“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.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 27, 2020 at 172,000 miles
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 nissan pathfinder. While driving approximately 45 MPH, all the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle lost acceleration. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 19, 2019 at 160,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2008 Pathfinder peaked in 2015, with 50 filed that year. No recall on file covers the transmission, the subject of 34% of the complaints. In 2025 owners filed 1 so far.
Filed Feb 10, 2023404,690 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Risk. A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Sep 10, 20107,948 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Risk. OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy. 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.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm10E019000
Filed May 20, 20101,873 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Risk. IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Mar 3, 201080,689 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN TRAFFIC, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Dec 29, 2008242,720 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Remedy. 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.
All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2008 Pathfinder.
Opened Jun 11, 2012Closed Oct 22, 2016transmission
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a …
Technical service bulletins
96 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2008 Pathfinder. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
equipment 14electrical system 13engine 10fuel system 7suspension 6transmission 6body and frame 5brakes 4
NTB23-081CService campaignJul 8, 2024airbags
VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN ID #: PC945 and PC948 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2005-2013 Frontier (D40) 2005-2012 Pathfinder (R51) 2005-2013 Xterra (N50) Check Service COMM or Dealer Business Systems (DBS) National Service History to confirm campaign eligibility. INTRODUCTION Nissan is …
MAILMWarranty extensionOct 12, 2012transmission
Nissan has decided in the interest of customer satisfaction, to further extend the warranty for the Radiator Assembly on all 2005-10 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.
SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement 5-speed rear wheel drive Automatic Transmission (A/T) assemblies and replacement control valves (valve bodies) now come with blank Transmission Control Modules (TCMs). Blank TCMs come without software and must be programmed (not reprogrammed) and then configured after they are installed. When ordering a replacement A/T or …
IF YOU CONFIRM: A remanufactured automatic transmission supplied by ATC Drivetrain is installed in an APPLIED VEHICLE AND CONSULT-III plus (C-III plus) is not able to communicate with the TCM through Diagnosis (One System) OR C-III plus is able to communicate with the TCM, but the TCM part number?s (P/N) sixth digit is a "5", "6", or "7" (for example, …
SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering rack) leak issues, it may appear the steering rack is leaking when actually, it?s not. Use this service bulletin to help make a more accurate diagnosis of the steering rack. See this bulletin for further detail.
NISSAN; SPECIAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID REQUIREMENT. 2004 TO CURRENT NISSAN VEHICLES. *NJ
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version tested
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
2008 Nissan Pathfinder 4-DR
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—
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★★★★★
22.8%
New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 15, 2025MO
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
Filed Jun 1, 2024CT
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
Filed Oct 28, 2023WA
A coolant hose leaked in transmission and shorted tcm causing total transmission failure and totaling out vehicle
Air Bags
Filed Oct 6, 2023175,610 milesFL
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
Filed Aug 22, 2023CA
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.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 26, 2023SC
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
Filed Apr 10, 2023PA
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 › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette
Filed Jan 13, 2023150,785 milesCA
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
Filed Nov 2, 2022FL
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
Filed Sep 23, 2022NJ
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
Filed Aug 18, 2022CT
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
Filed Jul 27, 202278,823 milesFL
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
Filed Jan 1, 2022IL
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
Filed Dec 16, 2021157,000 milesAR
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
Filed Nov 1, 2021NC
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
Filed Jul 23, 2021116,000 milesRI
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.
Engine
Filed May 5, 202193,500 milesNC
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.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 9, 2021168,000 milesMD
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.
Engine
Filed Apr 9, 2021159,000 milesMI
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.
