2002 Nissan Pathfinder: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2002 Nissan Pathfinder? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 171 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2002 Nissan Pathfinder Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2002 Nissan Pathfinder trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2002 Nissan Pathfinder Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2002 Nissan Pathfinder 4-DR. w/SABOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder has 171 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Pathfinder
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 171
- Crash-related complaints
- 16
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 16
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 14 / 18
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2002 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Suspension Failures
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Suspension Failures, Structural Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2002 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2002 Nissan Pathfinder shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for known issues such as stalling or overheating.
- Check suspension components for wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine for known issues such as stalling or overheating.
- Check suspension components for wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Nissan Pathfinder, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder are concentrated in engine and suspension issues, with 45 and 43 reports respectively. There are also notable reports of structural, steering, and airbag problems. The data suggests potential concerns with these systems, but the low confidence level means findings should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine Problems and Suspension Failures account for the majority of complaints.
- Crash-related complaints number 16 out of 171 total complaints.
- The vehicle has 9 recalls, indicating known issues addressed by the manufacturer.
- Engine Problems
- Suspension Failures
- Structural Problems
All 2002 Nissan Pathfinder Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 45 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 43 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 17 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 11 | 5 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 11 | 3 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 11 | 4 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 8 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My complaint relates to Campaign Number 07V435000 We are the original and only owner of this vehicle. While driving the vehicle I started to notice a fuel smell, after several attempts to locate the source, one day I added fuel, I noticed a small puddle in my driveway the followi…
This relates to Campaign Number 11V244000 We are the original and only owners of the vehicle I originally brought the vehicle in for the recall and they simply sprayed some undercoating in the wheel wells. Less than a month later both strut towers separated from the body of the v…
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced at a local dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V244000 (Steering, Suspension); however, the mechanic diagnosed that there was no rust in the strut housing assembly. The contac…
The contact's son owned a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that she received notification of NHTSA recall campaigns and flyers and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The contact stated that the vehicle was sold. The local dealer and manufacturer …
I WROTE A LETTER AND FILED A COMPLAINT ABOUT A PERFORATED RUST FRAME ON MY 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH 118,000 MILES. I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END BROUGHT TO WHERE I PURCHASED 18 YEARS AGO TO HAVE A RECALLED PERFORMED ON THE AIR BAG FOR SAFETY BUT MY RUSTED FRAME IS NOT REC…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE VIBRATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE PARKED THE…
I BROUGHT IT TO MY MECHANIC WE LOOKED AT THE FRAME UNDER THE CARS FRONT END IT IS CLUCKING THERE IS EXCESSIVE RUST, PERFORATED STEEL AND DISCONNECTED FROM OTHER PARTS VERY DANGEROUS. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW FROM SMITHTOWN NISSIAN IN 2002 I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I CALLED SMITHTOWN …
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 PATHFINDER TO WORK ON MONDAY OF THIS WEEK WHEN I STARTED TO FEEL A SLIGHT SHAKING IN MY STEERING WHEEL AND CHATTER IN MY BRAKE PEDAL WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. AFTER I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY I COULD BARELY MAKE A RIGHT TURN AS THE STEERING WHEEL WAS…
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN I REALIZED MY CAR WAS ACCELERATING QUICKLY WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO SLOW IT DOWN TO 65. AT THE SAME TIME I MOVED THE RUG BACK IN CASE IT WAS CAUGHT, BUT THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM AND I ALSO TAPPED THE GAS PEDAL…
NISSAN REPAIRED STRUT HOUSING UNDER RECALL. THEIR " BAND-AID " OF A REPAIR IS FAILING. CONTACTED NISSAN AND WAS TOLD THEY DID WHAT WAS REQUIRED. HOUSING REPAIR IS COMING APART AND BRAKE LINE PULLING AWAY. WAS TOLD BUY A NEW VEHICLE. WHY SHOULD I WHEN MINE RUNS PERFECTLY FIN…
THE AREA WHERE THE CONTROL ARMS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME/BODY RUSTED OUT MAKING THE THE CAR UNSAFE TI BE ON THR ROAD. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT OTHER AREAS OF THE UNIBODY WERE ALSO RUSTING AWAY AND ADVISED JUNKING THE CAR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE BRAKE LINES DUE TO RUST ON THE STRUTS OF THE VEHICLE. DUE TO THE BRAKE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE W…
FUEL FILLER NECK CORROSION RESULTS IN LEAK IN FUEL, EVAPORATIVE, AND EMISSIONS SYSTEMS. FUEL WILL LEAK AFTER FILLING GAS TANK, CREATING SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR 1997-2001 PATHFINDERS, BUT SHOULD LIKELY BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE PATHFINDERS THROUGH 2…
MY CAR WONT STOP AND WHEN I PUSH THE BRAKES IT WILL PUSH THE GAS PEDAL OR GOT STOCK AND I ALL READY HAVE A TWO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THAT FIRST I HIT A STORE WALL AND DAMAGE BIG TIME AND THE SECOND TIME DID A CEMENT POST SO I NEED TO KNOW IF IS THIS CAR OR WHAT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR NEAR THE FUEL TANK, BUT DID NOT OBSERVE ANY FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,700.
RECALL #11V244000 APPLIES TO MY ISSUE. BOTH FRONT APRONS ROTTED. CONFIMED BY MY LOCAL STS. MY VIN # IS NOT COVERED SOMEHOW. NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF CAMPAIGN. TOLD BY NISSAN DEALER I'M NOT COVERED.
THE FRAME ON THESE PATHFINDERS ARE RUSTING AND SHOW ROT THAT IS NOT EXCEPT ABLE OR SAFE MY VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE THE FRAME IS ROTTED.I BELIEVE THESE SHOULD BE RECALLED AS THE MORE I SEARCH ONLINE THE MORE I SEE OTHER OWNERS GOING THROUGH THE SAME THING.NISSAN N…
TAKATA RECALL- THE NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT WAS UNWILLING TO ASSIST ME IN REPAIRING THE AFFECTED VEHICLE. THE CLOSEST SERVICE AREA IS 98.3 MILES ONE WAY FROM MY HOUSE IN WHICH THEY TOLD ME TO PAY FOR THE COST OF TRAVEL AND TIME OFF OF WORK OUT OF MY OWN POCKET IN ORD…
STRUT TOWER RUST DAMAGE, MY PATHFINDER STARTED HAVING THAT NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN DURING MOTION. AFTER A QUICK INSPECTION AT THE DEALERSHIP WE REALIZED THERE WAS A BIG GAP UNDER THE STRUT TOWERS IN BOTH SIDES, AND THAT THERE WAS ALREADY A RECALL, BUT THE RECALL D…
NISSAN POWER CONTROL VALVE LOOSE FASTENERS: MY CONCERN RESONATES WITH CONSUMER SAFETY THAT INVOLVES GROSS ENGINE FAILURE DURING OPERATIONS DUE TO LOOSENING INTERNAL FASTENERS/COMPONENTS. WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, I NOTICED AN ABRUPT AND UNUSUAL MECHANICAL GRINDING SOUND C…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder.
2002 Nissan Pathfinder Recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2002 Nissan Pathfinder Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 171 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 Nissan Pathfinder shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
#1: Engine Problems (45 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (43 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (18 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder, NHTSA complaints include 16 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 171 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
The 2002 Nissan Pathfinder shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Pathfinder reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.