Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Nissan Pathfinder owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The failure occurred while driving various speeds and after being driven approximately 10-20 miles. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The contact also stated that the fuel gauge read 1/4 of a tank or empty after being completely fueled. The contact noticed that the failure only occurred when the vehicle was fueled over a half of a tank. The contact stated that the last time this occurred, the service engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel level sensor circulator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 57,000.
After my wife had difficulty trying to unlock the driver door using the thumb button, she had to result in using the key fob... Then while driving to work she was about to get on the freeway when she noticed the fuel gauge was reading empty. She pulled into the nearest service station to fill up but was only allowed to put in 3 gallons. Then the gauge read full. I had filled it the day before. After work she needed to pick up friends at the airport and tried to use the rear ac but it would only blow hot air..... Now where to find out if these issues along with the air bags can be fixed... Such a hassle to deal with the dealer for items like these that should be warranty type fixes. What is a consumer to do?
All steering wheel lights do not work. Horn does not work and airbag light is flashing. I replaced busted radiator at 115,000 miles. Vehicle would turn off at any speed. It is only a matter of time before people get killed due to this defect. I had to replace several sensors. My vehicle has currently been parked in my driveway for over 3 weeks. I cannot figure out what is wrong with it. It is a shame that this company is being allowed to get away with all this. It is not a matter of if someone gets killed, if it hasn't happened yet, but when. This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned and will never purchase another vehicle from this company again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. While driving at approximately 50 MPH, the instrument panel fuel gauge dropped to empty as the low fuel and check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the fuel tank was filled to capacity approximately two days prior to the failure. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V075000 (fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. While driving at certain speeds, the fuel gauge indicator would display empty when the vehicle was actually full. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel gauge failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V075000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
I was driving on ca highway 80 west bound in the fast lane ,the vehicle stalled and I was unable to restart the vehicle it left me in immediate danger I couldn't even put it in gear the highway patrol was able to unlock the transmission and safely push me to the shoulder after sitting in the fast lane for over 20 minutes. The dealer after paying for diagnostic was informed that both crank cam sensors had failed and wanted to charge me 1100.00.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000. The VIN was not available.
My ECM fuse keeps blowing. Now it want start or do anything. I was sitting still at a pharmacy when I tried to tab tge gas at the drive through to pull up at the window when I notice my truck wouldn't go then I cut it off and try to start it back up and notice it wouldn't start so than I chane my ECM fuse amd notice it keep blowing
Bought the truck used at 123,000 was running great till 6 months later at 138860 miles all of a sudden truck did not want to start. No crank nothing. Had been serviced one month before and come to find out radiator fluid leaked into transmission. Bad radiator by Nissan and transmission needs to be replaced/rebuilt
Tl contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that fifty percent of the time when she occupies the passenger side front seat, the air bag sensor control module indicated that the air bag was deactivated. She weighs 120 lbs and is approximately 5 feet tall. The dealer stated that the seat was not defective and advised her to file a complaint with the manufacturer. When she resets the trip odometer on the instrument panel, it does not match the odometer located on the navigation computer. She took the vehicle back to the dealer and they stated that the number on the navigation computer was a 2 percent difference from the odometer on the instrument panel. The current mileage was 1,500 and failure mileage was 500. Updated 03-05-08 the consumer stated the odometer trip reading on the dash was not matching the trip reading on the center computer. …
Electrical complaints in other Pathfinder years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder, 6% of the model year's 328 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Nissan Pathfinder electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Nissan Pathfinder electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.