# Nissan Pathfinder brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 15 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (4) - **Related recalls:** 4 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 15 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Nissan Pathfinder (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (4). There are **4 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Nissan Pathfinder brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 4 | 321 | 1% | | 2016 | 2 | 107 | 2% | | 2017 | 1 | 188 | 1% | | 2018 | 2 | 78 | 3% | | 2019 | 1 | 76 | 1% | | 2020 | 1 | 53 | 2% | | 2022 | 1 | 137 | 1% | | 2024 | 1 | 87 | 1% | | 2025 | 2 | 58 | 3% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Nissan Pathfinder recalls related to the brake warning light **[25V173000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V173000)** (2025 models, reported 2025-03-19): A broken front brake caliper can cause a loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake caliper assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2025. **[19V807000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V807000)** (2017-2019 models, reported 2019-11-08): A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. **[18V601000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V601000)** (2017-2018 models, reported 2018-09-07): A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2018. **[15V012000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V012000)** (2015 models, reported 2015-01-14): The under-torqued fasteners may result in a brake caliper separating from the wheel assembly causing a reduction in braking performance or reduced steering control. These conditions increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and tighten any loose bolts to the proper specification, free of charge. The recall began February 2, 2015. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Nissan Pathfinder owners report - "Vehicle Information -Make: Nissan -Model: Pathfinder -Year: 2025 -Mileage at Incident: Less than 2,800 miles -Purchase Date: May 2025 Summary of Problem: Since purchase, the vehicle has had repeated brake failures, unintended acceleration, lighting malfunctions, and electronic system defects. Problems are..." -- owner of a 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, complaint filed 2025 - "Premature rear brake failure without warning reduces stopping ability and puts the driver, passengers, and other motorists at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)" -- owner of a 2024 Nissan Pathfinder, complaint filed 2026 - "This is also the second time I have had to replace the Brake light located under the brake pedal. This is the second time I am reporting this problem to NHTSA. Research on several car repair sites shows this is a common problem with the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder, but NHTSA has failed to issue a recall. The original..." -- owner of a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder, complaint filed 2024 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Nissan Pathfinder brake light? Yes. NHTSA lists 4 related recalls (25V173000, 19V807000, 18V601000, 15V012000) covering 2015-2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Nissan Pathfinder years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2018 Pathfinder model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 4 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Nissan Pathfinder with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Nissan Pathfinder has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Nissan dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Nissan Pathfinder warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/nissan-pathfinder): 14 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/nissan-pathfinder): 48 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/nissan-pathfinder): 48 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/nissan-pathfinder): 29 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/nissan-pathfinder): 12 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/nissan-pathfinder): 23 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints ## Nissan Pathfinder - [Nissan Pathfinder specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-pathfinder) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/nissan-pathfinder Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.