Nissan Pathfinder problems and known issues

Generation:

Second generation (1996–2004)

Years:

2002–2004

Powertrain:

All

Some 2002–2004 Pathfinders, and other Nissan and Infiniti models, received non-desiccated Takata passenger inflators as interim parts in earlier recalls; these can explode after long exposure to heat and humidity. Dealers fit desiccated inflators free of charge. The 307,962 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [24]

Generation:

Second generation (1996–2004)

Years:

2002–2004

Powertrain:

All

On 2002–2004 Pathfinders and several other early-2000s Nissan and Infiniti models, excess pressure can rupture the passenger front air bag inflator and spray metal fragments. Dealers replace the inflator free of charge. A small 2002 Pathfinder campaign (17V068) covers the same risk. The 1,090,569 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [25][26]

Generation:

Second generation (1996–2004)

Years:

1996–2004

Powertrain:

All

On 1996–2004 Pathfinders and 1997–2003 Infiniti QX4s in salt-belt states, salty water can collect at the front strut housing and corrode it until it cracks away from the hood ledge, which can lead to grinding, heavy steering and a broken steering column. Dealers inspect and repair as needed, free of charge. The 195,991 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [27]

Generation:

Third generation (2005–2012)

Years:

2008–2011

Powertrain:

All

The resin emblem on the driver air bag cover of 2008–2011 Pathfinders, Frontiers, Xterras, Titans and Armadas, and 2008–2009 Quests, can crack and break loose during deployment, striking occupants. Dealers replace the driver air bag cover free of charge. The 404,690 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [19]

Generation:

Third generation (2005–2012)

Years:

2005–2009

Powertrain:

All

In 2005–2009 Pathfinders, Frontiers and Xterras sold or registered in the salt-belt states and D.C., salty water can enter the front crash zone sensor and rust it, lighting the air bag warning and possibly preventing front air bag deployment. Dealers fit a redesigned sensor; owners in other states received a 10-year warranty extension on the sensor. The 242,720 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [20]

Generation:

Third generation (2005–2012)

Years:

2005–2006

Powertrain:

All

An engine control relay inside the power distribution module of 2005–2006 Pathfinders, Frontiers and Xterras and 2004–2006 Armadas, Titans and QX56s can build up oxide on its contacts and stall the engine. Dealers replace the relay free of charge. The 747,480 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [21]

Generation:

Third generation (2005–2012)

Years:

2010

Powertrain:

All

Some lower control links on 2010 Pathfinders, Frontiers, Xterras, Titans, Armadas and QX56s built November 2009–March 2010 have welds below strength specification that could separate and degrade handling. Dealers repair the vehicles free of charge. The 41,649 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [22]

Generation:

Third generation (2005–2012)

Years:

2006 and 2008

Powertrain:

All

The fuel tank shell on 2006 and 2008 Pathfinders, Frontiers and Xterras can deform so the gauge reads about a quarter tank when the tank is empty, risking a stall. Dealers replace the fuel level sender free of charge. The 80,689 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [23]

Generation:

Fourth generation (2013–2020)

Years:

2013–2016

Powertrain:

All

On 2013–2016 Pathfinders the secondary hood latch can stay in the open position after the hood is closed, so the hood could fly up while driving. Dealers replace the bell crank assembly free of charge. NHTSA lists 322,671 vehicles in the campaign.

Sources: [6]

Generation:

Fourth generation (2013–2020)

Years:

2013–2014

Powertrain:

All

On certain 2013–2014 Pathfinders and Pathfinder Hybrids, and related Infiniti JX35 and QX60 models, the hood release cable may be installed so the secondary latch stays open. Dealers change the angle of the release mechanism free of charge. The 170,665 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [7]

Generation:

Fourth generation (2013–2020)

Years:

2013–2015

Powertrain:

All

The brake light switch location on 2013–2015 Pathfinders can make its relay cycle until it sticks on, keeping the brake lights lit, triggering brake override and letting the shifter leave Park without the brake pressed. Dealers reposition the switch and replace the relay free of charge. NHTSA lists 264,431 vehicles in the campaign.

Sources: [8]

Generation:

Fourth generation (2013–2020)

Years:

2013–2014

Powertrain:

All

An earlier campaign for 2013–2014 Pathfinders built June 2012–June 2013 found the brake light switch could be mis-installed, with the same stuck-relay effects later covered by 21V020. Dealers inspect the switch and replace the relay as needed, free of charge. NHTSA lists 79,853 vehicles in the campaign.

