2008 Nissan Pathfinder
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 328 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 25 Pathfinder model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 9 involved a crash. 7 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontalFeb 10, 2023
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Dealers will replace the drivers airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.
Campaign 23V067000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, navigational system(global positioning system)Sep 10, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 10V401000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control arm, lower armMay 20, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.
IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 10E019000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, auxillary tankMar 3, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 AND MODEL YEAR 2008 FRONTIER, XTERRA AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBOSSMENT MOLDED INTO THE TANK SHELL CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.
THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN TRAFFIC, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW ONE THAT HAS A MODIFIED FLOAT ARM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 10V075000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalDec 29, 2008
NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.
THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2009. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY MAIL AND WILL RECEIVE A STICKER TO PLACE IN THEIR WARRANTY BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 08V690000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
328 reports, newest first.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 15, 2025
There was a recall concerning the fuel gauge not working correctly. The sensor in the tank needed replaced. Well my car had that recall fixed or so it says, but it is doing the same thing again. So are you gonna replace it again for no cost?
Suspension, Jun 1, 2024
The rear suspension subframe is completely corroded and causes vehicle suspension parts to break off unannounced and causes vehicle to swerve severely and most likely is going to cause and accident or death, Nissan has been informed of this issue and refuses to address a proper repair
Power train, Oct 28, 2023
A coolant hose leaked in transmission and shorted tcm causing total transmission failure and totaling out vehicle
Air bags, Oct 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was not made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,610. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Aug 22, 2023
The passenger air bag warning light is flashing and the passenger air bag button that tells you that it is on and working when somebody gets in the car is off. Therefore the air bag will not deploy in a crash. The light just started flashing about 2 weeks ago approximately. There is also a recall on my vehicle for a component that could become a projectile in a crash if the air bag is deployed. This recall was made 02/09/23 and Nissan has no remedy for it. Therefore this problem is not repairable for almost 9 months. Then I have this new safety problem as well and I don't know why and I don't have the kind of money that would be charged to take it to the Nissan Dealership. I feel that this is one too many recalls on this vehicle there are 5 to be exact at this time. I want Nissan to replace my vehicle with something comparable and don't think that if the airbag is inoperable or that a component could kill somebody that this car should be driven on the roads. What are they going to do about this this is not a safety issue that should just be ignored. The car is paid for its still in very good condition but for me it is now unsafe to drive or to have a passenger in my vehicle. I want some remedy for this asap.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 26, 2023
Vehicle suddenly started having problems while driving. Loud whining noise and shaking and scrubbing sound while driving. Was driving fine before sudden issues. Quotes by three different mechanics stated possible issues that incuded wheel bearing, ball joints, water pump, fan clutch, and brakes. Was told that all parts under vehicle were loose and close to becoming unraveled.
Air bags, Apr 10, 2023
Front airbag sensor is bad. I checked it to see if this vehicle had its recall done for this known problem looks like it did because it don’t have a open recall for it.
Air bags, Jan 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle lost horn functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clockspring had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 150,785.
Power train, Nov 2, 2022
Crack in defective radiator allowed coolant to mix in with transmission fluid. Coolant caused transmission to fail while driving it. transmission changed gears on its own and would not shift properly and engine just shut down
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 23, 2022
Bought vehicle I’m second owner it was sold as is from a dealership with airbag lights on after a certain amount miles check engine light came on said I had e -regular voltage to fuel injectors 1 gear started slipping then loss of power when accelerating next revolutionary trans-sensor went and now when I start the vehicle the A/T ECU Fuse keeps blowing out and the radiator coolant has transmission fluid mixing into it.
Engine, Aug 18, 2022
This is.my 2nd time replacing it the oil is mixing with the anti freeze because the radiator has a hole in it another recall problem for nissan
Air bags, Jul 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the control buttons located on the steering wheel and the horn were no longer operable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clockspring assembly needed to be replaced. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an unknown recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he needed to purchase the part and pay out-of-pocket for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,823.
Engine, Jan 1, 2022
Contamination from the radiator mixed with the transmission cooler. The car is now inoperable due to this design flaw. This causes the transmission to be extremely sluggish and unresponsive when run, oftentimes the engine won't start or crank due to a blown fuse related to this issue. The slow acceleration causes safety issues when pulling out into traffic. The vehicle was inspected by a licensed Illinois auto rebuilder. The four-wheel-drive indicator is stuck to on although the vehicle is in two-wheel drive and service engine light appeared.
Suspension, Dec 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a grinding sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the tie rod end and ball joints replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10E019000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
Air bags, Nov 1, 2021
On this day, 1 November 2021, the SRS warning lamp began flashing on my 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. Is there a recall notification from the manufacturer that covers this as a manufacturers' repair?
