2009 Nissan Pathfinder Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 19%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder, 19% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,000 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.
“The timing chain and tensioner system is making noise. Nissan is aware of this reoccurring issue and has sent out an TSB to dealers that does not fix the issue. There really should be a recall since they have known about the problem since 2004 or earlier. I am lucky this did not fail on my recent long trips on the highway. It could have been deadly.”
NHTSA complaint #10993006, filed 2017-06, 170,000 miles“Takata recall- my transmission fluid is mixing and going into my coolant system. The vehicle was overheating and my gages in the car was not indicating to me that there was a problem. All I noticed was a thick chalky film in the radiator.”
NHTSA complaint #11220524, filed 2019-06, 157,100 miles“My 2009 Nissan Pathfinder (after the warranty ran out), started having issues with the transmission and overheating. Lo and behold we have an issue where the radiator and transmission fluid is mixing. This appears to be the same problem others have reported as a failed transmission fluid cooler integrated in the radiator that allowed engine coolant to mix with and contaminate the automatic transmission fluid. There were no warning signs leading up to the failures other than a sudden jolt of the vehicle like the transmission was slipping. …”
NHTSA complaint #11342448, filed 2020-07, 92,000 miles“The defect in the radiator caused the antifreeze and oil to mix. It then mixed with the transmission fluid. That was fixed by a repair shop. Now the transmission has slipped out because of the mixture of the three fluids.”
NHTSA complaint #10615087, filed 2014-07, 108,000 miles“This truck is very well cared for,,all of a sudden its stalling at any time,,some hard starts,,runs perfect ,than stalls,while driving,no steering,very scarry,I thought it was bad gas I filled 2 more time from good gas station 89 and 91 octan,”
NHTSA complaint #11349535, filed 2020-08Related service bulletins
- 10152515Nov 28, 2018OBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. We are re-circulating this update to make regional and dealer…
- 10192478Nov 25, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION Starting with 2010 Model Year, Nissan vehicles have been gradually incorporating a new type of DTC known as Permanent DTC or P-DTC. If a vehicle is equipped…
- 10192293Jan 13, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement Engine Control Modules (ECMs) for many newer Nissan vehicles are now "Blank" ECMs. Blank ECMs come without software and must be programmed (not…
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 2009 Nissan Pathfinder
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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