- Class action claims premature rear brake pad wear in 2022–2023 Nissan Pathfinder models
- Nissan only defendant—no supplier named in filing
- Plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, buybacks, and damages
- Filing cites NHTSA complaints, forum discussions, and dealer records
A newly filed federal class action accuses Nissan North America, Inc. and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. of concealing a defect in the rear braking systems of 2022–2023 Pathfinder models that allegedly causes excessive pad wear under normal operating conditions. The suit, filed October 13, 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, seeks injunctive relief, buybacks, damages, and attorney fees.
Alleged Brake System Defect
According to the complaint, Pathfinder vehicles experience accelerated rear brake pad degradation well before expected service intervals, often within the first 20,000–30,000 miles. Owners report increased brake dust, squeal, and reduced stopping performance—issues the plaintiff attributes to design or material deficiencies within the rear brake assembly.
The filing does not name any brake pad or caliper supplier, instead assigning responsibility to Nissan as vehicle manufacturer and warrantor.
Owner Complaints and Evidence
The plaintiff cites several sources to support the allegations:
- Dealer repair records showing early pad replacements
- NHTSA complaint data for 2022 Pathfinders (link)
- Owner forum discussions describing similar wear patterns
Warranty and Disclosure Claims
The suit references Nissan’s 36-month/36,000-mile limited warranty, asserting that Nissan should have covered the brake wear under warranty but instead categorized it as normal maintenance. Plaintiffs allege Nissan knew of the issue through pre-sale testing, warranty claims, and NHTSA complaint monitoring yet failed to disclose it to consumers or dealers.
Plaintiff Details and Requested Relief
Named plaintiff Noah Iwan, of Illinois, purchased a used 2023 Pathfinder Rock Creek and reportedly replaced rear brake pads at 23,000 miles, incurring $468 in costs after Nissan declined warranty coverage.
The complaint seeks:
- Injunctive relief, including a recall or extended coverage program
- Equitable remedies, such as buybacks or restitution
- Damages, penalties, and legal fees
Industry Context
Brake pad longevity is a key metric in OEM warranty cost management, and premature rear pad wear may indicate improper brake force distribution or pad compound selection. Without supplier identification, however, component-level accountability remains uncertain.
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