Is the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2008 Nissan Pathfinder
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 328
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2008: 328 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1986	1
1987	19
1988	17
1989	15
1990	40
1991	40
1992	30
1993	49
1994	101
1995	170
1996	159
1997	217
1998	149
1999	104
2000	112
2001	230
2002	156
2003	110
2004	67
2005	1,050
2006	837
2007	561
2008	328
2009	37
2010	40
2011	45
2012	23
2013	890
2014	574
2015	321
2016	105
2017	186
2018	77
2019	76
2020	53
2022	135
2023	104
2024	85
2025	51
2026	10

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

47% · 155 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

On November 6, 2015 around or about 7:00PM my V6 2008 Nissan Pathfinder service engine light turned on while in first gear in mostion; the SUV engine and transmission turned off had no brakes and had a fender bender while in motion , had the SUV...

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-11-09

A coolant hose leaked in transmission and shorted tcm causing total transmission failure and totaling out vehicle

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-28

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, it failed to start without warning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-09

Engine

19% · 61 reports

Fuel/propulsion system

16% · 51 reports

Air bags

13% · 41 reports

Most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I was involved in a wreck. I rear ended someone. I was doing 50 to 55 miles per hour before I hit my brakes. There wasn't enough time to slow down much.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-13

Takata recall, I've been told several times that my VIN number is not part of the recall. I was recently in accident with major front end damage. I rear ended an SUV in the brooklyn battery tunnel. My speed was approx 15-25MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-12-27

I was in a head on collision on 8/16/10 in my 2008 Nissan Pathfinder traveling 60 MPH and my airbag did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-08-23

Fuel system, gasoline

10% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing auxillary tank and fuel pump.

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2008Complaint volume 328 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2009-01-26Air bags08V690000 Nissan is recalling 242,720 my 2005-2009 Pathfinder, Frontier and Xterra vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front czs with a redesigned sensor. The recall began on January 26, 2009. Owners in the other states will receive extended warranty coverage for the sensor to 10 years.…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-03-22Fuel system, gasoline10V075000 Nissan is recalling certain model year 2006 and model year 2008 Frontier, Xterra and Pathfinder vehicles. The molded fuel tank shells can deform, causing the fuel sender float arm to contact an…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel level sending unit inside the fuel tank with a new one that has a modified float arm. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-07-12Suspension10E019000 Nissan is recalling certain front and rear lower links, p/nos. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, and 54500ZR00A, sold…

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners and dealers will replace any affected lower link free of charge. The safety recall began on July 12, 2010. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-09-16Equipment10V401000 Nissan is recalling certain vehicles that were equipped with a garmin nuvi model 750 navigation system. The batteries contained in the affected gps units can overheat.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery free of charge. The safety recall began on…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2012-06-11Defect petitionClosed 2016-10-22 Transmission Failures
R

2023-12-08Air bags23V067000 Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driverÂs airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 155 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 61 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 51 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 08V690000 · Air bags
Recall 10V075000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 10E019000 · Suspension
Recall 10V401000 · Equipment
Recall 23V067000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.