2012 Nissan Pathfinder Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 22%of 23 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, 22% of the 23 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles.
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.
“While vehicle is in motion, the engine will all of a sudden seize. This has happened 5 times, 2 times on the freeway at 55 - 65 MPH, seized in motion, stepped all the way down on gas after engine seized, engine revs, hardly any power, almost down to 10 MPH in less than 10 seconds. Both times, was afternoon rush hour and while trying to get to the shoulder lane, I had to cross 2-3 lanes of very fast traffic, dropping to roughly 10 MPH, barely missing impact with other cars, both times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11096647, filed 2018-05, 82,000 miles“There was no incident but now I’m scared to drive my vehicle that I’m still paying for and my insurance telling me if I don’t get the recall resolve it’s going to be an issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11510111, filed 2023-03“We purchased the truck in 2018. Starting last year the truck starting losing power, not cutting on. Replaced the battery and have had 5 mechanics check it. Not one mechanic has been able to find the issue. Today my truck cut off in a tunnel with my children in the car. This could have and felt like an extremely dangerous situation. Upon further research Nissans losing power is a common issue. Nissan needs to take action and fix the malfunctions. I can’t afford to be without a car, nor should I have to repair an issue that Nissan is responsible for.”
NHTSA complaint #11421203, filed 2021-06“The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the dealer noticed that the passenger side engine mount failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10789170, filed 2015-11, 28,000 miles“Check engine light comes on and vehicle will not cycle through gears. Will go into drive, reverse, neutral but not 1st, second, third. Vehicle will go back to normal after I disconnect the battery for a few minutes but the same issue will happen a few days later”
NHTSA complaint #11466529, filed 2022-05Related 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | 16% |
| 2024 | 19 | 22% |
| 2023 | 15 | 14% |
| 2022 | 18 | 13% |
| 2020 | 17 | 32% |
| 2019 | 15 | 20% |
| 2018 | 13 | 17% |
| 2017 | 83 | 44% |
| 2016 | 27 | 26% |
| 2015 | 74 | 23% |
| 2014 | 62 | 11% |
| 2013 | 105 | 12% |
| 2012 | 5 | 22% |
| 2011 | 10 | 22% |
| 2010 | 6 | 15% |
| 2009 | 7 | 19% |
| 2008 | 61 | 19% |
| 2007 | 114 | 20% |
| 2006 | 147 | 18% |
| 2005 | 144 | 14% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 6 | 5% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
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