30/100

2012Small Pickup Trucks 4WDRegular

2012 Nissan Frontier 4WD

EPA ID: 31848

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City MPG

Combined MPG

16MPG· Below Avg

Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2012 Nissan Frontier 4WD achieves an EPA-estimated 16 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 4L 6-cylinder engine paired with a automatic 5-spd, this small pickup trucks 4wd features 4-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2012 Frontier 4WD produces approximately 555 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Frontier 4WD has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,750, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $8,000 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassSmall Pickup Trucks 4WD

Fuel TypeRegular

Engine4L 6-cyl

AspirationNaturally Aspirated

TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd

Drive Type4-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions555 g/mi

Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped

GHG Score-1/10

Smog RatingN/A

Est. Annual Cost$3,750

5-Year Cost DeltaSave $8,000

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG

15.9

Impact vs EPA

+$25

/ year

💨

The Brick Effect: Highway Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Because the Small Pickup Trucks 4WD has a large frontal area, expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by up to 25% at high speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost

$750/mo

Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.

Annual Mileage15,000 mi

Value Depreciation

Est. value lost over 60 months

$16,800

37.3%

Fuel & Electricity

Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)

$16,406

36.5%

Estimated Insurance

Based on vehicle class risk profile

$11,400

25.3%

State Registration Fees

Based on National Average DMV base rates

$400

0.9%

Total 5-Year Cost$45,006

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #14V052000·2014-03-17

critical

Component: 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.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: The bolt may wear through the wire harness covering, resulting in an electrical short which could cause a fire.

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 contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Campaign #12V462000·2012-10-22

critical

Component: 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.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: If the vehicle is driven in this condition, the wheel hub may break, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

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.

Campaign #11V592000·2012-01-30

critical

Component: 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 SPECIFICATION STRENGTH. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY BREAK AT THE OIL FILTER ATTACHMENT POINT AND CAN CAUSE AN ENGINE OIL LEAK.

Consequence & Remedy

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

111.1 metric tons CO₂

Equivalent To:

🌳 137 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs

✈️ 9.3 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.