Nissan Pathfinder recall history and complaint patterns
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Nissan Pathfinder, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Nissan Pathfinder. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Nissan Pathfinder, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 1986–2025 with 103 recall campaigns and 10023 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 2014 (11), 2013 (11), and 2022 (5).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 2005 (1560), 2006 (1224), and 2013 (1197).
- Top recall themes: Airbags, Seats and restraints, and Brakes.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Power train, Engine, Air bags.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Airbags
12 campaigns · Years: 2002–2011, 2013–2016, 2024These campaigns relate to airbag system components and deployment/airbag readiness issues.
Seats and restraints
11 campaigns · Years: 1987–1991, 1994, 2013–2016, 2022–2024These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.
Brakes
8 campaigns · Years: 1996, 2013–2015, 2017–2019, 2025These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.
Electrical
4 campaigns · Years: 2008–2010, 2013–2014, 2022These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.
Steering and suspension
4 campaigns · Years: 1996–2004, 2010, 2012These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.
Engine and cooling
2 campaigns · Years: 2005–2006, 2011–2012These campaigns relate to engine or cooling components where failures can lead to stalling or overheating risk.
Fuel and emissions
2 campaigns · Years: 1997–2001, 2006–2008These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Nissan Pathfinder in NHTSA complaint data are Power train, Engine, Air bags.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 35 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, Power train, Electrical system. |
| 2024 | 2 | 54 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control. |
| 2023 | 1 | 119 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel/propulsion system, Electrical system, Engine. |
| 2022 | 5 | 173 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, Engine, Power train. |
| 2020 | 0 | 60 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine, Service brakes. |
| 2019 | 2 | 109 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Electrical system, Service brakes. |
| 2018 | 3 | 116 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, Electrical system, Engine. |
| 2017 | 2 | 248 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Power train, Electrical system. |
| 2016 | 2 | 121 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Air bags, Service brakes. |
| 2015 | 5 | 424 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train, Engine, Air bags. |
| 2014 | 11 | 732 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train, Air bags, Engine. |
| 2013 | 11 | 1197 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train, Air bags, Engine. |
| 2012 | 2 | 35 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Air bags, Suspension. |
| 2011 | 2 | 59 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Engine, Power train. |
| 2010 | 4 | 61 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Power train, Engine. |
| 2009 | 3 | 51 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Power train, Engine. |
| 2008 | 4 | 458 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system. |
| 2007 | 2 | 846 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train, Engine, Engine and engine cooling. |
| 2006 | 3 | 1224 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train, Engine, Engine and engine cooling. |
| 2005 | 2 | 1560 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, gasoline. |
| 2004 | 3 | 86 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor, Power train. |
| 2003 | 3 | 147 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Suspension, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system, Steering. |
| 2002 | 5 | 206 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Suspension, Steering, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system. |
| 2001 | 3 | 299 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Suspension, Steering, Equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/cd etc.. |
| 2000 | 2 | 166 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Suspension, Steering, Suspension:front. |
| 1999 | 2 | 144 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Suspension:front, Steering, Suspension. |
| 1998 | 2 | 194 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Suspension, Suspension:rear, Power train:automatic transmission. |
| 1997 | 2 | 293 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Suspension, Suspension:front, Suspension:rear. |
| 1996 | 3 | 214 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Suspension, Suspension:rear, Steering. |
| 1995 | 0 | 218 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Structure:frame and members, Power train:automatic transmission. |
| 1994 | 2 | 108 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Structure:frame and members, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system. |
| 1993 | 0 | 67 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system, Structure:frame and members. |
| 1992 | 0 | 38 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Tires, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe. |
| 1991 | 1 | 49 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly. |
| 1990 | 2 | 44 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Power train:automatic transmission, Engine and engine cooling:engine. |
| 1989 | 2 | 19 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Vehicle speed control, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Seat belts. |
| 1988 | 2 | 17 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe. |
| 1987 | 2 | 31 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Visibility:rearview mirrors/devices, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe. |
| 1986 | 0 | 1 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Tires. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Air bags , Suspension and Service brakes
Other Nissan Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Nissan models.
- 200SX 1981–1998
- 240SX 1989–2001
- 300ZX 1983–1996
- 350Z 2003–2009
- 370Z 2009–2022
- Altima 1993–2027
- Altra 1998–1998
- Armada 2002–2027
- Axxess 1990–1991
- Cube 2009–2014
- Frontier 1998–2027
- GT-R 2009–2027
- Juke 2011–2018
- Kicks 2018–2024
- Leaf 2011–2027
- Maxima 1981–2023
- Murano 2002–2027
- NV 2011–2027
- NV200 2013–2027
- NX 1991–1993
- Pickup 1981–1997
- PULSAR 1981–1990
- Quest 1993–2017
- Rogue 2008–2027
- Rogue Sport 2017–2022
- Sentra 1982–2027
- Stanza 1981–1992
- Titan 2002–2027
- Van 1987–1990
- Versa 2007–2027
- Versa Note 2014–2020
- Xterra 2000–2015
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.