2018 Nissan Pathfinder
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 77 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 25 Pathfinder model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 3 involved a crash. 2 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipPark outsideNov 8, 2019
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: If the ABS warning light remains illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
Campaign 19V807000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraSep 12, 2019
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Campaign 19V654000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipPark outsideSep 7, 2018
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
Campaign 18V601000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
77 reports, newest first.
Engine, Mar 26, 2023
I bought a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder august of 2022 from miller and miller Chevrolet in Marianna FL. I noticed the very next day after purchasing the vehicle that there was smoke coming from the tailpipe. This occurred everytime I cracked it. I took videos and pictures and sent it to my sales rep. I took it to them three times trying to get them to figure out the issue and fix it but they were unable to detect any issues. January of 2023 my Engine completely failed I had to have it towed to the dealership. They said that some rode camshaft broke. The mechanic told me that the engine was full of metal shavings. So they replaced the entire with a used low mileage engine that failed the day I picked it up 3/20/23 . I'm told that a used engine is what they are putting in it again that they (the warranty company Zurich) will not put a new one in it. I am a bartender and got to talking about this with a regular and it so happens that his wife has the same 2018 Nissan Pathfinder and he said the had the exact same problem. Their engine failed at 57,000 miles. He had to pay $15000 to put a new engine in it. I really feel like this is a manufacturing defect and should be recalled and made right. Thank you. I bought a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder august of 2022 from miller and miller Chevrolet in Marianna FL. I noticed the very next day after purchasing the vehicle that there was smoke coming from the tailpipe. This occurred everytime I cracked it. I took videos and pictures and sent it to my sales rep. I took it to them three times trying to get them to figure out the issue and fix it but they were unable to detect any issues. January of 2023 my Engine completely failed I had to have it towed to the dealership. They said that some rode camshaft broke. The mechanic told me that the engine was full of metal shavings. So they replaced the entire with a used low mileage engine that failed the day I picked it up 3/20/23 . I'm told that a used engine is what they are putting in it again.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Mar 11, 2023
The Infotainment System screen is black and doesn't work. This poses a safety hazard as the navigation is inoperable; handsfree calls cannot be made while driving, which is required by law, since bluetooth is inoperable; and the back-up camera works intermittently and a person or another car could be hit while I'm backing up the vehicle.. The problem appeared quickly without warning in late January/early February 2023. I immediately took the SUV to the dealership on February 3, 2023 where it was confirmed that the Infotainment System does not work and the service manager advised that it cannot be fixed.
Power train, Air bags, Mar 6, 2023
As we were driving on the highway about 70 miles per hour, no traffic relatively, the vehicle started to violently shake and then we heard a loud explosion in the front end, prompting the front drive and passenger airbags to deploy, as well as the full right side curtain airbags. This curtain airbag struck my wife in the head and prompted her apple watch to call 911. we initally thought we popped a tire or ran over something but no damaged at all visible to the car. even the state trooper was baffled by the situation as emergency personnel arrived. the car was not driven home so when the tow facility assessed the vehicle even he was baffled and assumed perhaps the explosion happened in the front end inside the cvt transmission. the officer on site stated this couldve ended horribly with us going the normal speed on the highway but somehow we were guided safely to the side of the road.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 23, 2023
The forward collision warning and traction control light is stuck on both together. Today is the 1st time it has come on, but when doing research I seen that people have had this issue before and that there was a recall for maxima’s and Murano’s, but nothing that has been seen for the pathfinder.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 19, 2022
This vehicle had a recall repair related to Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip system in March 2021. The Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System Warning Light and the Slip Indicator Light would come on intermittently. Ten minutes after that repair the lights came on again, and about two times in subsequent days, but not again. In the last weeks these lights have been coming on again, but more problems have been associated such as the start button will not work and these lights come on. Sometimes, when it will start, these lights come on but the car gearshift will not move out of the Park position. Or, maybe if you use remote start when you get in and push the brake pedal and the start button the car shuts off. This leaves the vehicle immobile and can leave one stranded if in a remote area. Disconnecting the battery and reconnecting does usually allow you to start it, but you cannot put the vehicle in park or you will not be able to get it out of park to drive it. Again, this is associated with the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System Warning Light and the Slip Indicator Light coming on. And we have put new batteries in the key fobs, so that is not an issue.
Electrical system, Dec 13, 2022
The windows stopped going up unless you turn the car off and wait then they slowly go up. The back lights do no work at all when they are turned on.
Power train, Jul 7, 2022, crash
The 4x4 never stays engaged. We live in an area where it snows A LOT and depend on the 4x4 for winter driving. We purchased the vehicle brand new and it had this issue. We reported it to the dealership when the vehicle had less than 500 miles on it, within the first few weeks of ownership. They couldn't figure out what was wrong. They sent someone from corporate to look at the vehicle. They found and replaced a cracked coupler. (Our vehicle was sold to us with a MAJOR broken part.) The 4x4 still wouldn't remain engaged. I kept taking it back to the dealership every few months. Nothing. Finally they sent a corporate mechanic out to look at the vehicle. He told me the 4x4 will never stay engaged because 'the drive train is set up to protect itself and the 4x4 is only to get out of a jam", and then told me it is not to be used for driving in snow. I asked why they sold these vehicles as safe for snow. He told me they don't anymore because they have realized they are not safe. So now I am stuck with a vehicle that isn't safe to drive. We purchsed a Tesla that day, January 28, 2022 and while waiting for it to arrive the transmission now went out on the vehicle. Nissan refuses to fix it claiming we are over the warranty miles. So not only is this vehicle not safe for snow and chain control (according to their mechanic) it can't be fixed. Is the NHTSB aware that Nissan Corporate Mechanics are telling people their 4x4 vehicles are not true 4x4 vehicle even though they were sold that way? In the past 4 years I have slid into snowbanks numerous times at low (under 25mph) speeds because the 4x4 does not remain engaged. Many times my children are in the vehicle. There have also been numerous times when I have slid due to the 4x4 not staying engaged where I have almost hit others. I have put my life and others lives in danger thinking my 'Auto' was making sure my vehicle was in 4x4, even though the mechanics assure me it wasn't and I was actually in 2-wheel drive.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 5, 2022
Hood shakes everywhere... even if it's locked down...I'm afraid to drive it..I took it back twice .they replace the mounds ..still no good..bounces everywhere..this vechicle is dangerous and unsafe Also I purchased it in 2021 august. The transmission is going out, snatches, and drive rough with only 57,000 miles on it. I need help getting this vehicle fixed. Thank u. Trans oil changed 1 week ago by Nissan dealership..still snatches
Air bags, May 24, 2022
Our vehicle has 22,000 miles and the air bag sensor on the front passenger side has malfunctioned. The passenger air bag light stays on and flashes on the dash board. After being diagnosed at a local car shop they advised the vehicle would be unsafe for a passenger to sit on that side and even with weight distributed on the seat, light stays on indicating the no airbag. As the vehicle does not have much mileage this has become a huge safety concern for myself and family. We would like to acknowledge that this is a defect of the vehicle and hope for a proposed recall for safety.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Feb 22, 2022
ABS Light comes on and stays on...Checking for recalls seeing if our vehicle could have same problem with brake fluid leaking on internal circuit board and possible fire danger. Also, several times our PATHFINDER will lose power or act as if you have shifted the transmission into neutral. This has happened at speeds from 30mph to 60 mph. Stalls and then after a few seconds it will resume speed.
Power train, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 22, 2022
Multiple times (greater than 10) at highway speeds Forward collision avoidance warning light displayed and applied automatic braking. This has happened with and without cruise control engaged. Vehicle feels like transmission slips then reengages while traveling at highway speeds. Repair shop has been unable to reproduce.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Feb 9, 2022
The entire braking system failed without warning! My 25 year old daughter was coming up to a busy intersection that usually has semi-trucks and when she went to break the breaks failed and the pedal went to the floor. I found out that there was a recall on the Nissan Pathfinder emergency breaking system and asked Nissan as was directed on their website to immediatly tow the car to the nearest Nissan dealership to get repaired. They refused! I was on the phone with them for 5 hours telling them that they had to come get their car the ABS light had been on and the car was a risk to our family, home and community as we lived on a main street. They refused. My husband got the car to Nissan. I have since have talked to Nissan and Nissan dealership for over 12 hours. This car also has a major transmission defect that Nissan dealership denies. They said the car is find even though I told them that my husband and I both notice the car slipping. We have 10 children, 8 that still living with us including 2 disabled children. We have asked Nissan to buy back this recalled, defective car and I was told to come pick it up at the dealership tomorrow and turn back in the rental car that they fixed it as much as they would. They did nothing to the transmission, and the Transmission has extended warranty. They know it has a defective part on it and have refused to fix it and said it was fine, even though they know the car could just shut down and shake violently when I am on the way to take my daughter to Boston from Ohio for her healthcare conditions. Upon getting my car to the shop the dealership stated the Calibers were bad, the rotors were bad, the front break pads were pad, and this was all on top of the recall on this car. Nissan needs to buy back there defective car immediately and Hertz should never have sold us this car with these know defects. Nissan informed us that Hertz car sales knew about the defects before selling us this car. Please Help us with inspection!
