VehicleVerdict

2018 Nissan Pathfinder problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder sits mid-pack among Pathfinder years: 121 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 125, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (21), electrical system (19), and other (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

121

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Pathfinder years?

See all Pathfinder years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Nissan Pathfinder problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2117%
Electrical System1916%
Other1815%
Engine1311%
Driver Assistance1210%
Transmission119%
Speed Control97%
Steering65%
Airbags43%
Fuel System22%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Seats11%
Lighting11%
Body & Structure11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V807000BrakesNovember 8, 2019 · 391,479 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.

Consequence

A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: If the ABS warning light remains illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.

19V654000Driver AssistanceSeptember 12, 2019 · 1,228,830 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

18V601000BrakesSeptember 7, 2018 · 215,124 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.

Consequence

A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

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.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 22, 2019 · crash

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 19, 2019

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.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 22, 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.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 2024

Multiple times (greater than 10) at highway speeds Forward collision avoidance warning light displayed and applied automatic braking. This has happened with and without cruise control engaged. Vehicle feels like transmission slips then reengages while traveling at highway speeds. Repair shop has…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 30, 2022

2018 Nissan Pathfinder — common questions

Is the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

It is close to typical for the Pathfinder: 121 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2018 Pathfinder problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (21 complaints), electrical system (19 complaints), other (18 complaints).

Does the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Pathfinder years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pathfinder years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2013, 2007, 2014, 2008, 2015, 2001, 1997, 2017, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2022, 1998, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Pathfinder years belongs to 1986.

How safe is the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.