Sources: [9]

Generation:

Fourth generation (2013–2020)

Years:

2017–2019

Powertrain:

All

This campaign expanded recall 18V601 and re-covers unrepaired vehicles. The ABS actuator pump in 2017–2019 Pathfinders, 2015–2018 Muranos, 2016–2018 Maximas and 2017–2019 QX60s can leak brake fluid onto its circuit board and short, creating a fire risk. Dealers replace the ABS actuator free of charge; NHTSA's summary notes an ABS light staying on for more than 10 seconds can signal a leak. The 391,479 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [10][11]

Generation:

Fourth generation (2013–2020)

Years:

2014–2015

Powertrain:

Hybrid

Hybrid control software in 2014–2015 Pathfinder Hybrids, 2015–2016 Murano Hybrids and 2014–2017 QX60 Hybrids can shut down the hybrid system and engine in some conditions, causing a loss of drive power. Dealers reprogram the hybrid control module free of charge. The 7,634 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [12]

Generation:

Fourth generation (2013–2020)

Years:

2013–2016

Powertrain:

All

The occupant classification system in 2013–2016 Pathfinders and many other Nissans can misread an adult passenger and switch off the passenger front air bag. On the Pathfinder, dealers replace the classification control unit free of charge. The 3,296,947 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [13]

Generation:

Fourth generation (2013–2020)

Years:

2013–2014

Powertrain:

All

Occupant classification software in 2013–2014 Pathfinders and several other Nissan and Infiniti models could read an occupied passenger seat as empty and turn off the passenger air bag. Dealers update the software free of charge. The 989,701 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [14]

Generation:

Fourth generation (2013–2020)

Years:

2013

Powertrain:

Xtronic CVT

On certain 2013 Pathfinders built April–October 2012 with a CVT, the internal oil cooler hose may come off its cooler because the clamp is too weak, leaking transmission fluid until the vehicle stops accelerating. Dealers install an oil hose repair kit free of charge. NHTSA lists 3,065 vehicles in the campaign.

Sources: [15]

Generation:

Fourth generation (2013–2020)

Years:

2013–2014

Powertrain:

All

During light braking on rough roads, ABS software in certain 2013–2014 Pathfinders and related Infiniti models could increase stopping distance. Dealers reprogram the ABS free of charge. The 151,695 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [16]

Generation:

Fourth generation (2013–2020)

Years:

2013

Powertrain:

All

Front brake torque members on certain 2013 Pathfinders and Infiniti JXs built December 2012–January 2013 were poorly cast and can crack, letting the caliper move into the wheel and reducing braking. Dealers inspect and replace them as needed, free of charge. The 19,258 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [17]

Generation:

Fourth generation (2013–2020)

Years:

2015–2018

Powertrain:

Xtronic CVT

Under a CVT class action settlement, the powertrain warranty on 2015–2018 Pathfinders was extended from 60 months or 60,000 miles to 84 months or 84,000 miles, whichever occurs first, according to BBB National Programs, which arbitrates disputes under the settlement. This is a warranty extension, not a safety recall.

Sources: [18]

Generation:

Fifth generation (2022 onward)

Years:

2025

Powertrain:

All

Certain 2025 Pathfinders, Muranos and Infiniti QX60s may have front brake calipers with reduced strength that could break and cause a loss of front braking. Dealers inspect and replace the calipers as needed, free of charge. The 1,430 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [1]

Generation:

Fifth generation (2022 onward)

Years:

2024

Powertrain:

All

Certain 2024 Pathfinders and Infiniti QX60s may have a driver lap belt pretensioner that is loose because a rivet is missing, so the belt may not restrain the driver in a crash. Dealers inspect and replace it as needed, free of charge. The 12,019 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [2]

Generation:

Fifth generation (2022 onward)

Years:

2023

Powertrain:

All

The driver's power seat in certain 2023 Pathfinders, Rogues and Infiniti QX60s may not be fully secured to the frame, letting welds break away from a seat bracket. Dealers check seat rail clearance and replace the seat cushion frame if needed, free of charge. The 12,400 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Pathfinder.

Sources: [3]

Generation:

Fifth generation (2022 onward)

Years:

2022

Powertrain:

All

Certain 2022 Pathfinders may have third-row headrests with poor welds or misaligned internals that let them move or come off. Dealers replace all three third-row headrests free of charge. NHTSA lists 10,082 vehicles in the campaign.

Sources: [4]

Generation:

Fifth generation (2022 onward)

Years:

2022

Powertrain:

All

Weak welds on certain 2022 Pathfinders can let the secondary hood latch bracket separate from the front bumper, so the hood could open if the primary latch is not engaged. Dealers inspect and replace the bracket as needed, free of charge. NHTSA lists 3,030 vehicles in the campaign.

Sources: [5]