The Nissan Titan has always come across as a beast of a pick-up truck. Its V8 engine and throaty exhaust produce a raucous rumble that makes heads turn and people take notice. Its bold design is distinctive enough to stand out from the crowd, and there is enough power under the hood to meet the needs of the average consumer.
Unfortunately, it hasn’t evolved much since it was introduced to the marketplace in 2004. As a result, it is a bit of a dinosaur when compared to rivals from Toyota, Ford, GM, and RAM.
Having said that, it does bode well for the buyer who is simply looking for a powerful rig to perform occasional light towing duties, haul small loads, or engage in outdoor adventures, as many dealers are offering deep discounts on Titans.
Under the hood: a 317 horsepower Endurance 5.6L V8
There is nothing significantly wrong with the truck, but it is hampered by the fact that it can only be ordered with a relatively inefficient, gasoline-fed, 5.6-litre V8 engine and a 5-speed transmission. This power plant generates 317 horsepower and 385 lb.-ft. of torque, but without the benefit of either a 6-speed transmission or cylinder deactivation capabilities it gulps down an awful lot of fuel. While these numbers were impressive when the Titan first hit the market, they were considered pretty anemic in 2012.
The big “Endurance” 5.6-litre engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission that proved to be a very smooth operator, and this combination delivers impressive acceleration for such a big truck. The rumble of the exhaust is addictive, especially when you accelerate hard, but again, this will increase your pain at the pump. Handling is impressive for such a large truck, and steering and pedal feel remained communicative at all times. The truck’s suspension and brakes inspired confidence whenever I was behind the wheel.
The Nissan Titan is still a beast – but not a work truck
Ample Titan towing capacity and payload
My test rig was a well-equipped, Crew Cab, 4X4 model outfitted more for passenger comfort than work duty. Don’t get me wrong, as the Nissan Titan is capable of towing up to 4,128 kilograms (9,100lb.) in this configuration, but true work trucks tend to be 3/4 or 1-tonne models powered by diesel engines. If you plan to use this truck to pull a small camper, toy trailer, or boat, it will perform this function with ease.
The Nissan Titan is still a beast. Its bold front end looks like a chisel, and with its wide, three-piece grille, enormous headlights, and bulging hood it looks more aggressive than its rivals. A wide stance and prominent fender flares exaggerate its dimensions to make it appear even larger than it really is. My tester’s big 20-inch wheels gave the truck the aggressive, go-anywhere look favoured by younger buyers, and most of the comments it elicited during my seven-day test period seemed to be from young men in their early twenties.
To assist with towing, the Titan V8 comes equipped with features like a tow/haul mode, trailer sway control, and a hitch receiver. These features help optimize towing performance and safety. The payload capacity of the 2012 Nissan Titan V8 also depends on the trim and configuration. In general, it can handle a payload ranging from approximately 1,360 to 1,950 pounds. Again, the exact payload capacity may vary based on the specific model.
2012 Nissan Titan SL Interior
While the Titan’s interior looks a bit dated and chunky, I have to admit it wins big points in the comfort department. This truck is spacious. I found the front passenger compartment to be much more roomy than that in the Toyota Tundra test truck I had the week prior. The rear seating area was much bigger as well, but this would not be a fair comparison to make as my Toyota test vehicle was a Double Cab unit, not a Quad Cab.
Titan SL trim adds more interior features and tech
The SL trim features a full complement of power and comfort accessories including dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leather seats, power-operated front seats, a premium Rockford Fosgate audio system, Bluetooth capabilities, wood accents, and power-adjustable pedals. The aforementioned 20-inch wheels are chrome-clad, as are the mirrors and accessory step rails. The truck also features automatic headlamps and very effective fog lamps.
There is plenty of useful storage space scattered throughout the passenger compartment including a huge, wide storage bin in the center console that is large enough for most laptops and tablets. Another neat feature is the power-operated rear window. At the touch of a button, it retracts into the back wall.
One Titan problem inside the cabin
If I had one major complaint about the passenger compartment it would be the poor placement of the window and mirror controls. They sit atop the door panel where they are exposed to the elements whenever the door is opened or you lower the window. The side windows on the Titan sit almost vertical and suffer from the lack of a rain gutter system, so on rainy days the water flows directly onto the controls which can’t be a good thing in the long run.
2012 Titan trims and configurations
The Titan is available with your choice of either the venerable King Cab design – which employs two small, rear-hinged doors that open 168 degrees, or a Crew Cab offering that comes fitted with four proper, full-sized doors. The Titan King Cab and Crew Cab models can be ordered in your choice of four trim levels- S; SV in short- or long-wheelbase; the off-road ready PRO-4X; and SL trim. However, only the King Cab S and SV can be had in two-wheel-drive form.
The Crew Cab model comes equipped with a 7.3-foot cargo box (the longest in the class) which in the case of my tester, was fitted with a bed-liner and a very clever Utili-track cargo carrying system. Other cool features include a soft-drop tailgate and a lockable storage compartment just aft of the rear wheel on the driver’s side.
Takeaway: Should you buy a used 2012 Nissan Titan V8 & what are the known problems?
Pros
- Reliable and rugged
- Sounds like a proper truck due to the healthy rumble from the V8
- Loads of interior space for passengers
Cons
- Dated styling inside and out
- Thirsty for fuel
- Poor placement of power window and mirror controls
- Needs more power
The Nissan Titan has proven to be a reliable and rugged truck best suited for the recreational buyer, but its design and power train are well past their prime. As a result, it would be tough to recommend the purchase of a new Titan unless you find an exceptional deal.
2012 Nissan Titan problems to consider when buying used
The 2012 Nissan Titan V8 is generally a reliable truck, but like any vehicle, it may experience some common issues or problems. Here are a few known problems or concerns that some owners have reported:
Transmission Issues: Some owners have reported transmission problems, including issues with the automatic transmission shifting roughly or slipping gears. Transmission repairs can be expensive, so it’s essential to ensure proper maintenance and address any issues promptly.
Brake Problems: A few owners have mentioned brake-related problems, such as brake rotor warping or premature brake wear. Regular brake inspections and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks: There have been reports of exhaust manifold cracks in some Titan V8 models. These cracks can lead to exhaust leaks, which may affect engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Axle Seal Leaks: A few owners have experienced leaks from the rear axle seals. These leaks can lead to oil puddles on the rear tires and should be addressed promptly.
Differential Problems: Some Titan owners have reported issues with the rear differential, such as noise or vibration. These issues may require repairs or replacements.
Suspension Concerns: A small number of owners have mentioned suspension problems, including issues with the shock absorbers or control arms. These can affect ride quality and handling.
Rust and Corrosion: In regions with harsh weather conditions, some owners have observed rust and corrosion on the frame or other undercarriage components. Rust prevention measures can help mitigate this issue.
Technical specifications: 2012 Nissan Titan 4X4 Crew Cab SL
- Base price (CAD MSRP): $39,898
- Price as tested: $54,493 (Includes DVD Package – $2,000.00; “Smoke” paint- $135; A/C Tax – $100.00; Freight and PDI – $1,630.00).
- Type: Full-size, 5 passenger pick-up truck.
- Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive with.
- Engine: -5.6litre V8, DOHC, 32 valves
- Horsepower: 317 @ 5,200 rpm
- Torque (lb-ft): 385 @ 3,400 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic
- Curb weight: 2,418 kg (5, lbs)
- Towing capacity: 4,128 kg (9,100 lbs)
- Payload: 774 kg (1,706 lbs)
- Fuel economy (L/100km): City 17.7 (16 mpg); Highway: 12.1 (23 mpg)
