Engine
3.3L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 183 of 217 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 86 of 217 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Suspension
114 complaint records3 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS HEAVY VIBRATION COMING FROM THE REAR. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →
Steering
26 complaint records
"LEFT FRONT STRUT TOWER, AND FRAME RUSTED AWAY CAUSING STRUT TO HIT STEERING SHAFT. BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER HITTING HOOD. VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Power train
20 complaint records
"DEFECTIVE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND AND VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD UPON STOPPING AND STARTING FROM A STOPPED POSITION...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE11004 opened Jan 2011 | closed Jun 2011 | Suspension | Frame/Body Structure Corrosion - led to recall 11V244000 In their Defect Information Report (DIR) of April 20, 2011, Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified NHTSA that it would conduct a safety recall of certain 1996-2004 Nissan Pathfinder and 1997-2003 Infinity QX4 vehicles to repair corrosion damage to the... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11V244000 | Suspension | NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996-2004 PATHFINDER AND MODEL YEAR 1997-2003 INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS,... | Normally free |
| 07V435000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | ON CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY,... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011165 2011-04-21 | Structure | 74,983 | On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months, a mixture of snow/water and salt may enter an assembly location hole in the upper strut housing, causing water to collect at the mating surface of the... |
| 2007300 2007-09-13 | Fuel System | 45,279 | On certain vehicles, inadequate coating of the fuel filler tube assembly could allow water to penetrate past the coating and cause surface rust. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTB08-097L Sep 2023 | Steering | DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB23-049 Jun 2023 | Electrical System | 12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. | |
| NTB23-053 Jun 2023 | Electrical System | SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. | |
| NTB13-107F Apr 2023 | 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. | |
| NTB16-003C Apr 2023 | Electrical System | INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTB09-081J Feb 2023 | Structure | WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB13-028H Feb 2023 | Structure | REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB08-097K Feb 2023 | Steering | DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB10-126C Feb 2023 | Wheels | WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB99-001F Dec 2021 | Suspension | STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB99-001e Feb 2021 | Suspension | STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. | |
| NTB-08-055-A Jan 2014 | Air Bags | NISSAN: SRS PRECAUTIONS DURING SERVICE;IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, INCLUDING INCORRECT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE SRS, CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAUSED BY UNINTENTIONAL ACTIVATION OF THE SRS ON ALL NISSAN MODELS WITH THE SRS SYSTEMS. *PE UPDATED 2/21/14. *PE | |
| NTB08055C Jan 2014 | Air Bags | SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle. | |
| NTB-11-066 Dec 2013 | Suspension | NISSAN SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. 1996-2004 PATHFINDER. IN STATES WHERE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, IN THE WINTER, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT HOUSING CAN DEVELOP CORROSION THAT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE. | |
| NTB11066G Dec 2013 | Structure | Nissan is conducting a voluntary safety recall campaign on certain model year 1996 - 2004 Pathfinder vehicles that are currently registered in Salt States to inspect for corrosion, and if necessary repair the front strut housing panels. | |
| NTB92123D Aug 2013 | Wheels | Nissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards. | |
| NTB00033E Jul 2013 | Wheels | SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. | |
| NTB04094A Jul 2013 | Wheels | If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. | |
| NTB98018G Jun 2013 | Electrical System | As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. | |
| NTB-13-038 Apr 2013 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | NISSAN: LOCK/UNLOCK REQUEST BUTTON ON OUTSIDE HANDLE DOES NOT RESPOND. *JS | |
| NTB99001A Mar 2013 | Suspension | SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. | |
| NTB-09-101 Sep 2010 | Tires | NISSAN: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WARNING LIGHT ON/FLASHING. NO MODELS OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED ON 08-11-2011. *KB | |
| NTB-09-129 Sep 2010 | Equipment | NISSAN: VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT. WHEN REPLACING THE EVAP CANISTER VENT CONTROL VALVE FOR REASON: USE THE ONE LISTED ON PAGE 2; FOR VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE SECTION OF THE ELECTRONIC SERVICE MANUALS (ESM; WHEN INSTALLING THE NEW... | |
| NTB-09-030 Apr 2009 | Electrical System | NISSAN: THE 12 VOLT BATTERY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND IS REQUIRED TO STAY CONNECTED WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO VEHICLE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS/CAUTIONS. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE | |
| 99022 Oct 2005 | Seat Belts | FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT | |
| NTB99067A Nov 2003 | Unknown Or Other | NISSAN INTEGRATED HOMELINK TRANSMITTER SYSTEM USED TO ACTIVATE MOST ELECTRONIC GARAGE DOORS AND SECURTY GATES. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 PATHFINDER ARMADA. *TT | |
| NTB99022C Aug 2003 | Seat Belts | FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT | |
| NTB02035A Sep 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING MANUAL TRANSFER CASE DIAGNOSIS. *TT | |
| NTB01085A Jul 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING BEARING NOISE FROM TRANSFER CASE COMPANION FLANGE. *JG | |
| NTB02043 Apr 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING ROOF CONSOLE TEMPERATURE DISPLAY READS INACCURATELY. *TT | |
| NTB02035 Mar 2002 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH MANUAL TRANSFER CASE NOISES. *JB | |
| 300102 Jan 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONFIGURATION, CLASSIFICATION NUMBER TE02-005. *SLC | |
| NTB99053B Jan 2002 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON NISSAN REVISED TPS ADJUSTMENT PROCDURE. *SLC | |
| NTB01033A Oct 2001 | Fuel System | SUBJECT REGARDING FUEL INJECTOR CLEANING FOR VEHICLES WITH ROUGH IDLE, HESITATION OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0300 - P0306 STORED. *TT | |
| NTB01057 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO REVISED MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES.*JB | |
| NTB01033 Jul 2001 | Fuel System | INFORMATION ON FUEL INJECTOR CLEANING FOR VEHICLES WITH ROUGH IDLE, HESITATION OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0300-P0306 STORED. *SB | |
| NTB01044 Jun 2001 | Unknown Or Other | SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING INNER TIE ROD WRENCHES. *SB | |
| NTB01031 Jun 2001 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING ESSENTIAL TOOL - REAR AXLE BEARING REMOVAL KIT. *TTTHE KIT IS AN ESSENTIAL TOOL AND AND WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY SENT TO ALL NISSAN DEALERS. | |
| NTB98009A May 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING IDLER PULLEY NOISE (AMENDMENT). *YD | |
| NTB98046DE May 2001 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING WIND UP CLUNK (OLD PROCEDURE),( AMENDMENT). *YD | |
| NTB98046D May 2001 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CLUNK NOISE FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WHEN STOPPING. *TT | |
| NTB99022B May 2001 | Seat Belts | SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT | |
| NTB010027 May 2001 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING SUNGLASSES HOLDER LID WILL NOT OPEN/CLOSE PROPERLY. *YD | |
| NTB01023 Apr 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING ESSENTIAL TOOL: THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR TEST CONNECTOR. *SLC | |
| NTB01011 Feb 2001 | Vehicle Speed Control | VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE JN8AR05Y * XW360090 MAY EXHIBIT IDLE SPEED FLUCTUATION; INCORRECT IDLE SPEED; INCREASED ACCELERATOR PEDAL RESISTANCE AND / OR DIFFICULTY ACCELRATING SMOOTHLY FROM A STOP. *TT | |
| NTB00049 Jun 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING VG33E PISTON REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| NTB00024 Mar 2000 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGRDING SUNSHADE CLIPS BREAK OR DEFORM ON VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE JN8AR0788XW350101. *TT | |
| NTB00020 Feb 2000 | Structure | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SQUEAK / RATTLE NOISE AT THE REAR HATCH. *TT | |
| NTB99074 Feb 2000 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE JN8AR07S4XW350146 AND EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT A CLUNK NOISE FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WHEN STOPPING. *TT | |
| NTB98046B Feb 2000 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING VEHICLES WITHIN VIN JN8AR07S4XW350 THAT EXHIBIT WIND-UP CLUNK. *TT | |
| NTB99017A Feb 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY INDICATE THAT A LIGHT TICKING OR HUMMING NOISE CAN BE HEARD COMING FROM THE BLOWER MOTOR OF AN APPLIED VEHICLE WHEN THE MOTOR IS RUN AT LOW FAN SPEEDS. *TT | |
| NTB00011 Feb 2000 | Visibility | THIS BULLETIN ADDRESSES CONCERNS WITH THE INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR BECOMING LOOSE AND / OR FALLING OFF. *TT | |
| NTB00001 Dec 1999 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT SUNROOF BINDS; SUNROOF MOTOR RUNS BUT THE SUNROOF WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE; SUNROOF LEAKS. *TT | |
| NTB99083 Nov 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR HARD START IN COLD TEMPERATURE / HIGH ALTITUDE CONDITONS. *TT | |
| NTB99067 Sep 1999 | Unknown Or Other | NISSAN INTEGRATED HOMELINK TRANSMITTER SYSTEM USED TO ACTIVATE MOST ELECTRONIC GARAGE DOORS AND SECURTY GATES. *TT | |
| NTB98088A Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE JN8AR05Y*XW306090 MAY EXHIBIT A HARD START CONDITION AT HIGH ALTITUDE AND COLD CONDITIONS. *TT | |
| NTB99022A Aug 1999 | Seat Belts | CONCERNS WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE STOPPER BUTTON MISSING. *TT | |
| NTB99054 Aug 1999 | Structure | VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE JN8AR07Y9XW350101 MAY EXPERIENCE A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE DOOR FINISHER. *TT | |
| NTB98103A Jun 1999 | Structure | SERVICE BULLETIN FOR VEHICLES EXHIBITING SQUEAK AND RATTLE NOISE(S). *TT | |
| NTB99041 Jun 1999 | Structure | VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE JN8AR05YXW317099 MAY EXHIBIT WIND NOISE(S). *TT |
Showing 60 of 90 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Nissan Pathfinder →