Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2022 | 3 | 2% | 46,000 miles |
| 2020 | 3 | 6% | — |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% | 19,000 miles |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% | 80,000 miles |
| 2014 | 14 | 2% | 10,000 miles |
| 2013 | 29 | 3% | 117,000 miles |
| 2012 | 5 | 22% | 156,000 miles |
| 2011 | 6 | 13% | 62,000 miles |
| 2010 | 4 | 10% | 52,000 miles |
| 2008 | 7 | 2% | 135,000 miles |
| 2007 | 5 | 1% | 107,000 miles |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% | 83,000 miles |
| 2005 | 9 | 1% | 51,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 4% | 196,000 miles |
| 2003 | 21 | 19% | 143,000 miles |
| 2002 | 43 | 28% | 120,000 miles |
| 2001 | 68 | 30% | 134,000 miles |
| 2000 | 41 | 37% | 133,000 miles |
| 1999 | 35 | 34% | 145,000 miles |
| 1998 | 47 | 32% | 139,000 miles |
| 1997 | 105 | 48% | 115,000 miles |
| 1996 | 64 | 40% | 123,000 miles |
| 1995 | 16 | 9% | 143,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle previously received a repair on the rear brakes at approximately 30,000 miles; however, the vehicle recently received an oil change at an independent mechanic, and it was discovered that the rear brakes showed excessive wear. Additionally, it was discovered that the rear shocks were worn. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at various speeds, the rear of the vehicle was swaying. The contact mentioned the steering wheel was needed to be operated more to control the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.
I have a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder SL with under 70k miles. I had an awful squeal start, upon stopping. I had a private shop say I needed brakes, pads and rotors. And this began the issue. This was in 22-23. It is currently Oct 24, and I have had 3 sets of brakes pads and rotors. When this began the dealership told me my brakes were wearing and near needing replacement. So I had been alerted by them initially. There are zero warning lamps. Vehicle is available for inspection anytime.
On April 7, 2025, the dealership attempted to sell me a vehicle that was experiencing an engine condition running too lean. I declined that vehicle due to safety concerns. On April 8, 2025, the salesperson contacted me again and stated that a different vehicle had been located that would meet my needs. At that time, I was nine months pregnant and urgently needed a vehicle with third-row seating for my children. The dealership was aware of my condition and urgency. I took delivery of the vehicle that day. Unexpectedly, I went into labor the following day and gave birth shortly after. Because of childbirth and medical recovery, I did not immediately operate the vehicle extensively or discover the safety issues. After being discharged from the hospital, around April 11, 2025, I began using the vehicle and discovered serious mechanical problems that made the vehicle unsafe to operate. …
2014 Nissan Parhfinder FWD Premium: this vehicles CVT joint failed that shirt the engine down to about 10 miles an hour immediately. Which caused me the driver to find a place to pull it off the road quickly. If a person or myself could not have a point to pull off the road or someone was behind then could have been rear ended the vehicle and major damage to the vehicle or person driving. Which there was and they were about to go around the pathfinder. The vehicle also may have blown the transmission. Unknown damage right now. But the pathfinder stalled out two times while driving it before it shut totally down on the hwy. I had contacted Nissan and we never got together on a date and time for a phone call with an Arbitration specialist. I had called them back several times and never could connect with them.
The car started making a very annoying squeak from the left rear when going over bumps or entering and exiting the car. I took it to my local mechanic to investigate the problem. He discovered the rear suspension sub-frame was rusted out where it attaches to the car body. I was advised that the car was unsafe and should not be driven. I am awaiting more information from my mechanic about the repairs. There were no accidents or injuries caused by this but there could have been if I continued to drive the car. I will retain the rusted sub-frame once the repairs are made. I read three other similar complaints ( all 2014 Pathfinders ) on this web site. I think Nissan should be made aware of this situation.
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving 40-44 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that there was play in the rear wheels and the rear wheels seemed misaligned. The contact also stated that while coming to a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the rear wheels and the trailing arm seemed to move forward, then backward. The contact stated that the failure recurred while making a left turn. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear subframe was corroded. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist due to the manufactured date of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH around a curve at night, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the subframe and the vehicle unintendedly veered into another lane, and nearly crashed into the guard rail. The contact pulled to the side of the road but could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact was able to drive to his residence nearby at 40 MPH. The used car dealer where the vehicle was purchased was contacted but provided no assistance. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the corrosion warranty had expired in 2018. The failure mileage was approximately 149,620.
Related recalls (3)
Suspension › Front › Hub
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra two-wheel drive vehicles manufactured from June 19, 2012, through July 12, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with front wheel hubs that may not meet the design hardness specifications.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replaced the left and right side front wheel hub assemblies free of charge. The safety recall began on October 22, 2012.
Suspension › Front
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…
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.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2010 titan, armada, qx56, frontier, xterra, and pathfinder vehicles manufactured from November 19, 2009 through March 3, 2010. The lower control link assembly has two cylindrical collars forming the inboard attachment points to the chassis.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on May 20, 2010. Owners May contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Pathfinder years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (105), 2001 (68), 1996 (64), 1998 (47) and 2002 (43) model years. Suspension complaints make up 48% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Nissan Pathfinder suspension problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 12V-462 (hub, Sep 20, 2012); 11V-244 (front, Apr 20, 2011); 10V-208 (lower arm, May 14, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Nissan Pathfinder suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 123,000 miles; 8% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (107 mentions), followed by the rear (86).
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.