# Nissan Pathfinder check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 48 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (12) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 48 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Nissan Pathfinder (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (12). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Nissan Pathfinder check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 8 | 321 | 2% | | 2017 | 12 | 188 | 6% | | 2018 | 5 | 78 | 6% | | 2019 | 5 | 76 | 7% | | 2020 | 5 | 53 | 9% | | 2022 | 7 | 137 | 5% | | 2023 | 3 | 107 | 3% | | 2024 | 2 | 87 | 2% | | 2025 | 1 | 58 | 2% | 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. ## Is there a recall for the Nissan Pathfinder check engine light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Nissan Pathfinder has 17 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Nissan Pathfinder page](/vehicles/nissan-pathfinder) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Nissan Pathfinder owners report - "While we were driving heading uphill to the beach, the check engine light and multiple warnings suddenly appeared. It said 'transmission error' and 'engine power reduced,' and the car just shut down with the kids inside. We were at risk of the car rolling backwards. I really think this is a major safety issue tied..." -- owner of a 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, complaint filed 2026 - "I then began driving again and those came on as well as check engine light and reduced power came on while on the highway. The code was the camshaft sensor. I replaced this and codes still appear. Another mechanic put my car back on the computer and it is showing my timing chain at a 7. This is very disappointing..." -- owner of a 2024 Nissan Pathfinder, complaint filed 2026 - "The check engine, seat belt, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle briefly experienced unintended acceleration without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The transmission failed to shift to drive(D) and remained stuck in..." -- owner of a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Nissan Pathfinder check engine light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Nissan Pathfinder years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2017 and 2022 Pathfinder model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 12 for 2017. 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 check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### 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 - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/nissan-pathfinder): 15 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 ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Nissan Pathfinder - [Nissan Pathfinder specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-pathfinder) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/nissan-pathfinder Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.