2012 Nissan Pathfinder: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 6 owner complaints for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11510111 (filed 03/04/2023): “There was no incident but now i’m scared to drive my vehicle that i’m still paying for and my insurance telling me if i don’t get the recall resolve it’s going to be an issue.…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11466529 (filed 05/28/2022): “Check engine light comes on and vehicle will not cycle through gears. will go into drive, reverse, neutral but not 1st, second, third. vehicle will go back to normal after i disconnect the battery for a few minutes but the same issue will happen a few days later…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11421203 (filed 06/16/2021): “We purchased the truck in 2018. starting last year the truck starting losing power, not cutting on. replaced the battery and have had 5 mechanics check it. not one mechanic has been able to find the issue. today my truck cut off in a tunnel with my children in the car. this could have and felt like …”
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
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (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 .