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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

What owners actually said

328 reports
150,000 miles · Dec 18, 2017
Power Train

STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE-LIKE FLUID LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR INFILTRATED THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING CATATROPHIC FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THIS PROBLEM WAS WIDELY PUBLICIZED IN OTHER STATES BUT NOT CALIFORNIA. I WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE CAR'S FAILURE TO ACCELERATE WHILE ENTERING ONTO THE FREEWAY. SHAME ON…

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STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE-LIKE FLUID LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR INFILTRATED THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING CATATROPHIC FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THIS PROBLEM WAS WIDELY PUBLICIZED IN OTHER STATES BUT NOT CALIFORNIA. I WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE CAR'S FAILURE TO ACCELERATE WHILE ENTERING ONTO THE FREEWAY. SHAME ON NISSAN NOT TO EXTEND WARNINGS NATIONWIDE.

NHTSA ODI #11055345

101,111 miles · Dec 17, 2017
Power Train

THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND THE RADIATOR FLUID IS MIXING WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED ONCE, AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI #11055131

85,000 miles · Nov 9, 2017
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANU…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SENSOR (TPMS) INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE TPMS WAS REPLACED, BUT THE SENSOR ILLUMINATED AGAIN A FEW WEEKS LATER. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

NHTSA ODI #11044802

138,000 miles · Oct 31, 2017
Power Train

I AM ONE OF THOSE UNFORTUNATE INDIVIDUALS WHO RECENTLY BOUGHT A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER LE WHICH WAS IN GREAT SHAPE AND MAINTAINED WELL WITH AN ALMOST IMPECCABLE CARFAX REPORT. JUST AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE GOT STUCK IN 4TH GEAR LOOSING ALL ACCESS TO OTHER GEARS AND NEARLY CAUSING ME TO HAVE A…

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I AM ONE OF THOSE UNFORTUNATE INDIVIDUALS WHO RECENTLY BOUGHT A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER LE WHICH WAS IN GREAT SHAPE AND MAINTAINED WELL WITH AN ALMOST IMPECCABLE CARFAX REPORT. JUST AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE GOT STUCK IN 4TH GEAR LOOSING ALL ACCESS TO OTHER GEARS AND NEARLY CAUSING ME TO HAVE A COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLES. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE FLUID FROM THE RADIATOR IN THE TRANSMISSION AND WILL COST SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIX.

NHTSA ODI #11041719

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

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2017
Engine And Engine Cooling

2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RADIATOR CRACKING AND LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION. *SMD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE FAILURE. UPDATED 10/23/2017*JS

NHTSA ODI #10970270

Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2017
Power Train

PROBLEMAS CON LA TRANSMISION EN SISTEMA DE ENFRIAMIENTO SE DAO EL TCM DE.LA TRANSMISION... CONOZCO VARIAS PERSONAS QUE HAN TENIDO LA MISMA SITUACIN... DESEO SE.INVESTIGUE ENTIENDO ES UN DEFECTO DE FBRICA

NHTSA ODI #11034745

141,100 miles · Oct 2, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. AFTER FUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED A FALSE READING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PASSPORT NISSAN OF ALEXANDRIA (150 S PICKETT ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR LEVEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER. AFTER FUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED A FALSE READING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PASSPORT NISSAN OF ALEXANDRIA (150 S PICKETT ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR LEVEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V075000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,100.

NHTSA ODI #11030833

108,000 miles · Sep 29, 2017
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

MY HOSE S FROM THE RADIATOR TO THE HEATER CORE EXPLODED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY AND TROW SOME KIND OF GUNK THAT THE DEALER SAYS IT IS TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXING WITH THE ANTIFREEZE CAUSING THE HOSES TO BECOME WEAK ALSO MY TRANSMISSION START SLIPPING AND NOT WORKING PROPERLY THE DEALER SAYS IT IS A EXTENDED WARRANTY ON I…

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MY HOSE S FROM THE RADIATOR TO THE HEATER CORE EXPLODED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY AND TROW SOME KIND OF GUNK THAT THE DEALER SAYS IT IS TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXING WITH THE ANTIFREEZE CAUSING THE HOSES TO BECOME WEAK ALSO MY TRANSMISSION START SLIPPING AND NOT WORKING PROPERLY THE DEALER SAYS IT IS A EXTENDED WARRANTY ON IT BUT MY CAR HAS 108000 MILES AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY IT IS ONLY UNTIL 100000 {WITH A 3000 DOLLARS OUT OF POCKET FOR THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE } BUT THEY NEVER SEND ME A LETTER TO FIX THAT PROBLEM EVEN DO I HAVE DONE MORE THAN 2 SERVICES ON A NISSAN DEALER THAT WARRANTY OR PROBLEM WAS NEVER MENTIONED TO ME

NHTSA ODI #11030586

83,000 miles · Sep 15, 2017
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT ABOUT 40MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUTTER WHEN CHANGING GEARS AND LOSE POWER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WE FOUND OUT THAT COOLANT HAD LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION THROUGH THE RADIATOR. NISSAN HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT WITH A WHOPPING $3000 DEDUCTIBLE. I WAS SURPRISED TO HEAR TH…

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WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT ABOUT 40MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUTTER WHEN CHANGING GEARS AND LOSE POWER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WE FOUND OUT THAT COOLANT HAD LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION THROUGH THE RADIATOR. NISSAN HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT WITH A WHOPPING $3000 DEDUCTIBLE. I WAS SURPRISED TO HEAR THIS IS A KNOWN FAILURE BUT NISSAN WILL NOT TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR PRODUCT.

NHTSA ODI #11023720

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.