Owners have filed 206 complaints
about the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder with NHTSA between 2002 and 2024.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 15 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 34
Against the median year of the Nissan Pathfinder. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 68
13.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2002 compares with every other Nissan Pathfinder
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Exhaust System
1424.6%
Body
1119.3%
Catalytic Convertor
915.8%
Engine
712.3%
Rear
58.8%
Frame AND Members
47.0%
Automatic Transmission
47.0%
Front
35.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1510.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
53.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1510.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2114.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1913.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4329.5%
150,000+ miles
2819.2%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Frontal crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2002 Nissan Pathfinder 4-DR. w/SAB
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2002 Nissan Pathfinder 4-DR.
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2002peak 9Mar 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
PE11004Opened 28 Jan 2011Closed 30 Jun 2011STEERING:COLUMN
Frame/Body Structure Corrosion
In their Defect Information Report (DIR) of April 20, 2011, Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified NHTSA that it would conduct a safety recall of certain 1996-2004 Nissan Pathfinder and 1997-2003 Infinity QX4 vehicles to repair corrosion damage to the driver's side front strut tower.The vehicles included in the recall are those that were originally sold, or are currently registered in salt belt states including Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Islan...
Recalls on the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202000321,192 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the passenger-front airbag inflator. The passenger-front airbag module or inflator will be replaced as necessary. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 201705414 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag inflator. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.
Recall 201427220,412 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger airbag inflator. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2013117. Vehicles corrected as part of the previous campaign will require re-inspection and/or repair.
Recall 201311755,824 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger airbag inflator.
Recall 201116574,983 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months, a mixture of snow/water and salt may enter an assembly location hole in the upper strut housing, causing water to collect at the mating surface of the strut housing panel and the inner hood ledge assembly. Over time, this snow/water and salt intrusion may result in corrosion of the strut tower housing structure. If the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition, the strut housing may crack and pull away from the inner hood ledge assembly. Should the strut housing separate and contact the steering column upper shaft, the steering shaft could break. A loss of steering control could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the strut housing and, if no corrosion or only minor surface corrosion is present, an anti-corrosion seal will be applied. If moderate corrosion is present, resin patches will be applied in addition to the sealant. If there is evidence of more significant corrosion, a metal reinforcement plate will be used to reinforce the strut housing assembly. In instances where it is impossible to repair the vehicle, Nissan will provide an appropriate remedy.
Recall 201021914 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, due to a problem during the airbag inflator manufacturing process, some front passenger airbag inflators may be missing components. If a vehicle with an affected airbag is involved in a crash where front passenger-side airbag deployment is warranted, increased internal pressure might create an irregular deployment which could increase the risk of front passenger injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace the front passenger-side airbag module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 10 milesWenatchee, WACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY CAR WONT STOP AND WHEN I PUSH THE BRAKES IT WILL PUSH THE GAS PEDAL OR GOT STOCK AND I ALL READY HAVE A TWO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THAT FIRST I HIT A STORE WALL AND DAMAGE BIG TIME AND THE SECOND TIME DID A CEMENT POST SO I NEED TO KNOW IF IS THIS CAR OR WHAT
NHTSA complaint #11082180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesWenatchee, WACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
MY CAR WONT STOP AND WHEN I PUSH THE BRAKES IT WILL PUSH THE GAS PEDAL OR GOT STOCK AND I ALL READY HAVE A TWO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THAT FIRST I HIT A STORE WALL AND DAMAGE BIG TIME AND THE SECOND TIME DID A CEMENT POST SO I NEED TO KNOW IF IS THIS CAR OR WHAT
NHTSA complaint #11082180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesHiawassee, GACrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10629369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesHelena, MTCrash
POWER TRAIN
