2004 Nissan Pathfinder
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 67 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 19th highest complaint count among 25 Pathfinder model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 3 involved a crash. 2 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
EquipmentJul 3, 2007
CERTAIN HOPKINS AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL CONNECTION HARNESSES SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODELS OF NISSAN VEHICLES WHICH ARE LISTED ABOVE. THE INTERNAL PART NUMBERS WITHIN HOPKINS ARE: 1010476025, 1040376025, 1110476025, 1170376025, 1290376025, 1010476035, 1040376035, 1110476035, 1170376035, AND 1290376035. A WIRE MAY HAVE BEEN PLACED IN AN INCORRECT POSITION IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HOUSING. THIS RESULTS IN AN INCORRECT ROUTING OF WIRES BETWEEN THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER AND THE TOWING VEHICLE WIRING SYSTEM.
THIS HARNESS WOULD RESULT IN POWER FROM THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER GOING TO THE TOWING VEHICLE DASH LIGHT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN THE TRAILER BRAKES. THIS RESULT WOULD BE THE LACK OF TRAILER BRAKING WHEN THE TOWING VEHICLE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. IT WOULD ALSO RESULT IN THE TOWING VEHICLES DASH LIGHTS BEING ACTIVATED WHEN THE VEHICLE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE FAILURE OF THE APPLICATION OF THE TRAILER BRAKE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED ABILITY TO STOP AND CONTRIBUTE TO A POSSIBLE CRASH.
HOPKINS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ORIGINAL HARNESS WITH A REVISED HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT HOPKINS AT 800-835-0129.
Campaign 07E046000 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: fuel/propulsion system
6 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 28, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE ADDING FUEL IN THE TANK, THE FUEL WOULD LEAK OUT BEFORE THE TANK WAS FULL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS FUELED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 29, 2018
THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. I CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP AND THE SENDING UNIT THINKING THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. I NEVER RECEIVED A WARNING THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG. I LOOKED ONLINE FOR RECALLS AND SAW THAT THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM IN THE 2005 AND OLDER MODELS OF PATHFINDERS. I TOOK MY CAR TO A NISSAN DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL NISSAN. LEARNED THAT MY FUEL GAUGE WASN'T WORKING WHEN MY CAR STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY DUE TO MY CAR HAVING RUN OUT OF GAS WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. NO WARNING. NOTHING. IF THE FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING IS A PROBLEM WITH 2005 AND OLDER MODELS OF NISSAN WHY WASN'T THERE A RECALL FOR THE 2004 IF THIS IS ALSO AN ISSUE FOR THE 2004 MODEL? I TOOK MY CAR TO A NISSAN DEALER REGARDING THE FUEL GAUGE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PART IS DISCONTINUED. HOW WOULD I FIX THIS IF THE PART DOESN'T EXISTS? IF THIS IS AN ISSUE IN THE 2004 NISSAN, WHY NOT RECALL THIS PART TO FIX THE PROBLEM? THIS COULD HAVE AND CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 1, 2018
MY VEHICLE WAS MOSTLY IN THE STATE OF NY (SALT BELT STATE) FROM 2004 UNTIL 2015. (11 YEARS) IT'S NOW IN VA. THE UNDERCARRIAGE IS RUSTED BEYOND A NORMAL AMOUNT. THE EXHAUST ESPECIALLY HOLES ARE IN PIPING FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO THE TAILPIPE. THE CARE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE METAL FILLER TUBE TO THE GAS TANK! MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO ADDRESS THESE SERIOUS ISSUES AND INFERIOR METAL PIPING PROBLEMS. I'M SCARED THE VEHICLE WILL BLOW UP.IT'S DANGEROUS.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 14, 2016
ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING. TURNED THE TANK WAS OUT OF GAS WITH FUEL GAUGE SHOWING RIGHT AT QUARTER MARK FULL. THE GAUGE SEEM TO SHOW FULL WHEN FILLED UP BUT FOR THE LAST THREE TIMES IT SHOWS A QUARTER TANK LEFT WHILE I AM ABLE TO PUMP IN OVER 18 GALLONS OF FUEL.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 9, 2015
THE FUEL GAUGE READ I HAD A QUARTER TANK OF GAS, BUT I RAN OUT. UPON SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR ISSUES SUCH AS THIS THERE ARE TOO MANY TO LIST HERE. GOOGLE SEARCH FOR "2004 PATHFINDER FUEL LEVEL PROBLEM" THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE DESIGN OF THE SENSOR AND THIS IS KNOWN BY NISSAN. BEING DISABLED AND RUNNING OUT OF GAS IS NOT SAFE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY NISSAN TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 31, 2014
AFTER A GAS FILL, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE FUEL INDICATOR SHOWED ZERO FUEL EVEN WHEN THE TANK WAS FULL. NISSAN DEALER SAID THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ESTIMATED REPAIR COST $350! DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT HAS BEEN BAD ON SEVERAL OF THESE VEHICLES. NISSAN ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS BUT WE ARE OUT OF WARRANTY BY MILEAGE (BUT NOT BY VEHICLE AGE) AND HENCE THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST. THIS IS A *SAFETY* ISSUE, REGARDLESS OF THE MILEAGE THAT WE THINK NISSAN SHOULD FIX AT THEIR COST. IT'S SIMPLY A DEFECTIVE COMPONENT THAT WAS INSTALLED ON THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES. NISSAN NEEDS TO BE HOLD ACCOUNTABLE! *TR