IllustrationMY TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR SEEPED INTO EACH OTHER AND APPARENTLY CAUSED INTERNAL IRREPARABLE FAILURE. MY BUYER'S SHIELD WARRANTY IS REFUSING TO COVER IT. I PURCHASED THE 5 YEAR/100000 MILE POWER AND TRAIN WARRANTY AS WELL. NISSAN'S FACTORY WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER IT NEITHER WILL MY EXTENDED.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Pathfinder years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
130–25K
1225–50K
3050–75K
6075–100K
127100–150K
35150K+
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 reportsAS A SINGLE FATHER OF THREE TEENAGERS, I NEEDED TWO VEHICLES WITH ENOUGH ROOM AND SAFETY FEATURES TO HANDLE HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE NEEDS. I BOUGHT TWO PATHFINDERS, A 2007 SE AND 2008 LE, ONE FOR MYSELF AND ONE FOR MY SON (WHICH WOULD BE PASSED ON, ETC). MY DECISION WAS BASED ON MY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH NISSAN PRODUCTS AND …
Read full complaint
AS A SINGLE FATHER OF THREE TEENAGERS, I NEEDED TWO VEHICLES WITH ENOUGH ROOM AND SAFETY FEATURES TO HANDLE HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE NEEDS. I BOUGHT TWO PATHFINDERS, A 2007 SE AND 2008 LE, ONE FOR MYSELF AND ONE FOR MY SON (WHICH WOULD BE PASSED ON, ETC). MY DECISION WAS BASED ON MY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH NISSAN PRODUCTS AND MY LOYALTY TO THE BRAND. HOWEVER, I NOW HAVE BOTH PATHFINDERS NEEDING MAJOR REPAIRS TO THEIR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE 2008 PATHFINDER'S TRANSMISSION FAILED IN VERY HEAVY HOUSTON TRAFFIC WHILE DRIVING WITH MY YOUNGER SON, WHICH CAUSED OTHER VEHICLES TO SLAM ON THEIR BRAKES AND ALMOST CREATED A LARGE PILE-UP ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. WHILE WE AVOIDED BEING KILLED BY ONCOMING VEHICLES, WE WERE ALSO IN DANGER AS WE MOVED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. AFTER TOWING THE VEHICLE TO A REPUTABLE TRANSMISSION SHOP, HE FOUND THE ISSUE TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE COOLANT FLUID LEAKING INTO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, CAUSING TOTAL FAILURE. ESTIMATES ARE OVER $6,000 FOR REBUILDING OR REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION WITH PARTS AND LABOR, INCLUDING THE REQUIRED ADDITION OF A "COOLER" INSTEAD OF THE RADIATOR. I ATTEMPTED TO FILE THIS WITH MY CAR INSURANCE BUT WAS DENIED COVERAGE. NOW, THE 2007 PATHFINDER IS HAVING THE SAME SYMPTOMS WITH SLIPPAGE AND INABILITY TO USE OVERDRIVE, WHICH ALMOST CAUSE ANOTHER MULTI-CAR PILE-UP IN HOUSTON TRAFFIC UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO DOWNSHIFT AND MOVE ASIDE. IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE 2007 PATHFINDER TRANSMISSION ALSO FAILS COMPLETELY, AND I STILL OWE $12,000 TO THE CREDIT UNION ON BOTH LOANS COMBINED. I ATTEMPTED A LOAN FOR REPAIRS THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION SHOP, BUT WAS DENIED DUE TO BAD CREDIT FROM A LAY-OFF LAST YEAR. NISSAN, PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL FOR THOSE OF US WITHOUT HOPE AND UNABLE TO BUY A NEW VEHICLE. THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO SAVE LIVES AND BOOST YOUR BRAND TO A HIGHER LEVEL, THROUGH INTEGRITY.
2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO RADIATOR FAILURE WHICH CAUSED CONTAMINATION OF THE COOLING AND TRANSMISSION FLUIDS. ENGINE OVERHEATED DUE TO CONTAMINATION. ENTIRE COOLING SYSTEM HAD TO BE FLUSHED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER REPAIRS. REPAIRS WERE OVER $4000. NISSAN REFUSED TO ADDRESS ISSUE BECAUSE OF PENDING CLASS …
Read full complaint
2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO RADIATOR FAILURE WHICH CAUSED CONTAMINATION OF THE COOLING AND TRANSMISSION FLUIDS. ENGINE OVERHEATED DUE TO CONTAMINATION. ENTIRE COOLING SYSTEM HAD TO BE FLUSHED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER REPAIRS. REPAIRS WERE OVER $4000. NISSAN REFUSED TO ADDRESS ISSUE BECAUSE OF PENDING CLASS ACTION SUIT. I WISH TO BE ADDED TO CLASS ACTION PROCESS TO RECOUP EXPENSES.
COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSING SIGNIFICANT TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THE PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSED TO RESOLVED AS WE HAD IT CLEANED UP...THE VEHICLE WORKED OK FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND THE PROBLEM REAPPEARED GETTING WORSE AND WORSE...THE VEHICLE IS UNDRIVABLE AT THIS POINT. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME I'VE HEARD OF THI…
Read full complaint
COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSING SIGNIFICANT TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THE PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSED TO RESOLVED AS WE HAD IT CLEANED UP...THE VEHICLE WORKED OK FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND THE PROBLEM REAPPEARED GETTING WORSE AND WORSE...THE VEHICLE IS UNDRIVABLE AT THIS POINT. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME I'VE HEARD OF THIS ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL.
THE SUV BEGAN SHUDDERING WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR, AND HARD SHIFTING IN LOW GEARS. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SAID COOLANT HAD CONTAMINATED THE TRANSMISSION CASE BY LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR. REPAIR NEEDED: REPLACE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. SUV HAS 131,000 MILES, AND WAS OTHER WISE IN GOOD CONDITION. REPAIR CENTER SAI…
Read full complaint
THE SUV BEGAN SHUDDERING WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR, AND HARD SHIFTING IN LOW GEARS. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SAID COOLANT HAD CONTAMINATED THE TRANSMISSION CASE BY LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR. REPAIR NEEDED: REPLACE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. SUV HAS 131,000 MILES, AND WAS OTHER WISE IN GOOD CONDITION. REPAIR CENTER SAID TO REPLACE BOTH, COST WOULD BE $5800.00
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.
CONTAMINATION FROM RADIATOR INTO TRANSMISSION.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPERATE IN REVERSE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR SENSORS ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPERATE IN REVERSE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR SENSORS ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. I'VE BEEN WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR OVER A MONTH AS PARTS ARE ON BACK ORDER. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE. WHY IS NISSAN NOT PREPARED WITH REPLACEMENT PARTS. WHY WAS WARRANTY ONLY EXTENDED FOR CERTAIN TIME PERIOD AS THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING IN MY DRIVEWAY. COULD HAVE BEEN HAZARDOU…
Read full complaint
TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. I'VE BEEN WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR OVER A MONTH AS PARTS ARE ON BACK ORDER. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE. WHY IS NISSAN NOT PREPARED WITH REPLACEMENT PARTS. WHY WAS WARRANTY ONLY EXTENDED FOR CERTAIN TIME PERIOD AS THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING IN MY DRIVEWAY. COULD HAVE BEEN HAZARDOUS HAD IT STOPPED RUNNING ON THE HIGHWAY.
ENGINE COOLANT LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION DESTROYING TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION AND COOLING SYSTEM. VEHICLE ODOMETER IS AT 115,000. ESTIMATED REPAIR IS $3000-4800+
Official recalls
423V067000 · 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 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.
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
1DP12004 · 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.