2002 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Suspension4321.6%
- Engine4020.1%
- Body & structure189.0%
- Steering178.5%
- Driver assistance115.5%
- Airbags94.5%
- Fuel system84.0%
- Interior & seats84.0%
- Electrical84.0%
- Brakes73.5%
- Powertrain (other)73.5%
- Other / unspecified63.0%
- Seat belts63.0%
- Tires & wheels42.0%
- Transmission42.0%
- Visibility31.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
NISSAN POWER CONTROL VALVE LOOSE FASTENERS: MY CONCERN RESONATES WITH CONSUMER SAFETY THAT INVOLVES GROSS ENGINE FAILURE DURING OPERATIONS DUE TO LOOSENING INTERNAL FASTENERS/COMPONENTS. WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, I NOTICED AN ABRUPT AND UNUSUAL MECHANICAL GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM MY VEHICLE (V6 PATHFINDER). EVENTUALLY THE CAR WOULD NOT START. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND SERVICE, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT AN INTERNAL POWER CONTROL VALVE WAS MISSING FROM THE INTAKE AFTER HE HAD REMOVED THE VALVE COVER DURING HIS TROUBLESHOOTING. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW (SOLE OWNER) AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY WORK/MAINTENANCE PERFORMED THAT REQUIRED THE VALVE COVER TO BE REMOVED. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON MY OWN, I FOUND MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT NISSAN POWER CONTROL VALVE SCREWS LOOSENING, FALLING WITHIN THE ENGINE AND CAUSING SEVERE ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AND MORE THAN $2K IN REPAIRS TO THE CONSUMER. I ALSO NOTED THAT NISSAN (WEST COAST, CALIFORNIA) RECENTLY RECALLED VARIOUS MODELS/MULTI-YEARS, INCLUDING THE 2002 PATHFINDER, ACKNOWLEDGING THE PROBLEM WITH LOOSENING FASTENERS WITHIN THE RESPECTIVE ENGINES; HOWEVER, NO RECALL WAS ENACTED FOR THE SAME MODELS ON THE EAST COAST USA. ALTHOUGH MY VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY DIAGNOSED WITH IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE AND ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ENGINE) PROBLEMS, THE LOCATION (WITHIN MY ENGINE) OF THE MISSING POWER CONTROL VALVE AND IT'S FASTENERS IS NOT KNOWN AND I AM NOT CONVINCED THAT THIS FOREIGN MATERIAL (LOOSE SCREWS/VALVE) WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN THE ROOT CAUSE OF THESE DIAGNOSED FAILURES. PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE IN THAT MY VEHICLE HAS OVER 200K MILES; HOWEVER, THERE ARE MULTIPLE POWER CONTROL VALVES WITHIN MY (THESE) VEHICLES THAT MAY BE SUBJECT TO FAILURE AND MOST IMPORTANTLY IF OTHER CONSUMERS MAY BE ONE ENGINE FAILURE AWAY FROM A POTENTIAL CATASTROPHIC RESULT.
HITSHOPPING CART
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE HAD THE PULLEY REPAIRED ON MY 2002 PATHFINDER REPAIR TWICE, IN 2006 AND AGAIN IN 2008 I BELIEVE. AND IT IS STILL GIVING ME A PROBLEM. THE DRIVER SEAT MOTOR WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD, AND IN EXTREME HOT WEATHER, MY MOTOR DRAGS, AND IT IS HARD TO START THE ENGINE. THE CD PLAYER NEVER WORK RIGHT. *KB
RECALL ISSUED FOR NISSAN PATHFINDER -1996-2004- STEERING COLUMN- CALLED THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ON SOME LISTS, WELL IT DOES FALL WITHIN THE MODEL YEARS AND I WANT IT CHECKED. CUSTOMER SERVICE REP WAS NOT HELPFUL, ASKED TO SPEAK WITH A MANAGER, HAVE NOT HEARD BACK. RECALL ISSUED FOR NISSAN PATHFINDER-1996-2004- FRONT SUSPENSION-CALLED THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ON SOME LISTS, WELL IT DOES FALL WITHIN THE MODEL YEARS AND I WANT IT CHECKED. CUSTOMER SERVICE REP WAS NOT HELPFUL, ASKED TO SPEAK WITH A MANAGER, HAVE NOT HEARD BACK. THE INTERIOR PANEL LIGHTS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO, NOT SAFE IF DRIVING AT NIGHT, THIS OCCURS VERY OFTEN AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS REPORTED ISSUE BY NISSAN. *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN AZ. HOWEVER THE VEHICLE CAME FROM CONNETICUT. IT HAS A SEVERE WOBBLE WHEN ACCELERTING AND DECELLERATING.