Engine
Filed Feb 6, 2021CA
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
Filed Nov 30, 2020146,000 milesKS
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
Filed Nov 27, 2020172,000 milesOK
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
Filed Oct 28, 202060,000 milesPR
PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER/GUIDES AND THE CHAINS 61,000 MILES.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 12, 202022,500 milesNC
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
Engine
Filed Oct 4, 2020168,000 milesPA
JUST BOUGHT AND CHECKED THE ANITFREEZE TO FIND A THICK SLUDGE IN THE RADIATOR AND OVERFLOW. SMELLS LIKE OIL
Power Train
Filed Aug 20, 2020163,000 milesTN
TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING, TOOL TO MTN VIEW NISSAN CHATTANOOGA TEN & THEY REPLACED THE FLUID & ANTI FREEZE FLUID. I MENTIONED THAT I HAD READ OF THIS TYPE VEHICLE HAVING THESE ISSUES WITH THE RADIATOR COOLANT GETTING INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID & CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. THE SERVICE REP TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT DESIGNED LIKE THAT & JUST THE FLUID NEEDED CHANGED. I HAD THEM DO THAT & THE NEXT DAY DRIVING IT OVERHEATED AGAIN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO EAST RIDGE TRANSMISSION & THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CONTAINED RADIATOR FLUID & THAT THE TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR & FLUIDS ALL NEEDED REPLACED. I HAD THEM DO THAT & IT DID REPAIR THE PROBLEM. NISSAN KNOWS OF THIS DEFECT & SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR IT.
Power Train
Filed Jul 20, 2020183,000 milesKY
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO STUMBLE FOR A SECOND, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN FELT LIKE IT HAD ALMOST NO POWER. WOULDNT ACCELERATE WELL, DIDNT SHIFT NORMALLY, AND DIDNT FEEL LIKE IT WAS RUNNING AS WELL AS NORMAL. WHEN WE PARKED THE VEHICLE, I TURNED IT OFF TO HOPEFULLY "RESET" WHATEVER MAY HAVE MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN I TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, IT WOULDNT START. THE STARTER WOULDNT EVEN TRY TO START THE MOTOR, LIKE IT WASNT EVEN GETTING POWER. BEING A MECHANIC BY TRADE, I JUMPED OUT TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON, AND HAD MY WIFE TRY TO START IT WHILE I WATCHED & LISTENED... AS SHE TURNED THE KEY TO START IT, I COULD HEAR THE STARTER RELAY CLICK TO SEND VOLTAGE TO THE STARTER, BUT THE STARTER WASNT RESPONDING. AFTER FURTHER EXAMINATION, I FOUND A BLOWN FUSE IN THE FUSEBOX UNDER THE HOOD. IT WAS THE "A/T ECU" FUSE. THIS IS WHERE THINGS GET BAD. I REPLACED THE FUSE TO GET US HOME, BUT AS SOON AS WE GOT HOME AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF, I TRIED IMMEDIATELY TO RESTART IT. AGAIN, NOTHING HAPPENED... NO CRANK, NO START. SAME FUSE WAS BLOWN AGAIN. AFTER A LITTLE RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT FUSE IS ON THE CIRCUIT TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. THIS MODULE HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND NOW BLOWS THE FUSE EVERY TIME IT IS REPLACED. THAT LED ME TO DROP THE TRANSMISSION PAN TO CHECK IT OUT, AND WHAT DID I FIND? TRANSMISSION FLUID ALL CLOUDED UP AND CONTAMINATED WITH RADIATOR COOLANT. HOW DID THAT GET THERE? AFTER INSPECTING THAT, I FOUND THAT THE RADIATOR HAD FAILED AND ALLOWED COOLANT TO MIX WITH TH
Power Train
Filed Mar 8, 2020179,500 milesTN
TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO ANTIFREEZE COOLANT CROSS CONNECTION INTO TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. COST TO REPAIR $4,700.00. 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE 4.0 4WD. TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE TRAVELING A 4 LANE DIVIDED STATE AND FEDERAL HIGHWAY MOVING STRAIGHT. 03/08/2020
Power Train
Filed Dec 20, 2019107,000 milesOR
RADIATOR LEAKED AND MIXED WITH TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION OIL LOOKS LIKE STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE. GEARS NOW GRIND WHEN SHIFTING DURING NORMAL DRIVING.
Power Train
Filed Dec 19, 2019135,000 milesIN
TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING IN FIRST GEAR. HAS WHEN INTO LIMP MODE MANY TIMES. HAVE HAD THE FLUID CHANGE A COUPLE TIMES. ONCE IT WAS SLIPPING IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION. HAD IT REMOVE AND REBUILT. ANTIFREEZE WAS FOUND IN THE TRANSMISSION. HOW MANY REPORTS BEFORE THEY RECALL THESE VEHICLES.
Power Train
Filed Dec 2, 2019FL
VEHICLE ROUGH SHIFTING AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN WENT TO A SAFETY MODE AND WONT START ANYMORE. APPARENTLY IS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM CAUSED FROM THE RADIATOR OIL COOLER. MECHANIC IDENTIFIED THE SITUATION AS A SAFETY RECALL.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 14, 201985,000 milesMD
MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN FLASHING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT MY AIRBAG MODULAR FAILED DUE TO CORROSION AND THAT THERE'S ONLY 1 LEFT IN THE WHOLE UNITED STATES. THEY ARE TRYING TO CHARGE ME $1,500.00 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, WHEN IT WAS RECALLED PREVIOUSLY BY NISSAN. I LIVE IN MARYLAND AND WAS NEVER AWARE OF THIS RECALL AND NISSAN SHOWS NO RECALLS EVER MADE ON MY VEHICLE.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 2, 2019158,000 milesCA
PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON LAST NIGHT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35MPH ENGINE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY, NO POWER NO LIGHTS. IT HAD SHUT OFF ON ME ABOUT 1 WEEK AGO IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING
Engine
Filed Sep 17, 2019122,000 milesME
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING AT LEAST 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO CONFIRMED THAT RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTERNALLY INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THEY COULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.*DT *DL
Engine
Filed Sep 17, 2019170,194 milesNJ
TAMARA RECALL. VEHICLE IN MOTION 60MPH JUMPED FROM 2WD TO 4WD AUTOMATICALLY. VEHICLE THEN LOCKED IN 5TH GEAR. MECHANIC STATED RADIATOR FLUID MIXED WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID, THEN BOTH CONTROL MODULES EXPIRED. VEHICLE WILL NOT START OR CRANK.
Engine
Filed Aug 29, 201965,000 milesNJ
MY 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAD TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND WAS REPLACED TWICE IN 2017. I BROUGHT TO THE NISSAN AUTHORIZED DEALER FIRST FOR A THUMBING SOUND WHEN PUSHING GAS PEDAL AFTER TAKING THE FOOT OFF. WHEN IT WORSENED THEY SAID IT WAS THE CALIPERS AND CHANGED MY CALIPERS FOR $2000. BUT THE THUMBING SOUND PERSISTED. AFTER A FEW MONTHS THEY SAID IT WAS TRANSMISSION ISSUE AND THEY CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION TWICE. THE THUMBING SOUND PERSISTED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ABOVE 40 MPH. THE TRANSMISSION WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT THE SOUND GOT WORSE. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND BROKEN METAL PIECES IN THE REAL AXLE BOX. I CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY SAID THEY CANNOT HELP SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL. I SEE SIMILAR INCIDENTS REPORTED BY CONSUMERS IN THE INTERNET. NOW I HAVE TO PAY $3000 TO REPLACE THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY ACCORDING TO THE QUOTE GIVEN BY THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP FOR PARTS AND LABOR. THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED DURING THE WARRANTY TIME AND NISSAN DEALERSHIP COULDN'T DIAGNOSE IT. NOT THEY SAY THE WARRANTY WAS OVER A YEAR AGO. HAVING THE GEAR BOX BROKEN IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN. THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD BUT NOW NISSAN REJECTS TO CORRECT IT.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 26, 2019CA
COOLANT FLUID CONTAMINATING THE TRANSMISSION
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 15, 201945,344 milesLA
I BOUGHT THE NISSAN PATHFINDER BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT IN LATE 2007. IT ONLY HAS 45 THOUSAND MILES ON IT. I'VE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE UNTIL NOW. ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO I THOUGHT SOMEONE WAS STEALING GAS OUT OF MY VEHICLE, BUT THOUGHT IT WAS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE BECAUSE IT'S KEPT BEHIND A LOCKED FENCE . SATURDAY JULY 13TH I HAD TO FILL UP BECAUSE OF A STORM. WHEN I GAS FINISHED FUELING IT SHOWED THAT I HAD AN EMPTY TANK. I KNEW THAT WAS WRONG SO I DECIDED TO GIVE NISSAN A CALL AT 1-800-647-7261. I SPOKE TO AN AGENT AND TOLD HIM MY PROBLEM, HE GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER AND TOLD ME TO CALL THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALERSHIP CLOSEST TO ME . I CALLED THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY SERVICES I HAD DONE TO MY VEHICLE. . I DON'T AGREE . THERE ARE MULTIPLE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME VEHICLE AS MYSELF AND I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM . IF ANYONE CAN HELP ME , PLEASE FEEL FREE TO HELP. I'M ON A FIXED INCOME AND THIS WAS NOT ANY NEGLIGENCE ON MY PART. I HAVE A CASE NUMBER ALREADY ON FILE WITH NISSAN, BUT THE DEALERSHIP DOESN'T WANT TO HONOR IT. [XXX]. HEL ME WIT THE NEXT STEP TO GET MY VEHICLE FIXED. THANK YOU INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT
Air Bags
Filed Jul 3, 2019180,000 milesMI
PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. CONSERVED ABOUT SAFETY TO DRIVE THE CAR
Power Train
Filed Jun 24, 2019139,000 milesMD
RADIATOR FLUID AND COOLANT ARE MIXING. RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION ARE BUSTED. CAR BROKE DOWN WHILE DRIVING.
Unknown or Other
Filed May 24, 2019160,000 milesVA
CAR DROVE FINE ON DEC 26TH 2018 I STARTED IT UP ON DEC27TH IT STARTED AMD I PUT IT IN REVERSE IT WOULDNT MOVE I CUT IT OFF AMD IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN HAD IT TOWED TO SHOP A FEW DAYS LATER THEY KEPT IT FOR A WEEK AMD FOUND OUT THE TCM WAS FRIED DUE DO TO COOLANT CONTAMINATION CAR STILL NOT RUNNING AS OF 5/24/19 IT IS STILL SITTING IN THE YARD I STILL OWE 18 MONTHS ON IT NO WARNING NO NOTHING JUST DIED OUT OF NOWHERE
Air Bags
Filed May 20, 2019220,000 milesAR
MAY14,2019 MY HORN STOPPED WORKING AND MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS FLASHING. NOTICED MY AIR BAG CAME ON WHEN I STARTED IT UP ON MAY 14, 2019 ALSO THAT DAY I HAD A CAR PULL OUT IN FRONT ME AND NOTICED THE HORN DOES NOT WORK EITHER. AFTER GOOGLING THE PROBLEM I WAS INFORMED NISSAN HAD A RECALL BUT DEALERS WERE NOT FIXING THE PROBLEM AND CHARGING CUSTOMERS TO FIX IT AT THEIR COST.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 30, 2019130,000 milesTN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR CONTINUOUSLY BLINKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TRI-CITIES NISSAN (3602 BRISTOL HWY, JOHNSON CITY, TN 37601, (423) 401-2360), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFUSED TO PAY THE DIAGNOSTIC FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V690000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Engine
Filed Apr 29, 2019146,000 milesWV
THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTING HARD.THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP SAYS MY TRANSMISSION COOLER FAILED, CAUSING MY COOLANT AND RADIATOR FLUID TO MIX. BECAUSE OF THIS I HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, AND RADIATOR.
