2003 Nissan Pathfinder
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 110 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 25 Pathfinder model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 11 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 5 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 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
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
110 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Jul 27, 2013
OPEN NISSAN RECALL R1107 ON THIS VEHICLE FOR STEERING AND STRUT HOUSING. THERE ARE VISIBLE DEFECTS RELATING TO THIS RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. 1ST CONTACT NISSAN 4/9/13. I LIVE APPROX 700 MILES FROM ANY DEALERSHIP WITH NO OPTION OF ROAD SYSTEM TO REACH DEALERSHIP. I WOULD NEED TO SHIP VEHICLE OR TAKE FERRY TO MAJOR ROAD SYSTEM THEN DRIVE. WE HAVE ONE STATE HIGHWAY ON OUR ISLAND. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE LOCALLY. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE LET ALONE DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS TO REACH A DEALERSHIP. AT FIRST I WAS BASICALLY TOLD TOO BAD. I ASKED IF THEY WERE TELLING ME I HAD TO DRIVE A DANGEROUS VEHICLE BECAUSE I LIVED IN RURAL AMERICA? I WAS THEN TRANSFERRED TO DEALERSHIP IN ANCHORAGE, AK. WE ARRANGED FOR ME TO TAKE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC LOCALLY TO TAKE DETAILED PHOTOS TO FORWARD TO DEALERSHIP TO DETERMINE IF VEHICLE WAS A CANDIDATE FOR REPAIR OR IF DAMAGE WAS SO ADVANCED AS TO JUNK VEHICLE. THERE WAS BACK AND FORTH CONTACT BY PHONE AND E-MAIL WITH DEALERSHIP. I WAS ASKED TO PROVIDE SHIPPING COSTS AND LATER PROVIDED DETAILS ON STEPS AND COSTS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE WRECKED HERE IN TOWN. SOMETIME TOWARD END OF JUNE 2013 I STOPPED GETTING UPDATES. NISSAN CORP ISSUED A 2ND CASE NUMBER ON 7/15 THEY HAVE CALLED EVERY FEW DAYS TO SAY NO NEWS. 7/26/13 I GOT A CALL SAYING DECISION IS I NEED TO BRING DEALERSHIP. THEY ARE TO CALL BACK 7/29 TO TELL ME IF I CAN GET THAT IN WRITING. NISSAN HAS BEEN PROVIDED 3 SETS OF PHOTOS THAT CLEARLY SHOW THROUGH HOLES IN STRUT HOUSING. THIS CAR IS NOT FIT TO DRIVE THE DISTANCES OR SPEEDS THEY ARE ASKING. NISSAN HAS ALLOWED THIS VEHICLE STAY ON THE ROADS SINCE APRIL EVEN AFTER THEY WERE PROVIDED WITH EVIDENCE THAT CAR IS COMPROMISED AND DANGEROUS. NISSAN CORP. IS ALLOWING KNOWN DANGEROUS VEHICLES TO REMAIN ON ROADS IN RURAL AREAS PLACING PEOPLE LIKE ME IN DANGER BECAUSE IT IS COST AND TIME PROHIBITIVE FOR OWNERS LIKE ME TO GET TO A DEALERSHIP. THIS IS WRONG.
Engine, Jul 11, 2013
ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS RUSTED THROUGH BETWEEN THE RESONATOR AND MUFFLER. THE FLANGE CONNECTING THE 2 EXHAUST COMPONENTS IS COMPLETELY RUSTED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND THE OEM EXHAUST COMPONENTS WHERE MADE OF STAINLESS STEEL. HOWEVER, THE FLANGES AND CONNECTORS TO THE WHOLE EXHAUST SYSTEM WHERE DESIGNED WITH STEEL COMPONENTS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE WAS PROVIDING INACCURATE GASOLINE FUEL LEVEL READINGS. THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE WOULD INDICATE THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS HALF FULL WHEN THERE WAS NO GASOLINE IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD EXPERIENCED SEVERAL INCIDENTS IN WHICH THE VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO LACK OF GASOLINE IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FUEL LEAK. THE FLUTE WAS REPLACED ON THE FUEL TANK AS A PRECAUTION BUT NO AVAIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,764. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Apr 23, 2013
THE PASSENGER SIDE EXHAUST SYSTEM SEPARATED (RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH) AT THE MUFFLER ASSEMBLY. THIS WILL BE THE 3RD EXHAUST SYSTEM ON THE CAR. THE FIRST ONE WAS REPLACED WHILE UNDER WARRANTEE BECAUSE OF A CO2 CANISTER FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 14, 2012
DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON FREEWAY WITH 1/4 TANK OF FUEL - ENGINE STALLED IN FAST LANE AND WOULD NOT RESTART. I WAS STUCK IN THE TRAFFIC LANE FOR 40 MINS UNTIL THE STATE POLICE HAD A TOW TRUCK TOW ME AWAY. TURNS OUT, THE FUEL GAUGE WAS INACCURATE BECAUSE MY TANK WAS EMPTY. MY GAUGE GOES ABOVE THE F WHEN I FILL UP AND IT IS EMPTY AT JUST ABOVE A THE 1/4 MARK. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OVER A FAULTY GAS GAUGE THAT SEEMS TO BE A BIG PROBLEM AFTER SEEING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET. WHEN THE GAUGE GOES BAD - THE LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON SO I WAS COMPLETELY CAUGHT OFF GUARD. I WAS A SITTING DUCK ON THE FREEWAY WITH CARS SLAMMING ON THEIR BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING ME EVEN WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON. PLEASE HELP. *TR
Tires, Jul 18, 2012
I FEEL IT IS IMPORTANT TO WORN THE PUBLIC THE DANGERS OF KUMHO ROAD VENTURE APT TIRES. I HAVE HAD 2 OUT OF 4 TIRES START TO COME APART ON PASSENGER FRONT AND REAR TIRES. LOOKS LIKE LARGE BULGES IN TREAD AREA. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Feb 21, 2012
THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER DUE TO SERVER RUSTING. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THAT AREA. I WAS HEARING A NOISE FROM THE FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE AND FOUND OUT THAT THE RUST HAD DAMAGE TO THAT STRUT TOWER. MY ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS FINALLY COME ON AND I HAD S LOST OF BRAKE FLUID. THE STRUT TOWER COLAPSE SEVERING THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE. THE DEALER INSPECTED IT AND SAID THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THIS. I,M NOT SURE WHY THE LEFT FRONT STRUT TOWER WOULD BE COVERED AND THE RIGHT FRONT IN NOT. I HAD LEASED THIS VEHICAL AND WHEN THE LEASE EXPIRED WE PURCHASED THE CAR OUTRIGHT. WE HEARD ABOUT THE RECALL WHEN I HAD ONE REMAINING PAYMENT ON THE CAR. NOW WITH THE CAR PAID IN FULL IT IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Sep 23, 2011
2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED IN THE SPRING OF 2009, SHE BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING COLUMN MAKING NOISES. THE MECHANIC PERFORMED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT, IN ADDITION TO OTHER WORK TOTALING OVER $660. HOWEVER, SHE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE STEERING PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE BRAKES, BUT THE STEERING COLUMN STILL WAS NOT FEELING RIGHT. FINALLY, THE CONSUMER WENT TO ANOTHER ESTABLISHMENT WHO WAS ABLE TO ASCERTAIN AND FIX THE PROBLEM. THE REPAIR SHOP FOUND THE RACK AND PINION VERY TIGHT AND ADJUSTED THE STEERING GEAR. THE CONSUMER STATED SINCE NISSAN ONLY SENT HER AN INTERIM NOTICE, SHE DID NOT KNOW SHE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A FREE SERVICE, NOR DID SHE KNOW TO INFORM THE MECHANIC ABOUT THE STRUT TOWER HOUSING DAMAGE TO THE STEERING COLUMN. *JB
Suspension, Jul 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLES FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL MADE A KNOCKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE IN THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Suspension, Jun 21, 2011
VEHICLE TAKEN TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL CAMPAIGN 11V-244 INSPECTION AND REPAIR OF STRUT HOUSINGS AND STEERING COLUMN. DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED CORRODED STRUT TOWERS WERE PULLING AWAY FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE AND THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT NISSAN USA REFUSED RECALL BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN A SPECIFIED VIN RANGE. NHTSA LATER CONFIRMED THAT THE RECALL WAS NOT LIMITED TO A VIN RANGE AND THAT THE VEHICLE MEETS THE RECALL CRITERIA BECAUSE IT IS WITHIN THE APPLICABLE YEAR RANGE AND IS REGISTERED IN MASSACHUSETTS. NISSAN USA HAS NOT CONTACTED ME DIRECTLY YET.
Structure, Apr 27, 2011
DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT STRUT TOWER RUSTED OUT AND BROKEN, MAKING VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE. *TR
Suspension, Apr 13, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE HAVING THE OIL CHANGED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT TOWER WAS SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. THE TOP OF THE SHOCKS WERE ALSO COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKE LINES WERE TEARING AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000. UPDATED 5/9/11 *CN UPDATED 2/8/12 *CN
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 26, 2010, crash, fire
WHILE TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF LESS THAN 30 MPH IN THE LEFT TURN LANE I HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE THAT FELT LIKE THE GEARS STUCK. THE CAR THEN SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING, REVVED UP,SPEED FORWARD WITH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED TO THE RIGHT. THE STEERING AND BRAKES WERE NON RESPONSIVE, AND I HAD NO CONTROL. MY CAR, AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, CROSSED THREE ADDITIONAL LANES STRIKING A TELEPHONE POLE(ACTUALLY SPLIT THE POLE IN 2 PLACES), TRANSFORMER, FIRE HYDRANT, AND FINALLY ROLLING DOWN A HILL WHERE IT CAME TO REST IN A PARKING LOT. THERE WAS FIRE FROM THE POWER LINES TOUCHIN AND WATER GUSHING FROM THE FIRE HYDRANT AT THE SAME TIME. MY FATHER WAS TWO CARS AHEAD OF ME AND WITNESSED THE ENTIRE ACCIDENT. WE HAD JUST LEFT FROM GETTING THE ANNUAL EMISSIONS CHECKED ON OUR VEHICLES AND HAD TRAVELED LESS THAN A MILE TOWARDS HOME, WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. I WAS TOLD BY THE PARAMEDICS THAT THEY NEVER SAW ANYONE WALK AWAY FROM AN ACCIDENT THIS SEVERE. I SUFFERED WHIPLASH, MINOR CUTS AND A 2ND DEGREE CONCUSSION BUT THIS MALFUNCTION COULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF ME OR SOMEONE ELSE. *TR
Tires, Aug 4, 2010
P255/70R16 FRONT DRIVER TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY INTERSTATE 895. MY FENDER IS DAMAGED... AND I AM NOW SCARED TO DRIVE ON HIGHWAY WITH THESE TIRES. I KEPT THE OLD DAMAGED TIRE AS EVIDENCE. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME TO SEE IF I CAN BE REIMBURSED AND /OR RECEIVE NEW TIRE REPLACEMENTS AND A RENTAL CAR UNTIL ALL THIS IS RESOLVED? *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 22, 2010
I NOTICED MY FUEL GAUGE ON MY 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE DID NOT CHANGE EVEN THOUGH I HAD DRIVEN MORE THAN 200 MILES ON A TANK OF GASOLINE. AT APPROXIMATELY THAT SAME TIME, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN WE HAD THE CODE CHECKED IT CAME BACK FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. IN RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ON LINE I FIND THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF NISSAN OWNERS HAVE HAD THE VERY SAME PROBLEM AND IT IS A COSTLY REPAIR AS THE GAS TANK NEEDS TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE SENOR. NISSAN HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR CERTAIN YEARS, BUT NOT CURRENTLY THE 2003. THIS PROBLEM COULD PRESENT SERIOUS ISSUES FOR DRIVERS IF THEY DEPEND ON THEIR FUEL GAUGE TO TELL THEM IF THEY HAVE FUEL. ISN'T THAT WHAT THE GAUGE IS FOR? *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 29, 2010
GAS TANK FAILURE DUE TO CORROSION. AFTER SMELLING A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE I BROUGHT MY 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED, THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE GAS TANK HAD RUSTED AT THE TOP OF THE TANK UNDERNEATH THE REAR SEAT ALLOWING GASOLINE VAPORS TO ENTER THE INTERIOR AS WELL AS THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE CREATING A POTENTIALLY DEADLY SITUATION. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE GAS TANKS WERE ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER AS NONE ARE AVAILABLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 18, 2010
I OWN A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER LE. TOOK IT TO A NISSAN DEALER AND THEY SAID THE PASSENGER SIDE RESONATOR WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE OUTBOARD SEAM. THE DRIVER SIDE RESONATOR WAS LEAKING OUT OF BOTH THE OUTBOARD AND INBOARD SEAM. THE EXHAUST COULD BE VERY EASILY FELT WHEN THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND THERE IS EXHAUST SMELL IN THE CABIN. THE MUFFLER WAS FREELY SWINGING. I HAD TO REPLACE THE MUFFLER. THE RESONATORS SHOULD BE REPLACED BY NISSAN AS MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I HOPE YOU CAN DO SOMETHING OR THAT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IS FILED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2009
MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE IN JULY 03. IN 2007, THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" CAME ON. WE TOOK IT TO A DEALER, WHO INFORMED US THAT WE NEEDED TO HAVE THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM REPLACED DUE TO A CRACK IN THE PIPE AND THE 02 SENSOR WAS MAKING THE LIGHT COME ON. THEY NEVER INFORMED US OF A PATCH KIT AVAILABLE. WE DID HAVE THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM REPLACED IN 2008. WE LATER CAME TO FIND OUT THIS PROBLEM IS OCCURRING FOR MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME VEHICLE. WE ARE DOUBLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE AFFECT THAT THIS HAS HAD ON MY 3 YEAR OLD'S ASTHMA AND RESPIRATORY ISSUES (CONSIDERING THE EMISSIONS ISSUES AND WHAT I AM HEARING FROM OTHER'S WHO'S SMALL CHILDREN HAVE SIMILAR ISSUES AND WHO ALSO HAVE THIS ISSUE WITH THEIR 03 PATHFINDER). I WOULD HOPE THAT A RECALL IS REQUIRED AND THAT THOSE OF US AFFECTED WILL BE DULY COMPENSATED FOR NISSAN'S SAFETY FAILURE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 14, 2009
VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKES,SOMETIMES, LIKE STEPPING ON GAS PEDAL. VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RESIGNATOR, WHICH QUIETS THE ENGINE AND IS LOCATED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE MUFFLER, IS COMING APART. IN ADDITION, FUMES WERE NOTICED COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAVE A REPLACEMENT KIT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE, BUT THE CONTACT DOES NOT WANT THE KIT. HE WOULD LIKE THE FAILURE TO BE REPAIRED INSTEAD. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 19, 2009
I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH CRACKED EXHAUST PIPES. THESE PIPES ARE CRACKING ON 02-04 PATHFINDERS, AND THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM. NISSAN PROVIDES (FOR $200 PER SIDE) A PATCH THAT INCLUDES A BRACKET FILLED WITH FOAM AND SOME HOSE CLAMPS. THIS PATCH LASTED ABOUT A WEEK BEFORE THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. NISSAN WILL RE-PATCH FOR ANOTHER $400, OR REPLACE THE PARTS (PRESUMABLY WITH MORE DEFECTIVE PARTS) FOR UPWARDS OF $1500. PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING LINK FOR A DISCUSSION AMONG THE DOZENS OF OWNERS WITH THIS PROBLEM : HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/NISSAN/TTG7L43U0AKTKACBF. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 8, 2009
EMISSIONS CODE FOR A LOOSE GAS CAP CONTINUALLY WENT OFF. TOOK IT TO A DIFFERENT DEALER AFTER SEEING SELLING DEALER 3 TIMES THERE IS A CRACKED VENT CONTROL VALVE CAUSING A VAPOR LEAK. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 4, 2009
FAULTY EXHAUST RESONATORS FROM MANUFACTURER RESULTING IN SERIOUS EXHAUST EMISSION LEAKS DIRECTLY UNDER CABIN OF VEHICLE IN DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER POSITIONS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 29, 2008
2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CRACKED RESONATORS/CATALYTIC CONVERTERS UNDER VEHICLE ALLOWING EXHAUST GAS TO ENTER VEHICLE. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002/2003 PATHFINDER OWNERS AND NISSAN REFUSES TO TAKE ACTION TO CORRECT THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE. NO PAYMENT ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN OFFERED BY NISSAN TO HELP WITH THE COST OF THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. *TR