Model year
2002 Nissan Pathfinder
NHTSA lists 5 recalls and 156 complaints for the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are SUSPENSION (34), STEERING (16), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM (14). NHTSA lists 2 investigations, including 1 investigation with no close date in the file. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 15–16 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $4,200–$4,450, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 112 complaints
- 2001 230 complaints
- 2002 156 complaints
- 2003 110 complaints
- 2004 67 complaints
- 2005 1,050 complaints
- 2006 837 complaints
- 2007 561 complaints
- 2008 328 complaints
- 2009 37 complaints
- 2010 40 complaints
- 2011 45 complaints
- 2012 23 complaints
- 2013 890 complaints
- 2014 575 complaints
- 2015 321 complaints
- 2016 105 complaints
- 2017 187 complaints
- 2018 78 complaints
- 2019 76 complaints
- 2020 48 complaints
- 2022 136 complaints
- 2023 107 complaints
- 2024 86 complaints
- 2025 55 complaints
- 2026 12 complaints
Recalls
20V008000 · Jan 9, 2020
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45…
17V068000 · Feb 2, 2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2002 Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with Takata air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the…
15V287000 · May 15, 2015
AIR BAGS
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive…
11V244000 · Apr 20, 2011
SUSPENSION:FRONT; STEERING:COLUMN
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,…
10V312000 · Jul 6, 2010
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
NISSAN IS RECALLING FORTY-SIX CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 PATHFINDER AND INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 24, 2001 THROUGH AUGUST 28, 2001. THE AIR BAG INFLATOR CONTAINS PROPELLANT WAFERS THAT ARE REQUIRED TO PROPERLY DEPLOY THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG. DUE TO…
Complaints
156 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 15, fire flag on 1, injury field 6, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE11004 | Frame/Body Structure Corrosion · STEERING:COLUMN; STEERING; SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT; SUSPENSION:FRONT; SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER;… | Jan 28, 2011 | Jun 30, 2011 |
| EA21002 | Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE | Sep 17, 2021 | No close date in the file |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 2WD · 3.3L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 14 | 18 | 16 | — | — | $4,200 |
| Pathfinder 2WD · 3.5L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 14 | 18 | 16 | — | — | $4,200 |
| Pathfinder 2WD · 3.5L · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 15 | 18 | 16 | — | — | $4,200 |
| Pathfinder 4WD · 3.5L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 13 | 17 | 15 | — | — | $4,450 |
| Pathfinder 4WD · 3.5L · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 15 | 17 | 16 | — | — | $4,200 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2002 Nissan Pathfinder at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.