2018 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Complaints

The vehicle veers towards the right, even though a wheel alignment was completed on 7/1/26. On 7/28/26 when driving the vehicle, it wouldn’t accelerate properly, it felt sluggish and although the gas pedal was depressed it was struggling to pick up speed. As the vehicle was attempting to shift between 2nd and 3rd gears the car jolted forward and the traction control and collision lights came on. Both lights reset when the car is off but the vehicle jolts and beeps w/in 5 mins of driving and then the lights come back. This has been happening everyday multiple times a day since 7/28/26. On 7/30/26, the Check Engine light came on and has stayed illuminated w/ code P0101 populating on the obdii reader. The vehicle is currently at the dealership, I am awaiting a diagnosis of the issue which they said may take 3-4 days. I have only had this vehicle for 46 days.

NHTSA ID

11755553

Incident

Jul 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera screen display malfunctioned, and there was a black image displayed, creating a hazard for the driver. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the infotainment screen display malfunctioned, and the screen was black. During the failure, the driver was unable to view vital information related to the engine oil levels. The local dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the screen needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ID

11728330

Incident

Jan 11, 2026

Mileage

99,000 mi

Infotainment system stopped working. Now radio, no climate control visible and NO backup camera most of the time. Very dangerous without the backup camera

NHTSA ID

11724368

Incident

Oct 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall that had a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

NHTSA ID

11709224

Incident

Jan 2, 2026

Mileage

131,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted, and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated while starting the vehicle and pressing the Push to Start button. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that there was sludge in the engine oil. The mechanic stated that sludge was found in the oil due to a lack of regular oil changes. The contact disputed the claim and provided receipts that all oil changes were up to date. The contact had the engine taken apart by the dealer and an independent mechanic, and both discovered metal shavings inside the engine, which had resulted in the engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was repaired by the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ID

11702980

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

Mileage

93,000 mi

The transmission is going bad which makes it dangerous to drive. Had it 2 days and I check my FIXD module and found code. Took to where I purchased it and the drained cvt fluid and now makes a whinning sound and garage knows. U was told they inspected it before selling it to me. No codes where on dash either.

NHTSA ID

11696992

Incident

Oct 6, 2025

My Nuna rava was part of the recent recall that happened. The company offered remedy kits to replace the seat fabrics as well as tools to clean where the harness straps tightened/loosened. We received the remedy kit in March after waiting 3 months for the kits to be available. I followed the instructions for cleaning of the car seat and installation of the new cover. My child’s safety was put at risk as the straps are now able to loosen without pressing the button. We had not had strap loosening issues initially, but now are despite having followed the instructions as part of the recall which I was told would resolved the issue and prevent further concern over the strap mechanism failing. To my knowledge this is a known issue that is what caused the recall for the car seat in the first place. I have removed the car seat from use as it is no longer safe with the straps loosening. I have contacted Nuna Baby customer support.

NHTSA ID

11694628

Incident

Oct 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that occasionally, while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the digital screen displayed a Nissan Logo that faded away. In addition, the contact stated that the digital screen would blip or show an upside-down image of the rear-view camera display. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the failure was not identified. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V654000( Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

NHTSA ID

11687680

Incident

Sep 15, 2024

Mileage

89,000 mi

My 2018 Nissan Pathfinder started knocking at 75000 miles and it’s getting worse by the day I’ve paid my car payment down to 4000$ and now I’m told my motor is soon to go out.

NHTSA ID

11684185

Incident

Oct 21, 2024

My 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL has had to have the engine replaced once due to the CVP issues with the transmission causes in the engine to fail. It was replaced not even two years ago and now the issue has presented itself yet again and the engine has failed once again. I believe that this vehicle should be issued for recall because this is an issue that has happened twice engine has failed twice car will not run. Will not turn over vehicle is at a standstill. I want somebody to contact me regarding this because this is not acceptable.