WE WERE DRIVING NORTH BOUND ON 395 ABOUT 30 MILES SOUTH OF RITZVILLE, AT 3:30 ON SATURDAY, MAY 5TH. CLEAR SKIES, CLEAR ROAD CONDITIONS. SPARSE TRAFFIC, WE WERE IN THE OUTER MOST LANE. KIDS WERE QUIETLY WATCHING DVD IN BACKSEAT, WIFE AND I WERE CASUALLY TALKING. NO MUSIC ON, NO CELLPHONES, NO DISTRACTIONS. ALL OF A SUDDEN, WE HERD A THUNK AND THE REAR TIRES LOCKED UP. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND DROPPED THE CLUTCH (MANUAL TRANSMISSION), HOWEVER THE CAR WAS UNRESPONSIVE. ESSENTIALLY IT WAS AS IF I HAD SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS. AFTER A SECOND OF SKIDDING, WE STARTED A SLOW SPIN TO THE LEFT, CROSSING THE 'FAST' LANE. WE ENDED UP DOING A 360, THEN HIT THE SHOULDER AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY ROLLED, FINALLY LANDING DRIVER SIDE DOWN. SOMETHING ON THE PATHFINDER MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. I AM HOPING THIS IS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT, BUT WOULD LIKE TO REPORT IT IN CASE THIS IS A MUCH BIGGER ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10457991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesHelena, MTCrash
WHEELS
WE WERE DRIVING NORTH BOUND ON 395 ABOUT 30 MILES SOUTH OF RITZVILLE, AT 3:30 ON SATURDAY, MAY 5TH. CLEAR SKIES, CLEAR ROAD CONDITIONS. SPARSE TRAFFIC, WE WERE IN THE OUTER MOST LANE. KIDS WERE QUIETLY WATCHING DVD IN BACKSEAT, WIFE AND I WERE CASUALLY TALKING. NO MUSIC ON, NO CELLPHONES, NO DISTRACTIONS. ALL OF A SUDDEN, WE HERD A THUNK AND THE REAR TIRES LOCKED UP. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND DROPPED THE CLUTCH (MANUAL TRANSMISSION), HOWEVER THE CAR WAS UNRESPONSIVE. ESSENTIALLY IT WAS AS IF I HAD SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS. AFTER A SECOND OF SKIDDING, WE STARTED A SLOW SPIN TO THE LEFT, CROSSING THE 'FAST' LANE. WE ENDED UP DOING A 360, THEN HIT THE SHOULDER AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY ROLLED, FINALLY LANDING DRIVER SIDE DOWN. SOMETHING ON THE PATHFINDER MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. I AM HOPING THIS IS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT, BUT WOULD LIKE TO REPORT IT IN CASE THIS IS A MUCH BIGGER ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10457991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesAtlanta, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, SHE PASSED OUT BEHIND THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE WITH HER FOOT STEADILY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. UPON IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 154,000.
NHTSA complaint #10449439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Hatboro, PA
STEERING
This relates to Campaign Number 11V244000 We are the original and only owners of the vehicle I originally brought the vehicle in for the recall and they simply sprayed some undercoating in the wheel wells. Less than a month later both strut towers separated from the body of the vehicle while my wife was driving home, she lost steering and could have had a serious or fatal accident. I towed to the dealer and they installed braces in both strut towers. I have always taken exceptional care of my vehicles, which includes multiple washes during winter months and extensive undercarriage washing every spring. This past Oct when I took the vehicle in for mandatory state inspection I was informed that the vehicle would not pass inspection next year. They told me this once before in relation to extensive rust to the passenger side rear frame next to the muffler. I was able to cut out the rust and weld a thicker plate of steel in there to repair the frame. I just changed my oil and looked for what the mechanic was referring too. This time the rust is between the braces they installed for the struts and the front of the wheel well. The mechanic saw the rust coming through the paint and poked at it with a screw driver, the screw driver went right though the body leaving significant holes in the structure that supports the struts. When the weather breaks I will further inspect to determine if there is enough good metal left for me to attempt a repair. I am doubtful a repair will be possible as the metal used to construct this vehicle is very poor quality. Despite my constant care, washing, rust conversion treatments, painting with rust blocking paint and using undercoating, every inch on the underside of the vehicle is rusted. Both rear quarters rotted behind the wheel flares and down into where the rear doors close and contact the rear quarters. Now due to Nissan's decision to use substandard metal I am forced to buy a new vehicle which is currently financially impossible
NHTSA complaint #11577805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hatboro, PA
SUSPENSION
This relates to Campaign Number 11V244000 We are the original and only owners of the vehicle I originally brought the vehicle in for the recall and they simply sprayed some undercoating in the wheel wells. Less than a month later both strut towers separated from the body of the vehicle while my wife was driving home, she lost steering and could have had a serious or fatal accident. I towed to the dealer and they installed braces in both strut towers. I have always taken exceptional care of my vehicles, which includes multiple washes during winter months and extensive undercarriage washing every spring. This past Oct when I took the vehicle in for mandatory state inspection I was informed that the vehicle would not pass inspection next year. They told me this once before in relation to extensive rust to the passenger side rear frame next to the muffler. I was able to cut out the rust and weld a thicker plate of steel in there to repair the frame. I just changed my oil and looked for what the mechanic was referring too. This time the rust is between the braces they installed for the struts and the front of the wheel well. The mechanic saw the rust coming through the paint and poked at it with a screw driver, the screw driver went right though the body leaving significant holes in the structure that supports the struts. When the weather breaks I will further inspect to determine if there is enough good metal left for me to attempt a repair. I am doubtful a repair will be possible as the metal used to construct this vehicle is very poor quality. Despite my constant care, washing, rust conversion treatments, painting with rust blocking paint and using undercoating, every inch on the underside of the vehicle is rusted. Both rear quarters rotted behind the wheel flares and down into where the rear doors close and contact the rear quarters. Now due to Nissan's decision to use substandard metal I am forced to buy a new vehicle which is currently financially impossible
