2002 Nissan Pathfinder
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 171 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 25 Pathfinder model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 16 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 6 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2020
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, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.
Campaign 20V008000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleFeb 2, 2017
Nissan 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 used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March, 31, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 17V068000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMay 15, 2015
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. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.
Campaign 15V287000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, columnApr 20, 2011
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, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. IN AREAS OF THE COUNTRY IN WHICH HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, 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 STRUT HOUSING PANEL AND THE INNER HOOD LEDGE ASSEMBLY. OVER TIME, THIS SNOW/WATER AND SALT INTRUSION MAY RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE STRUT TOWER HOUSING IN SOME SUBJECT VEHICLES.
THE STRUT HOUSING MAY CRACK AND PULL AWAY FROM THE INNER HOOD LEDGE ASSEMBLY. THIS MAY LEAD TO GRINDING NOISES, INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, AND POSSIBLY THE STEERING COLUMN TO BREAK, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
NISSAN WILL INSPECT THE STRUT HOUSING AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS SENT OUT IN MAY 2011. THE SECOND NOTICE WAS MAILED ON JULY 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 11V244000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJul 6, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING FORTY-SIX CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 PATHFINDER AND INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 24, 2001 THROUGH AUGUST 28, 2001. THE AIR BAG INFLATOR CONTAINS PROPELLANT WAFERS THAT ARE REQUIRED TO PROPERLY DEPLOY THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG. DUE TO IMPROPER PROPELLANT WAFER INSTALLATION DURING THE AIR BAG INFLATOR ASSEMBLY PROCESS, SOME AIR BAG INFLATORS MAY BE MISSING ONE OF THE WAFERS. AS A RESULT, THE REMAINING WAFERS IN THE INFLATOR USED FOR THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY, OVER TIME, BREAK UP INTO POWDER DUE TO NORMAL VIBRATION EXPERIENCED WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAUSES THE COMBUSTION RATE OF THE PROPELLANT TO INCREASE INSIDE THE INFLATOR, WHICH CAN LEAD TO INTERNAL PRESSURE RISING SUDDENLY DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
THE INFLATOR HOUSING MAY RUPTURE AND PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
NISSAN WILL NOTIFY THE OWNERS OF THE FORTY-SIX AFFECTED VEHICLES. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 19, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 AND INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Campaign 10V312000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
11 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Aug 9, 2022
The contact's son owned a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that she received notification of NHTSA recall campaigns and flyers and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The contact stated that the vehicle was sold. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Suspension, Air bags, Nov 21, 2017
TAKATA RECALL- THE NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT WAS UNWILLING TO ASSIST ME IN REPAIRING THE AFFECTED VEHICLE. THE CLOSEST SERVICE AREA IS 98.3 MILES ONE WAY FROM MY HOUSE IN WHICH THEY TOLD ME TO PAY FOR THE COST OF TRAVEL AND TIME OFF OF WORK OUT OF MY OWN POCKET IN ORDER FOR THE REPAIRS TO BE COMPLETED. I ASKED IF THE SERVICE STATION COULD INSTEAD PICK UP MY VEHICLE AND PROVIDE ME A LOANER VEHICLE WHILE THE REPAIRS WERE TAKING PLACE IN WHICH THEY DECLINED.
Air bags, Feb 24, 2016
2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL NOTICE. *SMD
Air bags, Nov 3, 2015
NISSAN SENT ME A RECALL ON THE AIR BAGS. I SPEAK WITH THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT, THEY SAY THEY HAVE TO KEEP THE CAR ALL DAY LONG. THEY PROVIDE NO LOANER. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GO PLACES? I NEED MY CAR. THEY SAID THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR A RENTAL.
Air bags, Aug 29, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Air bags, Aug 21, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V361000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air bags, Feb 27, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, SHE PASSED OUT BEHIND THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE WITH HER FOOT STEADILY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. UPON IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 154,000.
Air bags, Jun 30, 2007, crash
MVC INVOLVING ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY LED TO A COLLISION WITH A 2 FEET CIRCUMFERENCE ELECTRICAL POLE AT APPROXIMATELY 40MPH WHERE THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. *TR
Air bags, Sep 8, 2005
WITHOUT NOTICE, THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON. I CONTACTED THE DEALER & THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $80+ TAX TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I JUST HAPPENED TO CHECK FOR RECALLS AND THE RECALL HAS STATED THAT MY ISSUE IS DUE TO A DEFECT AND IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. I CONTACTED NISSAN WHO, OF COURSE, IS NO HELP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN # WAS NOT A PART OF THAT RECALL. THEY COULDN'T EVEN TELL ME WHERE MY RECALLS WERE EVEN REPAIRED. I WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD LET THE NHTSA KNOW ABOUT THIS & ADVISE ANYONE YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH NOT TO BUY A NISSAN. IT'S NOT WORTH IT!! *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Nov 18, 2004, crash
I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT TODAY AND THE BRAKES NOT WORKING HAD A LOT TO DO WITH IT. AS I NOTICED A CAR IN FRONT OF ME, I APPLIED MY BRAKES ONLY TO FIND THAT IT DIDN'T DO ANYTHING AND WENT TO THE FLOOR SO I TRIED AGAIN (STILL ABOUT TO HIT ANOTHER CAR) AND THEY WORKED FINE. I AM WAITING TO HEAR IF THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THEM, BUT THE FACT THAT THEY WORKED THE SECOND TIME LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THEY WILL FIND NOTHING WRONG.....I KNOW THERE ARE OTHER BRAKE COMPLAINTS WITH NISSANS, SO I HOPE THIS WARNING HELPS. ALSO, I WAS GOING AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 50MPH AND WHEN I HIT THE CAR AHEAD, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IT WAS A FRONTAL HIT, MORE TO THE RIGHT SIDE, AND NEITHER AIR BAG WORKED. NO INJURIES BUT MY NECK AND BACK HURT. I HAVE JUST REPAIRED SO MUCH ON MY SENTRA, AND I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THE PROBLEMS I HAVE INCURRED WITH NISSAN, WE'LL SEE IF I EVER BUY ANOTHER.*AK
Air bags, Apr 15, 2004, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF MY CAR. I HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A SPEED OF 50 MPH. HOWEVER, MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR MALFUNCTION. I WANT THE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE NISSAN FOR A SERIOUS PRODUCT DEFICIENCY. AK