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2008 Nissan Pathfinder

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Pathfinder years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder are substantially higher than the model-year median of 97.

About this comparison →
328Owner complaints

Model-year median: 97

4Recall campaigns

View recall details →

1Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
1,050
2005837
2006561
2007328
200837
200940
201045
2011
Compare all Pathfinder years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Power Train
155Engine
61Fuel/propulsion System
51Air Bags
41Fuel System, Gasoline
30
All reported categories
Engine And Engine Cooling
23Unknown Or Other
22Electrical System
21Vehicle Speed Control
10Suspension
7Service Brakes
6Electronic Stability Control (esc)
4Structure
4Steering
3Tires
3Exterior Lighting
2Latches/locks/linkages
2Seats
2Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2Visibility
2Forward Collision Avoidance
1Fuel System, Other
1Seat Belts
1Service Brakes, Electric
1Visibility/wiper
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

277 reports with mileage · 51 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 155 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 61 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 51 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports0 fire reports4 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

41 reports
Clear category filter
220,000 miles · May 20, 2019
Air Bags

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 C…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11208552

130,000 miles · Apr 30, 2019
Air Bags

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 MANUFACTUR…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11204783

148,000 miles · Jan 13, 2019
Air BagsCrash

I WAS INVOLVED IN A WRECK. I REAR ENDED SOMEONE. I WAS DOING 50 TO 55 MILES PER HOUR BEFORE I HIT MY BRAKES. THERE WASN'T ENOUGH TIME TO SLOW DOWN MUCH. EVERYTHING I'VE READ SAYS IF IT WAS A FRONT ON COLLISION MORE THAN 15MPH SAYS THE AIR BAGS SHOULD DEPLOY. I KNOW I WAS GOING WELL OVER 15MPH WHEN I HIT THEM. WHY DID THEY NOT DE…

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I WAS INVOLVED IN A WRECK. I REAR ENDED SOMEONE. I WAS DOING 50 TO 55 MILES PER HOUR BEFORE I HIT MY BRAKES. THERE WASN'T ENOUGH TIME TO SLOW DOWN MUCH. EVERYTHING I'VE READ SAYS IF IT WAS A FRONT ON COLLISION MORE THAN 15MPH SAYS THE AIR BAGS SHOULD DEPLOY. I KNOW I WAS GOING WELL OVER 15MPH WHEN I HIT THEM. WHY DID THEY NOT DEPLOY?

NHTSA ODI #11166735

145,000 miles · Dec 30, 2018
Air BagsUnknown Or Other

AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON VEHICLE AND NISSAN SAYS NOT PART OF YEARS OF PATHFINDER RECALL ''. SAME ISSUE AS OTHER BUT A 2008 MODEL. NISSAN WANTS TO MUCH MONEY TO FIX A NISSAN ISSUE WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM SAYS CONNECTOR. WILL NOT DEPLOY IN ACCIDENT OR MAY DEPLOY ANY TIME?????? SAFETY ISSUE FOR PUBLIC. APPROX TIME OF ISSUE STARTED

NHTSA ODI #11164102

18,000 miles · Jul 22, 2018
Air Bags

AIR BAG LIGHT BLINKIN

NHTSA ODI #11112899

136,000 miles · May 29, 2018
Air Bags

THE LIGHT SHOWING THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY IS ON AND FLASHING. IT CAME ON MAY23, 2018 WHEN I TURNED THE KEY ON TO GO TO THE STORE. IT NEVER GOES OFF

NHTSA ODI #11098453

120,000 miles · Apr 1, 2018
Air Bags

AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF NOW AND NOW THE HORN HAS STOP WORKING BECAUSE OF THE AIR BAG.

NHTSA ODI #11082381

131,476 miles · Feb 1, 2018
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO (BENTON NISSAN, 5487 ACADEMY WAY, BESSEMER, AL 35022) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SPIRAL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO (BENTON NISSAN, 5487 ACADEMY WAY, BESSEMER, AL 35022) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SPIRAL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,476.

NHTSA ODI #11066185

Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2017
Air BagsSeatsUnknown Or Other

THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH CONTINUES TO FLASH AND THE CAR HORN DOESN'T ALWAYS BLOW>

NHTSA ODI #11039944

196,263 miles · Jul 27, 2017
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE HUDSON NISSAN DEALER ON RIVER AVE IN CHARLESTON SC. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND THE CONTACT WOULD NEED TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE. …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE HUDSON NISSAN DEALER ON RIVER AVE IN CHARLESTON SC. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND THE CONTACT WOULD NEED TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED DUE TO THE DIAGNOSTIC FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,263.

NHTSA ODI #11011138

Official recalls

4

23V067000 · Air Bags:frontal

Feb 10, 2023

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver’s 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.

10V401000 · Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System)

Sep 10, 2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

10V075000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:auxillary Tank

Mar 3, 2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 AND MODEL YEAR 2008 FRONTIER, XTERRA AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBOSSMENT MOLDED INTO THE TANK SHELL CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

08V690000 · Air Bags:frontal

Dec 29, 2008

NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP12004 · Transmission Failures

Opened Jun 11, 2012 · Closed Oct 22, 2016

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train; Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines; Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter

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 potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.

Additional source detail variants (5)

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

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 potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines

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 potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.

Power Train:automatic Transmission

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 potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter

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 potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.

Power Train

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 potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.