2003 Nissan Pathfinder

Routine

Owners filed 110 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 7 times.

Not among the Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid. Which Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
101,500 milesMedian miles at failure

80 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2003 Nissan Pathfinder problems

29 of the 110 complaints (26%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System · engine18
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system12
000
Air Bags · airbags12
301
Steering9
211
Suspension7
000
Structure › Body · body and frame7
000
Engine5
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes4
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration3
100
Unknown or Other3
100

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V008000
Filed Jan 9, 2020307,962 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. 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.

Air Bags15V287000
Filed May 15, 20151,090,569 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Suspension › Front11V244000
Filed Apr 20, 2011195,991 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. 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.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E049000
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. 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.

All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Nov 3, 2025PA

Buying a used vehicle checking on issues

SteeringCrash
Filed Aug 5, 2025CA

Unknown . The steering column broke

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Aug 5, 2025CA

This vehicle no longer meets the EPA TiER 3 standards That are needed to be on the road . I as the customer am not ok with this and because of this reason I’d like the entire vehicle to completely recalled . As it is not any longer fit to be on roads . The fact is that this car presents a health risk that is known to be fatal to life . So when you ask if the re has been any fatalities the answer is , yes , the emissions from old cars like the 2003 pathfinders have killed peoples already and guaranteed thing contributed to thier death and it will continue to be a contributing factor until it is recalled completely like it should have been done in 2017 . The moment that it was no longer meeting safe legal standards.

Suspension
Filed Apr 2, 2025187,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated there was corrosion on the passenger’s side front struts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who declined the repair under Manufacturer Campaign ID: R1107 with NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V244000 (Steering, Suspension). The driver’s side front struts were repaired prior to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the mileage requirements were not met. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 1, 2021WA

The gas gauge stopped working a few months ago. Had an appointment to have the fuel sensor replaced. The fuel sensor is fine. The mechanic said it was most likely the gauge. In researching over the past several months, this appears to be a huge problem with the 2003 Pathfinder. This should be recalled. I'm not sure why it it isn't since it is a wide spread issue.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 23, 2020160,000 milesCA

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY -- THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR 2 YEARS NOW. WHEN I FILL IT UP, IT SHOWS AS FULL, BUT WILL NEVER GO LOWER THAN JUST OVER 1/2 TANK OF GAS. I HAVE TO RESET AND WATCH MY MILEAGE EVERY TIME I FILL UP THE TANK, AND MAKE SURE I REFILL IT EVERY 225 MILES, TO ENSURE I DON'T RUN OUT OF FUEL. MY MECHANIC HAS DONE EVERYTHING HE CAN THINK OF TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT SO FAR NOTHING HAS WORKED. I NOTICED I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS ISSUE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 14, 2020135,000 milesCT

FUEL GAUGE INDICATED FUEL TANK WAS AT LEAST HALF FULL. VEHICLE DID NOT START BECAUSE IT WAS OUT OF FUEL. MECHANIC REPLACED MANY THINGS UNTIL IT WAS DISCOVERED CAR WAS OUT OF FUEL. COST ME CLOSE TO $1,000. CAR COULD HAVE RUN OUT OF FUEL ON A HIGHWAY WHILE IN THE FAST LANE. MANY OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I AM 74 YEARS OLD AND NEVER HAD FAILED FUEL GAUGE. I AM TOLD THE WHOLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. NO WARNING WAS EVER PROVIDED BY NISSAN THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN. HOW MANY OF THEIR VEHICLES HAVE THIS PROBLEM.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 10, 2020151,000 milesCA

