CarComplaints.com Notes: While there are fewer "radiator leaked into transmission" complaints for the 2008 model year, they are starting to pile up. Buyer beware.

Nissan has extended their radiator warranty on 2005-2010 Pathfinders to 8 years/80,000 miles. However the average mileage for transmission failure for earlier model years is 95,000 miles, which conveniently (for Nissan) is just past the limit of their extended warranty. Owners beware.

2.1

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
75,050 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder fuel system problems

fuel system problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #25

Sep 012016

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2008 Nissan Pathfinder. Consumer writes in regards to never being notified about fuel gauge inaccuracy recall notice (10V-075) until vehicle ran out of fuel. The consumer stated his wife ran out of fuel, while driving on an eight lane freeway, due to the fuel gauge inaccuracy. The service manager at Nissan, informed the consumer the recall ended in 2013.

- Cottonwood, AZ, USA

problem #24

Jan 202016

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 88,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. While driving at various speeds, the fuel gauge would not go any lower than a quarter tank and the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. After refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge took an abnormally long time to show the amount of fuel in the tank. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V075000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000....updated 03-10-16 the consumer stated the fuel gauge would always display at least 1/4 tank of gas, even when it was empty. The service engine light illuminated due to the problem with the fuel sending unit. Updated 06/09/16.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #23

Nov 012015

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 179,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. While operating the vehicle, the fuel gauge indicated the fuel tank was half full before suddenly decreasing to empty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel sending unit would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V075000 (fuel system). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 179,000....updated 02/19/16

- Ackaman, MS, USA

problem #22

May 042015

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 104,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. While driving 55 mph, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and the fuel tank did not display the correct reading. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel sender float arm malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 10V075000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

- Palmdale, CA, USA

problem #21

Jan 022015

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 107,310 miles
After filling up the tank and getting back on the highway, I noticed my gas gauge was reading I had 1/4 tank and my tachometer was flashing dashes all the way across. I pulled off the highway and checked to see if my gas cap was on and it was. The vehicle was running fine so I continued on my way. Eventually, the gas gauge moved to the full position and my tachometer began to keep the miles to empty, but not accurately. Once I got home, I researched online and found a recall for my vehicle. Campaign id 10V075000. I've contacted Nissan 4 different times and no one is willing to help me with this matter. My vehicle's gas gauge will not go below 1/4 tank. I've already run out of gas twice because I forgot to keep track. Running out of gas on us hwy 275 South in rush hour traffic is not fun. I was lucky that I didn't cause an accident. What do I need to do to have my vehicle fixed?

- St. Petersburg, FL, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #20

Feb 042014

Pathfinder

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 10V075000 (fuel system, gasoline) and stated that the same failure was experienced. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.

- Slidell, LA, USA

problem #19

May 152014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 90,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The fuel sending unit on my Nissan is faulty. There is a part campaign issued for some vehicles but Nissan is not covering mine. The concern is that the fuel sensor either registers empty and I can run out of gasoline. Or as I am filling my vehicle, it may not sense the level of gasoline in the tank and cause an overfill situation. As I live in a near non attainment area, this situation could be impact fuel of the environment.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #18

Jul 262014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 136,326 miles
I, a female, purchased a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder from integrity Chevrolet in chattanooga, tn. A day later the Pathfinder is skipping, vibrating and rattling, rear end clunking at 40 mph. Shifts hard at 4 and 5. got 4 mechanics and the Nissan dealership to check all this out and they all concluded the coolant overflow tank was filthy, stinks- not the sweet smell- smelled burnt and rusty. The valves were bloated and radiator cap seal was loose. Low on coolant, high in water. Transmission and radiator needs to be flushed and checked for 'sludge'! the dealership's associate, [xxx], assured me the 2008 Pathfinder had been serviced and all fluids checked and filled. The Nissan dealership and the 4 mechanics all stated that 'no service or fluids were checked!' if it had been, the dealership would have known of this transmission issue! the coolant from the radiator is mixing with the transmission fluid in the transmission, causing a milky- sludge. No one can convince me that this dealership, integrity Chevrolet, in chatt, tn, did not know of this issue- it is a very common issue with the Nissan Pathfinders, xterras and frontiers years 2006-2010. Any good associate would have known this issue- in order to sell this automobile honestly! [xxx], to whom I have known for over 20 years, screwed me over and saw an unknowing, innocent woman coming his way! I had to be a good joke that day. This dealership knew they had to get rid of this Pathfinder quickly B/C it is a 'lemon'! information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Harrison, TN, USA

problem #17

Jul 052014

Pathfinder

  • 37,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 mph, the fuel gauge failed to rise above three quarters of a tank after refueling to full capacity and the service engine soon light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician made the contact aware that recall NHTSA campaign number: 10V075000 (fuel system, gasoline) was directly related to the failure that the vehicle was exhibiting. However, the vehicle was not repaired since the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.

- Wayne, NJ, USA

problem #16

Apr 092014

Pathfinder

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated the vehicle ran out of fuel without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the fuel level sending unit was fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V075000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was 100,000 and current mileage was 108,000.

- Conway, AR, USA

problem #15

Oct 162013

Pathfinder

  • 180,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph, the fuel gauge displayed an incorrect reading that the fuel tank was empty even though fuel was dispensed in the fuel tank. There was a recall related to the failure under NHTSA campaign id number 10V075000 (fuel system, gasoline);however, the VIN was not included. The failure was not diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

- Wadseorth, IL, USA

problem #14

Mar 062014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 68,493 miles
Check engine light came on and fuel gauge went to empty, filled tank up and the fuel gauge stayed at empty. Next day all seemed okay with the fuel gauge, but four days later ran out of gas and fuel gauge was reading a 1/4 tank of gas.

