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.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 14, 2005
(1) NO ONE SINGLE EVENT LEAD UP TO THE FAILURE, THE FAILURE OCCURRED OVER TIME. (2) EXHAUST SYSTEMS "FRONT TUBE" ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE CRACKED AND SPLIT AT THE SEAMS. THE MORNING WAS QUITE COOL, DONNA STROUD WAS DRIVING TO HER NEXT MAIL DELIVERY STOP, WITH THE HEATER RUNNING FULL BLAST, WHEN SHE EXPERIENCED PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS SIMILAR TO A SEIZURE, CLENCHED FISTS, CURLED IN WRISTS, SHORTNESS OF BREATH, AND DIZZINESS. SHE HAD TO ASK A PASSERBY TO CALL 911 AS SHE WAS UNABLE TO OPERATE HER PHONE WITH CLENCHED HANDS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL TEAM ARRIVED QUICKLY AND WENT RIGHT TO WORK THE EMTS ASSESSMENT REVEALED AN UNUSUAL HEART RHYTHM PATTERN AND LOW BLOOD OXYGEN LEVELS. SHE STARTED FELLING BETTER AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES ON OXYGEN BUT WAS RUSHED VIA HELICOPTER TO EMERGENCY ROOM WHERE THEY RAN NUMEROUS BLOOD TEST EKGS AND X-RAYS REVELED NOTHING UNUSUAL ENOUGH TO CAUSE THE SYMPTOMS SHE EXPERIENCED. (3) NISSAN DEALER INSTALLED A REPAIR KIT TO FIX THIS KNOWN PROBLEM. THERE IS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AT HTTP://WWW.NISSANHELP.COM/BULLETINS/PATHFINDER/2002/1.HTM
Electrical system, Sep 16, 2005
1) NISSAN PATHFINDER 2002 -AIR CONDITIONING FAN WOULD ONLY WORK ON SPEED 4 (HIGH) AND WOULDN'T SHUT OFF. RUNS CONTINUOUSLY 2) FAN WOULD ONLY SHUT OFF IF IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF - ELECTRICAL SHORT ISSUE 3) NISSAN HAD A "KIT" THAT WAS TO FIX THE PROBLEM & WAS INSTALLED AT MY EXPENSE. ONCE INSTALLED IT FIXED THE FAN ISSUE (NISSAN ISSUED A TSB 10-16-2003 - COMPONENT 353600 EQUIPMENT - ELECTRICAL - AIR CONDITIONER) BUT CREATED ANOTHER PROBLEM. NOW FAN WON'T COME ON FOR HEAT OR DEFROSTER (WHILE ON AUTO) WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 60 DEGREES. NISSAN DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM ONLY THAT THEY ARE NOW SUGGESTING TO POSSIBLY REPLACE THE AC AUTO AMP UNIT OR THE INSIDE SENSOR OR POSSIBLY BOTH. ONLY A SUGGESTION BUT NOT A "FIX FOR SURE" AGAIN AT MY EXPENSE. I ALREADY PAID $428.42 BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS 4000 MILES OVER WARRANTY AND NOW THEY WANT TO EXPERIMENT AT MY EXPENSE FOR ANOTHER $500.00. I REFUSED BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT GUARANTEEING THAT THIS WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE ENGINEERS/TECHNICIANS REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THE NEW ISSUE. *NM
Electrical system, Equipment, Sep 14, 2005
I WAS INFORMED BY NISSAN THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM 12/03. I FOLLOWED UP AND HAD IT REPAIRED OR REPLACED , AT THIS POINT I'M UNCERTAIN WHAT HAPPENED. TODAY, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS INOPERABLE AND IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY 800.00 TO REPLACE IT. THIS IS A DEVICE THAT IS APART OF THE ENGINE EXHAUST RECALL THAT WAS DONE IN '03. BECAUSE 2 YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE THE RECALL WAS DONE, I AM NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND I AM FORCED TO MAKE ANOTHER COSTLY REPAIR. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE NUMEROUS RECALLS AND REPAIRS ON THE "NORTH AMERICAN CAR OF THE YEAR!" *NM
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
Power train, Jul 22, 2005
CAR HAD VIRATION DURING TEST DRIVE BEFORE PURCHASE. DEALER SAID MINOR PROBLEM AND WOULD BE FIXED. 8 TRIPS AND MANY REPAIRS AND PARTS BY DEALER OVER 3 MONTH PERIOD, SAME VIBRATION PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. CAR IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE OVER 55 MPH DUE TO CONSTANT VIRATION THAT I FEAR MAY DEVELOPE INTO A LARGER PROBLEM AND COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL ON HWY. DEALER NOW CALIMS HE DROVE SAME MAKE, MODEL VEHICLE AND IT HAS SAME VIRATION THEREFORE HE CLAIMS VIBRATION IS NORMAL FOR THAT YEAR VEHICLE.
Structure, Jul 19, 2005
I WENT TO HAVE MY OIL CHANGE AT THE GARAGE,I TOLD THE MECHANIC I COULD HEAR A HISSING NOISE FROM UNDER NEAT,LIKE A NOISE FROM THE MUFFLER.WHEN HE CHECKED HE SAID THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS SPLIT OPEN,HE TOLD ME TO BRING IT TO THE DEALER,IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE POLLUTION CONTROL.WHEN I GOT TO THE DEALER HE CHECKED IT OUT AND TOLD ME ,IT WAS CALLED A TUBE OR A PIPE NOT A CATALYITIC CONVERTER NOT COVERED UNDER WARR.,BUT NISSAN SOLD A PATCH TO REPAIR THIS,AT THE TIME I HAD AROUND 44,528 MI.ON MY PATHFINDER JUST OVER THE 36,000 MI WARR.SO I CALLED NISSAN TO EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM AND TOLD THEM I WAS A LOYAL CUSTOMER AFTER BYING 3 PATHFINDER AND MY WIFE 2 MAXIMA,I DON'T SEEM TO HAVE GOTTEN ANYWHERE BUT SORRY.I WAS TOLD THAT A REGIONAL REP.WAS GOING TO CALL,BUT WE NEVER CONNECTED.THE SERVICE MGR.AT NISSAN TOLD ME THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM,THAT I WAS NOT THE FIRST,I HOPE THIS WILL DO SOME GOOD MAYBE GET MY MONEY BACK.REPAIR WORK DONE ON 6/18/05.THANK YOU
Vehicle speed control, May 6, 2005
2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH SUDDEN ACCELERATION.*MR CONSUMER HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL DISCONNECTED TO SEE IF THAT WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *BF
Exterior lighting, May 6, 2005
I'M THOROUGHLY DISGUSTED WITH THE DESIGN AND QUALITY OF THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA. WITHIN 6 MONTHS I'VE NOW SPENT $600 ($300 EACH INCLUDING LABOR) TO REPLACE BOTH HEADLIGHTS ON MY AUTO ALL BECAUSE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO REPLACE A $6 BULB. THERE IS A SEVERE DESIGN FLAW AND SHOWS LACK OF QUALITY PRODUCED BY NISSAN. APPARENTLY NISSAN IS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCT AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ONCE THE PAPERWORK IS SIGNED AND THE DEAL IS DONE ON THE SALE OF THEIR AUTOS. I PLAN TO RETURN TO TOYOTA FOR MY NEXT AUTO PURCHASE.
Tires, Apr 1, 2005
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH AND SLOWING DOWN TO TAKE AN EXIT THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. NO CRASH WAS INVOLVED.*AK
Exterior lighting, Equipment, Dec 23, 2004
THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY PARTS ON THIS ALTIMA ARE DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR. PRIOR TO REPLACEMENT THE LIGHTS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. BUT THE ACTUAL DEFECT CAUSED BY THE LIGHTS BEING TOO HOT AND THEN MELTING THE PLASTIC WAS NOT BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION UNTIL EXPENSES HAD BEEN INCURRED ON REPLACEMENT OF THE LIGHTS SEVERAL TIMES. WHENTHE LEFT SIDE WAS PROPERLY DIAGNOSED FINALLY, THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY BUT THE DEALER DENIED REPLACEMENT AND REFUSED TO ATTEMPT ANY SOLUTION. DUE TO THE EXPENSE OF REPLACING THE LIGHTS AND THE LEFT HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY PART, I HAD TO WAIT TO REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE. THE PARTS COMPONENTS FOLKS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE. MORE IMPORTANTLY NISSAN SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. SEVERAL MECHANICS INCLUDING ONE SERVICE PERSON AT THE NISSAN DEALER TOLD ME THEY HAD SEEN SEVERAL ALTIMAS WITH THIS PROBLEM BUT UNTIL THERE WAS A RECALL THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO.*AK
Steering, Suspension, Nov 23, 2004, crash
WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND ONTO A MAIN STREET, DRIVING AT 20 MPH IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC , SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE , CAUSING IT TO GO OVER A CURB, UP ONTO A LAWN, ACROSS THE STREET, HITTING A MAIL BOX AND WENT BACK ONTO THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE HIT AN ON COMING VAN, WENT BACK UP ONTO A CURB AND STOPPED. THE DRIVER HAD NO STEERING CONTROL. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP BEING REPAIRED. *JB *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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 9, 2004