Power Train
Filed Mar 27, 2019150,000 milesWA
I WAS DRIVING MY NISSAN PATHFINDER 2008 ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY 3 CHILDREN'S WHEN I NOTICED HIGH VIBRATION COMING INSIDE THE CAR I WAS NOT SURE WHAT'S GOING ON I TOOK THE CAR TO NISSAN DEALER I WAS TOLD MY RADIATOR BROKE AND MIXED COOLANT WITH MY TRANSMISSION COST TO REPAIR $5800.
Power Train
Filed Feb 19, 2019160,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 18, 201997,300 milesMO
WHILE DRIVING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH, 2019, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED OVER IN A NEARBY PARKING LOT AS SOON AS I COULD. AT THIS POINT, I NOTICED THAT MY FUEL GAUGE HAD DROPPED FROM 1/4 TANK DOWN TO EMPTY. I USED AN ODB2 SCANNER TO CHECK MY ERROR CODES, AND FOUND AN ERROR CODE P0463 (FUEL TANK LEVEL SENSOR - VOLTAGE HIGH). I IMMEDIATELY PROCEEDED TO A GAS STATION, REFUELED, AND CLEARED THE ENGINE CODE TO SEE IF IT WOULD REAPPEAR. IT HAS NOT SINCE REAPPEARED. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDERS, AND THAT THERE IS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE ISSUE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID IS 10V075000. I CALLED NISSAN'S PUBLIC NUMBER AND A LOCAL DEALERSHIP OWNED SERVICE CENTER. NEITHER FOUND ANY ACTIVE RECALLS REGARDING MY VEHICLE, AND NEITHER KNEW WHAT A NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS. I ASKED TO SPEAK TO THE MANAGER OF THE SERVICE CENTER. I LEFT A VOICE MAIL FOR THEM THURSDAY AFTERNOON, BUT HAVE NOT HEARD BACK. BASED ON THE SYMPTOMS MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING, I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE IS LIKELY SUFFERING FROM THE SAME ISSUE AS DESCRIBED IN THE AFOREMENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN, AND THAT MY VEHICLE, AND LIKELY OTHERS, WERE MISSED IN THE RECALL.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 15, 2019138,800 milesCA
BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED AT 123,000 WAS RUNNING GREAT TILL 6 MONTHS LATER AT 138860 MILES ALL OF A SUDDEN TRUCK DID NOT WANT TO START. NO CRANK NOTHING. HAD BEEN SERVICED ONE MONTH BEFORE AND COME TO FIND OUT RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION. BAD RADIATOR BY NISSAN AND TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED/REBUILT
Engine
Filed Jan 16, 2019148,000 milesNC
EXPERIENCING JERKING AT OR ABOVE 40 MPH, CHANGED TRANSMISSION FLUID, FLUID WAS CONTAMINATED APPEARED PINK AND MILKY AT DRAINING,HARD SHIFTING.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 15, 2019110,000 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS NOT DISPLAYING THE CORRECT FUEL LEVEL. ALSO, THE FUEL AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Complaints 1-50 of 328, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the Pathfinder years to avoid: owners filed 328 complaints, 3.0 times as many as a typical Pathfinder year. The most common complaint is about the transmission (34%).
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder?
The transmission: 113 of the 328 complaints (34%) are about it. Owners most often say it leaks oil or fluid (42%), slips or will not engage a gear (10%) and vibrates or shakes (10%). The typical report comes at 116,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder have?
5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Feb 10, 2023. The largest, 23V067000, covered 404,690 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2008 Nissan Pathfinder problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 106,534 miles. For the transmission the midpoint is 116,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder?
Yes, once. DP12004 ("Transmission Failures") was opened Jun 11, 2012 and closed Oct 22, 2016.
Are there service bulletins for the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder?
The manufacturer filed 96 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (13), the engine (10) and the fuel system (7). They include a service campaign, NTB23-081C, filed Jul 8, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
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: Feb 10, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.