What are the most common problems on the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder?

NHTSA has 76 owner complaint(s) on record for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. Service Brakes is the most-reported problem area on the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder, cited in 20 of 76 filed complaints (26%).

Problems › Nissan › 2018 Pathfinder

2018 Nissan Pathfinder Problems & Owner Complaints

76 NHTSA owner complaints

3 crash 2 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~8.4 complaints per year on the road — ranking 9 of 13 Nissan Pathfinder years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

Thinking about buying a specific Nissan Pathfinder?

This page shows problems reported across all 2018 Nissan Pathfinders. Before you buy that one car, enter its VIN: get a free open-recall check, then unlock the full $19 safety report: every complaint, safety ratings & a downloadable PDF for that exact vehicle.

Checking a specific 2018 Nissan Pathfinder? Enter its VIN

Free recall check · optional $19 full safety report before you buy

What owners report

Service Brakes is the most-reported problem area on the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder, cited in 20 of 76 filed complaints (26%).

Electrical System is next (13 complaints, 17%), followed by Engine (12), Power Train (11), Vehicle Speed Control (9).

Across all complaints, 3 report a crash, 2 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Unknown Or Other: 2 crash, 1 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 76.

Service Brakes 20 1 crash

“I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TURNING ON A BACK ROAD, THERE WAS A GUARDRAIL TO MY LEFT AND AND A TRUCK WITH A TRAILER TURNING IN FRONT OF ME ON MY RIGHT. MY SENSORS MUST HAVE THOUGHT THEY WERE TOO CLOSE BECAUSE MY CAR LOCKED UP AND I COULD NOT TURN CAUSING ME TO HIT THE GUARDRAIL.”
NHTSA complaint #11271046, 2019 · crash

“While driving the car it randomly turns off and turns back on it also jerks initially. All lights on the dashboard turn off and back on, speakers make a loud BOOM sound! Have experienced the car not starting. Bought a new battery thinking that was the issue, it wasn't.”
NHTSA complaint #11579820, 2024

“Front collision shuts off intermittently for no reason. Causes cruise control to shut off immediately and disabled collision avoidance breaking. If cruise is on and approaching slower vehicle car will not slow down causing driver to break aggressively.”
NHTSA complaint #11534425, 2023

Unknown Or Other 16 2 crash 1 injury

“I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I WAS STOPPED ON THE INTERSTATE AND HIT IN THE REAR AT A HIGH SPEED. THEN MY SUV HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. IT CAUSED CLOSE TO $9000 IN DAMAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #11231977, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The Nissan DCU/Infotainment center/Radio no longer has a working display in my 2018 Nissan pathfinder (R52 model). I haven't replaced this unit and it is still not operation in the vehicle. This display is necessary for the use of the back up camera and its failure could result in damage to the vehicle, person or property. While I have not taken this to the dealer at this time, numerous others (online posts) have experienced this issue and have brought it to the dealer. The dealers response is to replace the DCU. The stereo initially started looping, now there is no display. When placing t…”
NHTSA complaint #11514756, 2023

Electrical System 13

“Infotainment system stopped working. Now radio, no climate control visible and NO backup camera most of the time. Very dangerous without the backup camera”
NHTSA complaint #11724368, 2025

“The transmission is going bad which makes it dangerous to drive. Had it 2 days and I check my FIXD module and found code. Took to where I purchased it and the drained cvt fluid and now makes a whinning sound and garage knows. U was told they inspected it before selling it to me. No codes where on dash either.”
NHTSA complaint #11696992, 2025

“My 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL has had to have the engine replaced once due to the CVP issues with the transmission causes in the engine to fail. It was replaced not even two years ago and now the issue has presented itself yet again and the engine has failed once again. I believe that this vehicle should be issued for recall because this is an issue that has happened twice engine has failed twice car will not run. Will not turn over vehicle is at a standstill. I want somebody to contact me regarding this because this is not acceptable.”
NHTSA complaint #11675034, 2025

Engine 12

“On May 7th at 1:22 PM, the engine in my 2018 Nissan Pathfinder catastrophically failed for the second time while my family was driving. The engine completely lost power in the middle of a very busy highway intersection, going over an overpass, where there was no shoulder. I had no ability to pull off the road. My wife had to push the disabled vehicle off the highway to avoid causing a major accident. This was an incredibly dangerous situation where my entire family’s life was at risk. My wife could have been struck by oncoming traffic while we were pushing the vehicle to safety. There was no…”
NHTSA complaint #11670907, 2025

“The disabled vehicle when delivered by flatbed car hauler unit to the nearest dealership, Petro Nissan, 47 miles from the breakdown site would not move at highway speed but only jerked/bucked and crept along at little more than a fast walk. This condition was last experienced when the vehicle had been on a remote undulating interstate for about 2 hours. The check engine light had reappeared after being recently reset and the engine revving and loss of ground speed started causally then increased in frequency and intensity until totally failing to the point of forcing me to creep with emergenc…”
NHTSA complaint #11641377, 2025

Power Train 11 1 crash 1 injury

“As we were driving on the highway about 70 miles per hour, no traffic relatively, the vehicle started to violently shake and then we heard a loud explosion in the front end, prompting the front drive and passenger airbags to deploy, as well as the full right side curtain airbags. This curtain airbag struck my wife in the head and prompted her apple watch to call 911. we initally thought we popped a tire or ran over something but no damaged at all visible to the car. even the state trooper was baffled by the situation as emergency personnel arrived. the car was not driven home so when the tow f…”
NHTSA complaint #11510500, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)

“The 4x4 never stays engaged. We live in an area where it snows A LOT and depend on the 4x4 for winter driving. We purchased the vehicle brand new and it had this issue. We reported it to the dealership when the vehicle had less than 500 miles on it, within the first few weeks of ownership. They couldn't figure out what was wrong. They sent someone from corporate to look at the vehicle. They found and replaced a cracked coupler. (Our vehicle was sold to us with a MAJOR broken part.) The 4x4 still wouldn't remain engaged. I kept taking it back to the dealership every few months. Nothing. Finally…”
NHTSA complaint #11472750, 2018 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 9

“I was driving along at 35-40 mph and the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating when I gave it gas. Nearly empty at the time so I thought maybe it was a gas issue. I drove it a couple of days after that and it drove just fine. I filled her up with premium gas, thinking that it would fix the problem. The third time I went to drive it was last Friday, [XXX] It would barely accelerate. it took about maybe a quarter to 1/3 of a mile for it to get up to 40 mph, during which time I have my foot smashed on the gas pedal all the way down to the floor. I went to pick up my dogs, pet food, which was 5…”
NHTSA complaint #11569922, 2024

“ABS Light comes on and stays on...Checking for recalls seeing if our vehicle could have same problem with brake fluid leaking on internal circuit board and possible fire danger. Also, several times our PATHFINDER will lose power or act as if you have shifted the transmission into neutral. This has happened at speeds from 30mph to 60 mph. Stalls and then after a few seconds it will resume speed.”
NHTSA complaint #11453357, 2022

Before you buy this car, see its exact open recalls + full $19 report Enter the VIN of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder you're looking at, free recall check first

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 6

“THE VEHICLE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM/CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT OPERATE WHEN A WARNING MESSAGE UNAVAILABLE FRONT RADAR OBSTRUCTION WAS DISPLAYED. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT WHEN THE MESSAGE OCCURS, THE BRAKES CAN STOP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11331601, 2020

“I HAVE A 2019 PATHFINDER. NISSAN HAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE AEB SYSTEM. I GET A MESSAGE CONSTANTLY THAT THE FRONT RADAR IS UNAVAIABLE DUE TO OBSTRUCTION. IF THE FRONT OBSTRUCTION ISN'T WORKING AND THE AEB IS DISABLED, THIS IS A SAFELY ITEM. WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN ANY RECALLS?”
NHTSA complaint #11268391, 2019

“PATHFINDER FORWARD COLLISION WARNING WHEN DRIVING ON BRIDGE OR ANY ROAD SIGN ANYTHING ABOVE THE ROAD I AM GETTING WARNING, I COMPLAINED SO MANY TIME BUT NO CHANGES AND ISSUE STILL EXIST, IT'S KEEP HAPPENING AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK VIDEO ATTACHED AS SAMPLE WHEN CROSSING BRIDGE AFTER KEEP GETTING WARNING IT WENT OFF MODE”
NHTSA complaint #11257567, 2019

Steering 6 1 crash

“The engine began to fail because of a lack of adequate breathability into the crankcase, causing high crankcase pressure, excessive oil blowby, severe exhaust smoke, severe engine sludge, severe engine shuddering, and lack of response to the power steering because of engine power loss. The failure of the PCV system was at fault. Produced codes P0300, P0306, and P0430. Engine sludge needed to be cleaned, PCV hoses and PCV needed to be replaced, spark plugs needed to be replaced because of blowby, and valve covers also needed to be replaced because of sludge clogging the PCV baffles within th…”
NHTSA complaint #11641015, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel seized, and the brake pedal was depressed because the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that the air bag then deployed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the steering wheel remained inoperable. The contact towed the vehicle to his place of employment. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11617969, 2024

Back Over Prevention 5

“The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera screen display malfunctioned, and there was a black image displayed, creating a hazard for the driver. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the infotainment screen display malfunctioned, and the screen was black. During the failure, the driver was unable to view vital information related to the engine oil levels. The local dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the screen needed to be repla…”
NHTSA complaint #11728330, 2026

“The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall that had a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11709224, 2026

“The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that occasionally, while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the digital screen displayed a Nissan Logo that faded away. In addition, the contact stated that the digital screen would blip or show an upside-down image of the rear-view camera display. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the failure was not identified. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V654000( Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not includ…”
NHTSA complaint #11687680, 2024

Forward Collision Avoidance 5

“The forward collision warning and traction control light is stuck on both together. Today is the 1st time it has come on, but when doing research I seen that people have had this issue before and that there was a recall for maxima’s and Murano’s, but nothing that has been seen for the pathfinder.”
NHTSA complaint #11508782, 2023

“This vehicle had a recall repair related to Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip system in March 2021. The Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System Warning Light and the Slip Indicator Light would come on intermittently. Ten minutes after that repair the lights came on again, and about two times in subsequent days, but not again. In the last weeks these lights have been coming on again, but more problems have been associated such as the start button will not work and these lights come on. Sometimes, when it will start, these lights come on but the car gearshift will not move out o…”
NHTSA complaint #11498068, 2022

Air Bags 4 1 injury

“While driving the airbag passenger light went on then off then the red airbag light on the dashboard started flashing and continues to flash.”
NHTSA complaint #11572500, 2024

“Driver and passenger airbags deployed without cause while driving on busy expressway. No lights, warnings, sounds or crash in any way caused deployment. Broke windshield and car has been inoperative since. Insurance can't help and Nissan is being difficult trying to put blame on us. Insurance and State Police put in reports that it is a manufacturer malfunction and we are not responsible. Nissan will look at but is stalling and not giving clear timetables. Won't help with towing or rental.”
NHTSA complaint #11548766, 2023

Fuel/Propulsion System 2

“The vehicle had 58,827 miles when the fuel pump failed on 12/27/2023. The vehicle stalled at a 4-way intersection during an errand run. The vehicle would not move when shifted into drive and eventually die. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop (Greg's Japanese Auto), where a certified technician confirmed and replaced the fuel pump.”
NHTSA complaint #11563557, 2023

“MY HUSBAND ROGER AND I PURCHASED A 2018 NISSAN PATHFINDER LESS THAN A WEEK AGO AT GRANITE NISSAN IN RAPID CITY, SD. WE DROVE TO DICKINSON, ND TO DROP OFF MY STEPSON TO SEE HIS MOTHER AS REQUIRED BY COURT ORDER EVERY MONTH. THE TRIP THERE HAS NO CELLULAR SERVICE AND TEMPERATURES THAT REACH SUBZERO. UPON ARRIVING IN DICKINSON, WE HAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND THE RPMS BECAME ERRATIC. WE ALSO NOTICED DECREASED FUEL EFFICIENCY. THE LIGHT CAME ON WITH LESS THAN 400 TOTAL MILES ON THE VEHICLE. WE CONSULTED THE USER MANUAL WHICH ADVISED TO DRIVE THE CAR TO…”
NHTSA complaint #11075120, 2018