NHTSA complaint #11577805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hatboro, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
This relates to Campaign Number 11V244000 We are the original and only owners of the vehicle I originally brought the vehicle in for the recall and they simply sprayed some undercoating in the wheel wells. Less than a month later both strut towers separated from the body of the vehicle while my wife was driving home, she lost steering and could have had a serious or fatal accident. I towed to the dealer and they installed braces in both strut towers. I have always taken exceptional care of my vehicles, which includes multiple washes during winter months and extensive undercarriage washing every spring. This past Oct when I took the vehicle in for mandatory state inspection I was informed that the vehicle would not pass inspection next year. They told me this once before in relation to extensive rust to the passenger side rear frame next to the muffler. I was able to cut out the rust and weld a thicker plate of steel in there to repair the frame. I just changed my oil and looked for what the mechanic was referring too. This time the rust is between the braces they installed for the struts and the front of the wheel well. The mechanic saw the rust coming through the paint and poked at it with a screw driver, the screw driver went right though the body leaving significant holes in the structure that supports the struts. When the weather breaks I will further inspect to determine if there is enough good metal left for me to attempt a repair. I am doubtful a repair will be possible as the metal used to construct this vehicle is very poor quality. Despite my constant care, washing, rust conversion treatments, painting with rust blocking paint and using undercoating, every inch on the underside of the vehicle is rusted. Both rear quarters rotted behind the wheel flares and down into where the rear doors close and contact the rear quarters. Now due to Nissan's decision to use substandard metal I am forced to buy a new vehicle which is currently financially impossible
NHTSA complaint #11577805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hatboro, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My complaint relates to Campaign Number 07V435000 We are the original and only owner of this vehicle. While driving the vehicle I started to notice a fuel smell, after several attempts to locate the source, one day I added fuel, I noticed a small puddle in my driveway the following morning. I removed the wheel and the fender well cover to find the fuel filler neck had rotted through and fuel had wet both the tire and the brakes. The above campaign number has a recall the ends in the prior manufacturing year even though the part in question was used by the manufacturer through the 2004 model year. I repaired the vehicle and am now dealing with a constant check engine light due to a manufacturing defect that creates a large vacuum leak at the fuel cap. The part arrived with a notice that the leak is common and recommends replacement of the fuel cap. I replaced the cap and am having the same problem. I have retained the defective part should you wish to inspect it. I think the recall should be expanded to the entirety of the use of the defective part by the manufacturer, model year 2004. It would also be nice if the replacement part manufacturer was fined for selling a product they know to have defective manufacturing. Leak discovered 20 August 2023 at 153,789 miles Replacement part# FN748 from Spectra Premium ordered through Amazon
NHTSA complaint #11577797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,477 milesTruckee, CA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced at a local dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V244000 (Steering, Suspension); however, the mechanic diagnosed that there was no rust in the strut housing assembly. The contact then stated that when he replaced the front struts, excessive rust was seen in the strut housing assembly. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to multiple independent mechanics, who diagnosed that the front axle needed to be replaced and confirmed there was excessive rust in the strut housing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 147,477.
NHTSA complaint #11520142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,477 milesTruckee, CA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced at a local dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V244000 (Steering, Suspension); however, the mechanic diagnosed that there was no rust in the strut housing assembly. The contact then stated that when he replaced the front struts, excessive rust was seen in the strut housing assembly. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to multiple independent mechanics, who diagnosed that the front axle needed to be replaced and confirmed there was excessive rust in the strut housing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 147,477.