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 24, 2021
ABS Warning light, traction control warning light, and emergency break warning light intermittently keeps coming home
Service brakes, Mar 22, 2021
VEHICLE HAD NISSAN ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTUATOR SAFETY RECALL REPAIRED ON 3/12/21. TEN MINUTES AFTER LEAVING DEALERSHIP ABS WARNING LIGHTS STARTED COMING ON AGAIN AND CONTINUE TO COME ON, NOT EVERY TRIP, BUT SEVERAL TIMES PER WEEK. OBVIOUSLY, THE REPAIR HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS SAFETY ISSUE COMPLETELY. VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 47,000 MILES ON IT. *JS
Service brakes, Feb 2, 2021
2018 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR A RENTAL VEHICLE WHILE HAVING RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER OFFERED TO PAY FOR THE RENTAL WHILE THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE DEALER DECLINED HONOR THE DEAL STATING THAT THE PART THAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED WAS NOT APART OF THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER WAS LEFT WITH THE BILL FOR THE RENTAL. *JS
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 23, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COULTER NISSAN LOCATED AT 13301 N AUTOSHOW AVE, SURPRISE, AZ 85388, (833) 782-8468, HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 17, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V807000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED FUTURE NISSAN OF ROSEVILLE (600 AUTOMALL DR, ROSEVILLE, CA 95661, (916) 547-2242) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. DT CONSUMER STATED PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED AND WOULD LIKE TO CANCEL THE COMPLAINT.*JB
Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 29, 2020
THE VEHICLE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM/CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT OPERATE WHEN A WARNING MESSAGE UNAVAILABLE FRONT RADAR OBSTRUCTION WAS DISPLAYED. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT WHEN THE MESSAGE OCCURS, THE BRAKES CAN STOP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 26, 2020
THE COLLISION DETECTION RADAR SYSTEM THAT CONTROLS THE AUTOMATED BRAKING SYSTEM AND ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL KEEPS FAILING. THE RADAR SENSOR HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING. *TR
Engine, Mar 31, 2020
LEFT SIDE RADIATOR COOLING FAN ON MY 2018 PATHFINDER IS FAILING AFTER ONLY 26,000 MILES. OBVIOUSLY A BIG PROBLEM ON THESE VEHICLES.
Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2020
THE FRONT SENSOR KEEP SHOWING THE 'FRONT SENSOR UNAVAILABLE' FOLLOWED BY THE CRASH ICON AT ALL TIMES OF THE DAY, AND ALL SPEEDS INCLUDING IN THE STOPPED POSITION. THE SENSOR GOES OUT REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT THERE ARE OTHER VEHICLES NEAR THE CAR
Power train, Feb 20, 2020
THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE SLIPPING. AT LOW RPMS THERE IS A NOTICEABLE METALLIC SOUND AND LOSS OF POWER, ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AT LEAST THREE TIMES WITHOUT THEM FINDING A SOLUTION OR BEING ABLE TO FIX THE ISSUE. INSTEAD I'M BEING TOLD THAT THE HEAT SHIELD IS THE ISSUE AND THAT IT HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OFF EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.
Power train, Dec 15, 2019
TRANSMISSION SLIPPING UNDER CLOSE WEATHER. SQUEAKY NOISE AS WELL.
Service brakes, Dec 9, 2019
I KEEP GETTING A WARNING FLASHES ON THE DASHBOARD TO INDICATE THE PROBLEM: 'FRONT RADAR UNAVAILABLE DUE TO OBSTRUCTION.' THE SENSOR FREQUENTLY DEACTIVATE ITSELF, DISABLING CRUISE CONTROL AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM. THE SYMBOL LOOKS LIKE A CRASH IS GOING TO HAPPEN. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE IN MOTION AND NO OTHER CARS ARE AROUND, AND WHILE OTHER CARS ARE AROUND AND ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 25, 2019, crash
I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TURNING ON A BACK ROAD, THERE WAS A GUARDRAIL TO MY LEFT AND AND A TRUCK WITH A TRAILER TURNING IN FRONT OF ME ON MY RIGHT. MY SENSORS MUST HAVE THOUGHT THEY WERE TOO CLOSE BECAUSE MY CAR LOCKED UP AND I COULD NOT TURN CAUSING ME TO HIT THE GUARDRAIL.