2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder Brake System Recall: Critical Safety Information
Affected Vehicles
This recall specifically impacts:
- Models: Nissan Pathfinder SUVs
- Model Years: 2013-2014
- Production Range: Vehicles manufactured between June 2012 and June 2013
- Total Vehicles: Approximately 80,000 units in the United States
The Critical Safety Issue
Nissan and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have identified two potentially dangerous problems stemming from a defective brake light switch installation:
1. Brake Light Malfunction
The incorrectly installed switch may cause:
- Intermittent relay contact cycling
- Brake lights remaining constantly illuminated (even when brakes aren't applied)
- Potential confusion for following drivers about braking status
- Increased risk of rear-end collisions
2. Brake-Shift Interlock Failure
The defect may also affect the vehicle's shift mechanism:
- Allows shifting out of Park without depressing the brake pedal
- Creates potential for unintended vehicle movement
- Significant rollaway risk, especially on inclines
- Potential injury risk to drivers, passengers, and bystanders
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Official Recall Repair Solution
Nissan has authorized the following repair procedure at all authorized dealerships:
- Inspection: Certified technicians will thoroughly examine the brake light switch installation
- Replacement: If found defective, the relay will be replaced with a properly functioning unit
- Cost: All repairs will be performed at no charge to vehicle owners
- Time: Most repairs can be completed within one hour
What Affected Owners Should Do Immediately
If you own a 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder, take these steps:
- Check Your VIN: Verify if your vehicle is included in the recall using MotorVero's free recall lookup tool
- Contact Nissan: Call Nissan's recall hotline at 800-647-7261 for specific information about your vehicle
- Schedule Repair: Contact your local Nissan dealership to arrange the free repair
- Monitor Brake Lights: Check if your brake lights remain on when the pedal isn't depressed
- Use Parking Brake: As a precaution, always engage your parking brake when parked
Additional Resources:
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236
- Official recall information: www.safercar.gov
- MotorVero Recall Center: Latest Recall Updates
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Understanding the Technical Details
This recall addresses a specific manufacturing issue in the brake light switch assembly:
Root Cause Analysis
During the affected production period, some brake light switches were:
- Improperly aligned during installation
- Not meeting Nissan's precise torque specifications
- Susceptible to vibration-induced position changes
Electrical System Impact
The malpositioned switch causes:
- Irregular current flow through the brake light circuit
- Potential overheating of electrical components
- Increased battery drain when vehicle is parked
Safety Recommendations Until Repair
While awaiting repair, Pathfinder owners should:
- Visual Check: Regularly verify brake light operation with a helper or reflective surface
- Shift Protocol: Always press brake pedal firmly before shifting from Park
- Parking Safety: Choose level parking surfaces whenever possible
- Warning Signs: Be alert for unexpected battery drain or brake light warnings
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Recall Timeline and Notification Process
Nissan follows a structured recall notification procedure:
- Phase 1: Initial dealer notification and parts distribution
- Phase 2: First-class mail notifications to registered owners
- Phase 3: Follow-up notifications for unresponsive owners
- Ongoing: VIN lookup availability through Nissan and NHTSA websites
Note: Notification schedules may vary based on parts availability and regional factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How urgent is this repair?
This is considered a high-priority safety recall. The potential for brake light malfunction and shift interlock issues creates multiple safety risks that warrant prompt attention.
Can I still drive my Pathfinder before the repair?
While the vehicle remains operable, Nissan recommends scheduling the repair as soon as possible. Exercise extra caution in traffic and when parking.
What if I already paid for this repair?
You may be eligible for reimbursement. Contact Nissan Customer Service with your repair receipts for possible refund consideration.
Does this affect other Nissan models?
Currently, this recall is specific to certain 2013-2014 Pathfinder models. However, always check for updates as recall information can change.
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Related Recalls and Service Bulletins
Owners of affected Pathfinders should also be aware of:
- Transmission control module software updates
- Fuel gauge sensor recalibration
- HVAC system service bulletins
Consult your Nissan dealer for a complete vehicle history report.
Why Choose MotorVero for Recall Information
MotorVero provides the most comprehensive, up-to-date vehicle recall information because we:
- Aggregate data from multiple official sources
- Offer plain-English explanations of technical issues
- Provide direct links to manufacturer recall pages
- Maintain a searchable database of all current recalls
- Offer expert analysis of safety implications
Stay Informed About Vehicle Safety
Protect yourself and your family with MotorVero's recall alert system:
- Free VIN-based recall notifications
- Email alerts for new recalls affecting your vehicles
- Mobile app with recall check features
- Expert advice on recall urgency and response
Sign up for our free recall alert service to stay informed about your vehicle's safety status.
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