NHTSA complaint #11520142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dresden, TN
AIR BAGS
The contact's son owned a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that she received notification of NHTSA recall campaigns and flyers and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The contact stated that the vehicle was sold. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11478436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesSmithtown, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WROTE A LETTER AND FILED A COMPLAINT ABOUT A PERFORATED RUST FRAME ON MY 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH 118,000 MILES. I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END BROUGHT TO WHERE I PURCHASED 18 YEARS AGO TO HAVE A RECALLED PERFORMED ON THE AIR BAG FOR SAFETY BUT MY RUSTED FRAME IS NOT RECALLED. THE SMITHTOWN DEALERSHIP OWNED BY JOSEPH O RUBIO THAT I PURCHASED AND JUST BROUGHT MY TO CAR TO GET IT SERVICED. THE SERVICE TECH ANDREW LISSKE TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE MY NISSAN PATHFINDER FOR SAFETY REASONS BECAUSE THE FRAME IS ROTTED BUT CHNAGED MY AIR BAG FOR A RECALL THEN HE SAID MY VEHICLE IT IS OLD AND THEY DON'T MAKE CARS LIKE THEY USED TO . ATTACHESIS THE SERVICE TICKET. I WAS DRIVING AND THE FRONT PASSENGER END WAS HOPING WHILE GOING OVER 40 MILES AN HOUR. I WROTE AND SPOKE TO SOMEONE NOT I HAVE DOCUMATATION.
NHTSA complaint #11316447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesSmithtown, NY
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE VIBRATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE PARKED THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE WELDED PRIOR TO REPLACING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
NHTSA complaint #11315925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesSmithtown, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
I BROUGHT IT TO MY MECHANIC WE LOOKED AT THE FRAME UNDER THE CARS FRONT END IT IS CLUCKING THERE IS EXCESSIVE RUST, PERFORATED STEEL AND DISCONNECTED FROM OTHER PARTS VERY DANGEROUS. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW FROM SMITHTOWN NISSIAN IN 2002 I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I CALLED SMITHTOWN NISSAN THEY SAID THEY HAVE RECALLS FOR THIS BUT MY VIN# CAR IS NOT AFFECTED I READ THE RECALL NOTICE R1107 IT STATES IM HIGH SALT AREAS AND NEW YORK IS ONE OF THEM FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM . THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE LIABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11291453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesOzone Park, NY
SUSPENSION
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 PATHFINDER TO WORK ON MONDAY OF THIS WEEK WHEN I STARTED TO FEEL A SLIGHT SHAKING IN MY STEERING WHEEL AND CHATTER IN MY BRAKE PEDAL WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. AFTER I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY I COULD BARELY MAKE A RIGHT TURN AS THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY STIFF. I CHECKED MY FRONT END AND WHAT I FOUND WAS FRIGHTENING. THE DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER HAD TORN FROM THE FRAME AND BODY AND WAS NOW PUSHING AGAINST BOTH THE STEERING SHAFT AND MASTER CYLINDER WHICH WAS BENT UP AT AN ANGLE. MY MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER IS NOW SUPPORTING THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL! THANK GOD THE STRUT DID NOT SNAP THE STEERING SHAFT OR MASTER CYLINDER WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. I MIGHT BE IN A HOSPITAL BED OR DEAD. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHO TOLD ME THAT IT RECEIVED A LEVEL 1 REPAIR BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER (I AM THE SECOND OWNER) IN 2011 AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE EXCEPT TO CALL CORPORATE. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THE RECALL HAS TWO LEVELS: 1 AND 2. LEVEL 1 IS A SIMPLE INSPECTION, CLEANING AND COATING. LEVEL 2 REQUIRES A BOLTED IN METAL BRACE BE INSTALLED TO REINFORCE THE STRUT TOWER. NISSAN CORPORATE TOLD ME THE LEVEL 1 REPAIR WAS ALREADY COMPLETED AND NOTHING FURTHER COULD BE DONE EVEN THOUGH THE REPAIR DID NOTHING TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AND NOW I AM IN NEED OF A LEVEL 2 REPAIR. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT NISSAN CAN WALK AWAY FROM THIS AFTER THEIR LEVEL 1 FIX FAILS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE LEVEL 1 REPAIR IS A TICKING TIME BOMB AS THE SO CALLED "FIX" DOES NOTHING TO STOP THE TOWER FROM FAILING. I HONESTLY FEEL THAT NISSAN HAS NOT DONE ENOUGH TO REMEDY THE ISSUE AND THERE COULD STILL BE HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF PATHFINDERS WITH BOGUS LEVEL 1 REPAIRS ON OUR ROADS RIGHT THIS MINUTE. NISSAN SHOULD PROVIDE THE LEVEL 2 RECALL EVEN IF LEVEL 1 HAS ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED.
