964 of the 10,298 complaints filed about the Nissan Pathfinder are about the fuel system — 9% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2005.
964
Complaints
9%
Share of all complaints
8
Crashes
3
Fires
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Both sluggish to begin acceleration and car acceleration on its own after a passing throttle up. It was as if the throttle stuck open for more than 5 seconds.
NHTSA complaint #11743646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My vehicle has the idle stop feature. When at a red light, the vehicle shut off and went into idle mode. However, when the light turned green, and I removed my foot from the brake and pressed the gas, nothing happened. The vehicle had shut off entirely and when I turned it back on, it was in neutral. I had to put the vehicle in drive. I had 2 children in the car with me and it was very nerve racking to have a plethora of vehicles stuck behind me honking their horns because I was not moving for a green light. Now mind you, the speed limit on this road is 45 mph. If traffic was flowing, we could of been rear ended. I think we got really lucky on this day. I purchased this vehicle 8 days ago. I researched this issue and it is a common issue, however, there is no recall for it. https://www.reddit.com/r/nissanpathfinder/comments/14ov95d/2023_pathfinder_auto_start_issue_shifts_to/
NHTSA complaint #11722912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
serious incident that happened. While we were driving heading uphill to the beach, the check engine light and multiple warnings suddenly appeared. It said 'transmission error' and 'engine power reduced,' and the car just shut down with the kids inside. We were at risk of the car rolling backwards. I really think this is a major safety issue tied to the vehicle's design or manufacturing. Second incident was also driving on the road and suddenly all the lights appeared again and the engine shut off on its own leaving me and the kids stuck on road. I wasn’t able to switch it to N to at least try to push it out the way! I was stuck in traffic and had to call road assistance to get the car towed home! At this point I’m scared to drive anywhere especially with my kids inside.
NHTSA complaint #11721628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
8/28/23: fuel pump replacement at just 16 miles, 10/12/23: check engine light with no documented repair, only that the code was cleared and the vehicle test driven, 12/18/25: pre-delivery inspection revealed clicking noise while turning and a leaking oil pressure switch requiring replacement parts and realignment, 1/19/26: check engine light on - battery replaced, 1/20/26: check engine light on - AF sensor bank 1 replaced, 1/22/26: check engine light on - fuel injector / lines replaced, 2/2/26: check engine light on - O2 sensor replaced, 2/5/26: failure to accelerate while driving - towed home due to dealership being closed, towed to dealership first thing the next morning and is currently under further investigation. Please see attached letter. Also, the dates reflected on the Carfax report are inaccurate.
NHTSA complaint #11716433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle has an ongoing safety-related defect involving the forward distance sensor. The distance sensor randomly turns off while driving, which disables critical collision-avoidance systems including Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning, and Intelligent Cruise Control. The failure is intermittent and unpredictable. The safety systems may appear functional and then shut off without warning, which creates a safety hazard because the driver cannot reliably depend on the vehicle’s crash-prevention features. The vehicle has been taken in for repair multiple times. The distance sensor has already been replaced once, but the problem continues to occur. In addition to the sensor issue, the vehicle has experienced multiple serious repairs, including replacement of the ECM, fuel pump replacement twice, battery replacement twice, engine oil pressure switch replacement, and other electrical-related issues. These repeated failures suggest an ongoing electronic or control system problem. At one point, the vehicle was held by the dealership due to the ECM being removed. A representative at Nissan of Murfreesboro suggested that I could pick up and drive the vehicle without the new ECM installed, stating it “shouldn’t” cause damage. I refused due to safety and risk of engine damage. Nissan Consumer Affairs has denied a buyback request and has only offered partial repair assistance, despite the safety system continuing to fail. The defect remains unresolved and continues to disable collision-avoidance systems while the vehicle is in operation. This issue presents a safety risk due to the loss of crash-prevention functionality without warning. I’ve had issues with the vehicle since I bought it in 2024. Nissan would only see my vehicle if I had a “video” since they have to have “proof” of the issue. Jan. 5, 2026 is the most recent time of me taking it in for the electrical light turning on and they said it’s internal failure of distance censor again.
NHTSA complaint #11712877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My vehicle has had 3 fuel pump failures in under a year, requiring 3 separate fuel pump replacements by an authorized Nissan dealership. The fuel pump failure causes the vehicle without warning to stall in active traffic, loss of power and the drivers seat to move back away from the steering wheel. The infotainment center has also failed 2 times and had to be replaced 2 separate times by an authorized Nissan dealership. The infotainment center failures also cause the back up and side view cameras to become inoperable. The vehicle and repair records are available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others is put at risk because the repeated and unpredictable fuel pump failures cause the engine to stall in active traffic and the loss of power. This is unsafe because the stalling has happened in hazardous situations like while exiting the interstate. The drivers seat also moves away from the steering wheel and brake while the car is in motion creating a risk of loss of control. Additionally, when the infotainment system fails so do the side view and back up cameras increasing the risk of an accident. Although the vehicle is currently operational, the pattern of failures creates an ongoing safety risk. An authorized Nissan dealership confirmed the failures and replaced the fuel pump three times and the infotainment system twice. The vehicle was inspected and repaired multiple times by an authorized Nissan dealership, and the issues were reported to Nissan Consumer Affairs. The failures occurred intermittently and without warning.
