Recall 12V462 affects 2,417 2012 Nissan Frontier, Xterra, and Pathfinder vehicles for under-hardened front wheel hubs. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
Nissan is recalling 2,417 2012 Frontier, Xterra, and Pathfinder two-wheel-drive vehicles because front wheel hubs were built below hardness specification. The hub can wear early, crack, and break while driving, which can result in a crash; the Nissan dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The front wheel hub on a 2012 Nissan Frontier, Xterra, or Pathfinder is the metal hub at the center of the front wheel assembly. It supports the wheel and works with the bearing, suspension, and steering parts so the wheel stays centered while it turns.
On affected two-wheel drive vehicles, the front wheel hubs were built below Nissan's design hardness specification. That means the metal is softer than intended for the load it carries. As miles add up, the hub can wear sooner than designed. Continued wear can lead to cracking in the hub.
There is no warning sign before failure. That matters because the problem starts inside the front hub, where an owner is not expected to see or feel the early wear during normal driving.
Who's affected?
The scope is split across Frontier, Xterra, and Pathfinder, with the same front suspension component listed for each model.
| 2012 Nissan Frontier | front suspension |
|---|---|
| 2012 Nissan Xterra | front suspension |
| 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | front suspension |
| Units affected | 2,417 |
A matching 2012 Nissan Frontier, Xterra, or Pathfinder does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged front wheel hub can break while the vehicle is being driven, increasing crash risk. Use extra caution and arrange dealer service soon if your VIN is included. Repair will be free at any franchised Nissan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Nissan Frontier, Xterra, or Pathfinder is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nissan dealer and ask whether the free front wheel hub assembly replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 12V462 when you call, and ask the dealer to check both front wheel hubs for premature wear or cracking.
- Bring the recall notice if Nissan mailed one to you.
- Drive carefully until the repair is complete. Listen for front wheel noise or vibration and stop driving if the vehicle feels unstable.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nissan technician will replace the left and right front wheel hub assemblies on the affected 2012 Frontier, Xterra, and Pathfinder vehicles. Nissan describes that hub assembly replacement as free of charge. The repair status is not marked available here, so confirm appointment timing with the dealer before you plan service. Once the repair is open, parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| September 20, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 22, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V462?
Recall 12V462 covers 2,417 2012 Nissan Frontier, Xterra, and Pathfinder two-wheel drive vehicles with front wheel hubs that fail to meet design hardness specifications. The hub can wear early and crack, and Nissan dealers replace both front wheel hub assemblies for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Nissan Frontier, Xterra, or Pathfinder is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V462. If it is, contact a franchised Nissan dealer and ask for the left and right front wheel hub assembly replacement. Reference recall number 12V462 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Nissan's remedy says dealers replace the left and right front wheel hub assemblies free of charge. The safety recall began on October 22, 2012.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is front wheel hub failure. If the vehicle is driven with a hub that wears early and cracks, the hub can break and increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then have a Nissan dealer complete the free front hub assembly replacement.
What if I bought this Nissan used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner, so a used 2012 Frontier, Xterra, or Pathfinder remains eligible if its VIN is included. Check your VIN and give recall number 12V462 to the Nissan service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V462000 |
|---|---|
| Nissan customer service | 1-800-647-7261 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V462 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V462000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →