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
171 reports, newest first.
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 25, 2011
ON 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER THE BACK WINDOW ABOVE THE TAIL GATE WILL UNLOCK BY USE OF THE REMOTE. THE WINDOW IS ONLY TO UNLOCK BY USE OF THE KEY. WHEN LOCKING BY REMOTE OR UNLOCKING THE WINDOW POPS OPEN. WHEN DRIVING AN OPEN DOOR LIGHT SHOWS UP AND ALL "DOORS" ARE CLOSED, JUST THE WINDOW UNLOCKED ITSELF. NOTE THAT OVER THE YEARS I HAVE ONLY UNLOCKED THIS WINDOW BY KEY MAYBE 20 TIMES. WHEN UNLOCKING AND LOCKING I MUST NOW CHECK THE WINDOW EACH TIME. *TR
Structure, Dec 22, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME ACCUMULATED EXCESSIVE RUST DUE TO HIGH AMOUNTS OF SALT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THE CONTACT SHOULD DISPOSE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE DRIVEN BUT THE FRAME WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FRAME RUST AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT DUE TO THE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE, THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 12/7/11 *CN
Structure, May 28, 2010
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INNER WHEEL MET THE FRAME ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER BY A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT RUST SHOULD NOT BE ON THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 106,000. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ
Suspension, Visibility, May 10, 2010
2002 PATHFINDER STARTED SWAYING ALL OVER THE PLACE ON FREEWAY. TAKE FOOT OFF GAS AND IT CALMS. TOOK TO MECHANIC AND IT WAS THE BUSHINGS/BEARINGS. REPLACED THEM FOR A TOTAL OF $380. ALSO, HAVE HAD TO REPLACE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW MOTORS...TWICE!! *TR
Suspension, Power train, Apr 20, 2010
OVER 40 MPH, I GET A REAR END SWAY OR WOBBLE WHEN ACCELERATING IN MY '02 NISSAN PATHFINDER . SWAY REVERSES WHEN I LET UP ON THE GAS. FEELS LIKE I'M LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD BY AN ONLINE MECHANIC THAT IT WAS MOST LIKELY THE REAR SUSPENSION LINKS FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL, THE BUSHINGS ARE TORN OR BROKEN. WHEN BROKEN WILL CAUSE THE BACK END OF THE TRUCK TO FEEL LOOSE. INSPECT ALL 4 REAR LINKS AND REPLACE WHICH EVER LINKS YOU FIND BAD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 16, 2010
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH 97,000. MILES ON IT. THERE IS A CRACK IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THAT HAS BEEN GETTING LOUDER OVER THE LAST 24 MONTHS AND RECENTLY I HAVE BEGUN TO SMELL EXHAUST INSIDE THE CAR. THIS APPARENTLY IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY NISSAN. *TR
Suspension, Dec 3, 2009
CAR DEVELOPS A VIOLENT WOBBLE AT 55-75 MPH WHEN YOU ENGAGE OR RELEASE THE GAS PEDAL. THIS IS A PROBLEM ON ALL NISSAN PATHFINDERS AFTER APPROXIMATELY 100K MILES. THE REAR TRAILING ARM LINK BUSHINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED EVERY 100K MILES IN ORDER TO AVOID THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION. THE COST TO DO THIS FOR ALL 8 BUSHINGS IS $650-$1000, DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU GET IT DONE. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO REPLACE JUST THE BUSHINGS AND ONLY SELLS THE ENTIRE TRAILING ARM LINK. THUS, THE COST AT THE DEALERSHIP CAN EXCEED THIS ESTIMATE. MANY SAVVY OWNERS HAVE SOUGHT AFTERMARKET POLYURETHANE BUSHINGS TO ELIMINATE THIS PROBLEM AND AVOID HAVING TO REPLACE THE BUSHINGS EVERY 100K MILES. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE IT IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WOBBLE. I WOULD EXPECT THAT MANY ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO THIS CONDITION AND IT IS OFTEN REPORTED AS "DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE." UNFORTUNATELY, IT IS NOT THE DRIVER'S FAULT WHEN THE VEHICLE BECOME HIGHLY UNSTABLE AT HIGH SPEEDS DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE SUSPENSION FROM THIS DESIGN. THERE ARE TSBS REGARDING THIS CONDITION, YET NISSAN HAS FAILED TO FIX IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 19, 2009
1: EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE: 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER, 71,000 MILES. LOUD EXHAUST SOUNDS. DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT CAR (CHARGED $50 TO LOOK) AND REPORTED THE EXHAUST SYSTEM PIPES GOING INTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER ARE CRACKED - AGAIN - ALREADY REPAIRED ONCE. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPAIR/REPLACE WITHOUT CHARGE. THIS IS A RECURRING DEFECT AND POSSIBLY AN EMISSIONS PROBLEM. THE PIPES CARRY EXHAUST FROM ENGINE INTO CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND MUFFLER AND THEY ARE LEAKING AND THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME FOR THIS VEHICLE OR MANY OTHERS ONLINE. DEALERSHIP MECHANIC SPECIFICALLY TOLD ME, "WE SEE THIS ALOT" ?!?! DEFECTIVE! NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT, I NEED ASSISTANCE ENSURING THAT THE DEALERSHIP TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR A RECURRING ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 5, 2009
1. EXHAUST LEAK SOUNDS, EXHAUST INTO CAB OF VEHICLE, LOUD RATTLING SOUNDS WHILE DRIVING. 2. NOTICED AROUND 60,000 MILES, PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE! 3. TAKEN TO NISSAN, NISSAN REFUSES TO PAY FOR DEFECT. NISSAN CLAIMED CRACKED PIPES, NO RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 21, 2009
EXHAUST SYSTEM PROBLEM ON 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. JUST PAID $645.00 TO HAVE TWO CO2 OXYGEN SENSORS REPLACE ON VEHICLE AND THEN WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO HAVE MY RESONATORS REPLACE IN ORDER TO PASS THE EMISSION CONTROL TEST. I HAVE BEEN SMELLING EMISSION FROM THE CAR FOR A YEAR AND WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS CO2 SENSORS THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 22, 2009
I HAVE A NISSAN ALTIMA WITH 88.000 MILES ON IT THIS CAR IT SHOULD BE JUST GETTING BROKEN IN JUST GOT DONE PAYING THIS CAR OFF IT COST ME AROUND 18,000 DOLLARS IN 2004 PAID IT OFF IN JUNE 2009 THINKING I COULD GET BACK ON MY FEET AGAIN BUT I SEE THAT WONT HAPPEN NOT WITH A BAD DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND A RUINED ENGINE THAT EATS ANTIFREEZE AND DRINKS OIL THAT'S JUST SOME OF THIS CARS ISSUES POOR HEAT OR NO HEAT IN WINTER I CANT BELIEVE WITH ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS ON ALL OF THE NISSAN SIGHT NOTHING IS BEING DONE BY NHTSA THERE ARE MORE THAN A FEW COMPLAINTS OUT THERE ITS UNREAL AND WHEN YOU NEED HELP THEY TELL YOU YOUR VIN# IS NOT THE CORRECT ONE IF ALL THESE CARS COME OFF ASSEMBLY LINE WITH DIFFERENT CONVERTERS AND MANIFOLD SYSTEM THEN AND PRECAST THAN MAY BE ,BUT NOT THE SAME PARTS WITH THE MANIFOLD AND THE SAME CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE FOWLED PRINTS NOWAY!!!ALL THESE 2002 ALTIMAS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM BUT ARE BEING TOLD THEY DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT VIN# WELL LETS SEE THESE VIN # BEFORE WE TELL THEM TO YOU THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR 7 YRS KNOW DOESN'T NHTSA HAVE ENOUGH COMPLAINT BY KNOW TO REOPEN IT CASECLAIN #03V084000 I SEE THEY HAVE SHORTENED A LITTLE FROM ITS ORIGINAL CLAIM , FIX WHAT YOU MESSED UP IN THE FIRST PLACE BAD DESIGN PRECAST NEXT TO INTAKE SPEND THE MONEY YOU MADE ON ALL OF US AND DO IT RIGHT THEN YOU MAY GET CUSTOMERS BACK PEOPLE ARE NOT STUPID AND WILL NOT FORGET ,THIS CAR IS MY SECOND NISSAN I HAD A PATHFINDER AND AFTER THIS COMPLETE INJUSTICE NEVER AGAIN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 28, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED AN EXHAUST LEAK ABOUT 2 YEARS AND 30,000 MILES AGO. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 100,000 MILES ON IT. YOU COULD SMELL THE EXHAUST LEAK AND HEAR THE EXHAUST LEAK. THE LEAK IS COMING FROM THE RESONATORS OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT.FIGURING THAT MY WARRANTY WAS UP, I HAD THE VEHICLE FIXED AT MY OWN COST. RECENT INVESTIGATION INTO WEBSITE COMPLAINT FORUMS MADE ME REALIZE THAT THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRING PROBLEM FOR 02-03 NISSAN PATHFINDER OWNERS AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER THE 8/80 RULE TO BE FIXED BY NISSAN AT NO COST. THE FAILURE OF NISSAN TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES THAT THERE IS A POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH MANUFACTURING IS AN OUTRAGE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2009
THE EXHAUST "RESONATORS" ON MY 2002 PATHFINDER BEGAN TO LEAK AT A WELDED SEAM AT ABOUT 28,000 MILES. THE NISSAN DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE EXHAUST PIPES AND INSISTED ON INSTALLING A PATCH KIT. THIS KIT ONLY LASTS APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES AND THEY BEGIN TO LEAK AGAIN. THIS REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED 4 TIMES THUS FAR AND IT IS LEAKING AGAIN. TRUCK NOW HAS 103,000 MILES. NISSAN NOW REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE PATCH. MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ON SO I SUSPECT THIS IS TIED TO THE EXHAUST LEAK. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS IT ALLOWS EXHAUST GASES TO COME FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND ENTER THE CABIN WHEN SITTING IDLE. BASED ON LOCAL DEALERS OWN ADMISSIONS, THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jan 2, 2009
