At the shop, Nissan brake issues have a recognizable signature. 2,732 documented complaints across 137 year-model entries from 2005 to 2024 is consistent with what we see come in. Complaint volume is spread across the lineup rather than parked on one bad year. That's the signature of a platform or supplier issue, not a single-year flub. 2 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Nissan vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Across the 1,687 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 52,558 miles. Repair cost runs around $450 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Pulsing, grinding, soft pedal — none of those should sit more than a week. Brake problems compound fast on a vehicle already on the list.
Nissan brakes problems
2,732 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Nissan vehicles for brakes issues. 19 active recall campaigns. See brakes across all makes →
Worst-affected Nissan model-years for brakes Top 25 by complaint volume
Active recalls — Nissan brakes 12 on file
Nissan North America, Inc
If brake fluid leaks into the brake booster it can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Nissan North America, Inc
If the brake relay fails, longer distances or additional brake effort would be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Nissan North America, Inc
A loss of brake fluid may reduce braking performance, increasing the risk of crash.
Nissan North America, Inc
A brake fluid leak can reduce braking performance and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Nissan North America, Inc
A loss of brake fluid may reduce braking performance, increasing the risk of crash.
Nissan of North America, Inc (Nissan) is recalling certain 2009 Murano vehicles
If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Nissan North America, Inc
A broken front brake caliper can cause a loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Nissan North America, Inc
If the front brake pressure is reduced there would be less braking power, requiring a longer distance to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles manufactured April 18, 2012, through September 20, 2013; model year 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles manufactured September 15, 2011, through January 16, 2013; and model year 2014 Infiniti QX60 vehicles manufactured January 17, 2013, through September 20, 2013
The increased stopping distance may increase the risk of a crash.
On certain sport utility vehicles, the antilock brake system/vehicle dynamic control (ABS/vdc) actuator is designed with one ball in the valve section
In ABS/vdc actuators with more than one ball, it is possible that fluid flow could be blocked and cause a reduction in brake force in one or both front wheels or affect operation of the ABS and/or vdc. This could result in a reduction in brake effectiveness without warning increasing the risk of a crash.
Nissan North America, Inc
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.
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Pathfinder and Infiniti JX vehicles manufactured December 3, 2012, through January 29, 2013
If the brake torque member fails, the brake caliper may move and contact the inside of the road wheel, resulting in reduced braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Common questions
How many Nissan brakes complaints are on file with NHTSA?
2,732 complaints across 137 model-year entries from 2005 to 2024. 19 active recall campaigns cover brakes issues across the Nissan lineup.
Which Nissan model has the most brakes complaints?
The 2009 Nissan Murano leads with 240 complaints in this category. Next: 2005 Armada (191) and 2018 Rogue (176).
What does it cost to fix Nissan brakes problems?
Independent shops average $450 for brakes repairs across the Nissan lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Nissan brakes recalls?
Yes — 12 active recall campaigns cover brakes on Nissan vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.