2012 nissan Pathfinder engine problems

moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$3,100

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 11V592000 19/12/2011

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 NISSAN NV VEHICLES

IF THERE IS AN ENGINE OIL LEAK, THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WOULD DROP AND THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONNECTOR BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

What owners are reporting 3 most recent

engine · filed 11/09/2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE MOUNT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.

engine · filed 05/18/2018

WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN SEIZE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES, 2 TIMES ON THE FREEWAY AT 55 - 65 MPH, SEIZED IN MOTION, STEPPED ALL THE WAY DOWN ON GAS AFTER ENGINE SEIZED, ENGINE REVS, HARDLY ANY POWER, ALMOST DOWN TO 10 MPH IN LESS THAN 10 SECONDS. BOTH TIMES, WAS AFTERNOON RUSH HOUR AND WHILE TRYING TO GET TO THE SHOULDER LANE, I HAD TO CROSS 2-3 LANES OF VERY F…

engine · filed 04/21/2014

WHILE DRIVING I WAS HEARING A RUMBLING SOUND EVERYTIME I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL. I TOOK IT TO NISSAN OF BRANDON ON 4-11-14 AND WAS INFORMED THAT I HAVE CROSS CONTAMINATION OF ENGINE COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID. NISSAN ADVISED IT WOULD BE $5800 TO FIX. THERE WAS A CIVIL LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST NISSAN TO REPAIR OR REIMBURSE THE OWNERS FOR OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE. HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE LAW SUIT ONLY COVER…

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 nissan Pathfinder?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to engine?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.