Nissan Pathfinder brake fluid leak can start fire

NHTSA campaign 18V601000 · Reported 2018-09-07 · Nissan North America, Inc.

critical How serious is it? About this label

Serious fire risk — if that ABS light stays on after startup, Nissan says do not drive the vehicle and park it outdoors away from other cars and buildings.

⚠ Park outside, away from buildings — fire risk. See all such recalls.

What's wrong, in plain English

The anti-lock brake pump can let brake fluid drip onto a circuit board inside it. Brake fluid on the electrical parts can cause a short, and that short can start a fire. There is a warning sign: if the ABS brake light stays on for more than 10 seconds after you start the engine, fluid has likely leaked. A dealer will check the pump's serial number and replace it if needed, free.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle is covered.
2. Watch the ABS warning light at startup; if it stays on past 10 seconds, stop driving and park outdoors away from structures and other vehicles.
3. Contact your dealer, or Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, for the free inspection and replacement.

Affected vehicles (1)

2018 Nissan Pathfinder

Who to contact

Nissan — official Nissan recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-867-7669

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Nissan brake fluid leaks and caliper failures: which models are recalled? · all 5 Nissan recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
Safety risk: 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. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.