AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
2008 Nissan Pathfinder
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 328 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and fuel system categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 96 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2016 | 4 | 207 |
| Oct 2016 | 1 | 208 |
| Nov 2016 | 2 | 210 |
| Dec 2016 | 2 | 212 |
| Jan 2017 | 4 | 216 |
| Feb 2017 | 2 | 218 |
| Mar 2017 | 3 | 221 |
| Apr 2017 | 4 | 225 |
| May 2017 | 2 | 227 |
| Jun 2017 | 3 | 230 |
| Jul 2017 | 3 | 233 |
| Aug 2017 | 3 | 236 |
| Sep 2017 | 4 | 240 |
| Oct 2017 | 5 | 245 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 246 |
| Dec 2017 | 2 | 248 |
| Jan 2018 | 3 | 251 |
| Feb 2018 | 2 | 253 |
| Mar 2018 | 3 | 256 |
| Apr 2018 | 1 | 257 |
| May 2018 | 5 | 262 |
| Jun 2018 | 2 | 264 |
| Jul 2018 | 3 | 267 |
| Aug 2018 | 4 | 271 |
| Sep 2018 | 3 | 274 |
| Dec 2018 | 3 | 277 |
| Jan 2019 | 3 | 280 |
| Feb 2019 | 3 | 283 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 284 |
| Apr 2019 | 2 | 286 |
| May 2019 | 2 | 288 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 289 |
| Jul 2019 | 2 | 291 |
| Aug 2019 | 2 | 293 |
| Sep 2019 | 2 | 295 |
| Nov 2019 | 2 | 297 |
| Dec 2019 | 3 | 300 |
| Mar 2020 | 1 | 301 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 302 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 303 |
| Oct 2020 | 3 | 306 |
| Nov 2020 | 2 | 308 |
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 309 |
| Apr 2021 | 2 | 311 |
| May 2021 | 1 | 312 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 313 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 314 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 315 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 316 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 317 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 318 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 319 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 320 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 321 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 322 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 323 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 324 |
| Oct 2023 | 2 | 326 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 327 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 328 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)15435.6%
- Engine8419.4%
- Fuel system8118.8%
- Airbags419.5%
- Electrical214.9%
- Driver assistance143.2%
- Brakes92.1%
- Suspension71.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
5 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govEQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Transmission Failures
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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 ID
- 11636189
- Incident
- Jan 15, 2025
The rear suspension subframe is completely corroded and causes vehicle suspension parts to break off unannounced and causes vehicle to swerve severely and most likely is going to cause and accident or death, Nissan has been informed of this issue and refuses to address a proper repair
- NHTSA ID
- 11591915
- Incident
- Feb 22, 2018
A coolant hose leaked in transmission and shorted tcm causing total transmission failure and totaling out vehicle
- NHTSA ID
- 11552425
- Incident
- Jan 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was not made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,610. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11548600
- Incident
- Jul 10, 2023
- Mileage
- 175,610 mi
The passenger air bag warning light is flashing and the passenger air bag button that tells you that it is on and working when somebody gets in the car is off. Therefore the air bag will not deploy in a crash. The light just started flashing about 2 weeks ago approximately. There is also a recall on my vehicle for a component that could become a projectile in a crash if the air bag is deployed. This recall was made 02/09/23 and Nissan has no remedy for it. Therefore this problem is not repairable for almost 9 months. Then I have this new safety problem as well and I don't know why and I don't have the kind of money that would be charged to take it to the Nissan Dealership. I feel that this is one too many recalls on this vehicle there are 5 to be exact at this time. I want Nissan to replace my vehicle with something comparable and don't think that if the airbag is inoperable or that a component could kill somebody that this car should be driven on the roads. What are they going to do about this this is not a safety issue that should just be ignored. The car is paid for its still in very good condition but for me it is now unsafe to drive or to have a passenger in my vehicle. I want some remedy for this asap.
- NHTSA ID
- 11540217
- Incident
- Jul 28, 2023
Vehicle suddenly started having problems while driving. Loud whining noise and shaking and scrubbing sound while driving. Was driving fine before sudden issues. Quotes by three different mechanics stated possible issues that incuded wheel bearing, ball joints, water pump, fan clutch, and brakes. Was told that all parts under vehicle were loose and close to becoming unraveled.
- NHTSA ID
- 11528847
- Incident
- Apr 16, 2023
Front airbag sensor is bad. I checked it to see if this vehicle had its recall done for this known problem looks like it did because it don’t have a open recall for it.
- NHTSA ID
- 11516231
- Incident
- Apr 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle lost horn functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clockspring had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 150,785.
- NHTSA ID
- 11501609
- Incident
- Dec 30, 2022
- Mileage
- 150,785 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Infiniti by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
AIR BAGS
VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN ID #: PC945 and PC948 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2005-2013 Frontier (D40) 2005-2012 Pathfinder (R51) 2005-2013 Xterra (N50) Check Service COMM or Dealer Business Systems (DBS) National Service History to confirm campaign eligibility. INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary safety recall campaign on certain specific model year 2005-2012 Pathfinder, and 2005-2013 Frontier and Xterra vehicles to inspect and, if necessary, replace the Driver Air Bag Cover. This service will be performed at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER Nissan has assigned identification number PC945 and PC948 to this campaign. This number must appear on all communication and documentation of any nature dealing with this campaign. DEALER RESPONSIBILITY It is the dealer’s responsibility to check Service COMM or Dealer Business Systems (DBS) National Service History for the campaign status on each vehicle falling within the range of this voluntary safety recall which for any reason enters the service department. This includes vehicles purchased from private parties or presented by transient (tourist) owners and vehicles in a dealer’s inventory. Federal law requires that new vehicles in dealer inventory which are the subject of a safety recall must be corrected prior to sale. Failure to do so can result in civil penalties by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While federal law applies only to new vehicles, Nissan strongly encourages dealers to correct any used vehicles in their inventory before they are retailed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 47 | 1 | 0 | 49.7 |
| 2024 | 73 | 2 | 0 | 52.2 |
| 2023 | 101 | 1 | 0 | 46.8 |
| 2022 | 133 | 5 | 0 | 54.1 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2020 | 47 | 0 | 0 | 41.9 |
| 2019 | 74 | 2 | 0 | 53.4 |
| 2018 | 77 | 3 | 0 | 53.3 |
| 2017 | 184 | 2 | 0 | 48.8 |
| 2016 | 105 | 2 | 1 | 56.1 |
| 2015 | 319 | 5 | 1 | 54.6 |
| 2014 | 574 | 11 | 3 | 61.4 |
| 2013 | 890 | 11 | 4 | 58.3 |
| 2012 | 23 | 2 | 0 | 53.1 |
| 2011 | 45 | 2 | 0 | 40.3 |
| 2010 | 40 | 5 | 1 | 50.8 |
| 2009 | 37 | 4 | 1 | 50.8 |
| 2008Viewing | 328 | 5 | 1 | 51.5 |
| 2007 | 561 | 2 | 1 | 48.5 |
| 2006 | 837 | 5 | 1 | 51.0 |
| 2005 | 1,050 | 4 | 1 | 50.9 |
| 2004 | 67 | 7 | 4 | 54.6 |
| 2003 | 110 | 7 | 4 | 61.8 |
| 2002 | 156 | 9 | 2 | 59.8 |
| 2001 | 230 | 7 | 1 | 56.9 |
| 2000 | 112 | 6 | 1 | 56.4 |
| 1999 | 104 | 5 | 1 | 60.2 |
| 1998 | 149 | 4 | 1 | 59.6 |
| 1997 | 217 | 4 | 1 | 57.9 |
| 1996 | 159 | 5 | 1 | 59.3 |
| 1995 | 170 | 0 | 0 | 38.4 |
| 1994 | 91 | 2 | 1 | 56.0 |
| 1993 | 49 | 0 | 0 | 38.1 |
| 1992 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 41.1 |
| 1991 | 39 | 1 | 1 | 50.4 |
| 1990 | 38 | 2 | 1 | 52.4 |
| 1989 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 57.0 |
| 1988 | 17 | 2 | 1 | 45.4 |
| 1987 | 19 | 2 | 1 | 49.6 |
| 1986 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.