NISSAN IS CLAIMING THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V244000 WAS ALREADY ADDRESSED ON MY VEHICLE. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL YEARS AGO FOR A RECALL BUT THEY NEVER FIXED THIS RECALL BECAUSE THEY WERE TOO BUSY. WHEN I CALL NISSAN RIGHT NOW THEY ARE CLAIMING IT WAS FIXED ALREADY. THIS WAS NEVER FIXED AND MY VEHICLE IS EXHIBITING THE EXACT ISSUES OUTLINED IN THE RECALL. MY VIN# [XXX]. I AM REQUESTING NISSAN TO FIX THIS ISSUE PER THE RECALL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 5, 2020123,000 milesNC

FUEL GAUGE IS NOT READING CORRECTLY REPEATEDLY HAVE TO TOP OFF MY TANK THAT COSTS ME MORE MONEY THAN IT SHOULD TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO WORK BECAUSE I RAN OUT OF GAS AND IT COSTED ME $200 TO FIGURE OUT THAT I NEED SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THE GAS GAUGE THERE'S SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS WHY HAS IT NISSAN DONE SOMETHING ABOUT IT THEY SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO JUST LET THIS PROBLEM GO ON AND STICK THE CUSTOMERS THAT PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR THE VEHICLES. I WAS GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AFTER BEING AT THE HOSPITAL ALL NIGHT WITH MY MOTHER-IN-LAW AND ME AND MY WIFE HAD TO WALK SEVERAL MILES JUST TO GET CELL SERVICE TO GET PICKED UP AND MY CAR TOWED.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 2, 2020188,500 milesNC

MY NISSAN PATHFINDERS AIR BAG DASH LIGHT IS FLASHING. I HAVE HAD IT RESET AND IT STARTS FLASHING AGAIN AFTER A FEW HOURS OF OPERATION.

Engine
Filed Nov 9, 2019108,250 milesKS

WE WERE DRIVING OUR PATHFINDER HOME IN THE WINTER THE ECSESSIVE AMOUNT OF SALT ON THE ROAD CAUSED OUR MAIN WATER FLOW TO CORRODE AND STALL THE ENGINE AND CAUSED THE RADIATORS THERMOSTAT TO BREAK AND THE CAR OVERHEATED.

Engine
Filed Nov 6, 2019100,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH MUFFLERS WERE RUSTED OUT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE REAR MUFFLER AND REAR TAIL PIPE WERE DETACHED DUE TO THE RUST. IN ADDITION, FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO THE REAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

Steering
Filed Jun 30, 2019155,000 milesLA

AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH THE CAR BEGINS TO WOBBLE, HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM INVOLING FAULTY TRAILING ARM BUSHING/ REAR ARM BUSHING AND BEARING NEED TO BE REPLACED CAUSING WHAT IS COOMMONLY KNOWN AS THE DEATH WOBBLE. BUT LETS UP WHEN YOU LET UP OFF THE GAS? TO ME THIS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE! THAT MANY HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM, THAT I HAVE FOUND ON ON LINE FORUMS.. WHY HASN'T NISSAN RECALLED THIS ISSUE?

Steering
Filed Feb 27, 2019120,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT CALLED TO INQUIRE ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V244000 (STEERING, SUSPENSION). THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD THE RECALL REPAIRED AT MARTIN NISSAN (5240 GOLF RD, SKOKIE, IL 60077, (866) 800-1100) AND THEY STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS ONLY PERFORMED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE FRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CURRENTLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 22, 2018NJ

I WAS SENT TO POST CARDS AT DIFFERENT TIMES TO FIX THE RECALL ONE WAS AFTER THANKSGIVING ABOUT THE 28TH OF NOVEMBER 2018 I WENT OUT THERE THEY FAILED TO FIX THE PROBLEM THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS OR THE MECHANIC WASN'T AVAILABLE SO THEY SENT ANOTHER POSTCARD SAYING CALL BACK THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE NOW I GO THERE WHICH TODAY DECEMBER 23RD AND SHE'S TELLING ME THERE'S NO MECHANIC PEOPLE HAVE PLAYED GAMES WITH ME I WORK I DON'T HAVE TIME TO KEEP RUNNING BACK AND FORTH IF THEY'RE NOT GOING TO FIX THE CAR PLEASE SEND ME TO A NISSAN THAT WILL FIX THIS RECALL PROBLEM IF I GET IN AN ACCIDENT AND SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ME I'M GOING TO SUE MAJOR BIG.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 19, 2018NY

2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG RECALL. *AS THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION PERTAINING TO THE AIRBAG RECALL, BUT WAS INFORMED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED AN INVESTIGATION TO CONFIRM WHETHER NOT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *JS

Suspension
Filed Jun 23, 2018181,000 milesGA

RECENTLY DISCOVERED A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT FREQUENTLY SHOWS ITSELF WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS (OVER 45) AND ONE HITS A BUMP OR SMALL POT HOLE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DEVELOPS AN EXTREME WOBBLE MAKING IT VERY HARD TO CONTROL. I SUDDENLY WAS IN AN ADJACENT LANE AND WAS ALMOST HIT. DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND EVEN HAS BEEN GIVEN A NAME. IT'S REFERRED TO AS THE DEATH WOBBLE. IF ONE QUICKLY SLOW DOWN TO WOBBLE WILL GO AWAY. I WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANICS DON'T DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY YOU'LL STAND A GOOD CHANCE OF FLIPPING THE VEHICLE. IT SEEMS THE PROBLEM IS FAILED BUSHINGS IN REAR CONTROL ARMS. UNFORTUNATELY WHEN THE PROBLEM SHOWS WHEN THE CAR BECOMES DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS TO CONTROL. REPAIRS ARE COSTLY AND OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED. IT APPEARS NISSAN IS AWARE BUT NO SAFETY WARNING OR RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. THERE ARE NUMEROUS DISCUSSIONS ON THE WEB DESCRIBING THIS ISSUE AS ON GOING WITH MANY MODEL YEARS ON PATHFINDERS AND SOME INFINITY MODELS

Steering
Filed May 15, 201864,325 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STRUTS WERE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (EXECUTIVE NISSAN, 900 UNIVERSAL DR N, NORTH HAVEN, CT 06473), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V244000 (STEERING, SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,325.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 6, 2018177,025 milesWI

WHILE DRIVING 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER I HIT POTHOLE ON A CITY STREET, HEARD LOUD BANG, SHORTLY AFTER COMPLETELY LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITIES, UPON BRINGING MY VEHICLE HOME AND EXAMINING I NOTICE THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT HOUSING HAD SEPARATED FROM FRAME SNAPPING THE BRAKE LINE ON THE RIGHT FRONT. APPEARS TO BE THE SAME CORROSION ISSUE AS THE RECALL ON THE LEFT FRONT STRUT HOUSING.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 11, 2017FL

"TAKATA RECALL' THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT COURT FLORIDA OF UNITED STATES INFORMED ME THAT MY TRUCK HAD A SAFETY RECALL. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY NISSAN DEALERSHIP TO BRING MY TRUCK FOR REPAIR. IN DECEMBER 06, 2017, I WENT TO THE DEALER GOT IT FIX AFTER A LONG 9 HRES WAIT.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 19, 2017102,916 milesTX

TAKATA RECALL HELLO, I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL LETTER FROM NISSAN TO HAVE MY AIRBAGS INSPECTED. I WENT IN AND LEFT WITH NO ISSUES AND NO REPAIR WAS DONE, JUST AN INSPECTION. TWO MONTHS LATER THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. I CALLED THEM AND ASKED THAT THEY FIX IT. THEY SAID IT WILL COST ME $150 TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I STATED THAT THEY CAUSED THE PROBLEM DURING THEIR INSPECTION AS IT WAS WORKING JUST FINE UNTIL THEN. THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM THE CREATED. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A SCAM TO GET MORE MONEY OUT OF CONSUMERS FOR AN UNNECESSARY REPAIR. WHAT CAN I DO TO GET THEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR FREE? I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AROUND FOR TWO YEARS WITH THE ISSUE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES, COMPLAINED AND NOW THAT MY SON IS TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE I NEED THIS ADDRESSED AND YOU ARE MY LAST EFFORT. THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Air Bags
Filed Nov 6, 2017MS

TAKATA RECALL CAN'T GET MY AIRBAGS FIXED BUT I HAVE HAD 2 RECALLS

Air Bags
Filed Nov 5, 2017NJ

TAKATA RECALL

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 10, 2017132,521 milesPW

STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE AFTER FILLING TANK. A LEAK FROM FUEL FILLER NECK WAS THE ISSUE. REPAIR WAS MADE, BUT IT WAS OVER $400. SAW 2 OTHER COMPLAINS ON NHTSA #S 10781139 AND 10703027. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON PATHFINDERS THROUGH 2001. PERHAPS IT IS TIME THIS BE INVESTIGATED ON 2003S AS WELL.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 13, 2017180,000 milesTX

NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V244000 THE STRUT HOUSING CORRODED ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL ON MY 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. HAD PROBLEM WITH STEERING BEING HARD TO TURN I HAVE FOUND A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BUT BEING THAT I LIVE IN TEXAS THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT THIS RECALL.

Steering
Filed Feb 23, 2017RI

INNER WHEEL WELL AREA ROTTING, NEAR THE STRUT MONT

Suspension
Filed Jan 19, 2017142,000 milesMA

TAKATA RECALL WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS THE BACK-END SWAYS OFF AND ON WHICH CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONTROL. THE HEAD LIGHTS DON'T APPEAR TO SHINE BRIGHT ENOUGH. ABS LIGHT REMAINS ON EVEN AFTER REPLACING THE SENSORS. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Aug 23, 2016VA

AIR BAG LIHT IS ON

Steering
Filed Aug 5, 2016148,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE MAKING A TURN AT 30 MPH, AN UNKNOWN NOISE WAS HEARD WHENEVER A TURN WAS MADE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STRUT TOWER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V244000(STEERING, SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 28, 2016139,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 19, 2016149,000 milesNC

THE FLOORBOARDS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HAVE STANDING WATER. WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR FLOODS. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPS THERE IS WATER THAT DRIPS ON THE DRIVERS LEFT FOOT. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER TWICE AND THEY ADMIT BOTH TIMES THERE IS STANDING WATER BUT DO NOT FIX IT.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 19, 2015138,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO HESITATE AND SKIP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT IT NEEDED A FUEL PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE REMEDY DID NOT RESOLVE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 9, 2015140,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, IT STARTED TO LEAK FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 9, 2015140,000 milesIL

EVERYTIME I FILL MY GAS TANK, THE GAS FILLER NECK LEAKS, FROM WHAT I CAN TELL IT IS CAUSED BY CORROSION. I;VE CONTACTED MFCTR. NISSAN/MANUFACTURER DO NOT HAVE ANY OPEN RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THE YEAR OF MY VEHICLE, THEY DO HAVE AN EXISTING RECALL SAME ISSUE/GAS FILLER NECK LEAKING ON MODEL AND YEAR OF 1997 THRU 2001

Air BagsCrash
Filed Oct 8, 2015160,000 milesCA

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION AT 35MPH HITTING THE REAR OF A STOPPED CAR DUE TO TRAFFIC ON THE SR125 FREEWAY IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY. THE FRONT END CRUMPLED BUT THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. HOOD, BUMPER, GRILL, QUARTER PANELS ALL CRUSHED, BUT AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. QUESTION WHETHER THE INFLATOR FOR THE AIRBAG HAS AN ISSUE AS THESE AIRBAGS/INFLATORS ARE PART OF THE TAKATA RECALL.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 1, 2015200,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY TIGHT AND DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT AND RIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STRUT TOWER WAS SEPARATING FROM THE FRAME DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION ASSOCIATED WITH THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELLS. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V244000 (STEERING, SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 26, 2015124,000 milesNJ

THE STRUT TOWER REPAIR THAT WAS MADE BY NISSAN IN 09/2011 AS PART OF NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN #11V24000 (STRUT TOWER CORROSION RECALL BECAUSE OF SALT IN NEW ENGLAND STATES) FAILED ON 8/17/2015. AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE STRUCTURAL FAILURE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUT TOWER, THE BREAK-LINE SEVERED CAUSING AN IMMEDIATE BREAKING FAILURE, AND ALSO MADE THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF THE STRUCTURAL FAILURE WHICH EXPOSED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO THE INTERIOR WHEEL WELL. AS OF 8/26/2015, NISSAN USA CONSUMER AFFAIRS DIV. REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE $1,300 IN REPAIRS (PARTS & LABOR) STATING THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE TO MAKE ADDITIONAL REPAIRS TO CORRECT THE ORIGINAL RECALL NOTICE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS MORE THAN 8 YEARS OLD, AND THEY ALREADY FIXED IT AS AS A LEVEL 1 REPAIR AS REQUIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THEY DID'T CARE THAT THEIR REPAIR WAS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD AND THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A VISUAL/SAFETY INSPECTION PERFORMED BY A NISSAN DEALER LESS THAN A YEAR AGO WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED TO REPLACE THE AIR BAGS.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 30, 2015160,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM SEEING THE FUEL GAUGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 1, 2015NJ

THE METAL ON THE FILLER NECK ON THE GAS TANK HAS CORRODED TO A HOLE BIG ENOUGH THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FUELED GASOLINE SPILLS OUT OF THE HOLE ONTO THE BACK TIRE AND THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE FUMES IN THE CABIN. *TR

Suspension
Filed Feb 10, 2015107,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE BRAKES HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE BRAKES AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE STRUT HOUSING PANEL WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V244000 (STEERING, SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Feb 4, 2015130,000 milesMI

LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE COMING OFF RAMP DUE TO BLACK ICE CAUSING REAR END TO SLIDE OUT TO THE LEFT AT A 90 CAUSING FRONT END COLLISION TO CONCRETE ON BRIDGE. STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DEPLOYED CAUSING A BLOODY NOSE AS WELL AS A CUT TO THE BOTTOM LIP AND AN INCH LONG CUT DOWN THE CHIN. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 6, 201468,000 milesPA

PAINT IS PEELING OFF DOWN TO BARE METAL. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 6, 201482,000 milesNY

COMMON COMPLAINT FROM WHAT I AM READING. 03 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH 82K MILES, WITH A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL GAUGE. I JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM A USED CAR DEALERSHIP AND HE IS GOING TO TAKE A LOOK, BUT WITH THE AMOUNT OF ISSUES I AM READING ABOUT, AND THAT NISSAN RECALLED THE 06 PATHFINDER WITH A SIMILAR ISSUE, ITS JUST IRRITATING THIS IS GOING UNRECOGNIZED BY NISSAN. GAUGE READS JUST OVER HALF A TANK ALWAYS AND SINCE I AM NEW TO THE CAR I AM REALLY GUESSING ON MILEAGE PER TANK, USING THE TRIP MILEAGE TO FIGURE WHAT I HAVE LEFT. BASICALLY I HAVE BEEN TOPPING OFF EVERY OTHER DAY. IS IT A GUMMED UP TANK AND THE FLOAT STICKING? A BAD GAUGE, A BAD FUEL SENDING UNIT? A SHORT BETWEEN THE GAUGE AND SENDING UNIT? WE SHALL SEE. AND I JUST BOUGHT THIS LESS THAN A WEEK AGO, CAN I HOLD THE USED CAR DEALER RESPONSIBLE FOR IT? *TR