NHTSA complaint #11256630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 223,000 milesSuwanee, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN I REALIZED MY CAR WAS ACCELERATING QUICKLY WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO SLOW IT DOWN TO 65. AT THE SAME TIME I MOVED THE RUG BACK IN CASE IT WAS CAUGHT, BUT THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM AND I ALSO TAPPED THE GAS PEDAL TO SEE IF IT WAS STUCK AND IT WAS NOT. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE FOR 15 MILES WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE ENTIRE TIME UNTIL I EXITED THE HIGHWAY AND WAS ABLE TO ENTER A PARKING LOT WHERE I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD. THE CAR WAS SHAKING AND THE ENGINE WAS REVVING AND THE CAR WAS TRYING TO PUSH FORWARD. I WAS AFRAID PUTTING IT IN NEUTRAL WOULD NOT WORK SO I THREW IT IN TO PARK AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AS THE CAR JERKED TO A STOP. I PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURNED IT OFF. AS I EXITED THE CAR, I COULD SMELL BURNING AND MOVED AWAY FROM THE CAR. I WAS SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY AND BROKE DOWN AFTER THAT. I CALLED THE NISSAN DEALER THAT SERVICES MY CAR TO SAY WHAT HAPPENED AND IT WOULD BE TOWED THERE. I CALLED MY INSURANCE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO TOW THE CAR. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER TURNED THE CAR ON TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND IT IMMEDIATELY BEGAN REVVING UP AGAIN SO HE TURNED IT OFF AND POPPED THE HOOD AND SHOWED ME WHERE THE THROTTLE WAS AND THE WIRES GOING TO IT AND HE FIDDLED WITH THOSE AND STARTED THE CAR AGAIN AND HE PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND TOWED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #11228444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMerrionette Park, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
NISSAN REPAIRED STRUT HOUSING UNDER RECALL. THEIR " BAND-AID " OF A REPAIR IS FAILING. CONTACTED NISSAN AND WAS TOLD THEY DID WHAT WAS REQUIRED. HOUSING REPAIR IS COMING APART AND BRAKE LINE PULLING AWAY. WAS TOLD BUY A NEW VEHICLE. WHY SHOULD I WHEN MINE RUNS PERFECTLY FINE. BUT NOW ITS UNSAFE. SO UNHAPPY WITH THEIR RESPONSE.
NHTSA complaint #11173083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesFenton, MI
SUSPENSION
THE AREA WHERE THE CONTROL ARMS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME/BODY RUSTED OUT MAKING THE THE CAR UNSAFE TI BE ON THR ROAD. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT OTHER AREAS OF THE UNIBODY WERE ALSO RUSTING AWAY AND ADVISED JUNKING THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11150256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,070 milesWhitestone, NY
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE BRAKE LINES DUE TO RUST ON THE STRUTS OF THE VEHICLE. DUE TO THE BRAKE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED. STAR NISSAN (206-02 NORTHERN BLVD, BAYSIDE, NEW YORK 11361, (888) 457-6717) REPAIRED THE DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V244000 (STEERING, SUSPENSION), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUT BECAME FAULTY IN SEPTEMBER OF 2018. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,070.
NHTSA complaint #11141002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,070 milesWhitestone, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE BRAKE LINES DUE TO RUST ON THE STRUTS OF THE VEHICLE. DUE TO THE BRAKE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED. STAR NISSAN (206-02 NORTHERN BLVD, BAYSIDE, NEW YORK 11361, (888) 457-6717) REPAIRED THE DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V244000 (STEERING, SUSPENSION), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUT BECAME FAULTY IN SEPTEMBER OF 2018. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,070.
NHTSA complaint #11141002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,000 milesBoise, ID
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL FILLER NECK CORROSION RESULTS IN LEAK IN FUEL, EVAPORATIVE, AND EMISSIONS SYSTEMS. FUEL WILL LEAK AFTER FILLING GAS TANK, CREATING SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR 1997-2001 PATHFINDERS, BUT SHOULD LIKELY BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE PATHFINDERS THROUGH 2004, WHICH USE SAME DESIGN.
