2012 Nissan Frontier Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 16%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,012miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Nissan Frontier, 16% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,012 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My truck has had what feels to me like a rough idle for about as long as I've had it. It was fine for several years but a couple of months ago the truck died at a stop light. It started right back up and I didn't think I'd be able to replicate this for a mechanic so I just kept driving it. It also died once on my wife but she didn't tell me about it at the time. A couple of weeks ago I was driving on the highway at lower speeds due to traffic. It died on me again and this time it wouldn't start. I had to have it towed to a Nissan dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11254640, filed 2019-09, 68,500 miles“The vehicle would randomly stall while driving, particularly when slowing for a traffic signal. The engine stopping would cause all power assisted functions to cease making it difficult to steer and brake. Most recently the vehicle would start extreme hesitation while driving and I could not get up to the posted speed limit of 55 MPH. I had to use my flashers to warn other drivers that my speed was only approximately 35 MPH. Also the transmission had difficulty shifting. This was extremely dangerous on a 2 lane highway where vehicles rapidly approached from the rear. …”
NHTSA complaint #11330938, filed 2020-06, 77,961 miles“I first noticed the incident today in a downtown area, speed of 35 MPH. Upon removing my foot from the accelerator the RPM dropped to 1000, not lower, and the vehicle continued to move at the 35 MPH. At every opportunity I was able to duplicate the event. As I entered our street I braked reducing speed. The vehicle RPM remained at 1000 and the speed was lower,but requiring braking to slow completly. I inspected the accelator pedal area, with my wife to verify that nothing was blocking the accelator. …”
NHTSA complaint #10731379, filed 2015-06, 18,130 miles“The 2012 Nissan Frontier has a rubber grommet on the clutch pedal which triggers saftey switch. The grommet goes bad and the vehicle will not start. Cannot be jumped. Must be towd or fixed on the spot. These grommetts go bad in 15,000 miles and it cost 15.00 for a new one. You cannot maintain a piece of rubber on te clutch. Rediculous”
NHTSA complaint #10816669, filed 2015-12, 15,000 miles“Engine coolant smell after driving. Radiator gets low on coolant. Overflow coolant level is full when engine is cold. Radiator is not pulling coolant back from the over flow when the engine cools down after being operated. This indicates a leak. Nissan dealer did a visual inspection but aid they found nothing.”
NHTSA complaint #10565360, filed 2014-02, 16,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10152515Nov 28, 2018OBD 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…
- 10109200Mar 9, 20172010-2015 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…
- 10119282Nov 28, 2016NISSAN; 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…
- 10192478Nov 25, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION Starting with 2010 Model Year, Nissan vehicles have been gradually incorporating a new type of DTC known as Permanent DTC or P-DTC. If a vehicle is equipped…
- 10192293Jan 13, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement Engine Control Modules (ECMs) for many newer Nissan vehicles are now "Blank" ECMs. Blank ECMs come without software and must be programmed (not…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 9% |
| 2023 | 13 | 20% |
| 2022 | 6 | 5% |
| 2021 | 2 | 10% |
| 2020 | 5 | 22% |
| 2019 | 2 | 7% |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2017 | 4 | 11% |
| 2016 | 8 | 18% |
| 2015 | 2 | 6% |
| 2013 | 4 | 8% |
| 2012 | 13 | 16% |
| 2011 | 4 | 6% |
| 2010 | 7 | 12% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 26 | 19% |
| 2007 | 72 | 14% |
| 2006 | 82 | 13% |
| 2005 | 80 | 15% |
| 2004 | 6 | 9% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Nissan Frontier
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Nissan Frontier
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology