- 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
2001 Nissan Pathfinder Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 239 complaints about the 2001 Nissan Pathfinder with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (68) and the equipment & accessories (45). Those complaints describe 19 crashes, 2 fires, 14 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in April 2011 for the column. For comparison, the 2000 has 128 and the 2002 has 171.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Pathfinder year, for its age
#38 most complained-about 2001 vehicle
- Complaints
- 239
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 19
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 14
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 2001 Nissan Pathfinder problems
Share of all 239 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2001 Nissan Pathfinder recalls 7
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.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Some of the brackets used to attach the two gas struts to the rear door (hatch) may have been improperly made. At high ambient temperatures, the increase in gas pressure in the strut(s) could cause one or both brackets to bend, resulting in the struts detaching from the bracket(s) when opening or closing the rear door.
- The risk
- If both struts detach from the brackets, the door will rapidly fall down, possibly striking someone and causing serious injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the strut brackets. Owner notification began september 24, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
What owners say
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239 complaints about the 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 10.
The contact owns a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the door open warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle dome light remained on. The contact stated when opening the rear door hatch there was an abnormal noise present. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V282000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where she was informed that the remedy parts were no longer available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact was attempting to use her brakes to slow for traffic and was unable to stop. The contact had to depress the brake pedal to the floorboard to get the vehicle to stop. The contact stated that prior to the failure her ABS warning had been illuminated for a long period of time prior to the failure. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that due to a significant amount...
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of rust, the front suspension and struts and brake pads, and rotors had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V244000 (Steering and Suspension). The work had been previously completed by a dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Rear mount of front passenger control arm cracked where mounts to frame. Very little metal left where bolts hold bracket to body.
Family car;2001 nissan pathfinder, we got in the truck and drove about 250 feet to the stop sign. I stop. As I started moving and suddenly I hear a pop loud sound from engine compartment and my steering got hard and difficult to steer and a grinding sound as you turn the steering. Drove back to the house slow and park. Open the hood and I see the strut tower under neath the brake master cylinder, then I look between left side (drivers) tire the strut tower just ripped from the factory weld. My family in the car when this occur. What if this occur while on the highway at higher speeds. My truck only has 106523 miles and was scheduled for a pa inspection.
In april 2019, I was driving at about 55 mph towing a small trailer in the right most lane of a 3 lane highway. As I approached a hill, the pathfinder suddenly smelled liked something was on fire and the engine stopped running. I managed to pull off the highway and coast to a stop on the shoulder. The burning smell lasted about 5 minutes, but I could not tell where the source was at the time. I ran several diagnostic tests, including ecu codes, but did not find anything indicative of a problem of this nature....
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In january 2020, I attempted to start the vehicle after replacing several worn out drivetrain components (clutch, engine, radiator, engine gaskets) and found that it would not start. I found a burned out fuse to the eccs2, 10 amp circuit. I replaced the fuse and immediately noticed that there was smoke coming from underneath the dashboard even though the vehicle was not on or running at the time. Again the smoke lasted several minutes. This time I was able to see smoke coming from the computer casing of the vehicle's ecu. I disconnected the battery immediately and removed the ecu from the vehicle. I discovered a burned chip inside. After several hours of research, I was able to identify the cause and learn that this happens to many other models of nissan vehicles of similar year model. The cause is always the same - the idle air control valve seals fail, then water gets inside the electric iacv motor and when the ecu tries to compensate for the iacv failure, it overloads the electrical circuit and shorts out this particular chip. Some people have reported spending several thousand dollars to have nissan replace parts and repair their ecu as these vehicles are now out of warranty.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 nissan pathfinder. While driving approximately 15 mph and making a left turn, the lower steering column fractured without warning. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle was towed to walser nissan wayzata (612-426-6995, located at 15906 wayzata blvd, wayzata, mn 55391) via the after hour service. The contact left a message for the technician to diagnose the failure and provide a report. The contact went on a...
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vacation. Overnight, the general manager of the dealer called the contact and informed him to move the vehicle from the premises before 8am the following day. The contact explained that he was out of town. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot by the dealer. Four years prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 11v244000 (steering, suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000. The contact is requesting a call back from a nhtsa supervisor or administrator.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 nissan pathfinder. The contact's vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 11v244000 (structure) and repaired in 2015. While the contact's daughter was driving at a very low speed, she attempted to make a u-turn and the steering column fractured. As a result, the vehicle drove forward and ran into a curb. The driver was able to reverse the vehicle and align the vehicle against the curb, although the steering failed. The vehicle was left at the scene. Kline nissan (3090 hwy 61 n,...
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maplewood, mn 55109, (877) 284-5230) was contacted and stated that the recall repair was already performed. The manufacturer was notified of the recurring failure and referred the contact back to the dealer. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated that the steering shaft was fractured on the bottom of the steering column. While driving, the vehicle lost all power steering ability. The vehicle drove over a curb and was able to be stopped. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact took pictures of the failure and sent them to kline nissan (located at 3090 hwy 31 n, maplewood, mn 55109, (877) 284-5230). The contact was informed...
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that the vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 11v244000 (steering, suspension) years ago. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.
Driver's side strut tower has rusted to the point were the truck will pass va state safety inspection. There was a recall performed by several years ago by nissan for the rust issue on both inner wheel wells and strut tower area.
