Body Problems of Nissan Pathfinder - part 1

I bought my 2025 Pathfinder in November 2025. In early December, the automatic emergency braking symbol started flashing; I took it to the Nissan dealership in downey, and they told me that unless there was a permanent error code, they couldn't do anything. After reading comments and forum posts, I saw that this was a common issue caused by sunlight and such, so I didn't worry too much about it, but it kept happening. Then, on June 19, 2026, while leaving a parking lot in monterey park, CA—just as I was pulling out of my parking space—I heard a very loud pop. It really scared me; I was with my wife and two children. The rear windshield was completely shattered—it had exploded out of nowhere. When I checked online, I realized that many vehicles of this brand—pathfinders and rogues—had reported this same incident: exploding spontaneously. Fortunately, my two children were in the second row, but a shard still fell onto my younger son's hand and cut him; he was terrified and crying. I got out of the car, and there was absolutely nothing there—the area was clear. I have photos of the scene and of my son's small cut. Today, June 20, 2026, I took my Pathfinder back to Nissan downey, but got nowhere; they refuse to take responsibility and don't believe it's a factory defect. They wouldn't help me at all, even though it's a 2025 vehicle with only 6,500 miles on it. They offered to inspect the vehicle but refused to specify that the inspection would be covered under the factory warranty. So, I decided to take my vehicle back without getting a favorable response from Nissan!.

See all problems of the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

The control arm detached from the front subframe due to massive rust on a car that was well cared for and only 10 years old. This happened as we were driving: the front passenger-side wheel became loose and began flopping back and forth, forcing me to immediately pull over into a gas station. I do not want to imagine what would have happened if this had detached on the highway instead of on a town side road. There were no warnings or symptoms before this catastrophic failure. I had it towed to my regular mechanic, not realizing the extent of the damage—they wouldn't even put it on a lift. I then had it towed to the dealership, where they confirmed the damage was so extensive that (1) both control arms and the front subframe would need to be replaced due to rust ($5,800), and (2) the rear subframe was also extensively rusted, unsafe, and in need of imminent replacement, quoted at an additional $7,000. This being an exorbitant amount for a 10-year-old Nissan Pathfinder, I was forced to sell it to a salvage yard for a pittance just to buy a vehicle I could drive to work—and I can only hope it lasts until I can afford something better. I purchased this Pathfinder about 14 months ago. It was "inspected" by the dealer as well as by my regular mechanic at that time, with no indication that rust was a concern or even worth a comment. I am horrified by how much worse this could have been. We were on a trip more than an hour from home, heading toward the highway to return, when this occurred. No one should have to worry about something like this. Especially because, when I began researching, I found that this is a known defect on this model and others like it. It is not okay to put people at risk of serious or deadly injury when manufacturers know water pools in places that can't be seen or checked, rotting the frame and subframe from the inside out.

See all problems of the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

Panoramic sunroof drains failed due to being pinched by headliner. Documented water leaking into vehicle at 6060 by dealership. Water coming in along the a pillar and roof. Vehicle has been in the shop 3 separate times for gurgling noise and roof leaks. Dealership had issues re-creating issue. It’s a known engineering defect by the manufacturer but no recall has been issued.

See all problems of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

Rear door / lift gate will not go all the way up or stay up without manual assistance, causing 2 head injuries and 2 arm injuries on recent occasions. We have confirmed with the dealer & one Nissan certified mechanic that this is a common problem. The dealer & 2 mechanics have said they do not know how to fix this without replacing the entire lifting assembly. We did not ask for estimates. We should not have to, but we can live with the problem now that we are aware of it. Transmission was replaced with new nisson equipment by the previous owner, costing $5,000+. The problems we are having are the same they were having. The vehicle runs rough, hesitates, vibrates & shakes a lot. It is not very safe in traffic. There is a place for a dipstick to check transmission fluid. We have confirmed with 3 parts stores, 2 mechanics & finally with Nissan, they did not make a dipstick for this car or several other models. One way to check the transmission fluid is to jack up the car, remove a port on the transmission & fill it until if overflows (cost is approximately $1,100. 00, vs a dipstick costing less than $30. 00 retail for comparable cars) another way to check is to jack up the car, drain the transmission fluid, change the filter, replace the seal & cover, then pour in the exact correct amount of transmission fluid through the dipstick hole. However, the only way to know it is actually full is to leave the above-mentioned port out until the fluid overflows. (our 3 cost estimates range from $1,400. 00 to $1,850. 00) had we known of the transmission problems occurring with many if not most Nissan cars, we would not have bought the vehicle. Our research shows these are very common problems with this car & Nissan. We don't know if this applies to what you do, but this car also burns through spark plugs & ignition coils very quickly. We have had to replace all spark plugs 2 times plus 8 ignition coils in the 2-1/2 years we have owned it & driven it only 28,000 miles.

