2012 Nissan Frontier
US · Pickup · Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
The 2012 Nissan Frontier is listed in the US market as a pickup with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 2.5L 4-cylinder, 4.0L 6-cylinder
- Power
- Not available
- Torque
- Not available
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
- Drivetrain
- Varies by configuration: RWD, 4WD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Seating
- Not available
Key Performance & Dimensions
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 2.5L 4-cylinder, 4.0L 6-cylinder | |
| Displacement | 2.5 L to 4.0 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 to 6 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Not available from our sources: Aspiration, Power, Torque.
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 5 to 6 | |
| Drivetrain | Varies by configuration: RWD, 4WD |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) |
Not available from our sources: Electric range, Battery capacity.
Trims and configurations
6 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 14, 2026.
14V052000: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
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 have been installed incorrectly causing the main wire harness connected to the circuit breaker to face outward, potentially contacting a metal bolt located on the A-pillar.
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 charge. The recall began on March 17, 2014. Owners may…
Reported February 12, 2014. View on NHTSA
12V462000: 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.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replaced the left and right side front wheel hub assemblies free of charge. The safety recall began on October 22, 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Reported September 20, 2012. View on NHTSA
11V592000: 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…
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.
Reported December 19, 2011. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 14, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 14, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 14, 2026
Data verified: October 14, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
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Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 2012 Nissan Frontier have?
Varies by configuration: 2.5L 4-cylinder, 4.0L 6-cylinder. Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Nissan Frontier?
Combined fuel economy is 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 2012 Nissan Frontier front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: Varies by configuration: RWD, 4WD.
Are there recalls for the 2012 Nissan Frontier?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked October 14, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.