THE FIRST TIME WHILE DRIVING THE PATHFINDER IN REGULAR DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE STALLED AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. TO RESTART THE ENGINE I HAD TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND TURN THE KEY ALL THE WAY OFF AND THEN RESTART THE VEHICLE.THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED I WAS DRIVING AGAIN THE SAME DAY, CRUISING ALONG AT ABOUT 50 MPH IN TRAFFIC, AND THE ENGINE DIED AGAIN WITH NO WARNING. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SHOWED ALL THE TYPICAL "DUMMY LIGHTS" AFTER THE ENGINE FAILED THE FIRST TWO TIMES. WHEN WE PARKED THE PATHFINDER WE COULD SMELL GAS AT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. WE TOOK THE PATHFINDER TO THE SHOP FOR REPAIR. FUEL SMELL WAS CORRECTED BY INSTALLING A FUEL PUMP SEAL AND THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM WAS RESEATED, AND REINSTALLED AFTER AN INCORRECT INSTALLATION BY A PREVIOUS MECHANIC. AFTER RECEIVING THE PATHFINDER BACK FRO OUR SHOP, THE ENGINE DIED AGAIN WHILE SITTING IN A PARKED POSITION RUNNING IN AN IDLE STATE. NO INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS CAME ON WHEN ENGINE DIED THIS TIME (THE 3RD TIME), NO CHECK ENGINE OR CODES DISPLAYED. THEN WHILE DRIVING AGAIN AT 50 MPH IN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS THE ENGINE DIED AGAIN, NO INDICATION OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES, NO FLASHES IN HEADLIGHTS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, NO FLUX IN THE HVAC FAN, NOTHING. TACHOMETER DROPPED TO ZERO WITH NO OTHER INDICATION THE ENGINE DIED, NO VIBRATION, NO JERKING. I PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL, SHUT OF THE KEY, AND TRY TO RESTART WITH NO SUCCESS. I COASTED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE KEY OFF AND REMOVED IT FROM THE IGNITION AND THEN RE INSERTED IT TO RESTART THE PATHFINDER. AGAIN, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, NO CODES, NOTHING TO INDICATE A PROBLEM. I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED ONLY DAYS AGO 11/30/2014, AND IT HAS SPENT EVERYDAY IN THE SHOP TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. IT HAS ONLY 96540 ORIGINAL MILES ON IT, AND IS A VERY CLEAN VEHICLE *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. *TR
OVER 40 MPH, I GET A REAR END SWAY OR WOBBLE WHEN ACCELERATING IN MY '02 NISSAN PATHFINDER . SWAY REVERSES WHEN I LET UP ON THE GAS. FEELS LIKE I'M LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD BY AN ONLINE MECHANIC THAT IT WAS MOST LIKELY THE REAR SUSPENSION LINKS FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL, THE BUSHINGS ARE TORN OR BROKEN. WHEN BROKEN WILL CAUSE THE BACK END OF THE TRUCK TO FEEL LOOSE. INSPECT ALL 4 REAR LINKS AND REPLACE WHICH EVER LINKS YOU FIND BAD. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. *TR
MY CAR WAS PART OF A RECALL DUE TO RUST. 3 MECHANICS FROM NISSAN DEEMED IT UNREPAIRABLE BECAUSE THE RECALL PROCEDURE. THEY SAID IT WAS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE PART OF A BUYBACK PROGRAM. AFTER WAITING FOR 2 MONTHS THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME MY CAR WAS FIXED. THE DEALER WAS VERY ELUSIVE WHEN I ASKED HIM WHY THEY CHANGED THEIR MIND, SAYING SOMEONE CAME AND TOLD THEM TO JUST FIX IT FROM NISSAN CORPORATE. HE WOULD NOT CONFIRM TO ME THAT IT WAS NOT CONSIDERED SAFE TO DRIVE. I TOOK THE CAR TO AN OUTSIDE MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD IT WAS ABSOLUTELY NOT A PROPER FIX. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELTS FAILED TO RETRACT WHEN RELEASING THE BUTTON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE AND FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH A SEATBELT DEFECT. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE WROTE NISSAN IN APRIL ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. HE STATES THAT HE HAS THE SAME FAILURE STILL. MECHANIC INFORMED HIM THE SEATBELT RETRACTOR DIDN'T WORK. *KB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
1. NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVE HOME, HEARD A "POP" IN RIGHT REAR OF SUV. ABOUT 5 MILES AFTER "POP" RIGHT REAR BEGINS TO SMOKE. PULLED OVER AND CALLED AAA. PURCHASED THE TIRE ABOUT 11 MONTHS AGO. 2. OCCURRED ONCE. 3. HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRE. WAS TOLD CONSIDERED A ROAD HAZARD, AND NOT COVERED UNDER LIMITED MILEAGE WARRANTY. ISN'T THIS A DEFECT?
I HAD PURCHASED 4 TIRES ( PIRELLI SCORPION 245 65R17 107 HRS APPROXIMATELY 2 YRS AGO. THE TIRES ARE DRY ROTTING BY THE BEADS AND THE TREADS. DOT 3 WEEK OF 2004. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWNHILL WHILE IN THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AND ON LEVEL GROUND PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE INCURRED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED. UPDATED 09/15/06. *JB
WHEN THE CONSUMER STARTED HIS VEHICLE, WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD ABOUT A FOOT. *PH THE CONSUMER HAS SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALER TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
2002 PATHFINDER STARTED SWAYING ALL OVER THE PLACE ON FREEWAY. TAKE FOOT OFF GAS AND IT CALMS. TOOK TO MECHANIC AND IT WAS THE BUSHINGS/BEARINGS. REPLACED THEM FOR A TOTAL OF $380. ALSO, HAVE HAD TO REPLACE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW MOTORS...TWICE!! *TR
1. DRIVING IN WET SNOWY WEATHER WITH WIPER BLADES ENGAGED IN CONTINUOUS SLOW OPERATION, 40 KMPH. 2. WIPER LINKAGE TO MOTOR DISENGAGED, WIPERS CEASED TO FUNCTION, VISIBILITY WAS IMMEDIATELY BLOCKED. 3. LINKAGE WAS REPLACED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .