SkipThatYearREAL DATA. SMARTER CAR DECISIONS.
← New search

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

Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints

4 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Aug 21, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion System

I WENT TO THE NISSAN DEALER IN MY COUNTRY TO GUARANTY, AND THEY TOLE ME THAT I DONT HAVE ANY GUARANTIED I TOLD THEM TO CHECK MY PATHFINDER BECAUSE I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH IT! SHE WAS VERY SLOW, BROKE THE OLCOOLER AND THE WATER IS INSIDE THE TRANSMISION AND NOW THE PATHFINDER DONT TURN ON. ITS DEAD! AND NOW I HAVE TO SEND THE PATHF…

Read full complaint

I WENT TO THE NISSAN DEALER IN MY COUNTRY TO GUARANTY, AND THEY TOLE ME THAT I DONT HAVE ANY GUARANTIED I TOLD THEM TO CHECK MY PATHFINDER BECAUSE I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH IT! SHE WAS VERY SLOW, BROKE THE OLCOOLER AND THE WATER IS INSIDE THE TRANSMISION AND NOW THE PATHFINDER DONT TURN ON. ITS DEAD! AND NOW I HAVE TO SEND THE PATHFINDER TO OTHERS PEOPLE BECAUSE THE NISSAN DEALER DONT WANT TO HELP WITH THE PROBLEMS AND NEVER I RECEIVE ANY NOTIFICATIONS FOR ANY CAMPAIGN TO RESOLVE ANY PROBLEMS! CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME! TKU!

NHTSA ODI #11018661

92,600 miles · Jul 7, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER THERE WAS A HARD SHIFT WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE, THEN NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS LIT AND STEADY, I THEN SWITCHED GEARS INTO DRIVE WHICH HAD A VIOLENT JERKING MOTION & SLIGHT HESITATION TO ACCELERATE. AS I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE ON THE COUNTY ROAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING C…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER THERE WAS A HARD SHIFT WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE, THEN NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS LIT AND STEADY, I THEN SWITCHED GEARS INTO DRIVE WHICH HAD A VIOLENT JERKING MOTION & SLIGHT HESITATION TO ACCELERATE. AS I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE ON THE COUNTY ROAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING CONSTANTLY & THE VEHICLE HAD LITTLE POWER TO ACCELERATE & CONSTANTLY HESITATING CAUSING ME TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM WAS CREATED DUE TO THE ENTERMIX COOLANT IN TRANSMISSION AS STATED BY THE TECHICIAN IN THE REPORT I PROVIDED. THIS WAS A SAFETY RISK BECAUSE AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT I WAS DRIVING ACROSS THE ROAD.

NHTSA ODI #10883174

110,000 miles · Feb 19, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

ON MY 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER, WHICH IS ONLY 8 YEARS OLD, I HAVE REPAIRED MY TRANSMISSION DUE TO AN ATF CONTAMINATION VIA THE COOLING SYSTEM AROUND 95,000 MILES. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AT 90,000 MILES USED. THIS AFFECTED MY SPEED CONTROL AND ALL RELATED SYSTEMS.THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED ALSO DUE TO THE CONTAMINATION. THIS HAS AF…

Read full complaint

ON MY 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER, WHICH IS ONLY 8 YEARS OLD, I HAVE REPAIRED MY TRANSMISSION DUE TO AN ATF CONTAMINATION VIA THE COOLING SYSTEM AROUND 95,000 MILES. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AT 90,000 MILES USED. THIS AFFECTED MY SPEED CONTROL AND ALL RELATED SYSTEMS.THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED ALSO DUE TO THE CONTAMINATION. THIS HAS AFFECTED MY COOLING AND HEATING SYSTEM AND ALL RELATED SYSTEMS.THIS COST MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY AROUND $2,900+ (GLAD I WAS SMART ENOUGH TO PURCHASE THIS WARRANTY), HOWEVER IT COST ME MY DEDUCTIBLE OF $200.00. ON FEBRUARY 12, 2016 I DROPPED MY NISSAN OFF FOR A FOLLOW-UP REPAIR TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TIMING CHAIN ASSEMBLY AFTER GOING IN FOR A SIMPLE ALIGNMENT EARLIER (WHICH WAS A WASTE OF MONEY BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO PURCHASE A CAMPER KIT IN ORDER FOR YOUR ALIGNMENT TO BE 100%, $249.00 OUT-OF-POCKET). THIS CAUSED ME TO HAVE TO BUY A BRAND NEW SET OF TIRES OUT-OF-POCKET WHICH CAME WITH A FREE ALIGNMENT AS A SPECIAL, OTHERWISE I WOULD'VE RE-PAYED FOR ANOTHER ALIGNMENT. HEADQUARTERS NISSAN OF COLUMBUS,GA NEVER INFORMED ME OF THE TIMING CHAIN ISSUES WITH THESE SUVS! THIS RESULTED IN PERFORMANCE ISSUES. AGAIN MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WILL PAY AROUND $1,800 TO NISSAN FOR THE REPAIRS AND ME A $200.00 DEDUCTIBLE. I HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY IN ATLANTA,GA DURING RUSH HOUR BEFORE BECAUSE MY GAS GAUGE OR INDICATOR OR SOMETHING DOESN'T READ OR IS INACCURATE. I ALSO HEAR NOISE FROM THE TIRES OR SOMETHING WHEN I ROLL OVER SPEED BUMPS, ACCELERATE OR BANK LEFT OR RIGHT WITH BAD, HARD STEERING. THE COOLING AND HEATING SYSTEM HAS NOT BLOWN AIR AT TIMES AND SOMETIMES I HAVE TO DEPRESS THE GAS PETAL WHILE IDLING TO HEAT UP AIR THAT HAS GONE COLD. WHEN THE A/C DOES THIS I TURN OFF THE A/C AND LET THE WINDOWS DOWN, PRESSING THE GAS PETAL DOES NOT WORK. NISSAN SAYS THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM WITH THIS SYSTEM WHEN DIAGNOSING VEHICLE?!

NHTSA ODI #10837260

124,000 miles · Jul 17, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EnginePower Train

I WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS GOING ABOUT 60MPH AND THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED NEARLY GIVING ME WHIPLASH. I THEN LOOKED DOWN AT THE GAUGE CLUSTER AND NO LIGHTS WERE ON AND EVERYTHING SEEMED NORMAL, AND IN ABOUT 5 SECONDS IT DID IT AGAIN... I SLOWED DOWN AS FAST AS I COULD TO MERGE OVER AND GET OUT OF TRAFFIC AND AS I WENT TO PU…

Read full complaint

I WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS GOING ABOUT 60MPH AND THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED NEARLY GIVING ME WHIPLASH. I THEN LOOKED DOWN AT THE GAUGE CLUSTER AND NO LIGHTS WERE ON AND EVERYTHING SEEMED NORMAL, AND IN ABOUT 5 SECONDS IT DID IT AGAIN... I SLOWED DOWN AS FAST AS I COULD TO MERGE OVER AND GET OUT OF TRAFFIC AND AS I WENT TO PULL OFF THE CAR SHUT DOWN AND I COULD NOT GET IT RESTARTED. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE AND PARKED IT FOR A FEW DAYS. THE BATTERY WENT DEAD FROM TRYING TO START IT SO MUCH SO I TOOK IT TO A O'REILY AND FOUND THE BATTERY TO BE BAD SO IT WAS REPLACED. THE CAR THEN STARTED UP AND I DROVE SLOWLY AROUND MY NIEGHBORHOOD AND IT SEEMED OK. THE NEXT DAY MY WIFE TOOK IT BACK TO O'RELIY TO HAVE THE ALTERNATOR TESTED AND IT WAS FINE. I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS SOMETHING WRONG TO CAUSE IT TO SHUT DOWN LIKE THAT AND AS SHE WAS DRIVING HOME IT DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH NISSAN PATHFINDERS AND THAT THEY DID NOT LET THE OWNERS KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE WITH THE RADIATOR FLUID MIXING WITH THE TRANNY FLUID AND RENDERING THE VEHICLE USELESS. I CALLED NISSAN TODAY AND WAS TOLD THAT I AM OUT OF LUCK SINCE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10611351

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.