NHTSA ID

11675034

Incident

Jul 21, 2025

On May 7th at 1:22 PM, the engine in my 2018 Nissan Pathfinder catastrophically failed for the second time while my family was driving. The engine completely lost power in the middle of a very busy highway intersection, going over an overpass, where there was no shoulder. I had no ability to pull off the road. My wife had to push the disabled vehicle off the highway to avoid causing a major accident. This was an incredibly dangerous situation where my entire family’s life was at risk. My wife could have been struck by oncoming traffic while we were pushing the vehicle to safety. There was no protection or space to safely move out of traffic. This is the second catastrophic engine failure on this vehicle. The first engine failed just over two years prior and was replaced by the dealership. Despite the replacement, the second engine also failed, repeating the same critical failure that Nissan Pathfinders from this model year are widely known to experience. There were no prior warning lamps or engine codes during this incident. The engine immediately lost power and locked up while in motion. This vehicle was properly maintained, and all scheduled services were performed by licensed service providers. Additional Supporting Evidence: •Incident Date: May 7th at 1:22 PM •Photos of the disabled vehicle on the side of the highway provided. •Screenshot of text message conversation at the time of the incident (attached). •This failure is consistent with multiple NHTSA complaints, owner reports, class-action lawsuits, and technical service bulletins regarding systemic engine failures in the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder.

NHTSA ID

11670907

Incident

May 7, 2025

The disabled vehicle when delivered by flatbed car hauler unit to the nearest dealership, Petro Nissan, 47 miles from the breakdown site would not move at highway speed but only jerked/bucked and crept along at little more than a fast walk. This condition was last experienced when the vehicle had been on a remote undulating interstate for about 2 hours. The check engine light had reappeared after being recently reset and the engine revving and loss of ground speed started causally then increased in frequency and intensity until totally failing to the point of forcing me to creep with emergency flashers in mode on the shoulder to reach an exit two miles ahead. The high RPM revving coupled with the ground speed loss condition initial stages occurred each of the two prior days. Two Nissan NA dealerships in those two days had performed diagnostics and service. On each prior day the check engine light, the high revving engine RPM, and the ground speed loss occurred. On each day a potentially serious safety issue arose. Initially an attempt to match speed and merge with traffic at an onramp and again when (using cruise control) during which the vehicle system attempted an automatic acceleration to maintain speed on rolling hills. Both conditions forced me to the shoulder to avoid a potential accident from immediate and drastic ground speed loss and engine revving at or above 4500 RPM After each of these incidents a Nissan NA dealership was consulted and services were performed. In each case I postulated to the service advisors that the transmission sounded/felt like it was slipping on acceleration when the vehicle/ transmission had heated up from extended driving. Both days service advisors checked for diagnostic codes of transmission issues but never mentioned emission issues aside from mass air flow sensor or ABS sensors apparently either not seeing or not looking beyond transmission related codes. The first dealer, Illini Nissan, ran diagnostics on 1/6/25,

NHTSA ID

11641377

Incident

Jan 7, 2025

The engine began to fail because of a lack of adequate breathability into the crankcase, causing high crankcase pressure, excessive oil blowby, severe exhaust smoke, severe engine sludge, severe engine shuddering, and lack of response to the power steering because of engine power loss. The failure of the PCV system was at fault. Produced codes P0300, P0306, and P0430. Engine sludge needed to be cleaned, PCV hoses and PCV needed to be replaced, spark plugs needed to be replaced because of blowby, and valve covers also needed to be replaced because of sludge clogging the PCV baffles within the valve covers.

NHTSA ID

11641015

Incident

Nov 3, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel seized, and the brake pedal was depressed because the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that the air bag then deployed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the steering wheel remained inoperable. The contact towed the vehicle to his place of employment. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.

NHTSA ID

11617969

Incident

Oct 2, 2024

Mileage

11,000 mi

The Display Control Unit (DCU) went blank on my 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. No working display causing steering wheel controls not to work. This includes being unable to use any hands-free phone calls. This is a significant safety issue. Nissan has a voluntary recall for this problem on the 2018 and 2019 Pathfinder, but for whatever reason my VIN Is not included. Multiple attempts to have Nissan fix and they refuse. I can’t tell you how unsafe it makes traveling with no working display and no hands-free phone capabilities. Requesting your assistance to require Nissan to recall this problem on the 2018 Pathfinder.

NHTSA ID

11609050

Incident

Aug 16, 2024

While driving the car it randomly turns off and turns back on it also jerks initially. All lights on the dashboard turn off and back on, speakers make a loud BOOM sound! Have experienced the car not starting. Bought a new battery thinking that was the issue, it wasn't.

