Recall 16V380 affects 79,853 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles for an incorrectly installed brake light switch. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
Nissan is recalling 79,853 2013-2014 Pathfinder SUVs because an incorrectly installed brake light switch can leave the brake lights on, affect normal acceleration, and allow shifting out of Park without pressing the brake pedal. Those failures increase crash or rollaway injury risk, and Nissan dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake light switch in the 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder is a small electrical switch tied to the brake pedal. When you press the pedal, it turns the rear brake lights on and signals the brake-shift interlock, the system that keeps the SUV in Park until the brake is pressed.
On affected Pathfinders, the switch was installed out of specification. That poor position lets the relay make uneven contact and cycle repeatedly. The relay can then stick in the ON position, leaving the brake lights lit even when your foot is off the pedal. The same switch problem can also interfere with the shift interlock, allowing the vehicle to shift out of Park without the brake pedal being pressed.
There is no warning sign before failure. Once the problem appears, an owner can notice brake lights that stay on after the vehicle is parked, or a shifter that moves from Park without the brake pedal.
Who's affected?
The same brake-light switch scope applies to both Pathfinder model years.
| 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Switch |
|---|---|
| 2014 Nissan Pathfinder | Switch |
| Units affected | 79,853 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If this brake light switch problem activates brake override, the Pathfinder cannot accelerate normally, which increases crash risk. Brake lights that stay on also make actual braking harder for following drivers to read. If the vehicle shifts out of park without the brake pedal pressed, it can roll away and injure someone. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nissan dealer to schedule the free brake-light-switch inspection and relay replacement that fixes brake lights that stay on.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, or reference recall number 16V380 when you call.
- Avoid driving with brake lights that stay on, and keep extra following distance until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nissan technician inspects the brake light switch and replaces the relay if the inspection shows it is needed. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. If you already paid out of pocket for the same repair before the owner letter, Nissan's reimbursement statement covers documented costs for vehicles no longer under warranty. Vehicles still under warranty are handled through warranty coverage. Bring repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how Nissan handles the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 31, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 31, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| May 31, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 25, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V380?
Recall 16V380 covers 79,853 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder SUVs with an incorrectly installed brake light switch. The defect can leave the brake lights on, activate brake override, or allow shifting out of Park without pressing the brake pedal, increasing crash or injury risk.
What should I do if my 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Pathfinder is included in recall 16V380. If it is, contact a franchised Nissan dealer to schedule the brake light switch inspection. The dealer will replace the relay as needed, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost. Nissan dealers will inspect the brake light switch and replace the relay as needed for free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
Is it safe to drive my Nissan Pathfinder?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive instruction. The risk is tied to the brake light switch: brake lights can stay on, brake override can limit normal acceleration, and the vehicle can shift out of Park without the brake pedal. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer inspection.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for brake lights that stay illuminated after you release the brake pedal. Also treat any shift from Park without pressing the brake pedal as a recall-related warning sign. If either happens, call a Nissan dealer and reference recall 16V380.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V380000 |
|---|---|
| Nissan customer service | 1-800-647-7261 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V380 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V380000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →