7.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,100
Average Mileage:
50,400 miles
Total Complaints:
16 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (8 reports)
  2. repaint (8 reports)
2012 Nissan Frontier body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2012 Nissan Frontier Owner Comments

problem #16

Jun 162018

Frontier SL 4.0L V6 Mpi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

paint is chipping off paint is chipping off paint is chipping off paint is chipping off paint is chipping off

A few week ago my 2012 Frontier (Blue) began shedding its blue paint on the driver's side fender, as well as on the tail gate. This is not chipping, but rather peeling like dead skin or the molting of a snake. Check the pictures out... you can see the progression expand. I took it to the Dealer to see if this is a common issue and if Nissan is aware / assists with this clear manufacturing quality control problem. At 6 years old and 50K miles you do not expect paint to peel... actually you don't expect this from a 10 year old vehicle. My 2005 Suburban is pristine in comparison and it's over 100k miles. Nissan has clearly failed in the Quality Vehicle arena in my mind.

The Dealer said to contact Nissan directly to file an "Out of Warranty Good Will Assistance Claim" and let them know the case number so they can report their findings and post the pictures they took. The Dealer agreed this is clearly a delamination issue where the paint is separating and flaking/peeling away. The Dealer also recommended a trip to an Auto Body Paint Shop for an opinion / estimate.

The Auto Body Paint Shop's estimator called out a career long auto paint specialist to look at the inflicted areas. He took one look and stated this is common for Nissan whose paint / procedures are suspect. He rattled off a few makes / colors that have had issues. The estimate to repair / blend the current problem areas is $1,600.00 and Nissan already denied any assistance. The paint specialist probably gave me the best advice of anyone so far. Pay for the paint job, sell the truck, and shy away from any Nissan if you don't want to deal with paint failures within 10 years.

How can Nissan claim it isn't uncommon for a 6 year old vehicle to shed paint like the photos show? Are there not others who have filed similar claims? Regardless of the number of vehicles with this issue... Nissan should back their quality control by fixing any vehicle that fails their high standards. It's pathetic to immediately deny any fault when the issue seems to be common, even with a particular color of paint.

I've owned, enjoyed, and heralded the value of Nissan vehicles. If their quality has devolved to the point that paint peels off like dead skin... I wonder what other manufacturing processes have become shortcuts to remain competitive in the Auto Industry. It saddens me to think my brand loyalty is now misplaced. Maybe the paint specialist is right. Sell and don't consider a Nissan again until their quality control catches on and fixes the issues quickly when they arise.

Signing Off As: Now a Nissan Nay Sayer!

- Jonathan H., Sherwood, OR, US

problem #15

Jun 222018

Frontier SL 4.0L V6 Mpi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

click to see larger images

paint is chipping off paint is chipping off

Similar to my previous complaint... the paint along the molding of the tail gate doesn't appear to be too far behind the fenders. The cracking is extending and the flaking/peeling is beginning. The Auto Body Paint specialist said the Nissan painting procedure likely allows for the molding to be placed on before the paint has completely bonded/cured, and as such, allows moisture to get below the paint allowing weather to continue to wreak havoc on the paint job. Again... it's the poor quality control in Nissan Factories, yet Nissan will not address or admit this is a problem.

- Jonathan H., Sherwood, OR, US

problem #14

Mar 012021

Frontier SV

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

click to see larger images

paint is chipping off

As others noted, paint is chipping off of my 2012 Frontier above both passenger and drivers side door. Nissan customer service not interested in fixing an obvious manufacturing defect. I'm in the process of getting estimates for repainting. Any suggestions on getting Nissan attention would be appreciated!

- Randy H., Peoria, US

problem #13

Mar 032020

Frontier L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,523 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

paint peeling off the left front fender, then the right fender a month later, this should not happen

- icefisher23, Three Rivers, US

problem #12

Nov 162018

Frontier SV 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,536 miles

I want the truck painted. They know the primer got too hard and they painted it anyway.

- Mike S., Minersville, US

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problem #11

Oct 072016

Frontier SV 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,569 miles

Paint is peeling off the right fender, just like it did on the hood and left fender.

- Mike S., Minersville, US

problem #10

Feb 152019

Frontier PRO4X V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

paint is chipping off paint is chipping off

I bought my Nissan Frontier new in Dec. 2011 with only 19 miles on it and they were from my test drive. I love the truck and get so many compliments on how pretty it is. I took it to the dealership for a service appointment on Feb. 15 2019 and there was no damage at all to the truck. After I took it and had it washed and noticed a very large amount of paint missing on the passenger fender, so I then took it back to the dealership to have them evaluate it. They recommended that I contact Nissan corporate. They did open a case about it. I then took it to a body shop and had them look at it and they said that the paint was just releasing from the primer and they looked it over and said that soon then drivers side would start to do the same. I will update as soon as I find anything out from Nissan

- Tribbie N., BLAINE, US

problem #9

Jun 062017

Frontier PRO 4 X V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 142,000 miles

click to see larger images

paint is chipping off paint is chipping off

Pretty obvious problem here. Pretty sad when a truck 4 years old has defective paint. Fix the problem at the source.

- Tamerah S., Great Falls, MT, US

problem #8

Jul 222015

Frontier SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,237 miles

I bought this truck back in January 2013. It was brand new even though it was a year old. I was told by the sales weasel at the time the warranty would start when I drove the truck off the lot. Right after I bought the Truck I noticed that the paint was coming off the roof of the truck. I took it back to the dealer and they fixed it. Now back last July I found the paint coming off along the channels on the roof of the truck. I went back to the dealer when I went to get it serviced and was told that the truck was a 2012 even though I bought it back in 2013 new and that the warranty was out of effect. and that I was on my own as a result of this.

I do plan to get it repainted (No not at the dealer)

I refuse to spend a dime at the dealer no matter what.

I would not own another new Nissan if I was given it free.

My next car will be anything but a Nissan.

Oh, one more thing, I resent the dealer calling me wanting me to put all tens on the customer survey I refuse to to do it and wont. I feel I got ripped off and that nothing Nissan or the dealer Sumerlan Nissan will or can do to keep me from telling anyone I meet not to ever buy a Nissan from either.

- jbressette1978, Saint Cloud, FL, US

problem #7

May 262017

Frontier SV 6.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,651 miles

click to see larger images

paint is chipping off

NEVER BUY A NISSAN THE PAINT COMES OFF AND ITS A PRODUCTION PROBLEM

- themrhalloweentg, Birmingham, US

problem #6

May 272017

Frontier 4x4 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The paint is peeling off. Front of the the truck by tires. Drivers side and passenger side.

- Adrian C., Carmichael, CA, US

problem #5

Apr 162017

Frontier PRO 4X 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

Three weeks ago I noticed the paint was peeling on the front fender of my truck. I had washed the truck 2 days before and it was not there that day. I went to the Nissan dealer and they said that they had no idea what could have caused the paint to peel. They took photos and suggested I contact Nissan. I called Nissan and explained the problem with the paint. They said that they would review my complaint and get back to me which they did two days later. They said they were sorry but there was nothing they could do because it was past warranty. I am going to have it repainted at my expense for $650. I noticed at least 3 other complaints with this problem. I really like the truck. I think it has a lot of get up and go and is a comfortable ride. I leased the truck for 3yrs. and bought it at lease end. It has only 35,000 mi. I was really disappointed with Nissan attitude with my problem. I have read a lot of complaints with antifreeze leaking into the oil. I'm not sure now if I will keep it long enough for that to happen.

- Bill B., Manchester, NH, US

problem #4

Feb 012016

Frontier

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

I entered paint peeling issue on the Nissan NA website. Within a very reasonable amount of time I got a call from a Nissan Consumer Affairs representative (Joy). They gave me a Case # 21612077 and asked me to take the vehicle to a Nissan dealer and have the problem diagnosed. The Nissan dealer sent me to their authorized body shop to get an estimate. I did and the estimate was $391.88. The estimate was sent to the Consumer Affairs representative (Joy). I was told that Nissan would get back to me with a decision on whether they would help with the repair. Again within a reasonable amount of time, another Consumer Affairs representative contacted me. They advised me that the issue was not covered under any warranty and Nissan would not consider goodwill assistance. I thought this was unreasonable considering the age of the vehicle and not being in a harsh environment. The paint should not bubble up and peel off. I wasn't asking for a new paint job for the entire car. If you "Google" this issue on the internet the paint issue on a Blue Frontier is not new. There are pictures showing the exact same location and dated 2008. Here it is 2016 and they still haven't fixed it and are refusing to fix the ongoing issue. I have been a Nissan owner for years and looking for a new car now. It won't be a Nissan. I'll spread the word of this silly refusal by Nissan to own this problem and not taking care of their loyal customers.

- durbo69, Temple, Texas, US

problem #3

Mar 132013

Frontier 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

Never pursued having Nissan fix. Did not think they would fix this problem. Rust, and chipping on rear quarter panels and bumper ends which face rear tires. Debris from tires have removed paint, and primer over time, and now rust is forming, especially on bumper.

- mbonanno, Oak Ridge, NJ, US

problem #2

Oct 012015

Frontier SV 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

click to see larger images

paint is chipping off paint is chipping off

PURCHASED TRUCK AUGUST 2015 USED, 28K MILES. DURING WASH IN OCTOBER NOTICED SMALL PAINT CHIPS ON THE FRONT OF THE HOOD. WAS OUT OF TOWN & DIDN'T REPORT THE ISSUE. IN NOVEMBER DURING ANOTHER WASH NOTICED FURTHER PAINT PEELING ON THE FRONT OF THE HOOD & FURTHER ALONG THE TOP. TOOK VEH TO DEALER, LEARNED IT WAS NO LONGER COVERED BY WARRANTY, BASICALLY TOLD TOUGH LUCK. CONTACTED DEALER OWNER & HAVE NEGOTIATED A REPAIR WHERE I PAY %50. NOT HAPPY, BUT WANT MY TRUCK REPAIRED. PAINT SHOULD NOT BE FLAKING OFF A 2 YEAR OLD VEH WITH LOW MILES.

- Mike F., Pensacola, FL, US

problem #1

Aug 012012

Frontier PRO4X V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200 miles

I purchased a 2012 Frontier new in July of 2012. Within the first couple hundred miles we drove down a gravel road and the next time I washed it i noticed the paint had chipped on the fenders in front of the rear wheels and on the bumper behind. Not just nicks either, it was down to the primer. I was horrified to see my beautiful new truck all dinged up. We had owned a 2005 Frontier previously and had driven that gravel raod many times without any noticable damage. So I tried covering the fender with 3M tape and I put touch up paint on the bumper. We also decided to no longer drive the truck on gravel. I thought the problem was solved.

This sping the truck had 10,000 miles on it and I did a deep wash and detail only to discover more paint problems. There were more chips on the fenders above the 3M tape and on the rear bumper, lots of chips below the front door where the front tires kick up road debris, and the front bumper was pitted in many places. So I used up half a bottle of touch up paint where ever I could see primer. My biggest concern now is how the paint is not holding up to regular driving conditions. I don't drive it on gravel or off-road and I don't tailgate other drivers so there is no reason for the paint to be chipping. I'm convinced it simply has a bad paint job and the problem will only get worse.

Then today I was assured of this when I blew a piece of paint off the front bumper while power washing. I don't recall this happening on any other vehicle I've ever owned no matter how old or what condition they were in. I'm going to talk to the dealership about it but from what I've read online I don't expect to get much help.

Update from Aug 27, 2013: I talked with the dealer (Hummel's Nissan in Des Miones). I was told that the paint warranty is good for 3 years, but it doesn't cover rock chips. It does however cover flaking paint, so they repainted the spot on the front bumper. The repaint looks great, there is no sign of the damage. As for the rock chips, they recommended staying off the gravel roads with AT tires because no matter how slow you drive the deep grooves in the tires pick up gravel and then spit them back out at highway speeds. That I know is true. They also recomended a costomized 3m rock chip kit to protect the paint. I think I might go that route along with a set of nerf bars. Our last Frontier had the nerf bars and I didn't notice the rock chips near as much.

- jtwine01, Pella, IA, US

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