I OWN A 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA THAT HAS JUST 37000 MILES ON IT. IN THE PAST 2-3 WEEKS I NOTICED BRAKE NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE METAL ON METAL GRIDING. I OF COURSE TOOK IT TO MY DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL FOUR SETS OF BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN SHORT, EVERYTHING WAS GONE. AFTER LESS THAN 2.5 YEAR. THIS SEEMS LIKE EXCESSIVE AND PREMATURE BRAKE FAILURE. I HAVE VISTITED SEVERAL OWNER WEBSITES AND HAVE SEEN A MULTITUDE OF STORIES REGARDING EARLY BRAKE WEAR ON THE 2002 ALTIMA. THIS VEJICLE HAS ALSO HAD 5 SAFETY RECALL IN THE LAST 2 YEARS. NISSAN CLAIMS THAT THIS IS "NORMAL" BRAKE WEAR. I THINK IT'S A POTENTIAL SAFTEY HAZARD. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED AT A COST OF $900. I AM NOT A "HARD" DRIVER AND ALL VEHICLES I HAVE OWNED IN THE PAST HAVE NOT NEEDED BRAKES TILL 50-60000 MILES. THIS SEEMS LIKE EITHER A DESIGN FLAW OR FAULTY PARTS OR BOTH. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 9, 2004
I HAVE HAD REOCCURING BRAKING PROBLEMS WITH MY 02 NISSAN XTERRA FOR THE PAST YEAR. THE BRAKES DO NOT ADEQUATELY STOP THE VEHICLE AND GRAB/RELEASE WHEN COMING TO A STOP MAKING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT AT TIMES. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE NISSAN DEALER THREE SEPARATE TIMES FOR SERVICE AND THE PROBLEM HAS STILL NOT BEEN REMEDIED. I WAS RECENTLY TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT COME UP WITH A SOLUTION.*AK
Power train, Nov 3, 2004
MY CONCERNS ARE ALSO REFLECTED IN 2 OTHER COMPLAINTS LISTED ON YOUR WEBSITE. MY 2002 NISSAN ALITMA 3.5L SE, STARTED GIVING ME PROBLEMS AT 57,000 MILES. IT STARTED WITH VERY HARD SHIFTING GOING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. SOMETIMES IT WOULD WORK FINE (ESPECIALLY IF THE VEHICLE WAS WARM) IF THE VEH HAS BEEN SETTING OVER NIGHT, AND YOU PUT IT INTO "DRIVE" IF WOULD SHIFT VERY HARD. IF I REVVED THE ENGINE UP BEFORE PUTTING IT INTO GEAR IT USUALLY DID NOT SHIFT HARD. UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE ONE EVENING TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO DRIVE FINE, HOWEVER WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. AS I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD THE VEH TOWED TO THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALERSHIP, I WAS ADVISED THE THROTTLE CHAMBER WAS THE ISSUE AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAS COST ME A TOTAL OF $4600.00 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, A $150.00 TOWING BILL AND THEN HAD TO RENT A RENTAL CAR UNTIL THIS WAS REPLACED. AM SEEING MANY VEHICLE COMPLAINTS WITH THIS ISSUE, INCLUDING 2 ON YOUR WEBSITE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 3, 2004
AT APPROX. 36,400 MILES ABS WARNING LIGHT WENT ON. II TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE FRONT LEFT ABS SENSOR, $290.00 TO REPAIR, FRONT BRAKE PADS DOWN TO 10% AND ROTORS NEED TO BE RESURFACED. I INQUIRED ABOUT WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE SENSOR AND THEY SAID NO. I CONTACTED NISSAN EXPLAINED THE SITUATION, THEY CONTACTED THE DEALER AND NISSAN REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR SAYING THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO BRAKES BEING WORN DOWN. THIS WAS MY 3RD NISSAN VEHICLE AND WILL BE MY LAST ONE.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 3, 2004
THE EXHAUST PIPES AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER THAT RUN UNDER THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WERE LEAKING CAUSING EXHAUST FUMES ENTER THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE EXHAUST FUMES CAUSED BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER TO FALL ASLEEP WITHOUT ANY SYMPTOMS OF SLEEPINESS OR DROWZYNESS. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE PARTS REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS DID NOT NEED REPLACING AND ONLY A FOAM SPRAY SEAL WAS REQUIRED. THIS DID NOT GIVE ME THE ASSURANCE I NEED TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE CAR.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 20, 2004
CONSUMER STATED A HOLE FORMED IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jun 22, 2004
DEFECTIVE CONVERTER PIPES. REPLACED BY DEALER UNDER WARRANTY MAY 03. BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED 1 YEAR LATER. BEYOND THE 12.000 WARRANTY. COST APPROX. $2,000. CREATING EMISSIONS PROBLEM. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Apr 19, 2004
WHEN DRIVING 35 MPH VEHICLE ACCELERATED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED, AND MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *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
Power train, Mar 11, 2004
WHEN THE CONSUMER STARTED HIS VEHICLE, WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD ABOUT A FOOT. *PH THE CONSUMER HAS SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALER TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. *NM
Power train, Feb 11, 2004
VEHICLE JERKS SHORTLY AFTER PLACING IN THE "PARK" POSITION. THREE TIMES THE VEHICLE HAS ROLLED BACK WHILE IN THE PARK POSITION AND ONE OF THESE EPISODE'S WAS WHILE I WAS WALKING BEHIND THE VEHICLE. I AM VERY CONCERNED WITH THIS INCIDENT AND I AM UNABLE TO LOCATE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THE PROBLEM.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 9, 2004
- DECEMBER 2003, BRAKES BECAME 'SOFT' WHEN APPLIED - EXPERIENCED PROBLEM INTERMITTENTLY. - JANUARY 30, 2004 - BRAKES FAILED WHILE TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 25 MPH - JANUARY 30, 2004, TOOK VEHICLE TO AN INDEPEDENT SERVICE STATION - SERVICE PERSONNEL STATED THAT THEY ... "EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT BRAKE FAILURE, THAT THE ABS WAS ENGAGING, AND THAT CAUSED THE PATHFINER TO LOOSE BRAKES ... THAT THE BRAKES WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR... ALLOWING NO CONTROL OVER THE BRAKES." - FEBRUARY 2, 2004, PATHFINDER TOWED TO NISSAN DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS - NISSAN DEALER KEPT VEHICLE UNTIL FEBRUARY 9, 2004. - NISSAN DEALER STATED THAT MY NISSAN PATHFINDER WAS DRIVEN BY VARIOUS SERVICE PERSONNEL, AND THATTHE BRAKES SEEMED NORMAL. - NISSAN DEALER STATED ... "NOT SURE IF BRAKES WILL FAIL AGAIN." - NISSAN CONSUMER REPRESENTATIVE ADVISED THAT I PICK THE VEHICLE UP FROM THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND DRIVE IT... "ALTHOUGH SHE (NISSAN CONSUMER REPREPRESENTATIVE ) WAS CONCERNED THAT THE BRAKE FAILURE I EXPERIENCED WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN."
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jan 15, 2004, crash
I WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED AT AN ATM WAITING FOR MY TURN, I HAD BEEN STOPPED FOR SERVERAL MINUTES. SUDDENLY, MY CAR REVVED UP AND ACCELERATED FORWARD FAST, BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. I TRIED TURNING TO AVOID THE TRUCK AHEAD OF ME. STRUCK THE TRUCK, WENT OVER A CURB, DOWN AN EMABNKMENT WHERE I STRUCK A TREE, AND ENDED UP IN A DIFFERENT PARKING LOT WHERE THE NISSAN PATHFINDER FINALLY CAME TO A STOP. AT NO TIME DID MY FOOT LEAVE THE BRAKE PEDAL. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER. THEY CONTACTED NISSAN IN SAN DIEGO AND WERE INSTRUCTED TO NOT HAVE ANYONE TOUCH THE CAR UNTIL THEY FLEW OUT AN ENGINEER AND POSSIBLY A LAWYER. TEN DAYS LATER, THE ENGINEER FINALLY ARRIVED. HE STATED SEVERAL TIMES THAT I WOULD BE "LUCKY" IF HE WAS ABLE TO COMPILE, ANALYZE, AND PRESENT THE FINDINGS TO THE NISSAN LEGAL TEAM WITHIN THE NEXT 5 DAYS. SHOCKINGLY, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS IN SAN DIEGO NOT 2.5 HOURS AFTER I LEFT THE SHOP HERE IN UTAH (WHERE THE ENGINEER STILL WAS AND HAD NOT VISITED THE CRASH SITE YET TO DOCUMENT IT) STATING THEY HAD DETERMINED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACCIDENT. BASED ON THE TIME FRAME, I CAN NOT IMAGINE THAT THE ENGINEER HAD EVEN RETURNED TO SAN DIEGO, LET ALONE DEVELOPED THE 4-5 ROLLS OF FILM HE TOOK AND ANALYZED/COMPILED EVERYTHING AND PRESENTED IT TO THE LEGAL TEAM. AS MENTIONED, THE CRASH WAS A RESULT OF A MALFUNCTION WITH THE NISSAN. I WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED FOR A PRIOD OF TIME PRIOR TO THIS OCCURING. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME A NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS DONE THIS (AS WELL AS OTHER MODELS OF THEIR CARS/TRUCKS/SUVS). THE NHTSA HAS NUMEROUS DOCUMENTS OF THIS OCCURING. WHAT CAN I DO AS A CONSUMER AS I AM TERRIFIED TO PUT MY FAMILY BACK IN THAT CAR AND WORRY ABOUT THE THREAT THIS CAR MAY POSE TO OTHER INDIVIDUALS.