570 of the
10,298 complaints filed about the Nissan Pathfinder
are about the suspension —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 1997.
The crossmember aka- K frame, mfc part #55400-3JA2C. It completely rotted away where the suspension trailing arm connects from the wheel causing uneven and excessive wheel wear and poor handling while driving Yes it is available for inspection. Reproduced unknown Not inspected by authorities No warning lights
NHTSA complaint #11754372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2014 Nissan Parhfinder FWD Premium: this vehicles CVT joint failed that shirt the engine down to about 10 miles an hour immediately. Which caused me the driver to find a place to pull it off the road quickly. If a person or myself could not have a point to pull off the road or someone was behind then could have been rear ended the vehicle and major damage to the vehicle or person driving. Which there was and they were about to go around the pathfinder. The vehicle also may have blown the transmission. Unknown damage right now. But the pathfinder stalled out two times while driving it before it shut totally down on the hwy. I had contacted Nissan and we never got together on a date and time for a phone call with an Arbitration specialist. I had called them back several times and never could connect with them.
NHTSA complaint #11750190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear sub frame near radial rod on drivers side of vehicle has corroded through without warning. Vehicle is unstable during breaking menuvers and pitches towards on coming traffic. Sudden loss of control or collision could occur without notice during breaking.
NHTSA complaint #11745784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The control arm detached from the front subframe due to massive rust on a car that was well cared for and only 10 years old. This happened as we were driving: the front passenger-side wheel became loose and began flopping back and forth, forcing me to immediately pull over into a gas station. I do not want to imagine what would have happened if this had detached on the highway instead of on a town side road. There were NO warnings or symptoms before this catastrophic failure. I had it towed to my regular mechanic, not realizing the extent of the damage—they wouldn't even put it on a lift. I then had it towed to the dealership, where they confirmed the damage was so extensive that (1) both control arms and the front subframe would need to be replaced due to rust ($5,800), and (2) the rear subframe was also extensively rusted, unsafe, and in need of imminent replacement, quoted at an additional $7,000. This being an exorbitant amount for a 10-year-old Nissan Pathfinder, I was forced to sell it to a salvage yard for a pittance just to buy a vehicle I could drive to work—and I can only hope it lasts until I can afford something better. I purchased this Pathfinder about 14 months ago. It was "inspected" by the dealer as well as by my regular mechanic at that time, with no indication that rust was a concern or even worth a comment. I am horrified by how much worse this could have been. We were on a trip more than an hour from home, heading toward the highway to return, when this occurred. No one should have to worry about something like this. Especially because, when I began researching, I found that this is a KNOWN defect on this model and others like it. It is NOT okay to put people at risk of serious or deadly injury when manufacturers KNOW water pools in places that can't be seen or checked, rotting the frame and subframe from the INSIDE out.
NHTSA complaint #11742196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hi ! I just purchased the 2024 Nissan pathfinder SL on March 13th , 2026 . Three days later I noticed a slight vibration to the car . I was told it was the mount they’d replace both mounts . Get the car from getting the mounts replaced , & when I went to leave with the “ repaired “ the car sounded horrible while in Reverse. It was a loud sound more than just a vibration. I immediately went into the dealer and they said they’d replace the other two mounts . Fast forward to that appointment, I get a call it needs a new motor . I’m not sure the mileage on the vehicle but it’s less than 46k . The mechanic shop in Macon , Ga has had the car two weeks. They replaced the mount close to the transmission with a OM mount , said the previous one was a defective mount . Now they have no clue what is wrong with the car . This car is so “ new “ to be having these issues. So now I’m waiting to hear what the next steps are on this car . Such a beautiful vehicle truly ! I just don’t know if this mount / transmission is going cause me issues nonstop within the car .
NHTSA complaint #11737956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driver's side (left) rear trailing arm broke away from the rear subframe mount due to excessive rust and corrosion. In addition to the failed trailing arm mount location, the mount to the body in the same location also rusted through.
NHTSA complaint #11733448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On April 7, 2025, the dealership attempted to sell me a vehicle that was experiencing an engine condition running too lean. I declined that vehicle due to safety concerns. On April 8, 2025, the salesperson contacted me again and stated that a different vehicle had been located that would meet my needs. At that time, I was nine months pregnant and urgently needed a vehicle with third-row seating for my children. The dealership was aware of my condition and urgency. I took delivery of the vehicle that day. Unexpectedly, I went into labor the following day and gave birth shortly after. Because of childbirth and medical recovery, I did not immediately operate the vehicle extensively or discover the safety issues. After being discharged from the hospital, around April 11, 2025, I began using the vehicle and discovered serious mechanical problems that made the vehicle unsafe to operate. The vehicle exhibited engine-related issues and a major suspension defect that affected vehicle stability and safe operation. The vehicle was returned to the dealership, where repairs were performed and parts were ordered, confirming that the defects existed prior to or at the time of delivery. Despite the vehicle being driven a significant distance immediately before sale, the dealership did not perform a basic oil change or standard post-delivery inspection. Operating a vehicle under these conditions raises concerns for engine reliability, overheating, and failure. The suspension defect created risk of loss of control, and the engine condition created risk of drivability issues. These conditions posed a safety risk to the driver and passengers, including a newborn child. The vehicle remains available for inspection if requested.
