5N1AN0NW6CC5198292012 NISSAN Xterra
Executive Summary
2012 NISSAN Xterra was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 15 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- ▸2 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- ▸Engine/Powertrain is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- ▸Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
- Make
- NISSAN
- Model
- Xterra
- Year
- 2012
- Trim / Series
- Wagon body style
- Body Style
- Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
- Vehicle Type
- MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Drive Type
- 4x2
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4L
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Assembly
- SMYRNA, TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Nissan's largest US plant. Builds Altima, Rogue, and Maxima with consistent quality.
- ✓JD Power IQS top-ranked compact car (select years)
- ▸Engine recall
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 2 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 2 recalls is ~65%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
NISSAN completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~21 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~21 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SummaryNISSAN 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 SPECIFICATION STRENGTH. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY BREAK AT THE OIL FILTER ATTACHMENT POINT AND CAN CAUSE AN ENGINE OIL LEAK.Read full details...
~34% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB
SummaryNissan 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.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
40% of complaints filed in Jan & Sep — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
▸ Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
▸ Engine oil starvation leading to bearing failure — blocked oil cooler is fatal to the engine if not addressed immediately
The blue line shows 15 NHTSA complaints on file for the NISSAN Xterra — a relatively low volume that spans from 2013 to 2024.
The amber reliability line averaged 94/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 82/100 in 2013.
Notably, despite 15 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $46,614 (~$777/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
NISSAN has been fined $3M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Failure to file required Early Warning Reports on vehicle defects.
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 5N1AN0NW6CC519829 |
| Model Year | 2012 |
| Make | NISSAN |
| Model | Xterra |
| Series | Wagon body style |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Displacement (L) | 4 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. |
| Assembly City | SMYRNA |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 5N1 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 6 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | C |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | C |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 519829 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 2 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 15 |
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 4/17/2026, 11:46:37 AM.