2012 Nissan Xterra Nissan Xterra 2012

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2012 Nissan Xterra repairs by problem area

Engine (32%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (14%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (18%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (14%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (7%)

Other (11%)

Chart based on 28 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2012 Nissan Xterra.

2012 Nissan Xterra repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (16%)

$500 - $999 (12%)

$100 - $499 (24%)

< $100 (48%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 25 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Nissan Xterra

Engine not specified

Nissan Xterra in California, United States
Dec 2014 - May 2017
Feb 2015

30700 mi
Rear hatch struts replaced under warranty. 

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2012 Nissan Xterra 4dr SUV

261-horsepower 4.0L V6 6-speed manual 4WD, part-time w/low range

Nissan Xterra in Alabama, United States
Dec 2014 - Sep 2015
Mar 2015

43000 mi

US $2000
The clutch wore out at 44K miles. I'm a very careful and gentle driver and have driven manual transmission cars for over 50 years. I believe that this clutch is poorly designed and not rugged enough for a vehicle with as much mass as the Xterra has. Also discovered cracked exhaust manifold. 
Nissan Xterra in Texas, United States
Dec 2014 - Jun 2022
Sep 2016

43000 mi

US $40
Under the clutch there is a button that indicates the clutch is down to allow you to start the vehicle. It broke. $40 to fix 
Mar 2020

90000 mi

US $2200
Replaced transmission 
Nissan Xterra in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2014 - Jun 2018
Sep 2016

28000 mi

US $30
Intermittent no start when turning ignition. replace clutch pedal safety switch (ignition interlock) 

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2012 Nissan Xterra 4dr SUV

261-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

Nissan Xterra in Kansas, United States
Mar 2015 - Jun 2022
Dec 2016

49000 mi

US $50
Heater was not blowing hot air unless the engine was running at a higher RPM (2,500+) or while going uphill. The heater core had air in it. This was resolved by bleeding the cooling system to get the air out. 
Oct 2017

55000 mi
Recall P7318 to change airbag control parameters 
Jan 2018

58000 mi
Ventilation no longer switches between floor, vents, defrost correctly. This is mostly for the floor as the other two seem to work most of the time. Currently have decided to live with it and no repairs have been made. 
Jun 2018

62000 mi
The hood was squeaking from vibrations when hitting bumps. Noticed it was wobbling quite a bit. Adjusting the rubber stoppers along the front edge of the hood resolved the squeaking. 
Nissan Xterra in Alberta, Canada
Apr 2016 - Apr 2018
Jun 2016

42780 mi
Valve cover seal replaced under warranty 
Sep 2016

47120 mi

C $250
Rear shocks replaced DIY 
Mar 2017

52700 mi
Valve cover seal replaced under warranty - second time 
Nissan Xterra in British Columbia, Canada
Dec 2014 - Apr 2019
May 2017

40920 mi

C $100
Squeaky rear shock absorber 
Nissan Xterra in Georgia, United States
Nov 2015 - Jul 2019
May 2017

55000 mi

US $800
Broken front shock mount, front shocks worn out after less than 60k miles. Suspension clunk continues even after repair. 
Mar 2018

70000 mi

US $500
Replaced rear shocks. Flipped all four tires around on the rims due to excessive wear on outside of tire. Alignment. 
Aug 2018

75000 mi

US $303
Faulty crankshaft position sensor was causing intermittent stalling and loss of power. Sensor replaced and problem has been resolved, with a moderate improvement in MPG. 
Nissan Xterra in Idaho, United States
Dec 2013 - Sep 2017
Feb 2013

8096 mi
replace defective driver side mirror 
Nov 2016

64000 mi

US $126
Rear pinion seal was leaking had it replaced. 
Mar 2017

69000 mi

US $100
Pinon bearing failure, replaced differential (third member). 
Nissan Xterra in Illinois, United States
Dec 2014 - Jun 2021
May 2015

37000 mi
Rattle from rear upon acceleration 
Dec 2015

45000 mi

US $250
Rear diff leaking. Needed to be resealed 
Dec 2017

70000 mi

US $500
Intake related repair 
Nissan Xterra in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2014 - Jul 2022
Jun 2015

34100 mi
Window Regulator need replacement Driver Side Lock Tab replacement 
Mar 2022

110980 mi

C $1320
Replace both Air/Fuel Sensors. 
Jul 2022

111908 mi

C $1327
Replaced front brake pads and rotors. Replaced rear brake pads and rotors. LF caliper seized. Replace LF brake hose and parts. Oil leak detection. Due to Krown underbody spray leak could not be detected. Dye added to engine oil. Have to drive 1-2000 km then return to dealer to find leak. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Nissan models.

2012 Nissan Xterra Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2012 Nissan Xterra problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.