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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 →

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

What owners actually said

328 reports
109,000 miles · Sep 4, 2015
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

I NOTICED A SHUDDER WHEN THE CAR SHIFTED FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR BUT SEEM TO DRIVE NORMAL OTHERWISE. I CONTACTED NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND SCHEDULED THE FIRST AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT, WHICH TOOK EXACTLY 1 WEEK FROM DATE FIRST SYMPTOM. ON THE MORNING OF MY APPOINTMENT, MY CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS AT ALL ONCE I GOT ON THE HIGHWA…

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I NOTICED A SHUDDER WHEN THE CAR SHIFTED FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR BUT SEEM TO DRIVE NORMAL OTHERWISE. I CONTACTED NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND SCHEDULED THE FIRST AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT, WHICH TOOK EXACTLY 1 WEEK FROM DATE FIRST SYMPTOM. ON THE MORNING OF MY APPOINTMENT, MY CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS AT ALL ONCE I GOT ON THE HIGHWAY, CAUSING VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR BOTH MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS. I WAS ABLE TO COAST MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS LATER INFORMED FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT A FAULTY RADIATOR LEAKED FLUID AND CONTAMINATED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, RESULTING IN A FAILED TRANSMISSION. REPAIR COSTS WOULD BE $5230, BUT THE MANAGER WOULD AGREE TO DO IT FOR $4165. I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY WERE AWARE OF FAULTY RADIATOR IN THE 2005-06 MODELS BUT WERE UNAWARE OTHER MODELS HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I HAD ALREADY RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM, TO FIND THAT NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN FILED REGARDING 2005-2010 PATHFINDER, XTERRAS, AND FRONTIER AND NISSAN HAD SETTLED A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT BY OFFERING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY. SINCE I WAS BARELY OUTSIDE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, I CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO INQUIRE ABOUT ASSISTANCE WITH GOODWILL REPAIR SINCE THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WAS THE RESULT OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I WAS INFORMED BY THE REGIONAL SPECIALIST SHE WOULD NEED A WEEK TO REVIEW THE CASE. ONE WEEK TO THE DATE, SHE RETURNED MY CALL INQUIRING IF I WOULD BE WILLING TO PAY THE COPAY LISTED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND I INFORMED HER YES. SHE THEN INQUIRED IF I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN A POSSIBLE VPP DISCOUNT ON A 2015 NISSAN AUTOMOBILE. I INFORMED HER I WAS INTERESTED IN ALL OPTIONS IN ORDER TO MAKE THE BEST CHOICE FOR MY SITUATION. SHE ASKED FOR TWO MORE DAYS TO REVIEW CASE AND RETURNED MY CALL TWO DAYS LATER TO TELL ME NISSAN WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY TYPE OF ASSISTANCE TO ME IN MY REPAIRS.

NHTSA ODI #10761734

97,490 miles · Sep 2, 2015
Power Train

CROSS CONTAMINATION OF THE RADIATOR FLUID AND TRANSMISSION FLUID DUE TO FAULTY MFG(NISSAN) DESIGN CAUSED TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. $3000 OUT OF POCKET DUE TO A MFG FAULT!

NHTSA ODI #10760995

100,000 miles · Aug 31, 2015
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED VIOLENTLY SHAKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10760247

183,000 miles · Aug 14, 2015
Unknown Or Other

AFTER DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MILES, MY CAR STOPPED RUNNING AND A LITTLE SMOKE CAME FROM THE HOOD. WHEN I PARKED THE CAR IT WOULD CRANK BUT WOULD NOT START. WHENEVER I TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION IT CRANKS BUT WONT CATCH AS IF THE BATTERY IS DEAD OR LOW ON FUEL. I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY BATTERY FOR A WHILE BUT IF I HIT T…

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AFTER DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MILES, MY CAR STOPPED RUNNING AND A LITTLE SMOKE CAME FROM THE HOOD. WHEN I PARKED THE CAR IT WOULD CRANK BUT WOULD NOT START. WHENEVER I TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION IT CRANKS BUT WONT CATCH AS IF THE BATTERY IS DEAD OR LOW ON FUEL. I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY BATTERY FOR A WHILE BUT IF I HIT THE STARTER IT WOULD CRANK. I DONT BELIEVE IT IS ANYTHING MAJOR BECAUSE IT DIDNT SHOW ANY SIGNS.

