2003 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems

Filed Nov 3, 2025 · Body, Engine · PA

Buying a used vehicle checking on issues

Filed Nov 9, 2019 · Engine · 108,250 miles · KS

We were driving our pathfinder home in the winter the ecsessive amount of salt on the road caused our main water flow to corrode and stall the engine and caused the radiators thermostat to break and the car overheated.

Filed Nov 6, 2019 · Engine · 100,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated that both mufflers were rusted out. While the vehicle was in reverse, the rear muffler and rear tail pipe were detached due to the rust. In addition, fluid was leaking from the front passenger side of the vehicle to the rear. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jan 30, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 108,015 miles · CO

2003 nissan pathfinder gas gauge is inaccurate to level indicated. On empty indicates full tank. Once filled it will remain accurate until 1/2 empty then begins to change levels each time vehicle is started. At times it reads full, other times 1/2 full and then jumping to full. Mechanic replaced fuel sender unit with nissan parts from dealership. Problem remains. Presenting a po462 code both before and after replacing of float and sender unit.

Filed Jul 11, 2013 · Engine · 140,580 miles · WI

Engine exhaust system is rusted through between the resonator and muffler. The flange connecting the 2 exhaust components is completely rusted. I have researched this problem and the oem exhaust components where made of stainless steel. However, the flanges and connectors to the whole exhaust system where designed with steel components.

Filed Apr 23, 2013 · Body, Engine · NJ

The passenger side exhaust system separated (rusted completely through) at the muffler assembly. This will be the 3rd exhaust system on the car. The first one was replaced while under warrantee because of a co2 canister failure.

Filed Dec 14, 2012 · Brakes, Engine · 73,000 miles · PA

Driving home from work on freeway with 1/4 tank of fuel - engine stalled in fast lane and would not restart. I was stuck in the traffic lane for 40 mins until the state police had a tow truck tow me away. Turns out, the fuel gauge was inaccurate because my tank was empty. My gauge goes above the f when I fill up and it is empty at just above a the 1/4 mark. Very dangerous situation and I could have been killed over a faulty gas gauge that seems to be a big problem after seeing all of the complaints on the internet. When the gauge goes bad - the low fuel warning light does not come on so I was completely caught off guard. I was a sitting duck on the freeway with cars slamming on their brakes to avoid hitting me even with my hazard lights on. Please help.

Filed Jul 7, 2011 · Engine · 175,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for routine maintenance when the dealer advised that there was a fracture in the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 175,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Feb 18, 2010 · Engine · 75,000 miles · WA

I own a 2003 nissan pathfinder le. Took it to a nissan dealer and they said the passenger side resonator was leaking out of the outboard seam. The driver side resonator was leaking out of both the outboard and inboard seam. The exhaust could be very easily felt when the engine was running and there is exhaust smell in the cabin. The muffler was freely swinging. I had to replace the muffler. The resonators should be replaced by nissan as many people are having the same problem. I hope you can do something or that a class action lawsuit is filed.

Filed Jul 23, 2009 · Engine · 75,000 miles · WV

My husband and I purchased a new 2003 nissan pathfinder se in july 03. In 2007, the "check engine light" came on. We took it to a dealer, who informed us that we needed to have the entire exhaust system replaced due to a crack in the pipe and the 02 sensor was making the light come on. They never informed us of a patch kit available. We did have the entire exhaust system replaced in 2008. We later came to find out this problem is occurring for many others with the same vehicle. We are doubly concerned about the affect that this has had on my 3 year old's asthma and respiratory issues (considering the emissions issues and what I am hearing from other's who's small children have similar issues and who also have this issue with their 03 pathfinder). I would hope that a recall is required and that those of us affected will be duly compensated for nissan's safety failure.