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Nissan · Known Issues

2012 Nissan Pathfinder Problems: 2 Known Issues

2012 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has 2 documented known issues. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Pathfinder Body/Panels1
  • Pathfinder Exhaust1
  • Recalls9
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Body/Panels1
  • Exhaust1
  • Recalls9
  • FAQ

All 2 Known Issues

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On the 2005-2012 Nissan Pathfinder, the R51 Pathfinder is prone to rust developing around the rear liftgate, particularly along the bottom edge and around the license plate area. Water gets trapped behind trim pieces and the spare tire well can also rust through. This is especially common in northern/salt belt states but occurs nationwide. The issue is caused by inadequate drainage and corrosion protection in the rear body panels.

Common Symptoms

  • Bubbling paint on rear hatch
  • Visible rust around license plate area
  • Rust holes in liftgate bottom edge
  • Water intrusion in cargo area
  • Spare tire well corrosion

How to Fix

Early stage: Sand affected areas, apply rust converter, prime and repaint ($200-500 DIY or $500-1,200 at body shop). Advanced rust: Panel replacement may be required ($1,500-3,000). Preventive measures include keeping drain holes clear, applying rust inhibitor spray annually, and checking behind rear trim panels for trapped moisture.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • POR-15 3-Step Stop Rust System

    Universal coating system, not a liftgate structural repair. Surface must be prepared and completely dry; use PPE and a compatible UV-stable topcoat/color finish where exposed.

    POR-15

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $3,000

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence

On the 2001-2012 Nissan Pathfinder, the cast iron exhaust manifolds on VQ35DE and VQ40DE equipped Pathfinders are prone to cracking due to thermal cycling. The passenger side manifold is most commonly affected. Cracks cause an exhaust leak that produces a ticking noise on cold starts that may diminish as the engine warms up. Over time the crack worsens and the leak becomes constant.

This issue also affects: Infiniti FX35, Infiniti G35, Nissan 350Z

Common Symptoms

  • Ticking or tapping noise on cold start
  • Exhaust smell in cabin
  • Rough idle
  • Decreased fuel economy
  • Check engine light (O2 sensor codes)

How to Fix

Replace the cracked exhaust manifold. OEM manifolds tend to crack again; many owners opt for aftermarket headers or upgraded manifolds. Replacing exhaust manifold gaskets at the same time is recommended. Cost: $400-900 at an independent shop.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Dorman 674-433 left exhaust-manifold kit

    2001-2004 Pathfinder 3.5L VQ35DE, left/driver side; confirm VIN, side and that the manifold itself is cracked.

    PartsGeek
  • Dorman 674-434 right exhaust-manifold kit

    2001-2004 Pathfinder 3.5L VQ35DE, right/passenger side; confirm VIN, side and that the manifold itself is cracked.

    PartsGeek
  • Genuine Nissan VQ40DE exhaust manifold LH 14002-EA21A

    2005-2012 Pathfinder 4.0L VQ40DE, left/driver side; confirm VIN and order the correct gasket/hardware separately if not included.

    NissanPartsDeal
  • Genuine Nissan VQ40DE exhaust manifold RH 14002-EA20A

    2005-2012 Pathfinder 4.0L VQ40DE, right/passenger side; confirm VIN and order the correct gasket/hardware separately if not included.

    NissanPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $900

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence
NHTSA Recalls9 recalls

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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. 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.

Campaign #11V59200019/12/2011

SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB

Nissan 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.

Campaign #12V46200020/09/2012

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.

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Other Nissan Models

Nissan Rogue46Nissan Altima41Nissan Sentra32Nissan Frontier30Nissan Murano22Nissan Maxima18

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Pathfinder problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rear Hatch and Liftgate Rust, Exhaust Manifold Cracking. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Pathfinder problems?

Repair costs for known Nissan Pathfinder issues range from $200 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2005-2012 Nissan Pathfinder Rear Hatch and Liftgate Rust?

The R51 Pathfinder is prone to rust developing around the rear liftgate, particularly along the bottom edge and around the license plate area. Water gets trapped behind trim pieces and the spare tire well can also rust through. This is especially common in northern/salt belt stat… Repairs typically run $200-$3,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2001-2012 Nissan Pathfinder Exhaust Manifold Cracking?

The cast iron exhaust manifolds on VQ35DE and VQ40DE equipped Pathfinders are prone to cracking due to thermal cycling. The passenger side manifold is most commonly affected. Cracks cause an exhaust leak that produces a ticking noise on cold starts that may diminish as the engine… Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #10E01900020/05/2010

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.

Campaign #23V06700010/02/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 AND MODEL YEAR 2008 FRONTIER, XTERRA AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBOSSMENT MOLDED INTO THE TANK SHELL CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.

Campaign #10V07500003/03/2010

+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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