Recall Alert: 354,000 Nissan Pathfinder SUVs Have 1 Unusual Issue
The Nissan Pathfinder is on the verge of receiving a major refresh with a brand-new generation. However, it seems the current-generation Pathfinder features a dangerous issue covered in a recent recall.
According to Consumer Reports, a faulty brake light switch relay can cause the brake lights to remain in the On position even when the brakes are not used. This main issue isn’t even an isolated event as other parts of the SUV are also affected.
What is wrong with the Nissan Pathfinder?
This Nissan Pathfinder recall centers entirely around the brake light switch relay. According to Consumer Reports, the relay’s location can cause it to repeatedly open and close. As a result of this constant movement, the switch itself can eventually get stuck in the On position. This means that the brake lights on your SUV would be on even if you’re not touching the brakes at all.
As you might imagine, a Nissan Pathfinder with its brakes illuminated mistakenly could easily confuse other drivers on the road. However, this isn’t the first time Nissan has issued a recall for this exact issue. According to Car Complaints, the Japanese carmaker recalled the same SUV for the same issue back in 2016. Many of the models included in this newest recalls were covered in the first round, as you’d expect.
If this Nissan Pathfinder brake light issue wasn’t bad enough, there is another dangerous issue related to this recall. According to Consumer Reports, this brake light switch relay can also interfere with the brake-shift interlock. As a result, your SUV may shift itself out of Park without needing you to press the brake.
What model years should I watch out for?
If you’ve got a Nissan Pathfinder, these are the model years you should watch out for. According to Car Complaints, a total of 354,000 2013 to 2015 Nissan Pathfinder models are part of this recall. 260,000 of these SUVs live in the U.S., while 30,000 live in Canada. The plus side to this recall is that the feature reportedly does not exist in any other Nissan or Infiniti models.
If you’ve got an affected Nissan Pathfinder, your next steps are relatively simple. Car Complaints reports that the recall will officially begin on March 1st. At that point, your dealership will contact you to have your vehicle repaired. Depending on the model year of your SUV, the fix will vary.
According to Car Complaints, Nissan Pathfinder models built before November 9, 2012, will have their brake light switch replaced and reinstalled in a correct position. If your SUV was built after November 9, 2012, the brake light switch will swap locations with the automatic speed control device on the brake pedal. Additionally, you’ll get a brand-new brake light switch.
Is the Nissan Pathfinder a good SUV?
If you’re looking at buying a used 2015 Nissan Pathfinder, you may want to look elsewhere. According to Consumer Reports, the 2013 to 2015 models all have poor reliability and owner satisfaction ratings. Additionally, many of these reliability issues carry over into the newer models. Since most engine and transmission issues, opting for models from Toyota or Honda may be a better used SUV purchase.