NHTSA complaint #11100032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesWenatchee, WACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY CAR WONT STOP AND WHEN I PUSH THE BRAKES IT WILL PUSH THE GAS PEDAL OR GOT STOCK AND I ALL READY HAVE A TWO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THAT FIRST I HIT A STORE WALL AND DAMAGE BIG TIME AND THE SECOND TIME DID A CEMENT POST SO I NEED TO KNOW IF IS THIS CAR OR WHAT
NHTSA complaint #11082180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesWenatchee, WACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
MY CAR WONT STOP AND WHEN I PUSH THE BRAKES IT WILL PUSH THE GAS PEDAL OR GOT STOCK AND I ALL READY HAVE A TWO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THAT FIRST I HIT A STORE WALL AND DAMAGE BIG TIME AND THE SECOND TIME DID A CEMENT POST SO I NEED TO KNOW IF IS THIS CAR OR WHAT
NHTSA complaint #11082180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,700 milesBeloefonte, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR NEAR THE FUEL TANK, BUT DID NOT OBSERVE ANY FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,700.
NHTSA complaint #11081083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,700 milesUnion, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
RECALL #11V244000 APPLIES TO MY ISSUE. BOTH FRONT APRONS ROTTED. CONFIMED BY MY LOCAL STS. MY VIN # IS NOT COVERED SOMEHOW. NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF CAMPAIGN. TOLD BY NISSAN DEALER I'M NOT COVERED.
NHTSA complaint #11078935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesNiagara Falls, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE FRAME ON THESE PATHFINDERS ARE RUSTING AND SHOW ROT THAT IS NOT EXCEPT ABLE OR SAFE MY VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE THE FRAME IS ROTTED.I BELIEVE THESE SHOULD BE RECALLED AS THE MORE I SEARCH ONLINE THE MORE I SEE OTHER OWNERS GOING THROUGH THE SAME THING.NISSAN NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #11075751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLander, WY
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL- THE NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT WAS UNWILLING TO ASSIST ME IN REPAIRING THE AFFECTED VEHICLE. THE CLOSEST SERVICE AREA IS 98.3 MILES ONE WAY FROM MY HOUSE IN WHICH THEY TOLD ME TO PAY FOR THE COST OF TRAVEL AND TIME OFF OF WORK OUT OF MY OWN POCKET IN ORDER FOR THE REPAIRS TO BE COMPLETED. I ASKED IF THE SERVICE STATION COULD INSTEAD PICK UP MY VEHICLE AND PROVIDE ME A LOANER VEHICLE WHILE THE REPAIRS WERE TAKING PLACE IN WHICH THEY DECLINED.
NHTSA complaint #11047849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLander, WY
STEERING
TAKATA RECALL- THE NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT WAS UNWILLING TO ASSIST ME IN REPAIRING THE AFFECTED VEHICLE. THE CLOSEST SERVICE AREA IS 98.3 MILES ONE WAY FROM MY HOUSE IN WHICH THEY TOLD ME TO PAY FOR THE COST OF TRAVEL AND TIME OFF OF WORK OUT OF MY OWN POCKET IN ORDER FOR THE REPAIRS TO BE COMPLETED. I ASKED IF THE SERVICE STATION COULD INSTEAD PICK UP MY VEHICLE AND PROVIDE ME A LOANER VEHICLE WHILE THE REPAIRS WERE TAKING PLACE IN WHICH THEY DECLINED.
NHTSA complaint #11047849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLander, WY
SUSPENSION
TAKATA RECALL- THE NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT WAS UNWILLING TO ASSIST ME IN REPAIRING THE AFFECTED VEHICLE. THE CLOSEST SERVICE AREA IS 98.3 MILES ONE WAY FROM MY HOUSE IN WHICH THEY TOLD ME TO PAY FOR THE COST OF TRAVEL AND TIME OFF OF WORK OUT OF MY OWN POCKET IN ORDER FOR THE REPAIRS TO BE COMPLETED. I ASKED IF THE SERVICE STATION COULD INSTEAD PICK UP MY VEHICLE AND PROVIDE ME A LOANER VEHICLE WHILE THE REPAIRS WERE TAKING PLACE IN WHICH THEY DECLINED.
NHTSA complaint #11047849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