Chest Clip 1

“My Nuna rava was part of the recent recall that happened. The company offered remedy kits to replace the seat fabrics as well as tools to clean where the harness straps tightened/loosened. We received the remedy kit in March after waiting 3 months for the kits to be available. I followed the instructions for cleaning of the car seat and installation of the new cover. My child’s safety was put at risk as the straps are now able to loosen without pressing the button. We had not had strap loosening issues initially, but now are despite having followed the instructions as part of the recall which…”
NHTSA complaint #11694628, 2025

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted, and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated while starting the vehicle and pressing the Push to Start button. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that there was sludge in the engine oil. The mechanic stated that sludge was found in the oil due…”
NHTSA complaint #11702980, 2024

Exterior Lighting 1

“The Infotainment System screen is black and doesn't work. This poses a safety hazard as the navigation is inoperable; handsfree calls cannot be made while driving, which is required by law, since bluetooth is inoperable; and the back-up camera works intermittently and a person or another car could be hit while I'm backing up the vehicle.. The problem appeared quickly without warning in late January/early February 2023. I immediately took the SUV to the dealership on February 3, 2023 where it was confirmed that the Infotainment System does not work and the service manager advised that it ca…”
NHTSA complaint #11511328, 2023

Insert 1

Parking Brake 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND HAD TO SHIFT INTO PARK IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO UNITED NISSAN (3025 E, NV-589, LAS VEGAS, NV 89104, (702) 832-5480) WHERE THE ECM, IVP, AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WERE REPROGRAMMED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER OVER FIVE TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED…”
NHTSA complaint #11269449, 2019

Seats 1

“Second row seat on the passenger side base will not fold down after the release handle was pulled so occupants in the 3rd row can exit the vehicle. The latch will not engage to its in a locked position.”
NHTSA complaint #11567101, 2024

Structure 1

“REAR LIFT GATE DOOR JAMS AND THE MOTORIZED FUNCTION WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE THE DOOR. THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED WITH THE KEY OR THE SWITCH ON THE DASHBOARD. THE ONLY WAY TO OPERATE IT IS BY MANUAL FORCEFULLY OPENING OR CLOSING AGAINST THE LIFT ARMS. THE MECHANISM WAS REPLACED BECAUSE IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, IT STARTED DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN.”
NHTSA complaint #11207121, 2019

Suspension 1

“"TAKATA RECALL" MY VEHICLE IS NON OPERABLE AND HAD PROBLEMS WITH SUSPENSION, AXEL, KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, WINDOW, BACK UP CAMERA, AND MANY MORE”
NHTSA complaint #11256217, 2019

Visibility 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THE EXPLOSION MADE AN ABNORMAL BANGING SOUND SIMILAR TO GUN FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT CALLED KELLY NISSAN OF WOBURN (95 CEDAR ST, WOBURN, MA 01801, (781) 835-3500) TO INFORM THEM OF THE FAILURE, BUT AN APPOINTMENT WAS NOT SCHEDULED BECAUSE THE DEALER WAS CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11176168, 2019

Visibility/Wiper 1

“THE LARGE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR, COMBINED WITH THE LOW SEAT CAUSES A LARGE BLIND SPOT. ANY VEHICLES OR PEDESTRIAN ON THE DRIVERS LEFT SIDE ARE DIFFICULT BE SEE. I AM UPLOADING A PICTURE OF THE VIEW I HAVE WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVERS SEAT. IN THE PICTURE WHERE THE RED ARROW IS POINTING THERE IS ACTUALLY A STREET COMING OUT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AS YOU CAN SEE THE DRIVER CANNOT POSSIBLY HAVE A CLEAR VIEW OF TRAFFIC OR PEDESTRIANS COMING FROM THAT STREET ON THE LEFT SIDE.”
NHTSA complaint #11153633, 2018

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder draws about 8.4 complaints per year on the road, ranking 9 of 13 among the Nissan Pathfinder model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

Before you buy this Nissan Pathfinder

Don't buy on the strength of a problems page alone. Check the exact VIN of the car you're looking at. The open recalls are free, and the full $19 safety report pulls every complaint, safety rating and a downloadable PDF for that one vehicle.

Free open-recall check Decode the VIN + see every open NHTSA recall, no account, no charge Get the $19 full safety report All complaints, safety ratings & a downloadable PDF for this exact car

Open recalls for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Free VIN & recall check All vehicle problem pages

Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.