AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
2010 Nissan Pathfinder
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 40 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder, most frequently naming the airbags, powertrain (other) and engine categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 103 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2010 | 1 | 1 |
| Oct 2010 | 1 | 2 |
| Mar 2011 | 1 | 3 |
| May 2012 | 1 | 4 |
| Dec 2012 | 1 | 5 |
| Apr 2013 | 1 | 6 |
| Dec 2013 | 1 | 7 |
| Jan 2014 | 1 | 8 |
| May 2015 | 1 | 9 |
| Jun 2015 | 1 | 10 |
| Dec 2015 | 1 | 11 |
| May 2016 | 1 | 12 |
| Apr 2017 | 3 | 15 |
| May 2017 | 1 | 16 |
| Jun 2017 | 1 | 17 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 18 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 19 |
| Jan 2018 | 1 | 20 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 21 |
| Jun 2018 | 1 | 22 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 23 |
| Sep 2018 | 2 | 25 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 26 |
| Feb 2019 | 1 | 27 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 28 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 29 |
| Nov 2019 | 1 | 30 |
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 31 |
| Mar 2020 | 1 | 32 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 33 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 34 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 35 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 36 |
| Mar 2023 | 1 | 37 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 38 |
| Oct 2024 | 1 | 39 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | 40 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags1119.6%
- Powertrain (other)1017.9%
- Engine814.3%
- Driver assistance58.9%
- Steering58.9%
- Suspension47.1%
- Fuel system35.4%
- Brakes23.6%
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
On 01/20/25, I brought my vehicle to Nissan of Downtown L.A , to fix a manufacturer recall of drivers side airbag. The invoice indicates "Inspect Driver Bag Module and Replace Driver Air Bag Cover." "Upon Inspection Performed Recall, Inspect Driver Air Bag And Replace Driver Air Bag Cover And Check Found Vehicle OK." Approximately four months later, the red airbag light on my dashboard was flashing. On 05/13/25, I returned to Nissan Of Downtown L A. I explained the issue to service advisor, Litzy Carranza. She stated if the results of the diagnostic testing weren't related to the recall issue, I would be responsible for the cost to repair. When I received the results: "Airbag Light Flashing, Check For DTCS And Found B1049 And B1054. Check Wires And Connectors Found OK. Recommend Replacing Airbag Module And Spiral Cable To Start." Litzy informed me the cost to fix issue would be approximately $2,000. I declined to have issue repaired at my cost, and I left dealership. On 05/14/25, I contacted Nissan Headquarters to file a complaint. Case #[XXX] was established. Several days later, I spoke with Marshay, Nissan Consumer Affairs. She indicated that each Nissan dealership is independently owned and operated. Therefore, Nissan Headquarters can not force Nissan Of Downtown L.A, to repair the airbag issue. However, she will have the service manager call me the next day. On 06/06/25, I received a voice-mail message from Lance, Nissan of Downtown L.A. Service Director. I did not return his phone call, since he didn't specifically indicate that Nissan would take full responsibility and repair the flashing airbag light for free. I don't know if the airbag can deploy at any time, or not at all, if I'm involved in an accident. I am already at a higher risk for serious injury due to receiving a right cornea transplant, wearing a specialty contact lens, and glasses. The force of a deployed airbag can shatter my right cornea, and shatter the lens. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF
- NHTSA ID
- 11671137
- Incident
- May 13, 2025
rear sub frame rusted through. Vans in Mansfield Ohio showed us were were the frame was completely rusted out.
- NHTSA ID
- 11619961
- Incident
- Oct 15, 2024
I had a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder that was “bought back” by Nissan after 6 years of use because of a “rusted frame” and now once again I have a 2010 Nissan Pathfinder, where the rear sub-frame rusted through and caused the wheel to give out and track wrong -causing a life-or-death situation. I do not need an independent or dealer to confirm, it is obvious. There was no prior warning, thank God I was not on a turnpike going fast! I went on line an evidently other Pathfinder owners have had experience the same issue of a rusted sub-frame holding the rear wheels on the vehicle. I think the NTSA is well aware of the problem concerning this issue with Nissan and should take action to have this corrected. Other Nissan owners have complained. Nissan sells the sub-frame for about 1000.00. Nissan warranty should have covered the problem being they specifically went full on body frame, because of the rust & recall of the prior generation Nissan Pathfinder - which was a unibody. Full on frame was to get owners back.
- NHTSA ID
- 11521638
- Incident
- Feb 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11509721
- Incident
- Feb 8, 2023
I was traveling at approx. 35 mph when the car shuddered violently for a second or two, all panel lights lit up and everything completely shut down while going through a very busy 6-lane intersection. All steering, brakes, and maneuverability were lost. I was lucky to coast to a safe spot and if this had happened on an interstate it may have easily been catastrophic. The dealer found a failed cam shaft sensors (their verbiage on the bill). Replaced both and the crank sensor.
- NHTSA ID
- 11484939
- Incident
- Oct 13, 2020
Coolant leaked into transmission causing transmission failure . Car maker will not acknowledge the problem. Car towed to repair shop. Told $6000.00 for new radiator and transmission.Thank God I was only going 35-40 miles an hour.
- NHTSA ID
- 11466139
- Incident
- Apr 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while approaching a traffic light at approximately 35 MPH, he depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated causing the vehicle to run the red light. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast to a stop and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated he waited 10 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer replaced the brakes and brake drums. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11455873
- Incident
- Mar 6, 2022
- Mileage
- 115,000 mi
Transmission completely crapped out on me due to the radiator leaking into it.
- NHTSA ID
- 11431031
- Incident
- Aug 18, 2021
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 |
| 2010Viewing | 40 | 5 | 1 | 50.8 |
| 2009 | 37 | 4 | 1 | 50.8 |
| 2008 | 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.