NHTSA ID

11579820

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

While driving the airbag passenger light went on then off then the red airbag light on the dashboard started flashing and continues to flash.

NHTSA ID

11572500

Incident

Jan 26, 2024

I was driving along at 35-40 mph and the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating when I gave it gas. Nearly empty at the time so I thought maybe it was a gas issue. I drove it a couple of days after that and it drove just fine. I filled her up with premium gas, thinking that it would fix the problem. The third time I went to drive it was last Friday, [XXX] It would barely accelerate. it took about maybe a quarter to 1/3 of a mile for it to get up to 40 mph, during which time I have my foot smashed on the gas pedal all the way down to the floor. I went to pick up my dogs, pet food, which was 5 miles away. I made it there. I was not sure that I would make it back. I live in Colorado Springs, which is a city full of very much traffic, and I was afraid that my vehicle was going to stop in the middle of the road and I was going to get creamed by an oncoming car. I just purchased this vehicle back in October. I have barely driven it myself, as I don’t go out that often. The main reason for this vehicle is my profoundly disabled child to her doctors appointments and back. Now if we stop in the middle of the road and my daughter is killed by an oncoming car because this car just stops working… what a tragedy that would be. I went online and looked up this issue on Reddit and other forums. I found a post all the way back to 2013 from a gentleman who had the same exact issue. Now I’m not sure why. In 10 years you guys have not insured that Nissan fixes this issue but I find this to be pathetic. A six-year-old car should not be doing this. Now I am paying $380 a month and have a $20,000 loan on a vehicle that I cannot even drive, for fear that I will die in it. Somebody needs to figure this out, and Nissan needs to stop producing garbage vehicles that put peoples lives at risk. You guys need to ensure this gets done, that’s part of your job. 100% certain that I am not the first person that has submitted a complaint about this to you guys. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.

NHTSA ID

11569922

Incident

Feb 2, 2024

Second row seat on the passenger side base will not fold down after the release handle was pulled so occupants in the 3rd row can exit the vehicle. The latch will not engage to its in a locked position.

NHTSA ID

11567101

Incident

Jan 20, 2024

The vehicle had 58,827 miles when the fuel pump failed on 12/27/2023. The vehicle stalled at a 4-way intersection during an errand run. The vehicle would not move when shifted into drive and eventually die. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop (Greg's Japanese Auto), where a certified technician confirmed and replaced the fuel pump.

NHTSA ID

11563557

Incident

Dec 27, 2023

Driver and passenger airbags deployed without cause while driving on busy expressway. No lights, warnings, sounds or crash in any way caused deployment. Broke windshield and car has been inoperative since. Insurance can't help and Nissan is being difficult trying to put blame on us. Insurance and State Police put in reports that it is a manufacturer malfunction and we are not responsible. Nissan will look at but is stalling and not giving clear timetables. Won't help with towing or rental.

NHTSA ID

11548766

Incident

Sep 30, 2023

Front collision shuts off intermittently for no reason. Causes cruise control to shut off immediately and disabled collision avoidance breaking. If cruise is on and approaching slower vehicle car will not slow down causing driver to break aggressively.

NHTSA ID

11534425

Incident

Jul 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the display control unit displayed a full black screen. Additionally, the rearview camera provided an upside-down image. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the display unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the display unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.

NHTSA ID

11526024

Incident

Jun 8, 2023

Mileage

89,000 mi

The stop lamp switch has become contaminated with silicon off-gassing from silicon-based grease used in surrounding components in close proximity. This is causing the car to not start, not able to switch gears, and break light is not turning on.

NHTSA ID

11516938

Incident

Apr 13, 2023

The Nissan DCU/Infotainment center/Radio no longer has a working display in my 2018 Nissan pathfinder (R52 model). I haven't replaced this unit and it is still not operation in the vehicle. This display is necessary for the use of the back up camera and its failure could result in damage to the vehicle, person or property. While I have not taken this to the dealer at this time, numerous others (online posts) have experienced this issue and have brought it to the dealer. The dealers response is to replace the DCU. The stereo initially started looping, now there is no display. When placing the vehicle in reverse, you may get camera from anywhere between 2-10 seconds. There were no warning lights or indicators prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11514756

Incident

Feb 8, 2023