I am reporting premature and abnormal tire wear on two consecutive Nissan Pathfinder vehicles (2022 and 2024 models). In both cases, tires required replacement at low mileage (approximately 20,000–25,000 miles) despite normal driving and proper maintenance. My 2022 Pathfinder also experienced brake-related issues, which raises additional concern about potential underlying defects. The repeated pattern across multiple vehicles suggests a possible defect involving alignment, suspension, or braking systems. Premature tire wear presents a safety concern, as it can reduce traction, increase stopping distance, and raise the risk of tire failure or blowout, particularly at highway speeds. A Nissan dealership has confirmed the abnormal tire wear and recommended replacement, and previously acknowledged there may be known issues contributing to this condition. However, the issue continues to be classified as “normal wear and tear,” and no corrective action has been taken. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the issue; it was identified during routine service inspection. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. I am requesting an investigation into whether Nissan Pathfinder vehicles have a defect contributing to premature tire wear and associated safety risks.
Nissan Pathfinder tire blowout problems
62 of the 7,336 owner complaints about the Nissan Pathfinder describe tire blowout or tread separation, most of them for the 1996 model year.
- owner complaints
- 62
- worst model year
- 1996
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,000
- typical mileage
- 92,000
By model year
Often reported together
CVT failure 2Jerking 1Harsh shifting 1Fuel leak 1Ball joint 1No deployment 1
What owners say
My car has been having issues with what seems to be the transmission. This Nissan Pathfinder has CVT, which is continuous variable transmission. Three months ago I had a radiator blowout and had to change that and the thermostat. I believe that it was due to the transmission issues. currently I have an oil leak and I believe it’s due to your issues with the transmission.
Right lower control arm snapped while driving at highway speed (65MPH) causing vehicle into a 360 spin. Vehicle spun, was hard to control and tire blew out at speed. Others behind me or in front may have gotten involved if traffic was heavier at the time. Vehicle wasnt inspected, no police involved. No warning before incident. Incident happened with no symtons or prior knowledge
Since we purchased the vehicle we noticed that power outlet would not work. We have taken this vehicle back to the dealership and even though they "fix it" as soon as we drive it out within in one or two hours it will give out again. The last time we took it they said not to use "off the market" cellphone chargers because that is what is making it not work. Then the AC has also stopped working a couple of times. All of sudden the truck will blow out hot instead of cold air. We have to stop the vehicle, turn it off and let it rest and then the AC will be back up. They have supposedly looked into it. Lastly, this vehicle has on several occasions not accelerated while we are on the road. Even though the speed limit is 75mph it will not move faster than 40mph. At the same time the service lights on the dashboard begin to turn on/off. It has been very difficult because the last time we took the vehicle to the shop it was in there for more than 30 days. I am very concerned that although they say the "fix it" the vehicle can stop running on me and I can have a serious accident with my family in inside.
The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Pathfinder equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire Line: Dueler H/L Alenza, Tire Size: 255/65/R16, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle was swaying from side to side. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side tread belt had shifted, causing the vehicle to sway while driving. The tire was a replacement tire. The tire was replaced; however, the failure recurred intermittently. No further repairs were completed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The tire failure mileage was approximately 32,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 195,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Drivers side rear tire blew out while coming to stoplight at approx 15 -20 MPH. No prior warning message If this had happened at highway speed it could have caused injury or death. There was no impact to the tire prior to blowout. We are retaining tire for inspection and are afraid to continue using the remaining 3 tires. We purchased 4 tires new from Tire Kingdom in Fort Myers Fl (#6309 #39) when our vehicle had 15049 miles on it.
For over 6 months my vehicle has been sputtering off and on. Just recently, when cranking it up, it would blow out white smoke and sputter even worse. We bought it in march 2020 knowing it was sputtering but the dealership claimed to have fixed it. Now it's with nissan where it's been for almost 2 weeks. They're stating that the transmission and engine has to be replaced. They also stated that these vehicles are notorious for these issues. I've also found numerous complaints online about these particular year and make/ model vehicles having the same issues. If this really is an issue, it needs to be addressed!
There is an excessive amount of rust on the vehicle including the wheel well, door jams, floor board, and frame. I was almost unable to receive a replacement windshield because the frame is rusting out. I purchased the vehicle in the north then moved south and the problem has grown worse. The compartment that is holding the spare tire under the vehicle is rusting out as well. This could potentially become a safety problem if the spare tire separates from its supports while operating on a roadway. Rust has been an ongoing problem with this vehicle with no specific start date nor end date.
Radiator and transmission fluids mixed causing massive radiator blow out and replacement. . Cost of $2000 then after being told the transmission survide and limited driving now a few thousand miles later and about a year later now the transmission is shot no reverse and only one forward gear!
Nissan been selling this SUV knowing that the tramission is defective. The engine big bang sometime it jerk back and fort. Finally it blow out at 29700 mile. It was replace by warranty, but with recondition one. The vehicle should be recall for the transmission . It not safe on the road. How long will the recondion transmission last?this is $ 41000 dollar truck I paid $ 37500 out the door . Beware of buying CVT transmission everyone.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Nissan Pathfinder tire blowout
Which Nissan Pathfinder years have tire blowout or tread separation problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1996 (8 complaints), 1997 (7 complaints) and 2001 (6 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix tire blowout or tread separation on the Nissan Pathfinder?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,000 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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