Service brakes, and electrical issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder continues to be one of the automaker’s most popular SUV models. It’s designed to bring “adventure, advanced,” but customers have been uneasy about the mechanics. This particular model seems to struggle with the service brakes and electrical system.
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One of the most basic systems of any vehicle is the brakes. However, as technology becomes more advanced, there is a lot more that can go wrong – especially when trying to stop.
Just look at this NHTSA review. “When I was driving in a parking lot I heard a very high pitch noise. I put my window down to hear what it was. The sound was very concerning especially because I have less than 3k miles on my car. I took it to the dealership they said they weren’t sure why it was making the noise…(it stopped about a mile away from the dealership) but they said my car was leaking brake fluid. I would of never known my car was having these issues if I didn’t hear that noise. I haven’t had the car even for 3 months yet and it already having problems.”
It’s a good thing that this driver discovered the problem before the brakes on this Pathfinder went out. Especially since the Nissan Pathfinder has trouble with the air bag system as well. Service Bulletin #NTB19-071 states that the Occupant Detection Sensor Unit might not be functioning the way it should. This sensor is responsible for turning on the air bag in the passenger seat when someone is sitting there. However, with this sensor malfunctioning, lots of passengers in the Nissan Pathfinder are left unprotected without a functioning air bag. If the brakes would have gone out on this driver and the air bag failed, it could have caused a disaster. That’s quite the “adventure” that no one wants to deal with in a Nissan Pathfinder.
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| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Electrical System | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | |
| Power Train | |
| Back Over Prevention: Camera System | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | |
| Exterior Lighting |
In today’s modern vehicles, the electrical system is responsible for running just about everything. When something fails, it can cause a minor disturbance to a complex safety issue.
Here is one Edmunds review discussing some minor concerns. “My one gripe with my Nissan Pathfinder is not including Google Play or Apple Play options, given that these are relatively old technology that many other brands include in their models. It’s almost like Nissan wants to force you to use their map option, which is OK at best.”
While this review is mainly focused on the technology of the infotainment system, there are other larger concerns. Take for example, Service Bulletin #NTB20-050 that states the power back door can stop working. It can both stop opening and closing when using the Intelligent Key or the back door request switch. While the Nissan Pathfinder is marketed as being “advanced,” these basic functions go overlooked. From stopping in traffic to opening the tailgate, this Nissan Pathfinder is useless when it comes to do everyday functions. Maybe Nissan Pathfinder owners will start embarking on a new “adventure;” one that requires switching automakers with their next purchase.
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Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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