2.0

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
78,617 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #5

Aug 132015

Pathfinder

  • 50,000 miles
I was entering a parking lot and turning into a parking spot. As I applied the brakes the brake pedal went to the floor and the car proceed towards a brick wall and window. I immediately started pumping the brakes and got a "soft pedal" just off the floor and the car stopped just before crashing into a major grocery store window. Being experienced with cars I immediately checked the master cylinder for fluid which was full. Checked all the wheels for leaks and were dry as well as the lines. I went into the store and called for someone to pick me up. On returning to the car about 30 minutes later I started the car and applied the brakes and found them to be normal. On doing some online research have found this has happened to many people that drive the same platform vehicle not just the Pathfinder. Unitl this problem is identified and corrected there easily could be a major accident involving injurys. I am now driving my Pathfinder with the vdc button in the off position and it was suggested that I also remove the ABS fuse as there is somekind of conflict between the computer systems software causing the brake system to shutdown. Some people have spent $1,000 of dollars having systems rebuilt replacing master cylinders, pads and rotors only to find it has not corrected the problem. Repeating this not just the 2009 Pathfinder problem but includes all Nissan vehicles that share the same platform and braking system.

- New Port Richey, FL, USA

problem #4

Nov 012014

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • 106,500 miles
After several complaints from my wife about the brake pedal going to the floor and not being able to stop, I changed the master cylinder. Seemed to happen during rainy days. The front and rear pads had been changed prior. No leaks detected in lines, nor when the master cylinder was removed. Brakes bled, new fluid throughout the system. No air in the system. Proper fluid level maintained at all times. A couple of days after the master cylinder was changed, the same problem occurred as I was braking. It was a clear day with no debris or wet surfaces. Fluid still at max, no leaks, all new parts with the exception of the ABS components. Any info, as this seems to be occurring with more owners, would be greatly appreciated.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #3

Mar 062014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 82,292 miles
On March 6, 2014 was driving my Pathfinder and came to a 4 way stop. I applied my brakes and the pedal went completely to the floor. The vehicle came to a stop approximately 10 ft inside the intersection. Another vehicle had gone through the intersection before I came to a stop. The closest and safest repair shop was at sears automotive. An inspection was done on my brakes (good), brake lines (good), no leakage was found so the mechanic concluded that somewhere inside the master brake cylinder there was a leak. A replacement part was bought and now my brakes work good. (I do have the old master brake cylinder).

- Sierra Vista, AZ, USA

problem #2

Mar 062014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 82,292 miles
Pulled out of my house and came to a stop sign, when pushed on brake pedal brakes went all the way to the floor and finally stopped my vehicle in the intersection of a 4 way stop, one other vehicle was at the stop sign also. Drove to sears automotive (closest) to have inspection. They checked brakes, brake lines with no leakage found. The conclusion was that master brake cylinder was leaking inside. Replaced master cylinder and brakes work good now. Checked Nissan and there were no recalls on the master cylinder.

- Sierra Vista, AZ, USA

problem #1

Feb 082014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 72,000 miles
@Nissan found a nearly fatal software bug in the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder. When the key is not recognized and you continue to drive as the vehicle will allow, the brake system can fail and it feels like you lost the brakes! to fix pull over after mashing the brakes to the floor to get the truck to stop, turn off and turn back on with the physical key in the ignition.

- Sunrise, FL, USA