2012 Nissan Frontier: Power Train complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 20 owner complaints for the 2012 Nissan Frontier that list the power train component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11309885 (filed 02/18/2020): “Tl* the contact called on behalf of his son who owns a 2012 nissan frontier. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shuddered without warning. the vehicle resumed normal operation after experiencing the failure. the vehicle was taken to metro nissan of montclair 9…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11118452 (filed 08/08/2018): “Both rear axle seals failed due to a faulty rear axle housing breather valve. gear oil began leaking on to rear brake pads creating a safety issue. also, seals and bearings could not be replaced independently. a $15 part failure (breather valve) caused both rear axles to be replaced in excess of …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #10816669 (filed 12/29/2015): “The 2012 nissan frontier has a rubber grommet on the clutch pedal which triggers saftey switch. the grommet goes bad and the vehicle will not start. cannot be jumped. must be towd or fixed on the spot. these grommetts go bad in 15,000 miles and it cost 15.00 for a new one. you cannot maintain a piec…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .