2002 Nissan Pathfinder Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 5%of 156 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the fuel system of the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder, 5% of the 156 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 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.
“I recently brought up to the attention of Nissan a problem I've been experiencing with my car. The check engine service light is on and it just doesn't turn off. Let me explain. When I first notice the problem, around 6 months ago, I took the car to a dealer. However, just to hook up the car to the computer of the dealership is over $100. Not to get fixed, just to hook up. I think that's outrageous. So I took it to 2 different places, a local mechanic and autozone, both equipped with computer hook ups, capable of reading Nissan codes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10512379, filed 2013-05, 55,000 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“Fuel filler neck corrosion results in leak in fuel, evaporative, and emissions systems. Fuel will leak after filling gas tank, creating serious fire hazard while driving. Recall was issued for 1997-2001 pathfinders, but should likely be expanded to include pathfinders through 2004, which use same design.”
NHTSA complaint #11100032, filed 2018-06, 260,000 miles“My complaint relates to Campaign Number 07V435000 We are the original and only owner of this vehicle. While driving the vehicle I started to notice a fuel smell, after several attempts to locate the source, one day I added fuel, I noticed a small puddle in my driveway the following morning. I removed the wheel and the fender well cover to find the fuel filler neck had rotted through and fuel had wet both the tire and the brakes. …”
NHTSA complaint #11577797, filed 2024-03“The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact noticed a fuel odor near the fuel tank, but did not observe any fuel leaking from the vehicle. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 127,700.”
NHTSA complaint #11081083, filed 2018-03, 127,700 milesFuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 7% |
| 2025 | 3 | 5% |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 | 23 | 22% |
| 2022 | 5 | 4% |
| 2020 | 4 | 8% |
| 2019 | 4 | 5% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 9 | 5% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 11 | 3% |
| 2014 | 14 | 2% |
| 2013 | 26 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 8% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 81 | 25% |
| 2007 | 119 | 21% |
| 2006 | 231 | 28% |
| 2005 | 276 | 26% |
| 2004 | 6 | 9% |
| 2003 | 19 | 17% |
| 2002 | 8 | 5% |
| 2001 | 28 | 12% |
| 2000 | 10 | 9% |
| 1999 | 5 | 5% |
| 1998 | 12 | 8% |
| 1997 | 10 | 5% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 12 | 7% |
| 1994 | 2 | 2% |
| 1993 | 2 | 4% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1991 | 3 | 8% |
| 1990 | 3 | 8% |
| 1987 | 1 | 5% |
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 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsEngine
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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