Engine
3.5L 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 107 of 110 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 77 of 110 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.
Engine & cooling
32 complaint records
"I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. IT HAS A CRACKED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. IT HAS LESS THAN 45,000 MILES . NISSAN WILL NOT COMPLY TO THE 8/80 LAW. *TR..."- 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 →
Suspension
21 complaint records1 crash report
"MY 2003 PATHFINDER SHAKES AT ABOUT 20 MPH, 40 MPH, AND 60 MPH. VIBRATION IS FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE SEAT. THE VIBRATION IS ALSO AUDIBLE.*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 →
Fuel system
19 complaint records
"CAR REPEATEDLY DEMONSTRATES 1/2 TO 1/4 TANK OF GAS BUT IS EMPTY CAUSING USER TO RUN OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING. NO FUEL LEAK, MECHANICS CONTINUES TO STATE THEY FIND NO PROBLEM. *TR..."- 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 fuel system 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA21002 opened Sep 2021 | OPEN | Air Bags | Desiccated 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. |
| EA15001 opened Feb 2015 | OPEN | Air Bags | Air Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 22V945 The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the... |
| PE14016 opened Jun 2014 | closed Mar 2015 | Air Bags | Air Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 15V226000 The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the... |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20V008000 | Air Bags | Nissan 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 |
| 15V287000 | Air Bags | Nissan 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 |
| 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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020003 2020-01-10 | Airbag | 21,192 | Issue: 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. |
| 2014566 2014-12-12 | Airbag | 13,750 | On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
| 2014272 2014-07-02 | Airbag | 20,412 | On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
| 2013117 2013-04-11 | Airbag | 55,824 | On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
| 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... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTB09-131C Apr 2026 | Structure | 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. | |
| ITB09-063C Apr 2026 | Structure | 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. | |
| NTB13-107G May 2024 | 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. | |
| NTB09-081K Apr 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | WINDSHIELD 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/Wiper | 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. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTB17-019H Apr 2024 | Visibility/Wiper | WINDOW 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 | 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. | |
| NTB09-081J Feb 2023 | Visibility | 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 | Visibility | 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. | |
| Nissan Aftersale Jan 2019 | Air Bags | Subject: 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 Bags | Dealer 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 | Engine | Free 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 | Equipment | SERVICE 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 | Visibility | SERVICE 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 | Equipment | SERVICE 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 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. | |
| NTB-03-074-C Nov 2013 | Exterior Lighting | NISSAN: 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 | 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 | Suspension | 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 | Service Brakes | 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 | |
| 03030 Apr 2007 | Exterior Lighting | EXTERIOR LAMP FOGGING. *KB | |
| 06009 Feb 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE U1000 OR U1010 STORED IN ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. *AK | |
| 02120A Nov 2005 | Service Brakes | ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) LIGHT ON AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE FOR ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *TT | |
| 99022 Oct 2005 | Seat Belts | FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT | |
| 99063C May 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE WILL NOT START. NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM / NISSAN ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (NVIS/NATS) DESCRIPTION KEY REGISTRATION. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 04143 Dec 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE CRANKS BUT WILL NOT START WITH OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE BELOW 32 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. *TT | |
| 04119 Oct 2004 | Equipment | NISSAN SATELLITE RADIO DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION. (ALL NISSAN VEHICLE 2004 AND LATER). *JB | |
| 04092 Sep 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REPAIR OF EXHAUST LEAK/NOISE AT FRONT TUBE. *TT | |
| 04067 Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | OIL LEAK FROM FRONT OF TRANSFER CASE.*MR | |
| 04001A Jan 2004 | Equipment | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY REPLACEMENT PARTS. THIS BULLETIN REPLACES NTB04-001. *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 | |
| 02100B Nov 2003 | Tires | TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) WARNING LIGHT FLASHES OR STAYS ON. *TT | |
| 03091 Oct 2003 | Service Brakes | BRAKE JUDDER FROM FRONT BRAKES. *TT | |
| NTB99022C Aug 2003 | Seat Belts | FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT | |
| 03057B Jul 2003 | Equipment | THE HVAC (BLOWER) FAN ONLY WORKS ON SPEED 4 (HIGH). *TT | |
| 03057A Jun 2003 | Equipment | THE HVAC (BLOWER) FAN ONLY WORKS ON SPEED 4 (HIGH). *TT | |
| 03056 May 2003 | Power Train | REPLACEMENT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *TT | |
| 03057 May 2003 | Equipment | THE AUTO AIR CONDITIONER HVAC (BLOWER) FAN ONLY WORKS ON SPEED 4 (HIGH). *TT | |
| 03045 May 2003 | Power Train | TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAK. *TT | |
| 01041A Apr 2003 | Equipment | DVD MOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM INTRODUCTION AND DIAGNOSIS. *SCC | |
| NTB03009 Feb 2003 | Equipment | ROOF RACK WHISTLE NOISE. *JB | |
| 03009 Feb 2003 | Structure | ROOF RACK WHISTLE NOISE. *TT | |
| 02100 Oct 2002 | Tires | TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) WARNING LIGHT FLASHES OR STAYS ON. *TT |
Showing 60 of 61 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 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 →