NHTSA complaint #11712591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VIN [XXX] Date of Incident: December 21, 2025 Location: I-295 South, merging onto I-95 South, Jacksonville, FL Vehicle: 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, VIN [XXX] Owner: [XXX] Witness: [XXX] Phone Number: [XXX] Email Address: [XXX] Incident Description: While driving on I-295 South, merging onto I-95 South at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The gas pedal became completely stuck to the floor, and I had to keep my foot on the brakes to try to slow the vehicle. Every time I lifted my foot off the brakes, the car would accelerate again. I had to gently pat the brakes repeatedly to slow the vehicle. Once I was finally able to slow the vehicle and bring it to a stop while keeping my foot on the brakes, I tried to shift the car into Park, but it would not go into Park and the gas pedal remained stuck to the floor. I had to turn off the engine completely before the gas pedal released and the car could be shifted into Park. My husband, Alan Moore, was in the car and witnessed all of these events. This incident created a life-threatening situation. The vehicle had previously been taken to the dealership for fuel consumption issues, but no problem was found at that time. Additional Information: The vehicle is unsafe to drive, and I am requesting immediate escalation to Nissan North America for buyback or replacement, as well as a loaner vehicle while this matter is under review. VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11706414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at 82 MPH, the vehicle suddenly started to lose motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually resumed normal operation before the hesitation returned. The contact stated that while driving to the mechanic, both the check engine and ABS warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that after arriving to the independent mechanic, the mechanic retrieved DTCs: P0087 (Fuel Rail System Pressure too low) and P0090(Fuel Pump). The contact called a dealer, and the contact was provided with an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11703256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Around 160,000 miles my CVT transmission went out. I almost got into a wreck no warning lights just stopped on me. When I took it to my local dealership in waco, Texas they told me I'll be good to wait over the weekend that they first opening wasn't until Tuesday. I came by on a Thursday. The car was making noises I was concerned and it wasn't accelerating like normal. I slowly drove it to Nissan dealership in Temple tx 30 mins away. The tech there immediately drove it to see if it was apressing concern or not. He immediately stated it wasn't safe and they gave me a loaner. My vehicle was in the shop for three weeks I had to get a $14,000 loan to repair it because my extended warranty didn't cover specifically CVT transmissions because of Nissan history with the other vehicles with that transmission type. I contacted Nissan corporate they said they would give me a warranty but since the Pathfinder wasn't on their recall list they couldn't assist me in that manner. Since the CVT transmission repair I've had engine issues and now my catalytic converter isn't working properly. I've given Nissan money on repairs that normally doesn't happen until the vehicles is over 200,000 miles. I went to some Nissan Pathfinder forums and found out this is to be true that many Pathfinder owners are buying new transmissions or vehicles all together because of this defect in the Nissan CVT transmissions. I hope to get my money back since I'm a disabled Afghanistan Navy veteran on a limited income. If it's happening to me it's happening to others and should be investigated.
NHTSA complaint #11702225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car started jerking multiple times and then RPM went down to zero and stopped driving while in traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11689533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2013 Pathfinder keeps shuddering and jerking and swerving while driving
NHTSA complaint #11677892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I've ran out of gas twice my indicator the gas tank gauge does not show that the vehicle is empty it shows it's full and then I run out of gas on the side of the road almost get hit by cars trying to get to gas station to get more gas in the middle of traffic very dangerous have my daughter with me trying to push my vehicle out of the way so I don't get hit apparently it's a recall that says mine was done but it's not done because it's still having problems I am the third owner of mine so I think it was mislabeled as completed if that's the case then how do I know any of these recalls have been done properly
NHTSA complaint #11668994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle shifted itself to neutral when stopping at a red light. I had to shift the car back to drive. When I tried to pull off from the red light, the car nearly shut off. Just researching other similar incidents, the problem is related to the start/stop function.
NHTSA complaint #11667281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
vehicle does not accelerates properly after a left turn it starts jerking violently and it correct itself after a few minutes or it can jerk repeatedly before correcting. After awhile the brake-shift interlock started not working properly by getting stock in the parking position making it shift to the drive position.
NHTSA complaint #11665534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle engine stalled when approaching an ATM, blocking the lane. After 15 minutes the vehicle was able to start, but stalled again at an intersection. It was towed to a Nissan service center.
NHTSA complaint #11661613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:MASS AIR FLOW (MAF) SENSOR
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while the vehicle was being State Inspected, the contact was informed that the vehicle had failed the inspection. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found. The dealer tested the vehicle, and the vehicle failed the State Inspection a second time. No cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the paperwork showed DTC: P1145 (Failure with the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,900.
NHTSA complaint #11653912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Brake lights staying on and when pressing down on gas no acceleration. Car stalls and when pressing on gas again acceleration accrues.. very dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11645174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11636259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There was a recall concerning the fuel gauge not working correctly. The sensor in the tank needed replaced. Well my car had that recall fixed or so it says, but it is doing the same thing again. So are you gonna replace it again for no cost?
NHTSA complaint #11636189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The Check Engine light turned on and took it to dealership on 12/14/24 and they stated that Throttle chamber may have issues. Used scanner and code P0101- Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit was read on scanner. Vehicle struggles to get air flow into engine causes speed to struggle when trying to accelerate.
NHTSA complaint #11630859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.