The Lemon Index2012 Nissan Pathfinder.
The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 6 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 13, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about visibility, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 15 to 17 mpg combined. It's the best Nissan Pathfinder year we track.
One of the most reliable. 7.7× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2013
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 23 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Pathfinder year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 36K to 132K miles on the car (12 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- suspension 2012
These vehicles may have been equipped with front wheel hubs that may not meet the design hardness specifications.
- engine 2011
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 INFINITI FX, MODEL YEAR 2012 INFINITI M, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN FRONTIER, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN XTERRA, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 N…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 106 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been…
- ALL MODEL YEAR 2012 AND NEWER NISSAN VEHICLES; EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION…
- NISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin does NOT…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Pathfinder SUV 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
| Nissan Pathfinder SUV RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $4700–5300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.0L 6-cyl, 5.6L 8-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 7.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 13; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2012 Nissan Pathfinder problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are visibility (17%), engine (17%) and transmission & drivetrain (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder have?
2 safety recalls (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder get?
15 to 17 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 17% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder cost in fuel a year?
About $4700 to $5300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder have?
4.0L 6-cyl, 5.6L 8-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works