2003 Nissan Pathfinder problems
The 2003 Nissan Pathfinder has 147 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (22%) concerns engine. Next are exhaust system (16%) and suspension (14%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 147 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Engine 22% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 16 and 4
- Injuries and deaths
- 8 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 107,000 miles 105 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 12 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 6 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 7 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 16 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 2 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 16 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 13 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 15 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 7 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 8 |
| 200k+ miles | 3 |
What the data shows
Of the 105 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 107,000 miles. For engine specifically, the median reported mileage is about 65,000 miles (25 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 16 complaints mention a crash; 4 complaints mention a fire; 8 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2003 ranks 24th most-complained-about out of 36 model years of the Nissan Pathfinder with enough data (43 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 3 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
While traveling at a speed of less than 30 MPH in the left turn lane I heard a loud grinding noise that felt like the gears stuck. The car then suddenly and without warning, revved up,speed forward with the steering wheel locked to the right. The steering and brakes were non responsive, and I had no control. My car, at a high rate of speed, crossed three additional lanes striking a telephone pole(actually split the pole in 2 places), transformer, fire hydrant, and finally rolling down a hill where it came to rest…
Unintended acceleration at red light and in parking lot. Low brake pedal when applied, foot hits gas pedal while braking. This is a very dangerous problem that other pathfinder owners reported. *nlm
Maine vehicle safety inspection revealed crack along welded seam of exhaust resonator pipe assembly. Vehicle had approximately 37,400 miles just out of basic warranty. Dealer would not consider part failure under emissions warranty, but quoted repairs of nearly $200 or purchase of kit consisting of 4 metal bars, 4 band clamps and 1-2 oz of sealant for $70. Nissan has issued service bulletin rtb04-094 ? Repair of exhaust leak/noise at front tube implying they have had an on-going problem in this area.