Most common 2018 Nissan Pathfinder problems
Share of the 78 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Pathfinder complaints by model year
Best Pathfinder years: 2012, 2011, 2020. Years to avoid: 2013, 2014, 2025, 2022, 2015. Compare all years →
2018 Nissan Pathfinder recalls (3)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020.
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2018.
What 2018 Nissan Pathfinder owners say
Brakes all 21 →
ABS Light comes on and stays on...Checking for recalls seeing if our vehicle could have same problem with brake fluid leaking on internal circuit board and possible fire danger. Also, several times our PATHFINDER will lose power or act as if you have shifted the transmission into neutral. This has happened at speeds from 30mph to 60 mph. Stalls and then after a few seconds it will resume speed.
While driving the car it randomly turns off and turns back on it also jerks initially. All lights on the dashboard turn off and back on, speakers make a loud BOOM sound! Have experienced the car not starting. Bought a new battery thinking that was the issue, it wasn't.
Electrical system
The Nissan DCU/Infotainment center/Radio no longer has a working display in my 2018 Nissan pathfinder (R52 model). I haven't replaced this unit and it is still not operation in the vehicle. This display is necessary for the use of the back up camera and its failure could result in damage to the vehicle, person or property. While I have not taken this to the dealer at this time, numerous others (online posts) have experienced this issue and have brought it to the dealer. The dealers response is to replace the DCU. The stereo initially started looping, now there is no display. When placing the vehicle in reverse, you may get camera from anywhere between 2-10 seconds. There were no warning lights or indicators prior to the failure.
The Display Control Unit (DCU) went blank on my 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. No working display causing steering wheel controls not to work. This includes being unable to use any hands-free phone calls. This is a significant safety issue. Nissan has a voluntary recall for this problem on the 2018 and 2019 Pathfinder, but for whatever reason my VIN Is not included. Multiple attempts to have Nissan fix and they refuse. I can't tell you how unsafe it makes traveling with no working display and no hands-free phone capabilities. Requesting your assistance to require Nissan to recall this problem on the 2018 Pathfinder.
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted, and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated while starting the vehicle and pressing the Push to Start button. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that there was sludge in the engine oil. The mechanic stated that sludge was found in the oil due to a lack of regular oil changes. The contact disputed the claim and provided receipts that all oil changes were up to date. …
The vehicle veers towards the right, even though a wheel alignment was completed on 7/1/26. On 7/28/26 when driving the vehicle, it wouldn't accelerate properly, it felt sluggish and although the gas pedal was depressed it was struggling to pick up speed. As the vehicle was attempting to shift between 2nd and 3rd gears the car jolted forward and the traction control and collision lights came on. Both lights reset when the car is off but the vehicle jolts and beeps w/in 5 mins of driving and then the lights come back. This has been happening everyday multiple times a day since 7/28/26. On 7/30/26, the Check Engine light came on and has stayed illuminated w/ code P0101 populating on the obdii reader. The vehicle is currently at the dealership, I am awaiting a diagnosis of the issue which they said may take 3-4 days. I have only had this vehicle for 46 days.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | FWD | 20 / 27 / 23 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 4WD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder a good car?
Based on 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Pathfinder rates average: 20% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Pathfinder at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder?
The brakes — 21 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (14) and engine & cooling (13).
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder, the most recent from November 8, 2019 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Pathfinder?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2011 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2014, 2025, 2022 and 2015. See the full Nissan Pathfinder years comparison.
At what mileage do 2018 Nissan Pathfinder problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 16,000 miles; 87% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.