Recall 21V742 affects 10,082 2022 Nissan Pathfinder SUVs for third-row headrests that can move or detach. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
Nissan is recalling 10,082 2022 Pathfinder SUVs because the third-row headrests were built with an improper weld or misaligned internal parts. The headrests can move or detach in a crash and fail to restrain occupants properly, which raises injury risk; Nissan dealers will inspect and replace the affected headrests free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The third-row headrests in the 2022 Pathfinder are the padded restraints at the top of the rear seatbacks. They lock onto metal rods inside the seat and help hold an occupant's head in the intended position. During a rear impact, that support is part of the seat system Nissan certified to the federal head restraint standard.
On affected Pathfinders, the problem starts inside the headrest assembly. Supplier process control issues left some headrests with a poor weld at the rod, while others had internal parts misaligned during assembly. That defect lets the headrest move more than designed or detach from the seatback, so it no longer stays where Nissan intended.
Owners can notice abnormal headrest movement before repair. If the headrest feels loose, travels too far, or shifts when handled, that is the warning sign tied to this recall.
Who's affected?
| 2022 Nissan Pathfinder | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 10,082 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, a third-row headrest that moves or detaches can fail to restrain occupants as designed, increasing injury risk. Abnormal headrest movement is the warning sign. Schedule the recall repair soon, and use the seat only after checking that the headrest locks in place. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nissan dealer to schedule the free replacement of all third-row headrests, the parts that can move or detach in this recall.
- Bring the recall notice if Nissan mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V742 when you call.
- Call Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 with questions and reference Nissan recall PC844.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nissan technician replaces all three third-row seat headrests covered by the recall. The replacement parts and labor are free. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the affected 2022 Pathfinder vehicles are under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| September 23, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 24, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| September 24, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 17, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 19, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 19, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V742?
Recall 21V742 covers 10,082 2022 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles with third-row headrests that have an improper weld or misaligned internal parts. The headrests can move or detach, so Nissan dealers will replace all three third-row seat headrests for free.
What should I do if my 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Pathfinder is included in recall 21V742. If it is, contact a franchised Nissan dealer to schedule replacement of all three third-row seat headrests. Reference recall number 21V742 or Nissan recall PC844 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Nissan will replace all three third-row seat headrests free of charge at any franchised Nissan dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V742?
The safety risk is reduced occupant protection in a crash. If a third-row headrest moves or detaches, it can fail to adequately restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury. The dealer repair replaces the affected headrests.
What if I bought my Nissan Pathfinder used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Pathfinder is included, then call a franchised Nissan dealer and reference recall 21V742 or Nissan recall PC844.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V742000 |
|---|---|
| Nissan customer service | 1-800-867-7669 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V742 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V742000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →