IllustrationMY DASHBOARD HAS A LOGO OF A RED FLASHING PASSENGER WITH A AIRBAG RED BALL. IT FLASHES NON STOP WHEN EVER I TURN ON THE IGNITION. HOWEVER WHEN I CHECKED FOR AIR BAG RECALL IT'S NOT COMING UP ON THE LIST. ANY SUGGESTIONS?
2009 Nissan Pathfinder
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder do not stand out strongly from 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
40–25K
225–50K
350–75K
975–100K
8100–150K
3150K+
29 reports with mileage · 8 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.
- Air Bags. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports
Air Bags complaints
11 reportsTHE AIRBAG LIGHT IS FLASHING. WE LINE IN NM SO WE'RE NOT PART OF THE RECALL BUT WE DRIVE FREQUENTLY ON SNOWY SALTY MOUNTAIN ROADS SO WE MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY THE SAME ISSUE.
RED AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND FLASHING.
THE RECALL FOR AIR BAG IMPACT SENSOR FORM A WHILE BACK FOR NISSAN VEHICALES IN THE NORTHERN STATES IS NOW AFFECTING MY PATHFINDER (THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON). MY PATHFINDER WAS ORIGINAL PURCHASED DOWN SOUTH BEFORE I PURCHASED IT IN ERIE PA. IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN GET THE RECALLED EXTEND TO MY CAR AND OTHERS LIKE IT
TAKATA RECALL. 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER SUSPENSION FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER ARM NHTSA CAMPAIGN #10E019000 DATE ANNOUNCED: MAY 20, 2010 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER AIR BAGS:FRONTAL NHTSA CAMPAIGN #08V690000 DATE ANNOUNCED DECEMBER 29, 2008 DOOR AJAR LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. CAR LOCKS AND UNLOCKS ON ITS OWN. A…
Read full complaint
TAKATA RECALL. 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER SUSPENSION FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER ARM NHTSA CAMPAIGN #10E019000 DATE ANNOUNCED: MAY 20, 2010 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER AIR BAGS:FRONTAL NHTSA CAMPAIGN #08V690000 DATE ANNOUNCED DECEMBER 29, 2008 DOOR AJAR LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. CAR LOCKS AND UNLOCKS ON ITS OWN. ALL FOUR WINDOWS ROLL DOWN ON THEIR OWN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION. RADIATOR LEAKS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT FLASHES.
WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY I WAS ABOUT TO START MY VEHICLE WHEN MY DAUGHTER MOVE THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE AIRBAGS INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON, I HAD JUST HAD THE TENSION BELTS REPLACE BY THE DEALERSHIP, TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE HOPING TO AVOID HAVING TO REPLACE THE SEAT PRESSURE PLATE. NOT SURE WHY ALL THIS IS HAPPENING B…
Read full complaint
WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY I WAS ABOUT TO START MY VEHICLE WHEN MY DAUGHTER MOVE THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE AIRBAGS INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON, I HAD JUST HAD THE TENSION BELTS REPLACE BY THE DEALERSHIP, TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE HOPING TO AVOID HAVING TO REPLACE THE SEAT PRESSURE PLATE. NOT SURE WHY ALL THIS IS HAPPENING BUT I HOPE THIS WILL HELP FUTURE OWNER TO AVOID THIS PROBLEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAI…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V690000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 51,000.
I STRUCK A DEER WHILE DRIVING MY 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FRONT BUMPER AND SLIGHT DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FRONT FENDER. ALTHOUGH IT WAS NOT A HIGH IMPACT COLLISION WITH THE DEER, THE WIRING FROM THE BUMPER TO THE AIRBAG WAS CUT IN TWO. THE AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD, BUT THE AIRBAG DID NOT AC…
Read full complaint
I STRUCK A DEER WHILE DRIVING MY 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FRONT BUMPER AND SLIGHT DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FRONT FENDER. ALTHOUGH IT WAS NOT A HIGH IMPACT COLLISION WITH THE DEER, THE WIRING FROM THE BUMPER TO THE AIRBAG WAS CUT IN TWO. THE AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD, BUT THE AIRBAG DID NOT ACTIVATE. THE BODY SHOP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO REPAIR THE WIRING HARNESS BECAUSE NONE ARE AVAILABLE. IF A SLIGHT ACCIDENT MANAGED TO SEVER THE WIRES THEN WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IN A HIGH IMPACT CRASH WHEN THE WIRES ARE SEVERED. NO AIRBAG. NISSAN NEEDS TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT IMMEDIATELY AND THEY NEED TO HAVE PARTS ON HAND DUE TO THE SHODDY WORKMANSHIP AND DESIGN OF THE WIRING HARNESS. *TR
Official recalls
323V067000 · 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.
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.