Air Bags
Filed Oct 1, 2014KY

2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG RECALL REPAIR. *TGW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THEY COULD NOT PERFORM THE RECALL, BECAUSE THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT ORIGINAL FROM THE FACTORY. RECALL # 14V361000. *JB

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 17, 201478,558 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A BARRIER ON THE FREEWAY AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM BACK PAIN, NUMBNESS IN THE ARM AND HAND WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V361000 (AIR BAG). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,558.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 28, 2014117,000 milesNJ

2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER GAS GAUGE IS INACCURATE TO LEVEL INDICATED. ON EMPTY INDICATES FULL TANK. ONCE FILLED IT WILL REMAIN ACCURATE UNTIL 1/2 EMPTY THEN BEGINS TO CHANGE LEVELS EACH TIME VEHICLE IS STARTED. AT TIMES IT READS FULL, OTHER TIMES 1/2 FULL AND THEN JUMPING TO FULL. NO ERROR CODE. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 27, 2014CT

THE BODY IS RUSTING , MY GAS GAUGE IS NOT ACCURATE, SUSPENSION IS FALLING AWAY FROM THE TRUCK. I LOVED THIS TRUCK AND HAVE HAD SINCE 2008 BUT NOW I AM IN FEAR TO DRIVE IT. I SEE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THESE ISSUES BUT THE MECHANICS JUST SAY IT'S NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I ONLY DRIVE 5 -10 MINUTES TO WORK AND HOME. *( *JS

Engine
Filed Jan 30, 2014108,015 milesCO

2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER GAS GAUGE IS INACCURATE TO LEVEL INDICATED. ON EMPTY INDICATES FULL TANK. ONCE FILLED IT WILL REMAIN ACCURATE UNTIL 1/2 EMPTY THEN BEGINS TO CHANGE LEVELS EACH TIME VEHICLE IS STARTED. AT TIMES IT READS FULL, OTHER TIMES 1/2 FULL AND THEN JUMPING TO FULL. MECHANIC REPLACED FUEL SENDER UNIT WITH NISSAN PARTS FROM DEALERSHIP. PROBLEM REMAINS. PRESENTING A PO462 CODE BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER REPLACING OF FLOAT AND SENDER UNIT. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 28, 2013180,000 milesMA

CAR REPEATEDLY DEMONSTRATES 1/2 TO 1/4 TANK OF GAS BUT IS EMPTY CAUSING USER TO RUN OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING. NO FUEL LEAK, MECHANICS CONTINUES TO STATE THEY FIND NO PROBLEM. *TR

Structure
Filed Aug 16, 2013155,000 milesNJ

I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE REAR BUMPER FELL OFF. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION, I NOTICE THE FRAMES WERE ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND EVERYTHING THAT IS CONNECTED TO IT IS IN DANGER OF FALLING OFF AS WELL INCLUDING THE FRONT BUMPER THAT IS ABOUT TO FALL OFF AT ANYTIME. I AM NOT A MECHANIC, BUT I AM SURE IT IS NOT AT ALL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. EVERY TIME I GET BEHIND THE WHEEL, I FEAR SOMETHING TERRIBLE IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 110, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202615000Routine
202557100Routine
202487200Routine
2023107100Routine
2022137510Routine
202048000Routine
201976210Routine
201878300Routine
2017188220Routine
2016105200Routine
2015321510Above average
20145761130Above average
20138911110Above average
201223210Routine
201145210Routine
201040500Routine
200937400Routine
2008328500Above average
2007561220Above average
2006837500Above average
20051,050461Fatalities reported
200467700Routine
2003 — this page110710Routine
2002156910Routine
2001230721Fatalities reported
2000112621Fatalities reported
1999104520Routine
1998149412Fatalities reported
1997217421Fatalities reported
1996159503Fatalities reported
1995170066Fatalities reported
199491220Routine
199349030Routine
199230020Routine
199139130Routine
199038220Routine

Compare every Pathfinder year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 9, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.