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EnginePart report

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 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2014110%
2012425%
2011521%
2010411%
2009316%
20082319%
20078515%
200610413%
200511413%
2004810%
200368%
200285%
200164%
200021%

Other parts of the 2012 Nissan Xterra

Transmission and drivetrain
6 complaints
Air bags
4 complaints
Fuel system
1 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Tires
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