2012 Nissan Xterra Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 25%of 16 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,540miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Nissan Xterra, 25% of the 16 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,540 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.
“Vehicle would not start, because of a broken clutch pedal stopper. This broken part prevented the depressed clutch pedal from activating the clutch safety switch. This is a safety defect, because this a 4wd vehicle intended for off-road use; had this part broken in the middle of nowhere, a serious safety-related incident could have occurred. Also, this part broke a just 1540 miles on a vehicle that has not be abused. Vehicle had to be towed to dealership. Part was replaced under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10507354, filed 2013-04, 1,540 miles“Vehicle's engine seized while being operated at a low rate of speed. Reason given by dealership when towed in was no oil in the engine however there was no warning light for either oil or engine issue displayed at any time leading up to engine failure. There had been a previous oil leak approximately 10 months earlier which had been repaired. There had been no incidents in the interim and no indication of issues. There was a recall related to the oil filter and engine but according to Nissan, my vehicle was not subject to the recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10693208, filed 2015-03, 6,800 miles“I recently had a diagnosis of radiator coolant mixing with transmission following my vehicle being towed bc I lost power while driving with no warning signs. I was given an estimate for repairs of $5000. I had the extended warranty but wasn't told of the radiator issues w Xterra. My vehicle mileage is 128,000. Just past the 100,000 mileage mark. I just read an article that states this is a known issue with Nissan Xterra where lawsuits were filed. I just paid $7000 loan in full. I would not have done this had I known I would need this $ to repair my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11454387, filed 2022-02“The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Xterra. After moving the vehicle from a parking spot, the contact noticed oil leaking under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing on two separate occasions, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10906374, filed 2016-09, 1,500 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…
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 10% |
| 2012 | 4 | 25% |
| 2011 | 5 | 21% |
| 2010 | 4 | 11% |
| 2009 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 23 | 19% |
| 2007 | 85 | 15% |
| 2006 | 104 | 13% |
| 2005 | 114 | 13% |
| 2004 | 8 | 10% |
| 2003 | 6 | 8% |
| 2002 | 8 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Nissan Xterra
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Nissan Xterra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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