- The problem
- Nissan is recalling certain model year 1996-2004 pathfinder and model year 1997-2003 infiniti qx4 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, massachusetts, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, washington d.C., West virginia and wisconsin. In areas of the country in which heavy concentrations of road salt are used, a mixture of snow/water and salt may enter an assembly location hole in the upper strut housing, causing water to collect at the mating surface of the strut housing panel and the inner hood ledge assembly. Over time, this Snow/water and salt intrusion may result in corrosion of the strut tower housing in some subject vehicles.
- The risk
- The strut housing may crack and pull away from the inner hood ledge assembly. This may lead to grinding noises, increased steering effort, and possibly the steering column to break, resulting in the loss of steering control, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Nissan will inspect the strut housing and repair the vehicles as necessary, free of charge. An interim notification letter was sent out in may 2011. The second notice was mailed on july 25, 2011. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Vehicle safety record
2000 Nissan Pathfinder Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 128 complaints about the 2000 Nissan Pathfinder with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (41) and the body, doors & structure (30). Those complaints describe 11 crashes, 2 fires, 13 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in April 2011 for the column. For comparison, the 1999 has 113 and the 2001 has 239.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Pathfinder year, for its age
#76 most complained-about 2000 vehicle
- Complaints
- 128
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 11
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 13
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 2000 Nissan Pathfinder problems
Share of all 128 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2000 Nissan Pathfinder recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
- The problem
- Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
- The problem
- On certain vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, kentucky, massachusetts, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, tennessee, vermont, virginia, west virginia , wisconsin and the district of columbia, during the coating process of the fuel filler tube assembly, an insufficient amount of coating may have been applied at the lower mounting bracket. This could result in an opening in the coating which can allow water to enter and make contact with the bare metal of the tube.
- The risk
- This may result in surface rust but not perforation of the tube. However, in those areas of the country which use heavy concentrations of road salt in the winter, if a mixture of snow/water and salt makes contact with the bare metal, corrosion may occur to a degree which results in perforation of the tube. In this case fuel leakage may occur when filling the tank. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel filler tube assembly with a new one with an improved coating process. The recall began on november 26, 2007. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
- The problem
- Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on july 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
- The problem
- Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on april 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
What owners say
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128 complaints about the 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.
windshield wiper motor and relay stopped working no known new parts for relay
This is in regards to a recall repair for the driver side strut tower. It has rusted out do to an improper recall repair.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, a noise was heard emerging from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to find the passenger side strut had perforated the wheel well and damaged the brake line. The vehicle was driven to the dealer koeppel nissan (74-15 northern blvd, jackson heights, ny 11372) where they determined that the strut perforated the wheel well and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case number: a33362679 was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after it was parked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (russ darrow nissan of milwaukee, 11212 w metro auto mall, milwaukee, wi 53224, (414) 586-3050) where it was diagnosed that there was a crack in the transmission that caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair cost. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan pathfinder. While the contact was driving 2 mph and making a left turn, another vehicle crashed into the driver's side of the contact's vehicle. The driver's air bag deployed with force, which impacted the contact's right eye. The contact sustained bruises and head injuries that required stitches and medical treatment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 207,000.
The left front strut housing has corroded and is breaking away. This seems to be similar to the following recall:campaign id #: :r1107; nhtsa #11v-244. This vehicle, however, is not registered in designated "salt states" but owned and operated within 30 miles of 2 such states.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan pathfinder. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 11v244000 (steering, suspension). The dealer diagnosed that the frame had separated into the steering column, which potentially fractured. There was extensive rust and corrosion. The dealer kept the vehicle for further diagnostic testing. The contact was eventually provided with a loaner vehicle. The dealer refused to remedy the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified and indicated that a dealer should be able to provide the remedy for the repair. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.
Nissan is refusing to fix cracked cooler tube that is leaking into the transmission case causing the transmission to fail
I heard a rubbing sound and the passenger side front brake was acting unusual so I took my truck to my mechanic assuming it needed brakes. When the driver front wheel was taken off it was ovious that my brake pad was fine. It was noted that my tires were wearing unevenly and it was also very very ovious that the entire wheel wheel area was corroded,rusted and missing. There was a extremely large hole being the wheel area. Looking further it was noted that the steering column was rubbing against a part of the engine...
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area. That explains the rubbing sound and diffuculty turning the wheel. It was also noted that the suspension was rotted and that the engine measured around 2 inches lower as it was leaning on the drivers side. I was told by my mechanic that the damage was so extensive that it could not be repaired. There wasn't any metal available under the truck to even weld any reinforcement to. The truck was unsafe to drive and to take it to nissan. We never went any further with an inspection of the passenger side ect. I did take it to nissan in the afternoon and was called the following morning and told my truck was fixed. I was told they replaced the strut on the drivers side and put some fiberglass underneath the truck. They did say that it passed their 100 and something point safety check. They never addressed anything else. I have been without transportation for a week now.
