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2012 Nissan Xterra: common problems and reliability
One of the best Xterra years.
16 owner complaints, most about power train. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Xterra?The 2012 Nissan Xterra has 16 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and air bags.
Safety record for the 2012 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Nissan Xterra vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Xterra years only. How we score it
Is 2012 a good year for the Xterra?
Across the 16 Xterra model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2013) to 845 (2005). With 16 complaints, the 2012 Xterra sits below the model's median of 84.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2012 Xterra
engine and engine cooling
Campaign 11V592000NISSAN 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 NISSAN NV VEHICLES. SOME OF THE BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE ENGINE OIL COOLER AND THE ENGINE OIL FILTER TO THE ENGINE IN THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO BELOW SPECIFICATION STRENGTH. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY BREAK AT THE OIL FILTER ATTACHMENT POINT AND CAN CAUSE AN ENGINE OIL LEAK.
suspension:front:hub
Campaign 12V462000Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra two-wheel drive vehicles manufactured from June 19, 2012, through July 12, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with front wheel hubs that may not meet the design hardness specifications. A wheel hub that was manufactured below hardness specification may wear prematurely and eventually crack.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is strongly bifurcated by generation and specific model years.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Xterra. See the full Xterra owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Xterra listings typically run $9,407–$14,399 across 2000 to 2015 model years.
Other Xterra model years
Compare every Xterra year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Xterra against its rivals
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