2002 Nissan Pathfinder Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 156 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 126,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder, 3% of the 156 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 126,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Nissan power control valve loose fasteners: my concern resonates with consumer safety that involves gross engine failure during operations due to loosening internal fasteners/components. While driving on a city street, I noticed an abrupt and unusual mechanical grinding sound coming from my vehicle (v6 Pathfinder). Eventually the car would not start. After having it towed to the dealer for diagnostics and service, the technician noticed that an internal power control valve was missing from the intake after he had removed the valve cover during his troubleshooting. …”
NHTSA complaint #11004321, filed 2017-07, 221,760 miles“The first time while driving the Pathfinder in regular driving conditions, the engine stalled at approximately 30 MPH. To restart the engine I had to put the transmission in neutral and turn the key all the way off and then restart the vehicle.the second time this happened I was driving again the same day, cruising along at about 50 MPH in traffic, and the engine died again with no warning. The instrument cluster showed all the typical dummy lights after the engine failed the first two times. When we parked the Pathfinder we could smell gas at the rear passenger door on the drivers side. …”
NHTSA complaint #10663147, filed 2014-12, 96,480 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and the check engine warning illuminated. Prior to the failure, the vehicle stalled. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that the oil pan was faulty. The failure mileage was 108,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10759514, filed 2015-08, 108,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10148768Oct 9, 2018Free Oil Change Specific Vehicles Subject to the Takata Recall *****Detailed Information***** To help accelerate repair completions on specific populations of vehicles recalled…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | 16% |
| 2024 | 19 | 22% |
| 2023 | 15 | 14% |
| 2022 | 18 | 13% |
| 2020 | 17 | 32% |
| 2019 | 15 | 20% |
| 2018 | 13 | 17% |
| 2017 | 83 | 44% |
| 2016 | 27 | 26% |
| 2015 | 74 | 23% |
| 2014 | 62 | 11% |
| 2013 | 105 | 12% |
| 2012 | 5 | 22% |
| 2011 | 10 | 22% |
| 2010 | 6 | 15% |
| 2009 | 7 | 19% |
| 2008 | 61 | 19% |
| 2007 | 114 | 20% |
| 2006 | 147 | 18% |
| 2005 | 144 | 14% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 6 | 5% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
43 complaintsEngine cooling
35 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology