Summary
The Nissan Pathfinder has 51 recalls spanning 1987 through 2025, with the most serious recent issue being defective front brake calipers on 2025 models that can crack, reduce braking performance, and extend stopping distances.
The 2024 model year has a recall where the lap belt pretensioner in the left front seat assembly may be missing a rivet, leaving the belt unable to tighten properly in a crash. The 2023 model has a driver's seat frame that may not have been properly welded and can break in a crash, and the driver's powered seat track welds can separate from the rear inboard bracket, leaving the seat unsecured.
The 2022 model year has a cluster of structural and occupant protection issues. The secondary hood latch bracket may be poorly welded, allowing the hood to fly open while driving and block the driver's view. On the restraint side, second-row seat back frames can have welds that separate, third-row head restraints can move or detach in a crash, and second-row seat tracks may be missing a mounting bolt that allows the seat to shift in a crash.
From 2013 through 2016, the secondary hood latch can stick in the open position when the hood is closed, creating the same sudden-opening risk on those model years. The 2013-2015 brake light switch relay can stick in the on position, keeping the brake lights permanently illuminated so following drivers cannot tell when the vehicle is actually slowing. On 2013-2014 models, a software issue can increase stopping distances. The 2013 model year has several additional issues: a weakly cast front brake torque member that can crack and cause the caliper to contact the wheel, a transmission oil cooler hose that can detach and leak fluid, and a front passenger seat sensor that can misclassify an adult occupant and suppress the airbag in a crash.
The 2014 model year has front hub assembly bolts that may not be tightened to specification, allowing the brake caliper to separate from the wheel hub and reduce braking, along with a right-side wheel lug nut that was not properly tightened at the factory and can loosen until the wheel separates. A small number of 2014 models with Almond interiors also have an improperly cut instrument panel tear seam that can prevent the passenger airbag from deploying correctly. The 2014-2015 Pathfinder Hybrid has a powertrain control module software defect that can shut down the hybrid system and the engine while driving.
Going back further, the 2011 model has an engine oil cooler stud that can fail, causing an oil leak and potential sudden engine shutdown while moving. The 2010 model year has a front suspension lower control link weld that can separate, degrading handling to the point of losing control. The 2008 model has a steering wheel airbag cover emblem that can break loose when the airbag deploys and become a projectile in the cabin. On 2005 models registered in salt-belt states, the front airbags may fail to deploy in a crash.
The Takata airbag inflator issue covers the 2002-2003 model years, where excessive internal pressure during deployment can rupture the inflator and send metal fragments toward occupants. The 2001 model has rear hatch gas strut brackets that can bend at high temperatures, causing the struts to detach and the heavy rear door to drop rapidly onto anyone nearby.
On 1996 models, thick carpet padding on the transmission
