Just a few short months after the original launch of the new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, a recall has been announced. The notice issued by the Japanese automaker revealed that some 2022 Nissan Pathfinder units may have insufficient welds on the secondary hood latch retainer bracket. This issue may cause the retainer bracket to move out of position, resulting in partial secondary hood latch engagement. In more severe cases, the retainer bracket could detach from the front bumper assembly and will not engage at all. This recall is one every owner will want to take care of as soon as possible.

2022 Nissan Pathfinder recall, what’s the worst that could happen?

To put it into more understandable language, your hood could fly open while you’re driving. The failing hood latches could become detached or at least allow the hood to unlatch, letting it fly upward. Obviously, you’ll want to take care of this problem quickly so it doesn’t happen at high speeds. A hood flying open without warning can be extremely dangerous, it will block the driver’s view and likely cause accidents. Not all recalls are a must-remedy but this one is just that. The problem may not occur on every Pathfinder but the risk isn’t worth it. By the time you find out if your Pathfinder is one needing repairs, it’ll already be too late.

How was the recall discovered?

Nissan says the problem was caused by a “welding equipment maintenance issue” according to CarScoops. Back in June, a Nissan technician found a secondary hood latch retainer bracket detached on the production line. After reporting their findings, Nissan launched a full investigation into the issue. Eventually, during an audit of 4,376 at Nissan’s Smyrna factory, it found 9 other Pathfinders with insufficient welds. 3,030 Nissan Pathfinder models are being recalled, and Nissan claims that no other Nissan or Infiniti products have been affected.

How do I remedy my 2022 Nissan Pathfinder recall?

Firstly, find out if your Pathfinder is one of the models affected by the recall. On October 21, you should receive a notice by email notifying you of the issue. Any local Nissan dealership will then be able to inspect and replace the secondary hood latch brake. As with all recalls from manufacturers, the service and parts are completely free. You may need to set up an appointment with a service advisor ahead of time, and you’ll want to do that as soon as possible. In many cases for recalls, the parts being used to fix the recalls are in limited supply because of the demand. Get on the top of the list for your local dealership for when the correct parts arrive at their location.

2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has been completely redesigned for the new model year. It took on a new aesthetic with similar styling cues to the current Rogue. The body and interior got some new design changes making it look more sharp and stylish. The biggest changes came from the interior. The leather quality and stitching are a complete upgrade from the previous model year. A nine-inch infotainment screen is now the center of attention, giving the interior a high-tech and luxurious look. The Platinum trim now has an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster which is massive, even for an SUV of this size. Great for allowing the driver to easily view the ProPilot driver assist and various safety systems. The Pathfinder seats seven or eight, depending on the trim level of your choosing.

Only just over 3,000 2022 Nissan Pathfinders are affected by this new recall. The automaker is rushing to repair all the models it can as soon as possible. It is unlikely one you’ve purchased needs the repairs, though you always want to be sure. Only 2022 Nissan Pathfinders built from June 10, 2021, to July 28, 2021, can potentially have the hood latch issue. Pathfinders built outside of that window will not have the same problem and therefore owners need not worry. If you are an owner of a 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, double-check with a dealer to make sure you don’t need this repair before your hood flies up on the highway.