NHTSA ODI #10748660

Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2015
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

TRANSMITION FAILURE HARD SHIFTING DUE TO COOLANT CONTAMINATES THE TRANSMITION, RADIATOR AND TRANSMITION NEEDS TO BE REPLACE

NHTSA ODI #10747330

135,000 miles · Aug 8, 2015
Power Train

FELT JERKING WHILE DRIVING AT 40-45 MPH TO THE POINT WHERE IT FELT LIKE I WAS LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. IT FELT LIKE IT WOULD GO TO NEUTRAL AND SUDDENLY BACK INTO GEAR REALLY HARD SO IT WOULD CAUSE SOMETHING LIKE A TORQUE PULL. SO, TOOK TO DEALER SERVICE SHOP AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS DEFECTIVE RADIATOR CRACKED …

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FELT JERKING WHILE DRIVING AT 40-45 MPH TO THE POINT WHERE IT FELT LIKE I WAS LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. IT FELT LIKE IT WOULD GO TO NEUTRAL AND SUDDENLY BACK INTO GEAR REALLY HARD SO IT WOULD CAUSE SOMETHING LIKE A TORQUE PULL. SO, TOOK TO DEALER SERVICE SHOP AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS DEFECTIVE RADIATOR CRACKED AND LEAKED COOLANT FLUID INTO THE RADIATOR COOLER CAUSING A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. FORTUNATELY, DIDN'T LOSE CONTROL WHILE DRIVING BUT IT FELT CLOSE TO SOMETIMES. I BELIEVE A LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVER COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #10747234

124,326 miles · Jul 30, 2015
Power Train

WAS TOLD TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO FAULTY RADIATOR.

NHTSA ODI #10745181

124,000 miles · Jul 20, 2015
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO CHANGE GEARS PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A TRANSMISSION FLUSH BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING AND VIBRATING WITH AN ABNORMAL NOISE AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED. THE VEH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO CHANGE GEARS PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A TRANSMISSION FLUSH BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING AND VIBRATING WITH AN ABNORMAL NOISE AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE IN THE CONNECTION PIECE TO THE RADIATOR AND THAT CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING INTO THE RADIATOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

NHTSA ODI #10735269

135 miles · Jul 20, 2015
Unknown Or Other

I TURNED ON MY TRUCK IN THE MORNING IT MADE A WEIRD NOISE IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS RATTLING IN THE TRUCK I CHECKED THE TRUCK WATER OIL EVERYTHING LOOKED NORMAL EXCEPT THE NOISE ... I WENT WHO WORK AFTER WORK I A SON AS I TURNED ON TRUCK NOISE WAS LOUDER AND I COULDN'T DRIVE IT MORE THEN 20MILES IT STARTED SHAKING AND SWERVI…

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I TURNED ON MY TRUCK IN THE MORNING IT MADE A WEIRD NOISE IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS RATTLING IN THE TRUCK I CHECKED THE TRUCK WATER OIL EVERYTHING LOOKED NORMAL EXCEPT THE NOISE ... I WENT WHO WORK AFTER WORK I A SON AS I TURNED ON TRUCK NOISE WAS LOUDER AND I COULDN'T DRIVE IT MORE THEN 20MILES IT STARTED SHAKING AND SWERVING I RITE AWAY TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC ...AND HE SAID THAT THE TIMING BELT AND TRANSMISSION WERE THE CAUSE OF THAT RATTLE NOISE AND THAT'S WHY I COULDN'T RUN IT MORE THAN 10-20MILES ... NOW TO FIX IT'S 4,500 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION... I HAD JUST GOT THE VIECHLE 3 MONTHS AGO FROM THE DEALERSHIP NOW THEY WON'T HELP ME FIX . NOW AM STUCK WITH A CAR THAT DOESN'T WORK AND STILL MAKING PAYMENTS... I'VE SEEN ONLINE THAT NISSAN SUV'S HAVE THIS KIND OF PROBLEM THAT'S LIKE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT .

NHTSA ODI #10735265

110,000 miles · Jul 16, 2015
EnginePower Train

TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXED IN WITH RADIATOR FLUID. LEAKING OUT OF TRUCK. KNOW ISSUE WITH NISSAN TRUCKS.

NHTSA ODI #10734621

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.