See all problems of the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

The front grille and front bumper of my 2025 Nissan Pathfinder have melted twice on their own without any accident, impact, or unusual use. The vehicle is used exclusively for personal family transportation and is parked outdoors in florida. Nissan opened a warranty case on April 1, 2026. However, their entire investigation was conducted based on photos only — no physical inspection of the vehicle was ever performed by Nissan or their representative. Despite this, Nissan denied the warranty claim stating it was not their responsibility, without identifying the root cause of the damage. During the claims process, a Nissan call center representative provided false information stating that our vehicle had been in service for 6 months, which is completely untrue. Multiple calls went unanswered or were disconnected. Written emails were ignored. It took over 6 weeks to receive a final decision. This is a known recurring issue affecting multiple Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan armada owners dating back to 2021-2022 models. Other owners have reported identical melting of front grille plastic components under normal driving and parking conditions. In at least one documented case, Nissan sent an engineer for physical inspection and immediately confirmed warranty coverage — contradicting their standard practice of denying claims based on photos only. The melting of exterior plastic components on a brand new vehicle raises serious concerns about the quality and heat resistance of materials used by Nissan, and potential safety hazards if the root cause is internal heat rather than external factors. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this matter as it may indicate a manufacturing defect affecting multiple 2021-2025 Nissan Pathfinder and armada vehicles.

Hi as I was driving my car on a clear road no cars near my car all of a sudden my sunroof exploded as if it was shot my a military tank we panicked thankfully tried to maintain calm and it didn’t hurt my children and thankfully no car was around as the sound did put us at panick mode which could have resulted in a car crash from the cause of the incident.

Passenger door unlock/lock does not work at all unless done manually by hand and the driver door is beginning to do the same as well. This has begun a year ago. The lift gate button broke off over a year ago as well and is only connected by cables and today (January 9, 2026) while trying to open the trunk the entire silver trim piece flew off towards me. The manual trunk (ours is not automatic) is a poor design and is not made safely to push the trunk button and pull up easily.

See all problems of the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

Buying a used vehicle checking on issues.

See all problems of the 2003 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

The rear subframe has completely rusted out from the inside, and is broke off on the right side and almost broken off on the left side. The car is now unsafe to drive. There were no warning lights, messages or problems before this. The car is only 9 years old and is always kept in a garage.

See all problems of the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

This morning at approximately 0615 I walked out to my vehicle to go to work. There was no damage to my car. When I entered my vehicle and closed my driver door, my tailgate glass crumbled leaving a massive horizontal hole in my rear windshield as well as the outer sides. There is now glass all over my trunk and driveway. Once again, the car had been sitting in my driveway for three days, there were no large pieces of debris around that could have hit it, and when I was in my car there were no loud sounds indicating something struck my tailgate. It just spontaneously shattered.

See all problems of the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

Body frame right and left has holes in the frame rusting out. Hole about 4 inches long and the wide entire frame at rear over the tires.

See all problems of the 2007 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

While the vehicle was parked and unattended, the rear window of my 2025 Nissan Pathfinder spontaneously shattered without any impact or external force. There was no evidence of vandalism, collision, or falling objects, and the vehicle was stationary at the time. The glass shattered entirely, leaving shards throughout the interior cargo area and rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive or leave unattended. When the glass initially broke, there was no glass that fell inward or outward — it appeared to be a slow cracking failure, where the entire pane began breaking down gradually. I approached the vehicle to investigate and opened the rear door to get a better look. As soon as I opened the door, the natural movement and vibration from the door caused the already-shattered glass to collapse inward, which is what you see in the attached photos. Unfortunately, this makes it appear as if there was an impact from the outside, when in fact the glass was already fractured prior to any physical contact or movement. Immediately after the incident, I took the vehicle to a certified Nissan dealership for inspection. The dealer reviewed the damage but was unable to identify any clear cause or impact point, nor did they confirm a manufacturer defect. Regardless, I documented the incident extensively with photographs and obtained a formal service report. To protect the vehicle from weather exposure and theft, I am proceeding with a rear glass replacement. I am submitting this report to NHTSA because I believe this to be a spontaneous failure of the rear window glass that may indicate a broader issue with the manufacturing or installation of this component. If other drivers experience this failure — especially while the vehicle is in motion — it could pose a serious safety risk to passengers. I respectfully request that this issue be formally investigated. I am also pursuing reimbursement through Nissan consumer affairs.

