Transmission Assembly for 2012 Nissan Frontier, Xterra
Product Notes Read before buying
This is a 5-speed automatic transmission for 4WD models with the 4.0L V6 engine. It fits specific configurations of the Nissan Frontier: Crew Cab 4x4 with the off-road package, and King Cab 4x4.
Voice or type your vehicle details and Wrenchy will confirm fitment in seconds.
Vehicle Fitment Guide
This part fits the following vehicles:
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRO-4X | Crew Cab Pickup | 2012 | V6 4.0L | 4WD | Automatic |
| PRO-4X | Extended Cab Pickup | 2012 | V6 4.0L | 4WD | Automatic |
| S | Crew Cab Pickup | 2012 | V6 4.0L | 4WD | Automatic |
| S | Extended Cab Pickup | 2012 | V6 4.0L | 4WD | Automatic |
| SL | Crew Cab Pickup | 2012 | V6 4.0L | 4WD | Automatic |
| SV | Crew Cab Pickup | 2012 | V6 4.0L | 4WD | Automatic |
| SV | Extended Cab Pickup | 2012 | V6 4.0L | 4WD | Automatic |
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRO-4X | SUV | 2012 | V6 4.0L | 4WD | Automatic |
| S | SUV | 2012 | V6 4.0L | 4WD | Automatic |
| SV | SUV | 2012 | V6 4.0L | 4WD | Automatic |
| X | SUV | 2012 | V6 4.0L | 4WD | Automatic |
Know This Transmission Before You Buy
The research behind our purchase interview — recalls, bulletins and real install economics for this transmission family:
A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right transmission shows up:
- Verify the transmission tag model code on the passenger side of the case.
- Confirm the vehicle is a 4WD (4x4) model.
- Check the 8th digit of the VIN is 'A' to confirm the 4.0L V6 engine.
- Inspect radiator and coolant for signs of SMOD contamination.
What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:
Special tools this job needs:
- Heavy-duty transmission jack
- Torque converter depth gauge or caliper
- OBD2 scan tool with Nissan-specific bi-directional capabilities
- Torque wrench
- Fluid pump
Budget for these consumables at install:
- Nissan Matic S ATF (fully synthetic)
- Filter & Pan Gasket Kit
- Torque Converter Seal
- Rear output shaft seal
- Professional-grade cooler line flush
What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:
What’s involved: TCM Adaptive Relearn / Shift Adaptation Reset
sources differ: Arm 1 states a dealer-level bi-directional scan tool is required for adaptive relearn, while Arm 2 states no complex programming is required but clearing adaptive shift points is good practice. Cautious value 'model_dependent' selected.
Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:
- Torque converter must be fully seated (at least 25.0 mm / 0.98 inches depth) before bolting to the engine to prevent cracking the oil pump gear.
- Mandatory cooler line flush to clear out metal shavings, friction material, or coolant residue.
- Ensure alignment dowel pins are present in the engine block.
- Inspect flexplate for cracks before bolting up the new transmission.
Easy to get right once you know them:
- Reusing a contaminated radiator after an SMOD failure.
- Forcing the bellhousing bolts to pull the engine and transmission together when the torque converter is not fully seated.
- Using incorrect or cheap universal ATF instead of Nissan Matic S.
- Skipping the TCM adaptive relearn process.
Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every transmission of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer:
🔎 Recommended at install: Replace the radiator and thoroughly flush the cooler lines before installing the replacement transmission.
🔎 Recommended at install: Repair cracked solder joints on the internal TCM circuit board or replace failing solenoids.
🔎 Recommended at install: Complete fluid flush using correct OE-spec fluid.
🔎 Recommended at install: Replace broken bolts connecting the engine oil cooler and oil filter.
🔎 Recommended at install: Replace brittle shift cable lock plate.
Researched from factory recalls, TSBs and OEM service data (reference unit 400-51971-4575473). Unit-specific details — mileage, condition, warranty, freight — are covered in the checkout interview.
Policies, in plain English.
Shipping & Handling
- Ships by LTL freight on a pallet — a real freight truck, not a parcel van
- Your checkout freight quote covers delivery to your door (liftgate service included for residential addresses)
- The carrier calls ahead to schedule a delivery window — someone must be present to receive it
- Typically palletized and picked up within 2–3 business days; transit time depends on distance
120-Day Warranty
This part includes a 120-day warranty.
- If the part fails within the warranty window, we'll replace it or refund per the coverage terms
- Coverage is parts-only — installation labor is not included
- Warranty covers defects — not installation errors, misuse, or damage after installation
Your pre-purchase interview reviews these exact terms with you before anything is charged.
Returns (30 Days)
We accept returns of uninstalled parts within 30 days of delivery for this part.
- Defective parts: We will replace the part or issue a refund at our discretion
- Programming: "Needs to be programmed to my vehicle" is not a valid return reason. Many modules require dealer programming — we're happy to help connect you with resources if your dealer says it's not programmable
- Return shipping: This part ships by freight (LTL) — the part price is refundable per the terms above, but shipping costs are non-refundable and return freight follows the seller's return terms. Your pre-purchase interview walks through the exact numbers before you buy
- Parts must be returned in original packaging and unmodified condition
- Poorly packaged returns that arrive damaged will not be credited
Damaged in Shipping?
Freight damage is rare — and you're fully protected when you do two things at delivery:
- Inspect before you sign — you're allowed time to look the pallet over while the driver waits
- Write any damage on the delivery receipt before signing — that one line is what makes a freight claim succeed
- Severe damage? Refuse the delivery — it goes back at no cost to you and we make it right
- Photograph the pallet before unwrapping; report concealed damage within 24 hours of delivery
We handle the carrier claim — you just help document it. Your pre-purchase interview walks through this checklist too.
Order Cancellation
Cancel before shipment for a full refund. Once the pallet has been built, a preparation charge may apply — and once the freight carrier picks it up, shipping costs are non-refundable and standard return terms apply. Your pre-purchase interview shows the exact numbers before you pay.
Expert Guides
2012 Nissan Frontier & Xterra 4.0L 4x4 Transmission: Problems, Identification, and Used Replacement
Identify the Jatco RE5R05A, understand SMOD and TCM failures, and learn when to swap in a used OEM transmission.
Read Full Guide →Related Trouble Codes (OBD-II)
8 matching guidesIf your scan tool is showing one of these trouble codes, this part is a common fix. Each guide explains the code, how to diagnose it, and exactly what to replace.
Miscellaneous Information
OEM Part Numbers:
Nissan: 310209BA4B, 310209BA4C, 310C09BA4B, 310C09BA4C, 9BA4C
Fits Years: 2012
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This unit ships with the selling yard's 120-day warranty. Longer plans can be requested during checkout.
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