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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
99,632 miles · Jul 14, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System

TROUBLE CODE P0463, SES LIGHT CAME ON. ITS THE SAME TROUBLE CODE THAT CERTAIN NISSAN MODELS FUEL GAGES READ 1/4 OF A TANK WHEN EMPTY. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH MINE OR RECALLS IT IS A 08 LE V8 PATHFINDER.

NHTSA ODI #10734014

57,521 miles · Jul 11, 2015
Air BagsSeat Belts

THE PASSENGER SIDE "AIRBAG CHECK" AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT IS ON ON MY VEHICLE SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. THEY ARE ON WHENEVER THE ENGINE IS ON, WHETHER THERE IS A PASSENGER ON THAT SEAT OR NOT. MY CAR FAILED TO PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE OF IT. I NOTICED FROM THE NHTAS WEBSITE THAT CERTAIN NISSAN PATHFINDER SOLD IN MASSACHUSETTS IN …

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THE PASSENGER SIDE "AIRBAG CHECK" AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT IS ON ON MY VEHICLE SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. THEY ARE ON WHENEVER THE ENGINE IS ON, WHETHER THERE IS A PASSENGER ON THAT SEAT OR NOT. MY CAR FAILED TO PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE OF IT. I NOTICED FROM THE NHTAS WEBSITE THAT CERTAIN NISSAN PATHFINDER SOLD IN MASSACHUSETTS IN 2008 ARE INCLUDED IN THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. HOWEVER, MY CAR IS NOT YET INCLUDED IN THE RECALLING LIST. BY THE WAY, THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY COLLISION OR OTHER ACCIDENT. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.

NHTSA ODI #10733386

Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2015
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT FAILED TO WORK. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL WHEN IT WAS EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10731233

121,900 miles · Jun 19, 2015
Unknown Or Other

SHIFTS ROUGH - NISSAN DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED AS CROSS CONTAMINATION OF ENGINE COOLANT, ATF, AND MILKY RADIATOR CAP. RECOMMED REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, TRANS COOLER AND THERMOSTAT. QUOTED $6400.00 TO REPAIR. WHO HAS $6400 LAYING AROUND FOR CAR REPAIRS. WITH ONLY 122,000 MILES ON CAR I CERTAINLY DIDN'T THINK I WOU…

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SHIFTS ROUGH - NISSAN DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED AS CROSS CONTAMINATION OF ENGINE COOLANT, ATF, AND MILKY RADIATOR CAP. RECOMMED REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, TRANS COOLER AND THERMOSTAT. QUOTED $6400.00 TO REPAIR. WHO HAS $6400 LAYING AROUND FOR CAR REPAIRS. WITH ONLY 122,000 MILES ON CAR I CERTAINLY DIDN'T THINK I WOULD BE NEEDING TO PURCHASE ANOTHER CAR AND HAVE CAR PAYMENTS RIGHT NOW. NO HELP FROM NISSAN AND WE JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THAT NISSAN IS WELL AWARE OF IT. THEY SHOULD BE COVERING THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10726244

54,000 miles · Jun 18, 2015
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

AFTER MY WIFE HAD DIFFICULTY TRYING TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER DOOR USING THE THUMB BUTTON, SHE HAD TO RESULT IN USING THE KEY FOB... THEN WHILE DRIVING TO WORK SHE WAS ABOUT TO GET ON THE FREEWAY WHEN SHE NOTICED THE FUEL GAUGE WAS READING EMPTY. SHE PULLED INTO THE NEAREST SERVICE STATION TO FILL UP BUT WAS ONLY ALLOWED TO PUT IN 3 …

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AFTER MY WIFE HAD DIFFICULTY TRYING TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER DOOR USING THE THUMB BUTTON, SHE HAD TO RESULT IN USING THE KEY FOB... THEN WHILE DRIVING TO WORK SHE WAS ABOUT TO GET ON THE FREEWAY WHEN SHE NOTICED THE FUEL GAUGE WAS READING EMPTY. SHE PULLED INTO THE NEAREST SERVICE STATION TO FILL UP BUT WAS ONLY ALLOWED TO PUT IN 3 GALLONS. THEN THE GAUGE READ FULL. I HAD FILLED IT THE DAY BEFORE. AFTER WORK SHE NEEDED TO PICK UP FRIENDS AT THE AIRPORT AND TRIED TO USE THE REAR AC BUT IT WOULD ONLY BLOW HOT AIR..... NOW WHERE TO FIND OUT IF THESE ISSUES ALONG WITH THE AIR BAGS CAN BE FIXED... SUCH A HASSLE TO DEAL WITH THE DEALER FOR ITEMS LIKE THESE THAT SHOULD BE WARRANTY TYPE FIXES. WHAT IS A CONSUMER TO DO?

NHTSA ODI #10726097

110,000 miles · Jun 11, 2015
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHIFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT ANTI-FREEZE AND OIL LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING IT TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THIS WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHIFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT ANTI-FREEZE AND OIL LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING IT TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THIS WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10724759

145,000 miles · May 23, 2015
Engine

TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR ARE BROKEN CAUSING MIXTURE OF FLUID CAUSE VEHICLE TO GO INTO LIMP MODE WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. A KNOWN DEFECT OF NISSAN PATHFINDER 08, THE VEHICLE WAS OVER 140K MILE, THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS BUT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PERTAIN TO THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #10721156

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2015
Air BagsFuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED EMPTY. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAG LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT AND THE CRASH ZONE SENSOR FOR THE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED EMPTY. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAG LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT AND THE CRASH ZONE SENSOR FOR THE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 10V075000 (FUEL SYSTEM) AND 08V690000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10717121

74,148 miles · May 13, 2015
Power Train

HOW IS THIS NOT A RECALL?? IM DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WITH MY FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE AND THE TRANSMISSION DECIDES TO START SHAKING AND SLIP RIGHT OUT OF GEAR AS I AM IN THE FAR LEFT LANE TRYING TO GET OVER TO STOP THE CAR!! ALMOST CAUSING A HUGE ACCIDENT!! ALL MY TRANSMISSION FLUID HAS LEAKED IN WITH MY COOLANT FOR MY RAD. DESTR…

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HOW IS THIS NOT A RECALL?? IM DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WITH MY FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE AND THE TRANSMISSION DECIDES TO START SHAKING AND SLIP RIGHT OUT OF GEAR AS I AM IN THE FAR LEFT LANE TRYING TO GET OVER TO STOP THE CAR!! ALMOST CAUSING A HUGE ACCIDENT!! ALL MY TRANSMISSION FLUID HAS LEAKED IN WITH MY COOLANT FOR MY RAD. DESTROYING MY TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ODI #10716107

89,000 miles · May 6, 2015
EnginePower Train

MY RADIATOR WAS REPLACED IN 8/14 DUE TO A HOSE COMING LOOSE AND CAUSING FLUIDS TO COMINGLE. 5/2/15 WHILE DRIVING MY CHILDREN HOME FROM SOCCER MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR COULD BARELY ACCELERATE. I DROVE TO A GARAGE, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TOWED CAR TO THE GARAGE THAT REPLACED RADIATOR …

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MY RADIATOR WAS REPLACED IN 8/14 DUE TO A HOSE COMING LOOSE AND CAUSING FLUIDS TO COMINGLE. 5/2/15 WHILE DRIVING MY CHILDREN HOME FROM SOCCER MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR COULD BARELY ACCELERATE. I DROVE TO A GARAGE, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TOWED CAR TO THE GARAGE THAT REPLACED RADIATOR 8/11/14, AFTER TWO AND A HALF DAYS AM BEING TOLD MY 08 PATHFINDER MUST BE TOWED TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED. THE CAR HAS 89,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10714875

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.