Driving down the highway going 65 miles an hour and the sun roof just exploded out hardley no glass inside,sounded like a shotgun went off. Its brand new Pathfinder called dealer and they said they never heard of that. Have never opened the sun roof window.

Rear subframe rusted through and unable to be repaired. Contacted Nissan and would not assist even though some VIN # of the same year were recalled and replaced. Having a hard time finding a replacement even with a family friend who is a service advisor looking. Vehicle has not been in an accident that would cause this type of fracture in the frame. Unable to drive the vehicle for obvious safety reasons.

See all problems of the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

My vehicle has experienced recurring water intrusion due to a clogged sunroof drain, causing significant moisture buildup, mold growth, and persistent odors inside the cabin. I purchased the vehicle in February 2024 and brought it in for this issue three times during the warranty period a few months later, where fixes were proposed each time. The fourth visit, five months past the warranty period in may 2025, still revolves around the same poor sunroof drainage system, which the dealership claims works fine, and they will perform repairs but refuse to cover them under warranty, offering only to clear the drain lines without a more in-depth repair or remediation for the mold and odor.

Rear subframe on the passenger side cracked because of excessive rust making it dangerous to drive so it's now stuck at the repair shop. Repair shop said this is not expected for a vehicle with this mileage and the other sides of the subframe are far from being in the same condition as this one.

When it rains the sunroof leaks, took it the dealership, they replaced the drain grommets and it still does the same thing again two days later when it rain.

Hood latch failed. Once opened, it would not re-secure. Vehicle had ~ 67,000 miles at occurrence. Problem was confirmed by dealer service. There were no warning features. Latch needed replacement due to 'damage' even though the was no accident or other reason for it to be 'damaged'. Cost was over $450 for replacement & repair. There are recalls for the same issue on other model years!.

Driver side view mirror shakes while driving making it unsafe to use the mirror to make s lane change. Nissan corporate refusing to fix the issue, they say it's normal.

Sunroof leak- causing issues throughout the car. Mold which is very serious and dangerous. This has to be addressed.

Heated seats appear to be on, but do not heat up. The door lock sensors on the exterior door handles do not work consistently.

When getting a new set of tires found out that drivers side rear subframe assembly rusted away where the control arm attaches after looking at a Nissan fourn there are many with the same problem worried that due to this might be a issue for me and my children traveling to he roads.

Took my 2013 Pathfinder to steve shannon tires and auto center to fix (what I thought was the issue) a wheel bearing. They called me later in the day informing me they could not replace the wheel bearing because my rear sub frame is rotted.

Rust only on brackets that hold the arm on the rear sway arm stabilizer.

Rear subframe rotted out. Car is garage kept.

This is in regards to a recall repair for the driver side strut tower. It has rusted out do to an improper recall repair.

See all problems of the 2000 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

After taking my Nissan Pathfinder to Nissan 112 for a safety recall on February 10, 2024, they improperly completed the recall, leaving the hood stuck closed. Despite multiple appointments and 23 calls with consumer affairs, the issue remains unresolved. The recall I brought my vehicle in for was r22a3, a safety recall having to do with the hood opening during vehicle operation. The procedures state to inspect the lock assembly and secondary latch. If all is well, then clean and lubricate it and your done. If it fails inspection, then replace the hood lock assembly, the secondary latch, and the hood lock release cable. Even in the parts section it states “all three listed parts should be replaced together. ” the key here is that it states to replace all three, neither the repair overview or service procedure give you leeway to replace the parts individually. But, that’s what was done. As verified on my receipt from February 10, 2024, and when talking to the service manager on April 4, 2024, they only replaced the hood lock assembly. According to the service manager, this is how they always do it and what he’s always done. Even when reading the recall beside me, he fails to recognize that he has improperly followed the procedures to complete a safety recall. This complaint is less about a new safety issue, and is more related to Nissan 112's improper completion of an existing safety recall. Based on the information I have, this seems like normal business to them, so who knows how often they sign-off recalls without properly executing them.

Front subframe rusted through. This is a similar issue across a wide range of Nissan Pathfinders. This is a major safety issue.

Hood latch won’t close fully. Took to my dealer and supposedly they “cleaned” it and it keeps not fully latching and dealer won’t do anything about it because they “cleaned” it previously. Randomly comes loose. I can’t list a. Specific date because it always happens if I take it for an oil change they can’t get the hood to fully latch either. Once you open the hood it will not fully latch.

The vehicle was pulling to the right when driving or breaking. Brought to the mechanic and he discovered that the rear passenger side subframe is totally rotted. Appears to be a common problem with Nissan from my understanding now. He suggested I just trade it in. I don't have that luxury so will attempt to have it repaired. I have looked for a recall and so not see one but I do see numerous complaints regarding this issue on various Nissan boards. Some have said they registered a complaint as well. Since this appears to be a common Nissan problem, their corporation should be responsible for the repair. I'm told not to drive unless necessary.

2014 Nissan Pathfinder - rear subframe rusted out causing vehicle to be unsafe to drive with suspension system failure. Structure is nearly completely rotted out. Issue found during visit to dealership for other recalls and deemed unsafe to drive. No warning indications to the operator, a creaking sound during normal operation. Location dubuque, iowa.

While driving I noticed the front alignment was all of a sudden off. When parked I checked around the vehicle and found the driver side rear wheel to be kicked out at an angle. I checked the rear under carriage and found the nearly the whole rear subframe and crossmember to be rusted out. The bushing that held the control arm to the subframe came off in my hand. For a vehicle with only 80k and always garaged I was surprised at the extent of the rust. Had the full subframe failed at highway speed it could have been a lot worse. The rear wheel assembly was only connected to the car by the spring and control arm. After some online research I have found many other examples of similar failures with the rear subframe on this generation of Nissan Pathfinders. No recall exists for this failure. $4700 repair bill.

This relates to campaign number 11v244000 we are the original and only owners of the vehicle I originally brought the vehicle in for the recall and they simply sprayed some undercoating in the wheel wells. Less than a month later both strut towers separated from the body of the vehicle while my wife was driving home, she lost steering and could have had a serious or fatal accident. I towed to the dealer and they installed braces in both strut towers. I have always taken exceptional care of my vehicles, which includes multiple washes during winter months and extensive undercarriage washing every spring. This past oct when I took the vehicle in for mandatory state inspection I was informed that the vehicle would not pass inspection next year. They told me this once before in relation to extensive rust to the passenger side rear frame next to the muffler. I was able to cut out the rust and weld a thicker plate of steel in there to repair the frame. I just changed my oil and looked for what the mechanic was referring too. This time the rust is between the braces they installed for the struts and the front of the wheel well. The mechanic saw the rust coming through the paint and poked at it with a screw driver, the screw driver went right though the body leaving significant holes in the structure that supports the struts. When the weather breaks I will further inspect to determine if there is enough good metal left for me to attempt a repair. I am doubtful a repair will be possible as the metal used to construct this vehicle is very poor quality. Despite my constant care, washing, rust conversion treatments, painting with rust blocking paint and using undercoating, every inch on the underside of the vehicle is rusted. Both rear quarters rotted behind the wheel flares and down into where the rear doors close and contact the rear quarters. Now due to Nissan's decision to use substandard metal I am forced to buy a new vehicle which is currently financially impossible.

See all problems of the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

After being notified of NHTSA recall campaign 22v-420 by Nissan north America, inc. We had the required service repairs performed by a qualified Nissan dealership near us, however Nissan has been unable to clear the open recall notice from their Nissan tracking system, so we continue to receive periodic open recall notices from Nissan for this same issue. The NHTSA website recall system correctly shows no open recalls for our vehicle. Several phone calls placed to the Nissan north America consumer affairs department requesting they fix their recall system notification information has only resulted in being transferred between representatives, and then having Nissan drop the calls during those transfers.

Rear subframe/under body completely rusted out at cracked. My daughter and I drive a lot for her health condition to appointments. The Nissan dealership said this could have been catastrophic driving down the freeway had it broke apart while driving. It completely fell apart in the mechanics hand after they removed it and were showing me what actually happened and what I was driving around on. Nissan dealership quoted me $11,000. 00 for the part and labor. I had it fixed through an authorized mechanic for $5,000. 00 because it was wearing and I didn't notice because there were no signs or messages, it rubbed my tires almost bald to where the wires were showing. I had to replace those as well. I wash my car regularly and get 2 detail cleans a year, my car has been well maintained since I bought it. I asked the mechanic how this could have happened and the the Nissan mechanic stated that "this happened due to the fact that Nissan didn't powdercoat certain years of the Pathfinder and that's why it rusted out. He said that had it been powder coated this wouldn't have happened. ".