2023 Nissan Pathfinder
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 104 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 25 Pathfinder model years with reports.
Of the 2023 reports, 4 involved a crash. 1 person was injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seats, critical fastenersApr 13, 2023
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 Rogue, Pathfinder, and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The driver's powered seat may not be fully secured to the seat frame, causing the seat frame welds to detach from the rear inboard seat bracket.
An unsecured seat with broken welds may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will inspect the driver's seat rail clearance, and if necessary, replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 10, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC966, PC967.
Campaign 23V268000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
104 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Nov 18, 2025
Vehicle Year: 2023 Make: Nissan Model: Pathfinder Platinum 4WD VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 24,500 Date First Noticed: October 8, 2025 Problem: The panoramic sunroof drain system is defective, causing water to leak into the cabin during rain, dripping from the driver-side overhead console and door area. This matches Nissan TSB NTB23-073 (Oct 9, 2023), which admits a design flaw in the front drain grommets (Part #76938-5NA0A) leading to poor drainage and clogs—even from normal environmental debris like sand in Florida. The vehicle was built November 2022, well within the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. Nissan dealer (Nissan of Naples) inspected (Oct 9, 2025) but performed an inadequate diagnosis: only a photo of sand in the tray, no water intrusion test, no drain line analysis, and no TSB verification. They charged $207.54 and denied warranty, claiming "environmental concern" and "outside influence" (sand clog, not defect)—contrary to the Owner's Manual (pp. 2-121/2-122), which requires zero drain maintenance. Nissan Consumer Affairs (Case XXX) upheld the denial, refusing written explanation. BBB complaint (NIS2519919) and FL Lemon Law Form 1A filed Nov 6—still unresolved. Safety Risks: - Mold/mildew growth in headliner (health hazard). - Electrical shorts in overhead console (lights, controls, airbags). - Driver distraction from water dripping near visor/windshield. This defect impairs safe operation and could affect others. Nissan must recall/fix under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Back over prevention, Nov 17, 2025
Front Parking assist sensors excessively activates theyre calibrated no faults given to Nissan Tech even at a complete stop they go off with loud obnoxious beeping this has been documented by my local dealer they're dumbfounded because there's no faults any speed under 6 MPH they're going off non stop as if there's obstruction or object there is. nothing Nissan Techs originally completely useless and denied any issues at all until I made the service manager get involved Nissan of America DOES NOT RETURN CALLS
Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2025
AVM cameras stopped working. The Pathfinder is a large vehicle with inherent blind spots. The rearview camera system is essential for safety. The problem was inspected and verified by local Nissan dealership (Jim Kerras Nissan of Jackson, TN). The problem is unresolved and dealership has made very little effort to reconcile. The issue started for no apparent reason and the vehicle is just outside of the warranty mileage. 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum with 41000 miles.
Service brakes, Nov 14, 2025
I brought my 2023 Nissan Pathfinder in for an oil change and tire rotation at 33, 221 miles and was informed my rear brake pads were worn and my rotors needed to be re-surfaced. I understand this is a long standing issue with 2022 and 2023 Nissan Pathfinders. I rive 95% highway miles , never use my cruise control or electronic parking brake. I understand the rear brake pads are considerably smaller than the front pads causing an early wear issue. I also understand there is a class action law suit in the US District Court of Tennessee for this issue as well . I would like my complaint put on file and a case number sent to me for future reference. Regards, [XXX] Sr. Sales Manager Jeneil Biotech Inc. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Seats, Nov 4, 2025, crash
Passenger side captain seat frame has too much play causing shaking and noise in the seat when passenger is in seat. Frame was replaced 05/2024 and same issue has occurred less than a year later. After accident on 10/17/2025, sound has gotten worse in seat and inspection shows frame to be critical. At time of accident passenger was in seat. Accident involved a deer on front passenger side bumper and side panel. Insurance did not cover seat claiming accident could not cause seat malfunction.
Power train, Oct 21, 2025
Heard a high pitch whistle sound coming from front right of vehicle when accelerating. Mechanic confirmed it’s a vacuum leak in the intake manifold runner. Nissan says this is not part of powertrain warranty will not cover. Last I checked the intake is part of powertrain. Vehicle has 40,000 miles on it. Have seen multiple other complaints about this issue online. Part is on a national back order at the moment. The fact that their demand is that high for this part should speak volumes. I believe this should be looked into as a possible recall. If an intake runner vacuum leak is not repaired, it will lead to a lean air-fuel mixture causing engine misfires, a rough idle, poor acceleration, and potential stalling which could all contribute to a possible accident.
Service brakes, Oct 21, 2025
Rear brakes needed to be replaced at 20,000 miles. Dealership stated it was normal for electronic brakes to go out that early, which is absurd. Took the car to another mechanic to have the work done, turns out it was a defect in the assembly of the car and the brakes were not fully releasing so we basically were riding our brakes for 20,000 miles. According to the dealership they were getting a lot of this model in for brakes needing replacement. This needs to be looked into for a recall. I have a video of the mechanic showing the issue that I can send in if need be. This is a major safety concern considering if the brakes were to go out because of this or if the brakes would have fully not released causing potential for being hit from behind.
Service brakes, Sep 17, 2025
I was informed of a need to replace worn rear brake pads and rotors due to excessive wear after just over 19,000 miles. Being treated as a wear item despite the fact that the issue is common and known by the manufacturer as an issue. After almost 3 years no recall has been done. Thankfully this was caught prior to the brakes entering a failing state.
Other or unspecified, Sep 15, 2025
Mold & Mildew smell is coming from air vents every time vehicle starts. Bommarito Nissan of hazelwood first said they smelled something when we brought it in. But they said we must’ve spilled a drink and suggested we clean our carpets. We knew that wasn’t true but we had it professionally cleaned and aired out. The dealership also replaced both filters and cleaned the evaporator. The smell didn’t go away so we brought it back. Now they’re just saying they “don’t smell anything out of the ordinary..” This is a certified vehicle, like new.. We’re very concerned for our health and safety. And the dealership isn’t going to help.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Lane departure, Sep 10, 2025
Safety Cameras stopped working on the screen just gives black image when cars put into reverse. If cameras button is pushed screen swaps over to a black screen.
Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2025
The car shifted into neutral all by itself. I had to completely put the vehicle in park, then put it back in drive.
Power train, Service brakes, Sep 3, 2025
Incident 1: Rear brakes needing replaced within 30,000 miles. Rear brakes at that mileage is unheard of. Incident 2: Coil packs failing and leaving me stranded. 34,000 miles Incident 3: Most recent at 44,000 the flex plate is now broken. With a simple internet search the flex plate is a reoccurring issue that a lot of motorist are experiencing.
Power train, Engine, Aug 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the engine revved up to 2,000 RPMs. The contact stated that the failure had also occurred upon releasing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the RPMs would increase, and the vehicle would accelerate unintendedly. No warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to two dealers and was advised by both dealers that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealers. The failure mileage was approximately 14,700.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 11, 2025
While driving on the interstate with my family, my 2023 Nissan Pathfinder suddenly began to fail (limp Mode), forcing me to pull onto the shoulder in a dangerous situation.I was in the farthest lane to the left, with no shoulder available. I had to cruise all the way across two lanes with NO acceleration, but my flashers and the grace of god. The issue appears related to the mass airflow sensor, which was already replaced six months ago. I’ve had repeated issues, and neither the dealership nor Nissan has resolved it. The dealership manager even told me rudely that he would unplug the mass air flow sensor and leave it up front for me to come pick it up, because of my attitude. I told him at the beginning of the call that I was frustrated, and it was nothing personally against him. I even asked what did I say to have you make a comment like that. This vehicle is unsafe and unreliable, and I fear for my family's safety the next time I drive it.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2025
Refrigerant leak
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 16, 2025
The vehicle shifted itself to neutral when stopping at a red light. I had to shift the car back to drive. When I tried to pull off from the red light, the car nearly shut off. Just researching other similar incidents, the problem is related to the start/stop function.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 17, 2025
Vehicle engine stalled when approaching an ATM, blocking the lane. After 15 minutes the vehicle was able to start, but stalled again at an intersection. It was towed to a Nissan service center.
Service brakes, Apr 22, 2025
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Mileage: 51,180 I have replaced the rear rotors twice and rear pads twice since buying this vehicle NEW. In researching using Artificial Intelligence, I find that there is an abnormal frequency of this issue with nissan products. I am asking for an investigation into the cause for this and for remuneration from the manufacturer for the expenses I have incurred. I question the effectiveness of the electronic parking brake. Is it completely releasing the pads from contact?
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while the vehicle was being State Inspected, the contact was informed that the vehicle had failed the inspection. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found. The dealer tested the vehicle, and the vehicle failed the State Inspection a second time. No cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the paperwork showed DTC: P1145 (Failure with the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,900.
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 9, 2025, crash
The contact owned a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at 17 MPH at night, he failed to see a trailer ahead on the road and rear-ended the trailer. The air bag warning light was illuminated before the collision. The contact stated that the trailer’s brake lights were not illuminated. The Forward Collision Avoidance feature failed to alert the driver that there was a vehicle ahead on the road. The front driver’s side air bag deployed, injuring the contact’s right wrist and arm. The contact stated that there were rips along the sides of the front driver’s side air bags. Medical attention was received for the injuries. The police arrived on the scene, but no police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to have the air bags inspected by a Nissan-certified specialist however the contact was unable to locate a certified specialist, and the manufacturer denied further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 10,080.
Lane departure, Mar 17, 2025
Blind Spot Warning system is malfunctioning. Can provide inspection upon request. The absence of Blind Spot Warning poses lane changing/highway driving a danger to vehicle operator and others while the vehicle must be at speeds of 20MPH or higher to be active. Problem was identified by dealer. Dealer indicated Blind Spot Warning checked as indicated on carfax report. Warning lamp indicator was acknowledged prior to failure. As the new owner it first appeared on 14 March 2025. I assume it is reoccurring problem indicated by the carfax report.
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 6, 2025
Stopped at light the car suddenly bolted forward hitting ( 4-5 ft between vehicles)car infront. My car then bolted forward and hit the vehicle again. The gear shift would not respond to putting it into park, The only way it was corrected was turn off the engine. Second time this happened was in my garage..the car bolted in reverse and would not stop. until engine turned off. I took the car to the dealer and he said my sensors were bent....(from hitting the car) and we waited 5 hours for Nissan tech to respond, which I left the dealership and told them to let me know what the tech reps said. But I was charged $247.00 for estimate and told the replacement of sensors would be $2,970.29.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Back over prevention, Dec 6, 2024
When engaging in reverse, the back up camera screen will blank out consistently for about 1 second or longer, It will do this when the car is already engaged to go in reverse. This happens constantly, and for it to be a safety feature should be corrected.
Service brakes, Oct 30, 2024
I took the car in for the NYS inspection and was told that I need new rear brakes. The car is only a year old and has only 16,000 miles on it. Nissan’s own website says that brakes should last between 30-70k miles. I looked into this and found out that premature rear brake failure is a common issue with the new Pathfinder. Nissan is refusing to replace the brakes under warranty, even though it’s clearly a manufacturer’s defect for brakes to fail this quickly. This is a safety concern, because Pathfinder owners could be driving around with bad brakes, expecting them to last 2-4 times longer than they actually do. Brakes failing in one year is completely unacceptable for a modern vehicle. Nissan should recall all Pathfinders and replace the rear brakes for free for anyone affected by this. They should also figure out why the rear brakes are failing early on all of these cars and fix it. I found that there are several class action lawsuits forming around this issue. I filed a complaint with Nissan corporate and they completely dismissed me. They said that brakes are not covered under warranty, since it’s normal wear and tear. I’d argue that brakes failing at 16,000 miles is excessive and abnormal wear, even according to the standards that they set themselves. This is a manufacturer’s defect and a safety concern for drivers, who may not know that they are driving with faulty brakes.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 11, 2024
Jerking and most of the times lag on first and second gear most mornings..