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2002 NISSAN Pathfinder

9 recalls Risk Grade: B+ Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #11V244000 Plain English
Component

STEERING:COLUMN

Manufacturer
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
What Happened
The steering column in your Pathfinder or Infiniti QX4 is the part that connects your steering wheel to the front wheels. In some vehicles from 1996-2004, a hole in the strut housing can let water and salt in, causing corrosion that could weaken the steering column over time.
Risk if Unfixed
If the steering column fails, you could lose control of your vehicle while driving, especially in areas with heavy road salt use. This could lead to a crash, especially at high speeds or on slippery roads.
Free Fix
Your dealer will inspect the strut housing and make any necessary repairs to prevent corrosion and ensure the steering column remains safe. This service is free, and you should schedule it as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #20V008000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Nissan North America, Inc.
What Happened
The front passenger airbag in your vehicle is a safety device designed to deploy in a crash. In certain models, the airbag's propellant can break down over time, especially in hot and humid environments.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator ruptures, sharp metal fragments could fly towards you or your passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a new, improved one that's resistant to degradation, at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice to ensure your safety.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #17V068000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Nissan North America, Inc.
What Happened
The passenger side airbag in your vehicle is a safety device that deploys in a crash to protect you. This airbag uses a small explosive charge to inflate, but in some cases, this charge could fail and cause the airbag to rupture.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator ruptures in a crash, sharp metal fragments could fly towards you and cause serious injury or even be fatal.
Free Fix
Your Nissan dealer will replace the entire passenger airbag assembly with a safer one, completely free of charge. You should schedule this repair as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on March, 31, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #15V287000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS

Manufacturer
Nissan North America, Inc.
What Happened
Your vehicle has a passenger air bag that deploys to protect the person sitting in the passenger seat. In some affected models, this air bag's inflator might not work properly, causing it to rupture.
Risk if Unfixed
If the air bag inflator fails, it could shoot metal fragments into your body during a crash, leading to serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Nissan dealer will replace the faulty air bag inflator with a new one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #10V312000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Manufacturer
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
What Happened
The air bag in your front passenger seat is a crucial safety feature that deploys in a crash to protect you. However, in some 2002 Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 models made in August 2001, the air bag inflator might be missing a small component called a propellant wafer.
Risk if Unfixed
If the air bag inflator fails, it could break apart and send sharp pieces into the passenger compartment, causing serious injury to you or your passengers.
Free Fix
Your Nissan or Infiniti dealer will replace the faulty air bag module with a new one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 IMPROPER PROPELLANT WAFER INSTALLATION DURING THE AIR BAG INFLATOR ASSEMBLY PROCESS, SOME AIR BAG INFLATORS MAY BE MISSING ONE OF THE WAFERS. AS A RESULT, THE REMAINING WAFERS IN THE INFLATOR USED FOR THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY, OVER TIME, BREAK UP INTO POWDER DUE TO NORMAL VIBRATION EXPERIENCED WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAUSES THE COMBUSTION RATE OF THE PROPELLANT TO INCREASE INSIDE THE INFLATOR, WHICH CAN LEAD TO INTERNAL PRESSURE RISING SUDDENLY DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
THE INFLATOR HOUSING MAY RUPTURE AND PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Original — Remedy
NISSAN WILL NOTIFY THE OWNERS OF THE FORTY-SIX AFFECTED VEHICLES. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 19, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 AND INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #09E025000 Plain English
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Manufacturer
DOPE, INC.
What Happened
The headlight assembly on your vehicle is the part that provides light when you're driving at night. In some aftermarket headlight assemblies, the amber side reflectors are missing, which is a safety requirement.
Risk if Unfixed
Without the required amber side reflectors, your headlights might not provide enough visibility to other drivers, which could lead to a vehicle crash.
Free Fix
You should contact DoPE, Inc. to arrange for a full refund for the non-compliant headlight assembly.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #09E012000 Plain English
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Manufacturer
SABERSPORT
What Happened
Your corner and bumper lights are the parts that help make your vehicle visible to others on the road. Some aftermarket lights sold for your vehicle don't have the required reflective strips.
Risk if Unfixed
Without these reflective strips, your vehicle's lights may not be as visible to other drivers, which could lead to a collision.
Free Fix
Sabersport will give you a full refund for the faulty lights, and you should contact them at 1-909-598-7589 to arrange for the refund.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #06E049000 Plain English
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Manufacturer
CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
What Happened
Your vehicle's combination headlights, corner lights, and side marker lights are the parts that help you see and be seen on the road. Some replacement lamps sold for your vehicle don't have the required side reflectors, which are crucial for visibility.
Risk if Unfixed
Without the amber reflectors, your vehicle's lights won't be as visible to other drivers, especially at night, which could lead to a crash without warning.
Free Fix
CK Motorsports will notify you and replace the non-compliant lamps with new ones that include the required reflectors, free of charge.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #06E026000 Plain English
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Manufacturer
PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
What Happened
Your replacement corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights may not have the amber side reflectors that help make your vehicle visible to other drivers. This is a safety issue because the reflectors help other people see your vehicle when you're turning or changing lanes.
Risk if Unfixed
If your vehicle is poorly illuminated, especially at night, you might not be seen by other drivers, which could lead to a collision without warning. This could happen when you're turning or changing lanes, especially in low-light conditions.
Free Fix
Pro-A Motors will offer to repurchase the non-compliant lamps. You should contact them at 323-838-2988 to arrange the repurchase. The recall started on April 3, 2006.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

AIR BAGS
4 recalls
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 recalls
STEERING
1 recall

Other NISSAN Pathfinder Years

2013
11 recalls
2012
2 recalls
2011
2 recalls
2010
5 recalls
2009
4 recalls
2008
5 recalls
2007
2 recalls
2006
5 recalls
2005
4 recalls
2004
7 recalls
2003
7 recalls
2001
7 recalls
2000
6 recalls

Related Pages

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