Owners have reported 3 crashes and 2 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints10
POWER TRAIN
Owners report frequent transmission issues with the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder, including slipping, loss of power, and high RPM revving without acceleration. Complaints often describe symptoms such as metallic sounds, jerking, and the vehicle behaving as if it is in neutral at various speeds. These issues sometimes occur after extended driving or under specific conditions such as highway speeds. One report involves a crash due to the 4x4 system failing to engage in snowy conditions, and another describes an incident with airbag deployment due to a suspected transmission explosion, resulting in an injury. Buyers should be aware of these recurring power train problems, particularly in vehicles with mileage around or exceeding 7,000 miles.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints9
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report issues with the forward collision warning and traction control systems, with symptoms including persistent warning lights and messages indicating sensor unavailability or obstruction. Some complaints describe these issues leading to the car braking for no apparent reason or becoming immobilized due to gearshift problems. Additionally, there are reports of hood latch problems and transmission issues, such as rough shifting and shaking. One complaint involves a crash where airbags did not deploy, resulting in an injury. These issues often appear at varying mileage levels, with some occurring shortly after purchase or after specific recall repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring problems and their possible safety implications.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report issues with the vehicle's Display Control Unit (DCU), which often results in a blank screen affecting hands-free phone functionality and backup camera operation. Several complaints describe the vehicle's electrical system causing the car to randomly turn off and on, along with dashboard light malfunctions and loud noises from the speakers. Other reported problems include windows not operating properly, automatic locking with keys inside, and issues with the trunk not opening correctly. These electrical failures pose potential safety risks, such as impaired visibility when reversing and a lack of hands-free communication, which may be particularly concerning for prospective buyers of this model.
Owner complaints8
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners report issues with the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder's vehicle speed control, which often involve sudden loss of acceleration and problems with the cruise control system. Multiple complaints describe the vehicle failing to accelerate despite the gas pedal being fully pressed, sometimes taking a significant distance to reach 40 mph. Additionally, the intelligent cruise control system is frequently described as sluggish or intermittently shutting off, often due to front radar sensor malfunctions, leading to unexpected acceleration or deactivation. These issues are noted across various driving conditions and speeds, with some owners expressing concerns about potential safety hazards, such as the risk of being rear-ended or losing control.
Owner complaints7
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report issues with the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder's service brakes, primarily involving the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and emergency braking functions. Complaints frequently mention ABS warning lights activating intermittently, even after recall repairs, with one vehicle noted at approximately 47,000 miles. Additionally, two owners describe problems with the front radar, leading to the deactivation of the emergency braking system and cruise control, accompanied by dashboard warnings. These issues suggest potential safety implications, such as compromised braking functionality and reduced driver assistance features. Buyers should be aware that some repairs may not fully resolve these problems, and parts availability for recalls may be delayed.
Owner complaints6
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder report several steering-related issues, with multiple complaints highlighting steering wheel seizure and erratic vehicle pulling. Symptoms include the steering wheel becoming inoperable while driving, sometimes accompanied by unexpected airbag deployment and vehicle jerking. These issues are reported at various mileages, with one incident occurring at approximately 11,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as one owner describes a crash caused by the vehicle's sensors locking up the steering, leading to a collision with a guardrail. These reports suggest potential safety risks, including loss of control, that prospective buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints6
ENGINE
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report engine failures, with some experiencing catastrophic loss of power while driving, even after engine replacements. Symptoms include knocking noises, smoke from the tailpipe, and metal shavings found in the engine, often leading to complete engine failure. These issues commonly arise between 10,000 to 75,000 miles. Safety risks are highlighted by incidents of engine failure in traffic, which could lead to potential accidents. Buyers considering this vehicle should be aware of these recurring engine problems and the possibility of reduced fuel efficiency and erratic RPMs as reported by multiple owners.
Owner complaints5
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Owners report frequent issues with the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder's electronic stability control, particularly related to the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system and front radar sensor. Complaints often mention a "front radar unavailable due to obstruction" warning, which can disable the AEB and cruise control systems. This issue typically arises at highway speeds and can lead to unexpected braking or system deactivation. The problem is noted in vehicles with as little as 15,930 miles and persists despite dealership visits, with some owners experiencing recurring warnings and sensor deactivation. Safety implications include the potential for unexpected braking, which may pose a risk in traffic situations. Multiple owners also describe related issues with warning lights, engine stuttering, and misfiring, indicating broader electronic stability control concerns.
Owner complaints3
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Owners report issues with the rear-view camera system in the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder, primarily involving the display screen. Common symptoms include the screen going blank or showing an upside-down image while reversing, as well as occasional display of the Nissan logo that fades away. These problems occur around mileages of approximately 89,000 to 131,000. Complaints frequently mention that the display unit may need replacement, but repairs are often not completed. No safety incidents such as crashes or loss of control are reported, but the impaired visibility when reversing could be a concern for potential buyers.
Owner complaints3
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder report issues with the airbag system, primarily involving unexpected airbag light activity and unprompted airbag deployment. Complaints frequently mention the passenger airbag light turning on and off, with the dashboard's red airbag warning light flashing persistently. One owner describes the airbags deploying without cause while driving, leading to vehicle damage and inoperability, with no prior warning signs. Another owner notes a malfunction in the passenger airbag sensor at approximately 22,000 miles, rendering the seat unsafe for passengers. These issues highlight potential safety risks, particularly with unexpected airbag deployment and unreliable passenger airbag functionality.