NHTSA complaint #11714796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Original Equipment (OE) Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S 255/50R20 105H M+S tires on my brand new 2024 Nissan Pathfinder suffer from groove wander on roads in which grooves are cut into them to mitigate hydroplaning in rainy conditions. The geometric design, tread design incompatibility, or structural irregularities of these tires cause severe groove wander and impair safe handling. I believe there is a mismatch between the tire design and the vehicle's weight or suspension design - Nissan should not be placing this OE tire on new Pathfinders. Groove wander causes the vehicle to follow road grooves involuntarily, which is a handling defect that compromise driver control. This condition is a safety hazard, especially at highway and interstate speeds or in inclement weather. Groove wander does not allow the vehicle to operate safely, causing the driver to constantly correct the involuntary path of the vehicle on such roads. The driver's and others' safety are at risk if the driver is unable to quickly correct the path of the vehicle and keep the vehicle in the lane of traffic to avoid lane departure into another vehicle or object. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by both the Nissan dealer from I bought the vehicle and a local Bridgestone/Firestone service center because both are unwilling to do so. Both have refused to accompany me on a test drive on Interstate 90 where this occurs because this road is approximately 12 miles one way from their locations (their claim it is too far away; if it was only 5 miles, they would be willing to do this). The tires have been visually inspected by both companies, and naturally both have found nothing wrong with the tires (normal wear at this time). Visually inspecting he tires will not diagnose the issue, and a test ride needs to be completed to document this issue - again both Nissan and Bridgestone refuse to do this. Other brand tires on other vehicles I own do not suffer groove wander.
NHTSA complaint #11714831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Right lower control arm snapped while driving at highway speed (65MPH) causing vehicle into a 360 spin. Vehicle spun, was hard to control and tire blew out at speed. Others behind me or in front may have gotten involved if traffic was heavier at the time. Vehicle wasnt inspected, no police involved. No warning before incident. Incident happened with no symtons or prior knowledge
NHTSA complaint #11700670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car started making a very annoying squeak from the left rear when going over bumps or entering and exiting the car. I took it to my local mechanic to investigate the problem. He discovered the rear suspension sub-frame was rusted out where it attaches to the car body. I was advised that the car was unsafe and should not be driven. I am awaiting more information from my mechanic about the repairs. There were no accidents or injuries caused by this but there could have been if I continued to drive the car. I will retain the rusted sub-frame once the repairs are made. I read three other similar complaints ( all 2014 Pathfinders ) on this web site. I think Nissan should be made aware of this situation.
NHTSA complaint #11682259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Heard loud clunk from passenger rear of vehicle, then started hearing binding clunk noise from rear when going over bumps or turning at certain points. Inspection of rear suspension area on rear passenger side revealed a sub-frame that had rusted to the point a suspension part had broken from the frame and was sitting in a hole in the sub frame instead. Surrounding areas of undercarriage not rusted like the sub frame was.... The frame of a vehicle rusting to point of breakage at only 11 years old is a safety hazard suspension wise.....Suspension parts bolted to the sub-frame at multiple points.
NHTSA complaint #11681283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear subframe has completely rusted out from the inside, and is broke off on the right side and almost broken off on the left side. The car is now unsafe to drive. There were no warning lights, messages or problems before this. The car is only 9 years old and is always kept in a garage.
NHTSA complaint #11677442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear sub-frame, to which the suspension system is connected had rusted out and failed. Two different mechanics indicated the vehicle is unsafe to drive. The first indicated that this part should not be as corroded as it is and should not have failed.
NHTSA complaint #11672999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
in late June 2025, I heard a loud noise in the rear of the Pathfinder, that would happen during normal driving and worsen if I went over a speed bump for example. I took it to a local mechanic . He informed me that the rear subframe was rotted. It was undriveable once I knew how dangerous this situation was. I have a [XXX] child. I am his legal guardian and he lives with me. We spend a lot of time going for rides and doing things he likes. I was shocked when I heard what was wrong. Thank God we did not get injured or worse. Now, this frame needs to be replaced and I can imagine the cost to me.I am a retired RN. I have seen a good amount of complaints on line in Google from other Pathfinder owners regarding the exact same issue, Why wasn't there a recall? Will Nissan reimburse me once I get an estimate and the car fixed?This is not fair. I do not tow a boat, the car has not been submerged in water...I Imagine the frame was not prepped properly by Nissan. I know Nissan recalled some vehicles a few years back for the rotted sub frame issue. Now I have to pay for a repair..I need assistance please. I am using someone's car in the meantime. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11671390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear subframe rusted through and car was a safety hazard to drive. Entire rear subframe needed to be replaced. Remainder of car only contained surface rust.
NHTSA complaint #11668294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear sub frame has significant rust, snapped while driving at slow speed, there was no injury but steering was affected, no harm done this time but it is a known issue, 2wd model has a recall for the same part with the same issue
NHTSA complaint #11666317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My airbag light and seatbelt light are on and the horn has stopped working. Frame and front suspension is making a horrible creaking sound and has been for months. Frame seems to be rotted … I’ve taken it to multiple places to have it looked at…. I’ve also seen other complaints on here of people having the same issue! This poses a huge safety risk! Definitely needs a recall for both issues!
NHTSA complaint #11665673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My wife's car is a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. We heard what appeared a noise coming from rear undercarriage of the car. took the vehicle to our mechanic and he told us the "cradle" was rusted thru and the car was unsafe to operate. The car has ~103000 miles, was well maintained and garage kept. I questioned this with the mechanic, I'm [XXX] and have had several vehicles, never had an issue with the degree of rust on the suspension on this car. The mechanic said this is not an unusual problem for Nissans. The cars interior and exterior is in great condition, now it's not drivable and Nissan is not offering any help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11665176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.