2012 Nissan Pathfinder Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 22%of 23 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 144,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the suspension of the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, 22% of the 23 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 144,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Right lower control arm snapped while driving at highway speed (65MPH) causing vehicle into a 360 spin. Vehicle spun, was hard to control and tire blew out at speed. Others behind me or in front may have gotten involved if traffic was heavier at the time. Vehicle wasnt inspected, no police involved. No warning before incident. Incident happened with no symtons or prior knowledge”
NHTSA complaint #11700670, filed 2025-11“The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed that the rear tires were abnormally damaged. The contact stated that upon further inspection, he noticed that the subframe was severely corroded and fractured. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there would be no assistance because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11582196, filed 2024-04, 133,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to wobble as if the steering wheel was being turned to the left and to the right repeatedly. The contact stated the vehicle wobbled more violently after driving over bumps in the road. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact’s husband checked the under carriage and observed that the driver's side rear tire was nearly rusted through. …”
NHTSA complaint #11517890, filed 2023-04, 156,000 miles“Rear lower control arm broke while driving. Vehicle had to be moved on a rollback. Upon replacing control arm, cracks have been found at several points on the crossmember subframe. As it stands, the vehicle is a danger to have on the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11574413, filed 2024-02Related recalls
- 12V462000Sep 20, 2012Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra two-wheel drive vehicles manufactured from June 19, 2012, through July 12, 2012…Covers: Nissan Pathfinder 2012, Frontier 2012, Xterra 2012
Related service bulletins
- 10206391Dec 7, 2021STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10188377Feb 12, 2021STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10171221Jan 17, 2020CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10109211Mar 7, 2017BALL 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…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
- 10192178May 14, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION If a customer would like to activate a subscription for any of the following services: - SiriusXM Satellite Radio, NavTraffic, NavWeather, Travel Link Weather…
- 10192145Mar 19, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 3 | 2% |
| 2020 | 3 | 6% |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 15 | 3% |
| 2013 | 29 | 3% |
| 2012 | 5 | 22% |
| 2011 | 6 | 13% |
| 2010 | 4 | 10% |
| 2008 | 7 | 2% |
| 2007 | 5 | 1% |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% |
| 2005 | 9 | 1% |
| 2004 | 3 | 4% |
| 2003 | 21 | 19% |
| 2002 | 43 | 28% |
| 2001 | 68 | 30% |
| 2000 | 41 | 37% |
| 1999 | 35 | 34% |
| 1998 | 47 | 32% |
| 1997 | 105 | 48% |
| 1996 | 64 | 40% |
| 1995 | 16 | 9% |
| 1994 | 2 | 2% |
| 1993 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1989 | 2 | 13% |
| 1987 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
5 complaintsOther or unknown
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 30, 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