2018 Nissan Pathfinder recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder and 78 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are service brakes (20), unknown or other (18), electrical system (14). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine. 2 recalls carry a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2018 ranks #5 of 13 Pathfinder model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (207). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.6 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
Risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: If the ABS warning light remains illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Problem: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
Risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The DCU (Display Control Unit) no longer works, so hands-free on steering wheel is disabled because of this. Iowa law requires hands-free only in vehicles. This is a safety issue because of this. Nissan wants to charge thousands of dollars to repair. This is a known defect in some Nissan vehicles.
The vehicle veers towards the right, even though a wheel alignment was completed on 7/1/26. On 7/28/26 when driving the vehicle, it wouldn’t accelerate properly, it felt sluggish and although the gas pedal was depressed it was struggling to pick up speed. As the vehicle was attempting to shift between 2nd and 3rd gears the car jolted forward and the traction control and collisi…
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera screen display malfunctioned, and there was a black image displayed, creating a hazard for the driver. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the infotainment screen display malfunctioned, and the screen wa…
Safety ratings
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder.
Pathfinder 2WD
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Pathfinder 4WD
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder, most recently for service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (11/08/2019). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder?
Based on 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are service brakes (20), unknown or other (18), electrical system (14).
Is the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder safe?
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 2 recalls with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2018 a good year for the Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2018 ranks #5 of 13 Pathfinder model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (207). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder get?
EPA ratings for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder range from 22 to 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: PATHFINDER, Pathfinder.