2002 Nissan Pathfinder Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 12%of 156 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder, 12% of the 156 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The frame on these pathfinders are rusting and show rot that is not except able or safe my vehicle will not pass inspection because the frame is rotted.I believe these should be recalled as the more I search online the more I see other owners going through the same thing.Nissan needs to be held responsible for this defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11075751, filed 2018-03, 96,000 miles“Strut tower rust damage, my Pathfinder started having that noise coming from the steering column during motion. After a quick inspection at the dealership we realized there was a big gap under the strut towers in both sides, and that there was already a recall, but the recall does not includes to replace the strut column, just a cheap, glued-bolted strip of metal they call a bracket that does not even covers the gap. …”
NHTSA complaint #11010630, filed 2017-07, 50,550 miles“I brought it to my mechanic we looked at the frame under the cars front end it is clucking there is excessive rust, perforated steel and disconnected from other parts very dangerous. I bought this car new from smithtown nissian in 2002 I am the original owner. I called smithtown Nissan they said they have recalls for this but my VIN# car is not affected I read the recall notice r1107 it states im high salt areas and new york is one of them for this type of problem . The manufacturer should be liable.”
NHTSA complaint #11291453, filed 2019-12, 118,000 miles“Recall #11v244000 applies to my issue. Both front aprons rotted. Confimed by my local sts. My VIN # is not covered somehow. Never received notice of campaign. Told by Nissan dealer I'm not covered.”
NHTSA complaint #11078935, filed 2018-03, 118,700 miles“Regarding recall r1107 for deteriorated chassis of engine compartment. On 4/2/14 premium Nissan of new rochelle attempted to remedy issue of vehicle that has not met safety standards by personal and professional inspection. Basically the engine compartment is held up with bondo, which is stated on dealership service order. The meshing and fiberglass patch will not hold up to the slightest of front end obstruction, causing sever damage and just driving it in the current condition is extremely hazardous to me, my wife and two young girls. …”
NHTSA complaint #10638883, filed 2014-09, 130,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11031720Apr 13, 2026CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label”…
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label”…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label”…
- 10232658Feb 27, 2023REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232656Feb 27, 2023WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10192289Dec 20, 2013Nissan is conducting a voluntary safety recall campaign on certain model year 1996 - 2004 Pathfinder vehicles that are currently registered in Salt States to inspect for…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 9% |
| 2024 | 6 | 7% |
| 2022 | 7 | 5% |
| 2020 | 2 | 4% |
| 2019 | 6 | 8% |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 3% |
| 2016 | 3 | 3% |
| 2015 | 12 | 4% |
| 2014 | 48 | 8% |
| 2013 | 83 | 9% |
| 2012 | 2 | 9% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 14 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 12 | 11% |
| 2002 | 18 | 12% |
| 2001 | 30 | 13% |
| 2000 | 29 | 26% |
| 1999 | 18 | 17% |
| 1998 | 14 | 9% |
| 1997 | 17 | 8% |
| 1996 | 11 | 7% |
| 1995 | 58 | 34% |
| 1994 | 23 | 25% |
| 1993 | 9 | 18% |
| 1992 | 4 | 13% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1987 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
43 complaintsEngine cooling
35 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 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 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