My pathfinder was fixed for recall r1107 strut tower corrosion salt about 18,000 miles ago. The exact same issue came back and they said because it was already addressed they will not revisit it. This is insane. I could understand if it was from other causes, but if their "repair" did not truly repair it, how it it ok to say it was fixed? I've had cars 3 times the age of this one never have frame rust issues. This is a huge disappointment that nissan just does not care. *Tr
I took my vehicle for a recall free of charge. The nissan dealer said that they cannot repair it because it is too expensive and the card does not worth it. They refuse to give my car back because they said by the law they cannot give it back without repair it. It has been 2 weeks already. They screwed everything because I need my car to work. They told me that I can have a car but I need to pay 20 dollars daily. It is that acceptable. Why they refuse to give me my car back. I had drove my car for more than 8 years...
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without any problem. I give maintenance to my car really well and just bought new tires. I am very upset about it. How long it will take to resolve it. I do not need money for my car I need my car back because I need it. I have to loan a car from my cousin to go to work and dropped my child to school. *Tr
Mechanical recall of november 2011 was never completed properly. On or about dec. 21, 2014, The steering column broke while my wife and daughter were in the car. My mechanic inspected the call after the incident. He is willing to submit an affidavit stating that the recall was never properly completed. I have photos showing the un-repaired steering and housing that was supposed to have been repaired. The photos clearly indicate repairs were not done as required by the recall. Nissan usa insists it has no obligation...
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to make repair. ...Updated 02-03-15 *bf the mechanic examined the vehicle and saw breakage in the rusty metal housing near the steering column, which allowed water from the road to enter the area of the steering column. Updated 03/02/15*jb.. ...Updated 03-11-15 *bf updated 04/02/15*jb updated 06/8/2015 *js
In december 2014, nhtsa's website said there was a recall on my vehicle. It now says there is no recall. About dec 21, 2014, my vehicle suffered the same problem that nhtsa described (a steering column that broke while driving) in the nhtsa notice given for recall (see below) vin: [[redacted]] year: 2000 make: nissan model: pathfinder number of open recalls: 1 nhtsa recall number: opens new window takes away from vin lookup section> 11v-244 recall date: april 20, 2011 manufacturer recall number: r1101 ...
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summary: in areas of the country in which heavy concentrations of road salt are used, a mixture of snow/water and salt may enter an assembly location hole in the upper strut housing, causing water to collect at the mating surface of the strut housing panel and the inner hood ledge assembly. Over time, this snow/water and salt intrusion may result in corrosion of the strut tower housing in some subject vehicles. This recall affects vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, massachusetts, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, washington d.C., West virginia and wisconsin. Safety risk: the strut housing may crack and pull away from the inner hood ledge assembly. This may lead to grinding noises, increased steering effort, and possibly the steering column to break, resulting in the loss of steering control, which could result in a crash. Remedy: the manufacturer will inspect the strut housing and repair the vehicles as necessary. Recall status: recall incomplete manufacturer notes: please contact nissan consumer affairs at (800) nissan-1 (or 800-647-7261) for additional questions. Monday - friday 7:00am to 7:00pm cst this recall data last refreshed: information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
Nissan usa refuses to acknowledge that they is a recall on my vehicle, although the nhtsa records shows there is a recall because of the danger of steering column breakage. The steering column broke while my daughter was driving but nissan says there is no recall and it would not repaid my vehicle. Although there is a nhtsa recall for my vin, the local nissan dealer referred me to the nissan usa website, which states there is no recall. (See below). Nissan recall lookup 2000 nissan pathfinder vin: [[redacted]]...
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change vin there are no open recalls or campaigns associated with this vehicle. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can search for safety recalls all the way back to march 1994. This information was last updated on december 29, 2014. If you have additional questions regarding vehicle recalls, email us or call 1-(800) nissan-1 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-(800) nissan-1 free end_of_the_skype_highlighting. - See more at: http://www.Nissanusa.Com/recalls-vin#/result information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
The steering column broke while my daughter was driving,making it impossible to steer the vehicle. She lost control of the vehicle. Nhtsa lists my vehicle as being involved in a recall. But nissan says there is no recall for the vehicle. Please let me know if the nhtsa information is correct, and what I should with nissan's contention that there is no recall. Year: 2000 make: nissan model: pathfinder number of open recalls: 1 nhtsa recall number: opens new window takes away from vin lookup section> 11v-244...
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recall date: april 20, 2011 manufacturer recall number: r1101 safety risk: the strut housing may crack and pull away from the inner hood ledge assembly. This may lead to grinding noises, increased steering effort, and possibly the steering column to break, resulting in the loss of steering control, which could result in a crash. Remedy: the manufacturer will inspect the strut housing and repair the vehicles as necessary. Recall status: recall incomplete manufacturer notes: please contact nissan consumer affairs at (800) nissan-1 (or 800-647-7261) for additional questions. Monday - friday 7:00am to 7:00pm cst *js
I was driving my nissan into the dealership for an inspection on a recall it was under. I hit a pothole and could not drive over forty miles an hour. When I got it to the dealership they informed me my frame was broke. The dealership did the recall repairs and said they couldn't repair the frame because the rust was outside the recall area. I have only owned the vehicle for a year and a half and there is no way that it rusted this bad to cause the frame to break. I feel that the frame was fatigued and it should...
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either be fixed or I should at least get market value for my vehicle that I can no longer drive due to it being unsafe. I would appreciate it if you could help me out. I need my vehicle or a refund in order to put a down payment on a new one. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated that while parked, fuel fumes emitted into the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was exhibiting the failure related to recall nhtsa campaign number: 07v435000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the filler pipe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware the failure. The failure mileage was 100,940.
My pathfinder was "fixed" in 2011 for the recall 11v244000. Upon driving the vehicle the steering became problematic when turning left or right. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the supposed fix from nissan for this,was a joke. This vehicle had no business being on the road. The strut housing collapsed. You can look in the fender well and see the engine compartment!!! Vehicle not able to be driven. Complaint made to consumer affairs. *Tr
My 2000 nissan pathfinder started handling bad so I took it to a mechanic and the problem was that the front passenger side control arm bracket that holds the control arm to the frame had totally rusted away and the control arm was not connected to the frame. I took the car to the dealership and they fixed a rust problem associated with the front strut recall but did not acknowledge the control arm issue. I contacted [[redacted]] at nissan north america consumer affairs and she was of now help as she continually...
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said that the recall was performed and she wouldn't do anything else. I went back to bermans nissan in chicago we put the car on the lift and the service manager acknowledged that the car was unsafe to drive. He tried to get his boss to fix the problem but he wouldn't so I'm stuck with a car that is unsafe to drive. I see that frame rust is an issue for pathfinders. Also, there is another complaint exactly like mine pertaining to the passenger side control arm corrosion and separating from the frame. I think that this should be investigated before someone dies, unfortunately it may be to late. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
Pulling out of the driveway heard a loud grinding noise coming from the front drivers side wheel. Grinding noise every time I turn the steering wheel to the left. I inspected the front end and noticed the strut housing is tearing away from the frame. I googled the issue, found out about the recall, and called nissan. I was told by nissan the vehicle was already repaired for this recall. *Tr
Corrosion of strut-housing unit on front passenger side propagated to brake lines causing complete loss of brake fluid. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the front end felt loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, which located the failure at the driver's side front strut housing. The strut housing was corroded and caused the strut tower housing to fracture. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the manufacturer failed to advised her of nhtsa campaign number 11v244000 (steering,suspension) and she was not aware if the vehicle was included in the recall. The failure and current mileage was 183,000. ...Updated 08/22/13 *bf
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated that there was rust on the passenger's side of the frame. The contact mentioned that when driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would shake abnormally. The contact then inspected the vehicle and discovered that the suspension frame was rusted completely. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated there was rust and corrosion on the right side of the frame where the control arm bolts were located. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated there was no recall for the failure and the vehicle was inoperable, nor will they repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 139,000.
Car veered off road to right unexplainable causing me to hit a guard rail dead on the end. Airbags never deployed either. I thought I did something but got the recall notice right after my accident. Unfortunately, I had already settled with the insurance company on a payout and they took possession of the car so I have no way of verifying that this is what caused it but I honestly believe it was! *Tr
Nissan Pathfinder: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 67 | 7 | C |
| 2003 | 110 | 7 | D |
| 2002 | 171 | 9 | F |
| 2001 | 239 | 7 | F |
| 2000 | 128 | 6 | F |
| 1999 | 113 | 5 | F |
| 1998 | 149 | 4 | F |
| 1997 | 225 | 4 | F |
| 1996 | 159 | 5 | F |
2000 Nissan Pathfinder vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 Nissan Pathfinder | 128 | 6 | F | |
| 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1,829 | 12 | D | Compare |
| 2000 Dodge Durango | 1,097 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2000 Chevrolet Blazer | 600 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2000 Toyota 4RUNNER | 493 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 2000 Subaru Outback | 207 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2000 Ford Explorer | 0 | 15 | B | Compare |
| 2000 Honda Passport | 0 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 2000 Nissan Maxima | 376 | 3 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
Does the 2000 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2000 Nissan Pathfinder: column (April 2011); headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); filler pipe and cap (September 2007) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Nissan Pathfinder?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (41), body, doors & structure (30), steering (27).
How many complaints has the 2000 Nissan Pathfinder had?
128 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 11, 2000 and the latest on June 18, 2025. Of these, 11 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 13 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 2000 Nissan Pathfinder a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 24 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Nissan Pathfinder year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Nissan Pathfinder years have the most complaints?
2005 (1,050), 2006 (837), 2007 (561). See every Nissan Pathfinder year compared.
What should I do if my 2000 Nissan Pathfinder has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data