In the midsize SUV market, the Nissan Pathfinder has regained its lost glory after a considerable upgrade with the 2017 MY. It now stands to serve traditional family-oriented buyers with its capacious cabin, potent towing capacity, and a comprehensive list of standard features. It is easy to drive and comes with a standard V6 engine, however, the SUV’s reliability is where its oneness lies. The new 2018 Nissan Pathfinder has 43 complaints and 3 recalls, despite its six-figure sales volume. While its grievances have reduced from the outgoing model, the Japanese SUV’s newly standardized Automatic Emergency Braking functionality is still a cause of concern for the buyers. In its segment, the 2018 Pathfinder competes with the likes of the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Highlander, and the Ford Explorer.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Failure of the braking system: Among the problems with the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder, a couple of buyers have reported the braking system failing inadvertently. Complainants have noted the inability of the vehicle to come to a halt despite the brake pedal being depressed. While no injuries have been reported, the unexpected failure of the brakes can increase the chance of a crash.
- Slipping Transmission: The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems deal with the vehicle’s loss of power due to hard gear shifting. Buyers have reported the vehicle making squeaking noises when shifting between gears and being rough in its overall performance.
- Unknown rattling noise: In three cases, buyers of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder have reported a rattling and clunking noise emerging from the front left side of their SUV. While no cause for the problem has yet been determined, in one case, the failure of the radiator fan had caused the problem.
Electric System Complaints
- Malfunctioning Forward-Collision Avoidance System: The most common entry in the list of Nissan Pathfinder issues relates to its FCA functionality. In a couple of cases, buyers have recorded the system falsely identifying the risk of a crash and automatically engaging the brakes. However, in other cases, the vehicle throws a sensor obstruction warning, which disables the functioning of the Automatic Emergency Braking functionality. While Nissan is cognizant of the issue, no solution has been provided to the buyers.
Safety Complaints
- Non-deployment of airbags: In one reported case, a complainant has reported the non-deployment of the airbags in case of a crash.
Structural Complaints
- Shattering sunroof: Reported once on NHTSA and several times on unofficial forums, buyers of the 2018 Pathfinder have also reported the SUV’s sunroof to shatter without any impact or incidence.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
8th Nov 2019 |
18V807000 |
Possible brake fluid leakage |
The Anti-lock brake system actuator pumps may leak brake fluid onto the internal circuit board, increasing the risk of fire. |
Dealers will replace the ABS actuators, free of cost. |
|
2. |
12th Sept 2019 |
19V654000 |
Malfunctioning rearview camera |
Due to a change in settings, the rearview camera might not display an image. Additionally, it can also retain such a setting for the future, resulting in the affected units failing to comply with federal laws. |
Dealers will update the backup camera software, free of cost. The recall began on 11th November 2019. |
|
3. |
7th Sept 2018 |
18V601000 |
Possible brake fluid leakage |
The Anti-lock brake system actuator pumps may leak brake fluid onto the internal circuit board, increasing the risk of fire. |
Dealers will replace the ABS actuators, free of cost. |
Should you buy the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder?
With the upgrades made to it last year, the Nissan Pathfinder promises to be a novel offering that can match the modern requirements of its class. While its performance capabilities were never questionable, the SUV now builds its place with its reliability. It has a constricted number of complaints and none of its concerns are rather widespread. The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder recalls list is also restricted and buyers would not have worry to about the vehicle spending unreasonable amounts of time at the dealership. So, for us, Nissan’s prime contender in the midsize SUV segment provides ample value for the money spent. However, if you still want to consider the alternatives, the 2018 Honda Pilot could be a viable option.
