BestCarRank
Nissan

2012 Nissan TITAN

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Nissan TITAN has 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 31. The most common issue is air bags problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owned a 2012 nissan titan. while driving approximately 80 mph, another vehicle crashed into the rear driver side of the contact's vehicle. the contact's vehicle crashed into a tree and the passenger side air bags failed to deploy. a police report was filed. the front passenger sustai. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

6 crash reports 3 injuries

28

Total Complaints

2

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

0.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

7 complaints
25%
  • TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN TITAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAI
  • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN TITAN. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, A TRUCK REVERSING COLLIDED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION, BUT WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE THE PRO
  • TAMARA RECALL AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING ACCIDENT ON INTERSTATE 70 EAST BOUND FROM GRAND JUNCTION COLORADO RESULTED IN BENT FRAME OF 2012 NISSAN TITAN
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 4 crashes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN TITAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAI

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Nissan TITAN

Based on 23 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 64K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
4
30-60K
4
60-100K
8
100-150K
7
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ENGINE

Earlier than typicalmedian 56K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
2
30-60K
1
60-100K
0
100-150K
2
150-200K
0
200K+
0

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 60K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
1
30-60K
1
60-100K
2
100-150K
1
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS04/04/2012

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TITAN AND ARMADA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 12, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 13, 2012. THE PART 567 CERTIFICATION LABELS ON THE VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN RIM SIZE INFORMATION. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, “TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.”

Risk: THE OMISSION OF THE RIM SIZE MAY LEAD TO AN INCORRECT TIRE/WHEEL COMBINATION WHICH MAY INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF A CRASH.

Fix: NISSAN WILL SUPPLY OWNERS WITH A NEW LABEL AND INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW INSTALL THE LABEL OR THE OWNER WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF TAKING THEIR VEHICLE TO A NISSAN DEALER TO HAVE THE NEW LABEL INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 28, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-615-725-1000.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2012 Nissan TITAN

Live EIA prices
Per year
$5,077
Per month
$423
Per mile
42.3¢
kWh/mi
2.25

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Nissan TITAN

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,817
Full coverage / month
$151
Liability only / year
$679
vs US avg
+9%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age0.92x
= Full coverage estimate$1817

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Nissan TITAN Service Intervals

Oil change
5K mi / 6 mo
Tire rotation
5K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
105K mi
Spark plugs
105K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
60K mi

CVT-equipped models (Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Pathfinder) MUST use Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid, not conventional ATF. Frequent CVT service extends life significantly.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Nissan New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
5 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2012 TITAN, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Nissan dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2012 Nissan TITAN

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000
Clean Cars 4 All
ColoradoUp to $5,000
Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit
ConnecticutUp to $4,250
CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)
DelawareUp to $2,500
Clean Vehicle Rebate
IllinoisUp to $4,000
Illinois EV Rebate Program
MarylandUp to $3,000
Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles
MassachusettsUp to $3,500
MOR-EV
New JerseyUp to $4,000
Charge Up New Jersey
New YorkUp to $2,000
Drive Clean Rebate
OregonUp to $7,500
Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate
PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program
Rhode IslandUp to $2,500
DRIVEEV
TexasUp to $2,500
Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive
VermontUp to $5,000
Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles
See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)
$500
BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500
FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 28 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN TITAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAI

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ENGINE: CONNECTION USED BETWEEN MUFFLER AND TAILPIPE COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY LEAVING THE TAILPIPE DANGLING FROM BOTTOM OF TRUCK. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DESIGN ISSUE IN WHICH ALL NISSAN TITAN TRUCKS SINCE ORIGINAL RELEASE HAD A CONNECTOR PIECE THAT IS NOT GALVANIZED FOR RUST PREVENTION WELDED TO THE BEGINNI

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • BODY/STRUCTURE: CONNECTION USED BETWEEN MUFFLER AND TAILPIPE COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY LEAVING THE TAILPIPE DANGLING FROM BOTTOM OF TRUCK. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DESIGN ISSUE IN WHICH ALL NISSAN TITAN TRUCKS SINCE ORIGINAL RELEASE HAD A CONNECTOR PIECE THAT IS NOT GALVANIZED FOR RUST PREVENTION WELDED TO THE BEGINNI

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • BRAKES: THE TAIL PIPE ON A 2 1/2 YEAR OLD 2012 NISSAN TITAN PREMATURELY SEPARATED AT THE FLANGE IN FRONT OF THE REAR AXLE. THE REASON THE FLANGE SEPARATED WAS THE POOR DESIGN. THE FLANGE IS POSITIONED TO HOLD WATER, DIRT AND SALT INDUCING CORROSION. ONCE THE FLANGE SEPARATES THE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST MELTS

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Nissan dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
28
Recalls
2
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
6
Injury reports
3
Segment avg
31

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2012 Nissan TITAN