DETAILS: WE HAVE BEEN LOYAL NISSAN CUSTOMERS SINCE 1987 AND MY 2002 PATHFINDER STARTED MAKING A LOUD RATTLING NOISE. WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE TECHNICIAN CHECKED IT OUT AND TOLD US THAT 2 SCREWS HAD FALLEN OUT OF THE POWER VALVE AND WERE BOUNCING AROUND IN THE CYLINDER, AND THERE WAS NOTHING WE HAD DONE WRONG. IT IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT NISSAN REFUSE TO CORRECT. I AM TOLD IT COULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED FOR $150.00. THE COST OF REPAIR THE PATHFINDER IS $7,899.99 WHICH NISSAN NORTH AMERICAN HAS REFUSE TO PAY. WE HAVE TALKED TO THEIR CONSUMER AFFAIRS SPECIALIST AND SHE REFUSE TO AUTHORIZE THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. AFTER BEING A LOYAL NISSAN CUSTOMER SINCE 1987, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THEY REFUSES TO HELP US. I HAVE A 1994 WITH OVER 100,000 MILES ON IT AND NEVER HAD ANY ENGINE PROBLEMS. I WENT ON LINE AND FIND OUT THAT MANY NISSAN PATHFINDER CUSTOMERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WE KEPT THE OIL CHANGED EVERY 2,000-2,500 MILES. I NEED HELP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 5, 2008
I AM COMPLAINING ABOUT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM ON MY 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. I HAD A LEAK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIPE AT WHAT LOOKS LIKE A CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I PAID NISSAN TO FIX THE PROBLEM. A YEAR LATER IT IS LEAKING AGAIN. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO BE REPAIRED. THEY TOLD ME THE PART ON THE BOTTOM OF THE PIPE IS NOT A CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC IT WAS. EITHER WAY THIS SEEMS TO BE A LARGE PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE FIXED BY NISSAN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 13, 2008
NISSAN ALTIMA - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON NOVEMBER 2006. NISSAN DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SENSOR COULD BE BAD AND NOT NECESSARILY THE PART. THEY SHUT THE LIGHT OFF AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. THE LIGHT CONTINUED TO GO OFF AND ON OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT YEAR YET PASSED A STATE EMISSIONS TEST. NO OTHER ENGINE PROBLEMS OCCURRED. NOVEMBER, 2008 VEHICLE FAILED STATE EMISSIONS TEST - TOLD IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. NISSAN DEALERSHIP STATES THE WARRANTY RAN OUT AT 80K MILES - THE CAR HAS 83K MILES. HAVE NOT HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT BY DEALERSHIP MECHANIC YET FOR FEAR THE ESTIMATED $1000 REPAIR COULD TURN INTO AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT AT A MUCH HIGHER COST. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 12, 2008
WE HAVE BEEN LOYAL NISSAN CUSTOMERS SINCE 1987 AND MY 2002 PATHFINER STARTED MAKING A LOUD RATTLING NOISE. WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE TECHNICIAN CHECKED IT OUT AND TOLD US THAT 2 SCREWS HAD FALLEN OUT OF THE POWER VALVE AND WERE BOUNCING AROUND IN THE CYLINDER, AND THERE WAS NOTHING WE HAD DONE WRONG. IT IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT NISSAN REFUSE TO CORRECT. I AM TOLD IT COULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED FOR $150.00. THE COST OF REPAIR THE PATHFINDER IS $7,899.99 WHICH NISSAN NORTH AMERICAN HAS REFUSE TO PAY. WE HAVE TALKED TO THEIR CONSUMER AFFAIRS SPECIALIST AND SHE REFUSE TO AUTHORIZE THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. AFTER BEING A LOYAL NISSAN CUSTOMER SINCE 1987, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THEY REFUSES TO HELP US. I HAVE A 1994 WITH OVER 100,000 MILES ON IT AND NEVER HAD ANY ENGINE PROBLEMS. I WENT ON LINE AND FIND OUT THAT MANY NISSAN PATHFINDER CUSTOMERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WE KEPT THE OIL CHANGED EVERY 2,000-2,500 MILES. I NEED HELP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH 67,000 MILES. ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC, MY TWO REAR CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ARE LEAKING CO2 FROM THEIR SEAMS. ACCORDING TO MY SERVICE MANUAL, CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ARE COVERED UNDER THE FEDERAL WARRANTY 8/80. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE WHITE PLAINS NISSAN DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT'S THE EXHAUST TUBES THAT ARE LEAKING. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT COULD BE REPAIRED BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING AND FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH 2002-2003 PATHFINDERS AND THAT THE EPA HAS NOTIFIED NISSAN IN THE PAST THAT THIS PRODUCTION DEFECT COULD CAUSE HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES. I DON'T SEE WHY THEY CAN CALL THESE PARTS "EXHAUST TUBES" WHEN THEY ARE REALLY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND HAVE THEM NOT SUBJECT TO THE FEDERAL WARRANTY. I BELIEVE NISSAN SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS WITH A PRODUCT RECALL. CAN YOU HELP ME IN THIS MATTER? THANK YOU, DORRINE LIVSON *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 23, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM HER VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS SPLIT IN THE MIDDLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE RESONATOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED INSTEAD OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE REPAIR WOULD COST OVER $1,500. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECENTLY SMELLED VAPORS COMING FROM HER VEHICLE. SHE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 11/07/08. *LJ THE FRONT EXHAUST TUBES WERE LEAKING AND VENT CONTROL VALVE WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 11/07/08. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 28, 2008
CRACKED RESONATOR/CATALYTIC CONVERTER AT 60K MILES. WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS WERE NO COVERED BY NISSAN, THAT THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL, BUT TO PURCHASE A 'FIX' KIT. IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH THE PATHFINDER AND NISSAN WILL NOT RECALL THE ITEMS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 19, 2008
WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR USED IN SEPT 2007, IT HAD 24,509 MILES ON IT. THE EXHAUST SOUNDED SOMEWHAT LOUD BUT NOT TOO ABNORMAL. JUST UNDER A YEAR LATER, THE EXHAUST WAS VERY LOUD AND RATTLING. WE TOOK IT IN TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD US THE FRONT EXHAUST TUBES WERE RUSTED AND LEAK. THEY SAID NISSAN SUPPLIES A 'REPAIR KIT' TO PUT A PATCH ON THESE TUBES. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US THEY HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER PROBLEMS LIKE THIS AND I HAVE FOUND THERE ARE MANY ENTRIES FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM ON ONLINE FORUMS. ONE SUCH FORUM CAN BE FOUND AT TOPIX.COM. JUST THE FACT THAT NISSAN SUPPLIES A 'REPAIR KIT' TO FIX THIS EXACT PROBLEM SHOWS THESE EXHAUST TUBES ARE FAULTY AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 17, 2008
RUMBLING SOUND COMING FROM EXHAUST. LOCAL REPAIR SHOP SAID IT WAS A LEAKING CATALYTIC CONVERTER. TOOK IT TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID IT WAS A CRACKED TUBE IN THE EXHAUST AND THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN CLASSIFICATION FE04-002. REFERENCE NTB04-092. ISSUED 9-1-2004. THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. MY SUBSEQUENT RESEARCH FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS, MOSTLY SAFETY RELATED, SEVERAL PEOPLE SUFFERED DIZZINESS WHILE IDLING. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. THEIR FIX IS TO CLAMP A PATCH ON TO THE LEAKING AREA. MANY OF THE REPORTS I READ SAID THAT THIS ALSO FAILS. I WOULD SUGGEST THAT THEIR SOLUTION IS A FAILURE ALSO. *TR
Seats, Aug 5, 2008
THE MOTOR IN DRIVERS SIDE SEAT THAT ALLOWS THE SEAT TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACK HAS FAILED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 29, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND IT BEGAN SMOKING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS JUST OVERHEATING AND NOT TO WORRY. A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BURNED TO THE GROUND. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS ARRIVED AND THE FIRE MARSHALL HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT TOOK PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 102,000.
Seat belts, Jul 24, 2008
2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH A SEATBELT DEFECT. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE WROTE NISSAN IN APRIL ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. HE STATES THAT HE HAS THE SAME FAILURE STILL. MECHANIC INFORMED HIM THE SEATBELT RETRACTOR DIDN'T WORK. *KB