The sub-frame/cradle 54400-0w00 on the passenger side is rotted out to the point that it will not pass a pa state inspection. This was found by my mechanic while he was replacing the front rotors and brakes. My mechanic has ordered a new sub frame + bolts to replace the rotted out sub-frame. I wonder how many other sub-frames are rotted out on pathfinders from 1996 to 2004 which is when nissan used this particular part. My concern is if this part fails completely what will happen??? I have restricted driving my...
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pathfinder until the new part is installed. I think someone should look into this problem, because when it fails and it will someone will get hurt or even killed? The control arms mounted to this part which controls steering. This part plus labor will cost me about $1500.00.
There is an excessive amount of rust on the vehicle including the wheel well, door jams, floor board, and frame. I was almost unable to receive a replacement windshield because the frame is rusting out. I purchased the vehicle in the north then moved south and the problem has grown worse. The compartment that is holding the spare tire under the vehicle is rusting out as well. This could potentially become a safety problem if the spare tire separates from its supports while operating on a roadway. Rust has been an ongoing problem with this vehicle with no specific start date nor end date.
Driver side front strut tower made a loud "pop" sound when driving. Bottom portion of strut top cracked through. Strut tower bearing now moaning when turning, out of gimble.
Vehicle was stopped, waiting to make right hand turn; attempting to turn resulted in the steering wheel spinning freely; vehicle had to be towed; initial inspection revealed steering column shaft snapped in half; upon further inspection the drivers side front strut tower had ripped away from the body of the truck; **this vehicle had recalls issued in the past, it was taken to leckner nissan in stafford, va but they obviously did not mitigate the problem - they simply cleared the recall from the computer**
Fuel leak due to corroded fuel filler neck. Nissan issued a recall due to this issue due to road salt causing corrosion. Ntb07-078 lists the range of 2001 nissan pathfinders as jn8(*)r0(***)1w 500001 ' 617275. My vin #[[redacted]] and thus should be included in this recall. When I contacted nissan they indicate it is not. Not sure how to proceed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
The 01 thru 04 pathfinder has some kind of rear suspension flaw. The online forums call it a death sway and I agree. It is beyond me why this has not been recalled as of yet. If you have sometime I would love to take you on a ride because I know that something would get done after riding with this problem. Thanks
"Front strut tower corrosion and rust" - while parked, I checked the front passenger side wheel well area and noticed corrosion and rust. Upon further investigation, there is a large crack in the strut tower itself. This crack begins in the area that nissan allegedly "fixed" and "repaired" under their recall a few years back. Obviously, this was not a permanent fix and has now presented a safety hazard and potentially financial burden on my family and me. This vehicle is a primary means of transporting my family, including my 2 year old child.
1. Feet holder is broken . 2. Steering is lose that's why sometimes car doesn't start until you try to move the gear of steering . 3. Pressing gas paddle make too much noise and very slow pick up .
PRESSING GAS MAKING TOO MUCH NOICE
Base rusted and very dangerous to drive I was driving making a left turn and the fender popped loose the steering column causing me to lose control and couldn't turn anymore, luckily it was just a turn down the street of my house. Please help
This vehicle was sold to me by an individual and it has so many problems it's unbelievable. Haven't been able to get it to pass emissions. Had the death wobble when I first got it. I'm extremely upset about this lemon I was. Sold. I'm a breast cancer patient and limited on income and I was really screwed over. Lost over 3000 dollars over this vehicle
Tl* the contact's son owns a 2001 nissan pathfinder. While driving 30 mph, the driver noticed a creaking sound on the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the passenger side strut assembly failed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle had previously been serviced per nhtsa campaign number: 11v244000 (steering, suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vin was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
I own a 2001 nissan pathfinder le 4x4 both sides of the front frame where the strut tower are located are severely rotting which caused the entire all my brake lines to rot away I was driving to upstate college to get my son and I was also with my daughter I could have died I checked online and was told there was a recall on that particular problem I called nissan and was told there is no such recall I am so upset and worried the mechanic can't even lift the truck all the way due to the fact that the brake tower buckles even the mechanic said there is a recall please help me. *Tr ..Updated 03/08/17 *bf
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated that the front plastic head lamp cover had become fogged, which caused the headlights to illuminate very dimly. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 175,000. The consumer stated the damage to the plastic assembly was caused by hear of the head lamp and the inability of the plastic material to withstand intense heat. Updated 12/14/16.*Jb updated 01/26/17*lj updated 7/2/18*jb *tr
I have noticed a very strom gas smell in and outside of my wehicle lately. I took it to the garage and it needs a new gas tank as the original has rusted and leaking. I see where this model has a recall in the states with high road salt useage - this unit came from ontario with high road salt useage.
The fuel pump is leaking. Exhausted pipe leak and the muffler damaged.
Nissan Pathfinder: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1,050 | 4 | F |
| 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 |
2001 Nissan Pathfinder vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 Nissan Pathfinder | 239 | 7 | F | |
| 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1,111 | 10 | C | Compare |
| 2001 Dodge Durango | 665 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Chevrolet Blazer | 331 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Hyundai Santa FE | 209 | 4 | B | Compare |
| 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER | 190 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 2001 Subaru Outback | 170 | 4 | B | Compare |
| 2001 Toyota Highlander | 136 | 3 | B | Compare |
| 2001 Ford Explorer | 0 | 12 | B | 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 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
Does the 2001 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2001 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 2001 Nissan Pathfinder?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (68), equipment & accessories (45), steering (35).
How many complaints has the 2001 Nissan Pathfinder had?
239 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 5, 2000 and the latest on October 11, 2024. Of these, 19 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 14 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 2001 Nissan Pathfinder a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 13 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 2001 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