2004 Nissan Pathfinder: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2004 Nissan Pathfinder? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 67 complaints, with Brake System as the top reported area.
2004 Nissan Pathfinder Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2004 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. 4 trims analysed.
2004 Nissan Pathfinder Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial 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
Not RatedSource: 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 2004 Nissan Pathfinder has 67 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Pathfinder
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 67
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 15
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 14 / 18
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2004 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Hydraulic
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Hydraulic, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2004 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2004 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 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
Inspection Focus
- Inspect brake system, especially hydraulic components, for leaks or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect brake system, especially hydraulic components, for leaks or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 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
The 2004 Nissan Pathfinder has 67 NHTSA complaints, with the most frequent issues reported in the brake system, airbag malfunctions, and transmission/drivetrain. There are 7 recalls and 3 crash-related complaints, but the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.
- Brake system complaints total 15, with 12 specifically related to hydraulic components.
- Airbag malfunctions account for 11 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are reported in 9 complaints.
- Brake System (including Hydraulic)
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2004 Nissan Pathfinder Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 15 | 2 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 12 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
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 2004 Nissan Pathfinder. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
On October 23 2023 I purchased from Firestone where I have been a customer for some 30 years paying nearly $1000 for 4 tires. 1) On January 6, 2024 the first tire on the front driver"s side had picked up a nail GEICO road hadzard came and removed the tire. Firestone said they c…
i made appointments at 2 different Nissan dealers and contacted Nissan corporate about my airbag recall. Dealers were neither able or willing to obtain parts Walzer Nissan, Coon Rapids MN and Miller Nissan, St Cloud Mn. Ive received several notices about the recall but im told N…
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,…
I do not have an actual incident to report, but just trying to find out how you can get all these letters and calls from 3rd party companies to STOP! I have contacted my dealership and have entered my VIN on the NHTSA.gov/recalls site and there are no active recalls on my vehicle…
The contact owned 2004 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle crashed into the rear driver’s side of the vehicle. The driver’s side front and rear curtain air bags deployed and ruptured, projecting fragments, but was not …
MY SHIFTER KEEPS GETTING LOCKED 8N THE PARK POSITION. I HAVE REPLACED THE SHIFTER SOLENOID BUT IT DID IT AGAIN IN A WEEK..
I RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF RECALL, ON 2014. I GOT TO THE DEALER AND THE PROBLEM WAS NOT REPAIRED. THEY TELL ME THEY WILL COLLING BACK WHEN THE PART ARRIVED TO THE CENTER BUT THEY DONT.
DRIVING AT 25 TO 50 MPH THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD RHYTHMICALLY. CAUSING NEAR COLLISIONS WITH VEHICLES IN FRONT OF IT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE ADDING FUEL IN THE TANK, THE FUEL WOULD LEAK OUT BEFORE THE TANK WAS FULL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS FUELED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN IND…
TAKATA RECALL: I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW, AND AROUND THE 4TH YEAR, I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. THE FIRST FEW REPAIRS THE BRAKES PADS CHANGED, LINE, CYLINDER, AND FULL BRAKE REPLACEMENT:, BUT THE ISSUE PERSISTED OVER THE YEARS WITHOUT ANY MECHANIC THAT…
THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. I CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP AND THE SENDING UNIT THINKING THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. I NEVER RECEIVED A WARNING THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG. I LOOKED ONLINE FOR RECALLS AND SAW THAT THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM IN THE 2005 AND OLDER MODELS OF PATHFINDER…
TAKATA RECALL FOR AIRBAGS ON 2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER. I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER OF 2017 AND WAS NOT ADVISED OF THE RECALL ISSUED MAY 14, 2015 AT TIME OF PURCHASE. IN DECEMBER OF 2017 I WAS WAITING TO PULL OUT ONTO LONG POND RD AND AS I STARTED TO PULL OUT MY AIRBAGS DEP…
MY VEHICLE WAS MOSTLY IN THE STATE OF NY (SALT BELT STATE) FROM 2004 UNTIL 2015. (11 YEARS) IT'S NOW IN VA. THE UNDERCARRIAGE IS RUSTED BEYOND A NORMAL AMOUNT. THE EXHAUST ESPECIALLY HOLES ARE IN PIPING FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO THE TAILPIPE. THE CARE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM T…
AIR BAG LIGHT IS FLASHING
VEHICLE LIGHT FOR AIR BACK GOING ON IN THE SEATBELT DOESN'T WORK WELL
I BOUGHT THE TRUCK JANUARY 4TH THIS YEAR WHENI CHECKED TRANNMISSION FLUID WASN'T ON STICK. SO I ADDED 6 OUNCES FEB 15TH AND NEXT DAY OR 2 STARTED SLIPPING HAD IT FLUSHED 500 WORTH STILL SHOT. THIS WAS 2ND TIME TYRANNY. HAD BEEN SERVICED. NISSAN YOU KNOW IT'S FAULTY RADIATORS I …
TAKATA RECALL
ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING. TURNED THE TANK WAS OUT OF GAS WITH FUEL GAUGE SHOWING RIGHT AT QUARTER MARK FULL. THE GAUGE SEEM TO SHOW FULL WHEN FILLED UP BUT FOR THE LAST THREE TIMES IT SHOWS A QUARTER TANK LEFT WHILE I AM ABLE TO PUMP IN OVER 18 GALLONS OF FUEL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE ABS AND VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…
TAKATA RECALL SO YESTERDAY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY US 31 AND IT WAS RAINING I LOST ALL FUNCTIONS OF MY BRAKES WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS THE SCARIEST EXPERIENCE EVER I THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO DIE. AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AND MAKEING A FE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder.
2004 Nissan Pathfinder Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder. 7 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.
2004 Nissan Pathfinder Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 67 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 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 2004 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
#1: Brake System (15 complaints). #2: Hydraulic (12 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 67 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 7 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 2004 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
The 2004 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 Brake System 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 2004 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.