Power train, Jul 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle downshifted independently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the transmission fluid needed to be changed. The contact took the vehicle to a second independent mechanic and was informed that the radiator and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Power train, Engine, May 5, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON PLACING HER VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE SHUT-OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT AND HER SON EXITED THE VEHICLE, TO MANUALLY STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING BACK AND HITTING A BUILDING. THE CONTACT THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ENGINE COIL BLOCK HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT AT START-UP. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT UNDISCLOSED SPEEDS, THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHILE THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOWED A HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HER THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,500.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 9, 2021
FAULTY RADIATOR. LEAKING COOLANT INTO MY TRANSMISSION. NOTICED LOSING COOLANT AND SMELLED RADIATOR FLUID AFTER DRIVING. DID RESEARCH ON THE PROBLEM WAS ABLE TO FIND THE FAULTY RADIATOR PART NUMBER WHICH HAPPENED TO MATCH THE ONE I HAD.
Power train, Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 9, 2021
AIRBAG LIGHT HAD COME ON INDICATING AN ISSUE, BUT ALSO LIGHT AND CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL ARE FAILING. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND THERE IS NO REASON FOR THIS FAILURE. ABS BRAKES ACTIVATE RANDOMLY WITHOUT WARNING PREVENTING AND CAUSING THE INABILITY TO STOP. ABS CAN NOT BE STOPPED UNLESS I STOP AND TURN OFF MY VEHICLE AND START AGAIN. VERY DANGEROUS. CANT STOP WHEN I NEED TO. DURING CITY DRIVING ON A DRY SURFACE AND APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT MY BRAKES FAILED SEVERAL TIMES WITH THE ABS ACTIVATING AND MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP. RANDOM AND WITHOUT WARNING. FRONT DIFFERENTIAL CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND DIDN'T PROVIDE ANY WARNINGS, PINION SEAL LEAK APPEARED LESS THAN TWO YEARS. IN ADDITION VEHICLE WAS IN SERVICE FOR EVAP SYSTEM 11 TIMES IN THE FIRST YEAR WITHOUT RESOLVE. GAD CONSUMPTIONS WAS HORRIBLE AND BELOW ANY SUGGESTED MPG. TIRE SENSORS HAVE NEVER WORKED AND FAILED TO ALERT LOW PRESSURE IN TIRES. TIRE PRESSURE HAS BEEN UNSTABLE NO MATER WHAT TIRES ARE INSTALLED OR HOW MANY SENSORS ARE PUT ON. STABILITY IN STEERING IS SLOPPY WHEN GOING OVER ANY KIND OF BUMP IN THE ROAD. UNSTABLE WHEN DRIVING. SPEED CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS WHEN DRIVING CURVES. ROLLOVERS ARE DEFINITELY POSSIBLE WITHOUT MUCH SPEED WHEN ON RAMPS AND CURVES. USE EXTREME CAUTION.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 6, 2021
I WAS DRIVING IN THE FREEWAY AND THE ENGINE WAS MAKING A WIERD NOISE AND THE ENGINE SEEMED TO BE LOSING POWER AND SKIPPING GEARS, I PULLED OVER AND THERE WAS A MIXTURE OF OF WATER AND SOMETHING ELSE, LOOKED LIKE MILK COMMING OUT THE RADAR AREA MY CAR ONLY HAS 153000 MILES
Power train, Nov 30, 2020
WHILE DRIVING, FROM A STOP, A LOUD CLUNK OCCURRED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF LOW GEAR. UPON ARRIVAL AT HOME AND INSPECTION, IT WAS NOTED THAT THE COOLANT WAS CONTAMINATED WITH A DARK FLUID. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ENGAGE ANY GEAR AT THIS TIME AND IS NOT DRIVABLE. RESEARCH INDICATES THAT SUSPECTED CAUSE IS CROSS CONTAMINATION BETWEEN COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID, MOST LIKELY DUE TO RADIATOR DEFICIENCY.
Power train, Nov 27, 2020
TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO COOLANT BEING LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION HOUSING CAUSING FAILURE OF TRANSMISSON AND CAUSING MODULE TO BLOW FUSE TO KEEP FROM HARMING ENGINE. THE ENGINE DIED AT SIGNAL LIGHT AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO MECHANIC. THERE I WAS TOLD TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED.
Engine, Oct 28, 2020
PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER/GUIDES AND THE CHAINS 61,000 MILES.
Electrical system, Oct 12, 2020
MY ECM FUSE KEEPS BLOWING. NOW IT WANT START OR DO ANYTHING. I WAS SITTING STILL AT A PHARMACY WHEN I TRIED TO TAB TGE GAS AT THE DRIVE THROUGH TO PULL UP AT THE WINDOW WHEN I NOTICE MY TRUCK WOULDN'T GO THEN I CUT IT OFF AND TRY TO START IT BACK UP AND NOTICE IT WOULDN'T START SO THAN I CHANE MY ECM FUSE AMD NOTICE IT KEEP BLOWING
Power train, Engine, Oct 4, 2020
JUST BOUGHT AND CHECKED THE ANITFREEZE TO FIND A THICK SLUDGE IN THE RADIATOR AND OVERFLOW. SMELLS LIKE OIL