NissanTitan2012Overview/nissan/titan/2012/base/

2012 Nissan Titan

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 Titan.

Body TRUCKTransmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2012 Nissan Titan is a full-size TRUCK powered by a powertrain requiring 6.9 quarts of 5W-30 API oil and paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, delivering EPA-rated fuel economy of 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. Within the model’s 2004–2020 production span, this model year registers just 22 owner complaints—far below the 2004 peak of 1,046 and approaching the series low of 10 recorded in 2014—placing it in the more stable latter phase of the Titan’s lifecycle. That complaint volume translates to a relatively quiet reliability profile compared with early production years, though the year still carries two recalls and counts air bags as its top reported concern area.

Model year202420232022202120202019201820172012

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.9 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque87-108 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy13/18/15 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 24F - NO TOW PKG. · 650 - NO TOW PKG. CCA battery, OE oil filter 152089E01A. Note the factory front wiper blades is now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 24F - NO TOW PKG. · 650 - NO TOW PKG. CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnTAILOEM · verified
Tire sizeP275-70R18OEM · verified
Wheel / rim8 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter152089E01A
Engine air filter165467S000
Spark plug22401ZE01B alt 22401ZJ51B
Battery244109CA0B alt 24410ZZ50B
Front wiper blades28890ZC30A discontinued · alt 28890ZC31A
Serpentine belt117207S00A
Thermostat212001LA1A
Cabin air filter27277VP00A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length242.1 in
Overall width78.7 in
Overall height76.8 in
Wheelbase159.4 in
Curb weight5721 lb
Track (front / rear)67.7 / 67.7 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)55/45

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined13 / 18 / 15 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Titan of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.90 sec — 2012 PRO-4X Crew Cab (5.6 ft. Bed)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2012PRO-4X Crew Cab (5.6 ft. Bed) 5.6L V86.90 sec15.40 sec317 hp4x4
2007SE Crew Cab (5.6 ft. Bed) 5.6L V87.00 sec15.60 sec317 hp4x4
2004SE Crew Cab (5.6 ft. Bed) 5.6L V86.90 sec15.40 sec305 hpRWD
2004SE Crew Cab (5.6 ft. Bed) 5.6L V87.30 sec15.80 sec305 hp4x4
2004SE Crew Cab (5.6 ft. Bed) 5.6L V87.40 sec15.60 sec305 hpRWD
2004SE Crew Cab (5.6 ft. Bed) 5.6L V87.60 sec16.00 sec305 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.9 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 87-108 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 25.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidNissan Matic-S
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity11.2
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity3.4 Pints
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity6.9 qt
Power Steering FluidATF

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts65 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts25 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs8 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts)37.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts87-108 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub101 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)CVT: 650, MT: 600 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Ignition Coil Primary ResistanceExcept 0 or Between terminals 1 and 2 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary ResistanceExcept 0 Between terminals 1 and 3
Spark Plug ManufacturerNGK
Spark Plug TypePLFR5A-11
Spark Plug Gap0.043 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.43-1.65 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity6.80 oz
Standard BCI Group Number24F - NO TOW PKG.
Standard BCI Cranking Performance650 - NO TOW PKG. cca
Optional BCI Group Number27F - TOW PKG.

Service checks

Radiator Cap Pressure ReliefRadiator leak pressure testing, 5 psi.
Pressure Test20 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature176-183 °F
Engine Compression192-220 PSI. 14 maximum variation PSI.
Engine Oil Pressure14 psi @ Idle, 43 psi @ 2000 rpm psi
Intake Valve Lash0.012-0.016 in
Exhaust Valve Lash0.012-0.017 in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket24 ft-lbs / 53 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle155 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.039; Rear: 0.039 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.001 in / 0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.551 in / 1.18 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.551 in / 1.18 in
Rotor Minimum Machining1.122 in / 0.492 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 9-121.4 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: Back off 360 degrees, Step 3: 11 ft. lbs., Step 4: 9022 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
169 ft. lbs., step 2: 9069 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages
133 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
270 degrees70 degrees
3loosen all bolts in reverse order
433 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
560 degrees60 degrees
660 degrees; Check diameter of bolts at two points, 12 mm and 55 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two points exceeds the limit of 0.23 mm, replace bolts. Apply new engine oil to threads and seating surface of mounting bolts.60 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1029 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 3,750 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant at 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 3,750 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 miTire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Differential (inspect fluid level)
At 30,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 30,000 miBody Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
At 105,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 180,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Across the first-generation Titan's lifecycle, complaints fell sharply from a peak of 1,046 in 2004 to just 47 by 2009, then continued a gradual decline through 2011 (26) and 2012 (22), bottoming out at 10 complaints in 2014–2015 before the next-generation 2017 model triggered a fresh spike to 172. The 2012 model year sits squarely in the mature, low-complaint tail of this arc, with its 22 complaints representing one of the lowest volumes in the entire record and no open investigations. Recalls ticked up slightly to 2 from 2011's single recall, but this remains modest compared to the 6–7 recalls typical of the 2004–2008 period. The top complaint areas—Air Bags (6), Engine (4), Structure (3), and Service Brakes (2)—are dispersed rather than concentrated around a single systemic failure, and the data does not specify root causes for any of these categories; notably, there are zero fire complaints and 4 crash complaints. With TSBs holding steady at 114 (consistent with surrounding years) and no pattern of escalating defects, the 2012 Titan represents a well-sorted late-generation example. **Bottom line: 2012 is a solid used buy within this generation—the federal data shows it at a low-risk point in the lifecycle, with minimal complaint volume, no investigations, and no dominant failure mode.**

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
114
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
22
Owner complaints
4 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 22 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags6
Engine4
Structure3
Service Brakes2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Parking Brake1
Engine & Engine Cooling1
Steering,Air Bags,Structure1
Unknown Or Other1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

12V143000Equipment:Other:LabelsReported 04/04/2012

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… Remedy: 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…

12V102000Equipment:Other:LabelsReported 14/03/2012

CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN TITAN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 10, 2011, THROUGH JULY 22, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH THE SPORTS APPEARANCE PACKAGE HAVE INCORRECT SEATING CAPACITY INFORMATION DISPLAYED ON THE TIRE… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 114 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB23-080D2024-09-04Air BagsVOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2004-2012 ARMADA, TITAN, AND 2004-2009 QUEST; DRIVER AIR…
NTB13-107G2024-05-20Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…
NTB13-027D2024-05-20Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Titan. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 Titan take?

6.9 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2012 Titan have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Titan get?

EPA figures are 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined mpg.