2002 Nissan PathfinderUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

156 federal complaints (206 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 69 service bulletins · 6 Canadian recalls
See all 40 model years of the Nissan Pathfinder →
Engine
3.3L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
14 city / 18 hwy
Federal complaints
156
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
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.

Suspension
45
Engine & cooling
43
Body & structure
19
Steering
17
Speed control
11
Power train
11
Air bags
9
Fuel system
8
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

0 years old: 10 complaints01 years old: 6 complaints2 years old: 10 complaints3 years old: 8 complaints4 years old: 6 complaints5 years old: 13 complaints56 years old: 13 complaints7 years old: 4 complaints8 years old: 5 complaints9 years old: 12 complaints10 years old: 6 complaints1011 years old: 7 complaints12 years old: 10 complaints13 years old: 9 complaints14 years old: 5 complaints15 years old: 7 complaints1516 years old: 7 complaints17 years old: 6 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 3 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 147 of 156 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 3 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 11 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 11 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 11 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 12 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 12 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 11 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 14 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 7 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 4 complaints200,000+ miles: 7 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 103 of 156 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

45 complaint records1 crash report
"VIBRATION PRESENT AT 20 MPH AND THEN AGAIN MOST NOTICABLE AT 38-40 MPH. DEALER REPLACED DRIVESHAFT ASSY-REAR. VIBRATION STILL PRESENT. DT..."- 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 →

Engine & cooling

43 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"DT*: THE CONTACT STATED BOTH CATALYTIC CONVERTER SEALS FAILED WHICH ALLOWED THE EXHAUST TO LEAK. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED...."- 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 engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Body & structure

19 complaint records
"RECALL #11V244000 APPLIES TO MY ISSUE. BOTH FRONT APRONS ROTTED. CONFIMED BY MY LOCAL STS. MY VIN # IS NOT COVERED SOMEHOW. NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF CAMPAIGN. TOLD BY NISSAN DEALER I'M NOT COVERED...."- 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 body & structure 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.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA21002
opened Sep 2021
OPENAir BagsDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L.
PE11004
opened Jan 2011
closed Jun 2011SuspensionFrame/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.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
20V008000Air BagsNissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4,...Normally free
17V068000Air BagsNissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2002 Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with Takata air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules...Normally free
15V287000Air BagsNissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles.Normally free
11V244000SuspensionNISSAN 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
10V312000Air BagsNISSAN IS RECALLING FORTY-SIX CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 PATHFINDER AND INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 24, 2001 THROUGH AUGUST 28, 2001.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.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2020003
2020-01-10
Airbag21,192Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair.
2017054
2017-02-03
Airbag14On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag inflator.
2014272
2014-07-02
Airbag20,412On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2013117
2013-04-11
Airbag55,824On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2011165
2011-04-21
Structure74,983On 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...
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2010219
2010-07-05
Airbag14On certain vehicles, due to a problem during the airbag inflator manufacturing process, some front passenger airbag inflators may be missing components.

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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB09-131C
Apr 2026
StructureCERTIFICATION 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.
ITB09-063C
Apr 2026
StructureCERTIFICATION 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.
NTB13-107G
May 2024
Electrical SystemVEHICLE 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.
NTB09-081K
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-028I
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperREMOVING 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.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB17-019H
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperWINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB08-097L
Sep 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS 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 System12 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 SystemSILICONE-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 SystemVEHICLE 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 SystemINTELLIGENT 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.
NTB09-081J
Feb 2023
StructureWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-028H
Feb 2023
StructureREMOVING 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
SteeringDIAGNOSIS 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
WheelsWHEEL 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
SuspensionSTRUT 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
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Nissan Aftersale
Jan 2019
Air BagsSubject: Takata Completion Objectives for Q4 Nissan is continuing to ask its dealers to urgently help increase customer participation in the Takata recalls and to help it achieve 100% customer recall participation for the following vehicles: - 2007-11 Versa Sedan - 2007-12 Versa...
NPSB18-382 - Tak
Nov 2018
Air BagsDealer Engagement for Takata Awareness Nissan is committed to the safety and security of its customers and their passengers. As you are likely aware, Nissan has initiated multiple field actions to execute the Takata Airbag Recall in accordance with the schedule set by the...
PC650_PC655 - Fr
Oct 2018
EngineFree Oil Change Specific Vehicles Subject to the Takata Recall *****Detailed Information***** To help accelerate repair completions on specific populations of vehicles recalled for the Takata airbag, Nissan is offering a special incentive for certain populations of affected...
NTB09131B
Apr 2016
Forward Collision AvoidanceSERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate / Label" may be needed. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met.
NTB13028A
Nov 2015
VisibilitySERVICE INFORMATION Windshield "foreign material" that is on the surface of the glass in some cases can be cleaned off with a very particular type and grade of steel wool.
NTB00042D
Jan 2015
Back Over PreventionSERVICE INFORMATION Changes or modifications to the front seat assembly trim materials may affect the proper operation of the Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags and Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor and could result in serious personal injury or death.
NTB-08-055-A
Jan 2014
Air BagsNISSAN: 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
EquipmentSERVICE 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
SuspensionNISSAN 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
StructureNissan 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.
NTB-03-074-C
Nov 2013
Exterior LightingNISSAN: EXTERIOR LAMP FOGGING. OCCASIONALLY WATER IS NOTICED IN THE EXTERIOR LAMPS. THIS IS GENERALLY NOT DUE TO A DEFECT. ALL CURRENT EXTERIOR LAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE VENTED TO THE ATMOSPHERE (NOT SEALED).
NTB92123D
Aug 2013
WheelsNissan 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
SuspensionSERVICE 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
SteeringIf 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 SystemAs 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/LinkagesNISSAN: LOCK/UNLOCK REQUEST BUTTON ON OUTSIDE HANDLE DOES NOT RESPOND. *JS
NTB99001A
Mar 2013
SuspensionSERVICE 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
TiresNISSAN: 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
EquipmentNISSAN: 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 SystemNISSAN: 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
03030
Apr 2007
Exterior LightingEXTERIOR LAMP FOGGING. *KB
06009
Feb 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE U1000 OR U1010 STORED IN ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. *AK
99022
Oct 2005
Seat BeltsFRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT
99063C
May 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE WILL NOT START. NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM / NISSAN ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (NVIS/NATS) DESCRIPTION KEY REGISTRATION. *TT UPDATE. *TT
04092
Sep 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingREPAIR OF EXHAUST LEAK/NOISE AT FRONT TUBE. *TT
04074
Jun 2004
Exterior Lighting4WD WARNING LAMP COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. *MJ
04001A
Jan 2004
EquipmentREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY REPLACEMENT PARTS. THIS BULLETIN REPLACES NTB04-001. *TT
04009
Jan 2004
Power TrainOIL LEAK FROM FRONT OF TRANSFER CASE. *TT
NTB99067A
Nov 2003
Unknown Or OtherNISSAN INTEGRATED HOMELINK TRANSMITTER SYSTEM USED TO ACTIVATE MOST ELECTRONIC GARAGE DOORS AND SECURTY GATES. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 PATHFINDER ARMADA. *TT
03091
Oct 2003
Service BrakesBRAKE JUDDER FROM FRONT BRAKES. *TT
NTB99022C
Aug 2003
Seat BeltsFRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT
03057B
Jul 2003
EquipmentTHE HVAC (BLOWER) FAN ONLY WORKS ON SPEED 4 (HIGH). *TT
03057A
Jun 2003
EquipmentTHE HVAC (BLOWER) FAN ONLY WORKS ON SPEED 4 (HIGH). *TT
03056
May 2003
Power TrainREPLACEMENT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *TT
03057
May 2003
EquipmentTHE AUTO AIR CONDITIONER HVAC (BLOWER) FAN ONLY WORKS ON SPEED 4 (HIGH). *TT
03045
May 2003
Power TrainTRANSFER CASE OIL LEAK. *TT
01041A
Apr 2003
EquipmentDVD MOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM INTRODUCTION AND DIAGNOSIS. *SCC
02090A
Mar 2003
StructureWIND NOISE, VIBRATION OR FLUTTER COMING FROM THE ROOF AREA WITH A ROOF RACK INSTALLED. *TT
NTB03009
Feb 2003
EquipmentROOF RACK WHISTLE NOISE. *JB
NTB03011
Feb 2003
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH REAR O2 SENSOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE. *JB
03009
Feb 2003
StructureROOF RACK WHISTLE NOISE. *TT
03007
Jan 2003
SteeringRUBBING/WHEEZING NOISE FROM STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING. *TT
NTB02035A
Sep 2002
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING MANUAL TRANSFER CASE DIAGNOSIS. *TT

Showing 60 of 69 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 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.
  5. 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 →