NissanFrontier2012Overview/nissan/frontier/2012/base/

2012 Nissan Frontier

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 Frontier.

Body TRUCK

The 2012 Nissan Frontier is classified as a TRUCK within a model lineage spanning 1998 to 2025, featuring a 4.9 qt oil capacity using 5W-30 API viscosity. Reliability data for this specific year captures 78 total owner complaints and 3 recalls, with air bags designated as the top complaint area. When compared to the model's historical extremes of 210 complaints in 2000 and 7 complaints in 2025, the 2012 variant occupies a middle ground in the vehicle's documented ownership history. This statistical placement defines the model year as an intermediate position within the broader context of the model's reliability trends.

Model year202520242023202220212020201920182012

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.9 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 550 CCA battery, OE oil filter 1520865F0E. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 550 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP265-75R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter1520865F0E alt 152089E01A
Engine air filter16546EA000 alt 165467S000
Spark plug22401ZE01B alt 22401CK81B
Front wiper blades288909CA0B alt 288909CA0A
Serpentine belt11720EA001 alt 11720EA20A
Thermostat21200EA000 alt 13050ZA000
Cabin air filter27277VR00A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length205.9 in
Overall width72.8 in
Overall height70.1 in
Wheelbase125.6 in
Curb weight4343 lb
Track (front / rear)61.8 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Frontier of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.2 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.20 sec — 2012 PRO-4X V6 King Cab (6.1 ft. Bed)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2012PRO-4X V6 King Cab (6.1 ft. Bed) 4.0L V67.20 sec15.70 sec261 hp4x4
2017PRO-4X V6 Crew Cab (4'11.5" Bed) 4.0L V67.30 sec15.80 sec261 hp4x4
2005LE V6 Crew Cab (4.9 ft. Bed) 4.0L V67.60 sec16.10 sec265 hp4x4
2005NISMO Off-Road V6 King Cab (6.1 ft. Bed) 4.0L V67.60 sec15.80 sec265 hp4x4
2005NISMO Off-Road V6 King Cab (6.1 ft. Bed) 4.0L V67.60 sec16.00 sec265 hp4x4
2020PRO-4X V6 Crew Cab (4'11.5" Bed) 3.8L V67.30 sec15.60 sec310 hp4x4
2020PRO-4X V6 Crew Cab (4'11.5" Bed) 3.8L V67.50 sec15.80 sec310 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.9 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to 22.0-29.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity3.4 Pints
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.9 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.4 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid75W-85 · GL-4

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts65 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts31 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug22.0-29.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs5 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs8 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts)53.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Chassis Bracket165.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Rear Shackle77.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring Rear Shackle to Chassis Bracket77.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug26.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug26.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub101 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Ignition Coil Primary ResistanceExcept 0 or Between terminals 1 and 2 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary ResistanceExcept 0 Between terminals 1 and 3
Ignition Timing15, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance5 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPMIdle rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.43-1.65 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type100
Oil Capacity6.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance550 cca
Standard BCI Group Number35

Service checks

Pressure Test23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-17 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature177-182 °F
Radiator Cap Pressure ReliefRadiator leak pressure testing, 5 psi.
Injector Primary Resistance11.1-14.3 ohms
Injector Primary Resistance11.1-14.5 ohms
Engine Compression1614-189 PSI. 14 maximum variation PSI.
Engine Compression142-185 PSI. 14 Maximum variation PSI

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket24 ft-lbs / 20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle76 ft-lbs / 136 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0028 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From1.102 in / 0.709 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To1.102 in / 0.709 in
Rotor Minimum Machining1.024 in / 0.63 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
11.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.01.4 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
11.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.61.4 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: Back off 360 degrees, Step 3: 14 ft. lbs., Step 4: 9022 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
114 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9014 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., step 2: 60 degrees 2014 Rogue, +622 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
133 ft. lbs., step 2: 84-9033 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
173 ft. lbs.73 ft. lbs
2loosen all bolts
329 ft. lbs.29 ft. lbs
475 degrees75 degrees
575 degrees; Check diameter of bolts at two points, 12 mm and 55 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two points exceeds the limits of 0.23 mm, replace bolts. Apply new engine oil to threads and seating surface of mounting bolts.75 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
172 ft. lbs.72 ft. lbs
2loosen all bolts in reverse order.
329 ft. lbs.29 ft. lbs
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees; Check diameter of bolts at two point, 11 mm and 48 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two point exceed the limit of 0.11 mm, replace bolts.90 degrees
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1bolts 1, 6 M8 x 38mm, bolts 2, 3 M8 x 35mm, 4, 5 nut14 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1029 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 17-2416 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant at 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Differential (inspect fluid level)
At 30,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 30,000 miBody Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
At 105,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 180,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2012 Nissan Frontier represents a mid-cycle year for its generation, with federal complaint data showing a slight uptick in issues compared to the preceding 2011 model (78 vs. 64 complaints) and a modest increase in recalls (3 vs. 1). This year falls within a broader trend of declining complaints from the early 2000s, though it doesn’t reach the lows seen in later years like 2015 or 2018. The top complaint areas—air bags and power train—mirror concerns seen in adjacent years, suggesting persistent, generation-wide issues rather than 2012-specific flaws. Notably, crash-related complaints (4) and recalls (3) are unremarkable for this vintage, and no fire-related incidents were reported. While the 2012 isn’t the standout year of its generation, its record is solid enough to consider, provided a pre-purchase inspection confirms no air bag or transmission anomalies. A well-documented example with service history is a prudent choice.

3
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
113
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
78
Owner complaints
4 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 78 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags18
Power Train18
Structure6
Engine6
Electrical System3
Unknown Or Other3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Seat Belts2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

14V052000Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit BreakersReported 12/02/2014

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012 through 2014 Frontier vehicles manufactured from November 28, 2012, through December 17, 2013. In the affected vehicles, a circuit breaker may… Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the circuit breaker orientation. If the circuit breaker orientation is incorrect, dealers will repair the vehicles free of…

11V592000Engine And Engine CoolingReported 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… Remedy: 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.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 113 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB23-081C2024-07-08Air BagsVOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR…
NTB13-107G2024-05-20Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…
NTB13-027D2024-05-20Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Frontier. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 Frontier take?

4.9 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2012 Frontier have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.