051k
Dec 2016
EquipmentMIL ON WITH DTC P0101 This bulletin has been amended. The APPLIED VEHICLES section on this page and Table A on page 7 have been updated. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB15-079c
Nov 2016
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility2005-2015 FRONTIER; MIL ON WITH DTC P0448 This bulletin has been amended to add steps to apply EPT foam to seal the fuel filler pipe and other minor changes made throughout. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB16-116
Nov 2016
EngineNISSAN; DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION FOR ABS DTC C1130 SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing for DTC C1130 (ENGINE SIGNAL): ECM related DTCs (P-codes) must be diagnosed, repaired, and DTCs erased first.
NTB13-097D
Aug 2016
Equipment"ALL MODEL YEAR 2012 AND NEWER NISSAN VEHICLES; EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION THIS BULLETIN HAS BEEN AMENDED. THE TITLE HAS BEEN REVISED, AND THE BULLETIN NOW INCLUDES VEHICLES IN PRODUCTION AS OF THE DATE OF THIS UPDATE. NO OTHER CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE.
NTB11027B
Jun 2016
Equipment Adaptive/MobilitySERVICE INFORMATION Temporary tire Flat Spotting is common on New Dealer In-Stock vehicles that have not been occasionally moved. Flat Spotting can occur after the vehicle has been parked (not moved) for a few days, or longer. In most cases it is temporary.
NTB14033B
May 2016
EquipmentSERVICE INFORMATION Replacement 5-speed rear wheel drive Automatic Transmission (A/T) assemblies and replacement control valves (valve bodies) now come with blank Transmission Control Modules (TCMs).
NTB09131B
Apr 2016
EquipmentSERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate / Label" may be needed. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met.
NTB15044B
Mar 2016
EquipmentSERVICE INFORMATION If the clip for the fuel filler cap tether becomes lost or is detached for any reason, it is no longer necessary to replace the fuel filler cap. The clip or "pin" is now available as a separate service part.

Showing 60 of 111 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Nissan Frontier →