- Lititz, PA, USA

problem #13

Mar 112014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 77,153 miles
Was in traffic and fuel level gauge was at 1/4 tank. I decided to stop at my usual gas station to fill up. I completely filled the tank and then when I went to leave I noticed the fuel gauge didn't go back up to full. It took over 30 miles for it to finally go back up to full and the check engine light came on. Ever since then fuel gauge doesn't go down past 1/4 tank and if I don't use my trip odometer to gauge how many miles I have gown I would run out of gas! I found numerous complaints about the same problem from other owners and found a recall on this problem. Also found where Nissan refuses to fix the problem under recall/warranty. I contacted Nissan with my VIN number and they said my car was not one of the recalls. Then I asked for a list of the VIN numbers for all the Pathfinders recalled for this and they said they could not give out that information. I told them I wanted visual proof that my car was not one of the recalls since I have the problem with my car. Again they refused to provide this. Nissan should be liable and be made to back this problem recall with my Nissan Pathfinder! do not bye a Nissan product cause they do not back their products and pay for recalls.

- Front Royal, VA, USA

problem #12

Dec 112013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 58,000 miles
Fuel gauge shows em pty when filled. Danger on running out of gas and potential to cause accident.

- Jersey City, NJ, USA

problem #11

Jul 152013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
Starting last summer we initially noticed a problem with our gas gauge reading, but it seemed to go away. It is now happening frequently and almost caused an accident. We were in heavy traffic on a 4 lane and we thought we had enough gas, 1/4 tank?, but all of a sudden we ran out of gas. We were lucky that we were not hit by a semi truck. We fortunately were able to push it to the side of the road and wait for my son to come with a can of gas. We called dorschel Nissan in rochester and they agreed that it was a recall, we had went on your site and checked prior (10V075000). We scheduled an appointment. Now we received a call from them telling us that it is not covered, that it was a warranty extension item and that we are past the date"? wow, what customer service. I think this is a safety issue and that this is not a normal wear and tear item. They obviously have had problems with these sensors (80,000 recalls") now the gas gauge is doing other things, saying we don't have any gas when we just filled up?

- Hornell, NY, USA

problem #10

Nov 132013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
Vehicle indicated fuel of about 1/4 tank and about 90 miles remaining. It will instantly drop to empty on the fuel tank and will show 0 miles remaining. This has occurred several times in the last couple weeks. Sometimes it is empty and sometimes it has fuel in it.

- Olathe, KS, USA

problem #9

Apr 022012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 81,395 miles
Service engine light came on, followed by airbag light. A diagnostic at the dealer showed the "sending unit" on the fuel gauge was not functioning and the airbag sensor was also not functioning. When I googled it, I found several recalls on this year/make/model (on your website). The fuel gauge system will say there is 1/4 gas when it's empty or will drop to "E" for empty when there is still gas in the tank. I now have to use my odometer to gauge my gas usage since I ran out of gas in the middle of an intersection at rush hour a few weeks ago. At the same time the service engine light came on for the sending unit issue, the red airbag light came on as well. So I'm driving around in a car that has faulty airbag sensors and fuel gauge sending unit. The two issues are doing the exact same thing the recall notices describe, yet it's not part of the recalls? I have been in contact with corporate Nissan via email twice now and they refuse to acknowledge these recalls apply to my vehicle/VIN #. I am the second owner of the vehicle (it was purchased via auction in New York) and thought that was why I had not received the recall notices. However, it turns out Nissan will not disclose which VIN numbers were part of those recalls and refuse to pay the repair services for either issue citing my VIN# was not included in the recall notices. Then why is my car doing exactly what is described in the recall notices?

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #8

Apr 232012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • miles
The fuel gauge on our vehicle is not working properly resulting in the need to calculate mileage or risk running out of gas. Sometimes the fuel gauge will show that the tank has gas and sometimes it says the tank is empty. There is a recall on fuel gauges/systems for 2008 Nissan Pathfinders, however Nissan has reported that our 2008 Nissan Pathfinder was not affected by this recall (based on the VIN).

- Naugatuck, CT, USA

problem #7

Dec 162011

Pathfinder

  • miles
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the fuel gauge failed. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 10V075000 (fuel system, gasoline storage: Auxiliary tank) and contacted the manufacturer who advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 80,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.

- Linwood, NJ, USA

problem #6

Oct 182011

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • miles
Approximately 2 mo ago, the check engine light came on. I took it to my mechanic and was told that there was a failure within the fuel system. He said I would have to replace the entire system which would cost approximately $800 for the part and labor. He looked further into the issue since I told him that I don't actually notice a problem with my fuel gauge. I also did some research on my own and have discovered, like him, that many people are having the same problem as me. Some people actually do have errors with their fuel gauge and other don't, however the resulting issue has to do with a malfunction of the fuel system which is causing the problem. Nissan is well aware of the issue and there is a recall for certain 2006 and 2008 xterra and Pathfinder vehicles. When I contacted the Nissan #800, I was told that my VIN does not qualify for any recalls---in spite of the company knowing about the issue, issuing a recall for the issue on the same year and model of my vehicle and my experiencing that exact issue. My family has been hit very hard by this economy like everyone else. I do not have $800 to pay to have an item fixed that is not my fault or normal maintenance but the fault of the manufacturing company. I also have 4 children that I Transport using this vehicle. I worry that there might actually be or there will be something wrong with the fuel gauge and in that situation, my children and myself could be involved in an accident or stranded in the middle of no where. If the company is aware of an existing malfunction in their vehicle and thousands of people have complained about it, they should cover all necessary costs to fix the problem. Period. I hope that they will do what is right with your help.

- Norristown, PA, USA

Read the next 5 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?