My 2009 Nissan Pathfinder has intermittent brake problem. It happened several times when I press on the brake pedal on snow or mud, the pedal becomes spongy and goes all the way to the floor to give little pressure on the brake pads to slow down the car. Based on what I read, it seems to be a common problem in 2009 Pathfinder and Murano. Nissan already issued a safety recall for Murano, but not sure if there was any recall for Pathfinders. My dealer says there is no active recalls on my Pathfinder, and my mechanic warned that the cost to fix it might be expensive $2000-3000.

Wife had complained about the brake pedal depressing to the floor on 2 occasions prior to this one. It seemed to happen on rainy days. I thought anti-lock brakes kicked in or she hydroplaned as it happened at fairly slow speed (25mph). Last time it occurred was in a parking lot as she entered the spot almost hitting a pedestrian. I had ordered a master cylinder, so I installed it. This was done after replacing the front brake pads, rear brake pads.

I took apart the original cylinder which looked to be in outstanding condition. Now the fluid is clean, new brakes and components. Test drove it several miles. Two days later as I was braking, pedal to the floor. I pumped the brakes once and was able to stop with no problem. It was a nice sunny cool day. No bad conditions that would cause any problem. No leaks in the system, brakes were bled so no air in the system..... The master cylinder is a brand new unit, Raybestos, so not a cheepy, nor used.

Any info? Could a faulty anti-lock system be to blame? Next step is to go to Nissan for evaluation and repair.

Update from Nov 5, 2014: Went to the local Nissan dealer and left the car for 2 days. They couldn't find any codes. They couldn't replicate the issue either. They asked to hold the car for one more day. I needed the car to go to work. They did mention a recall, but didn't do anything about the recall which was the pin in the brake pedal failing. At a loss.

Update from Nov 18, 2014: Took the truck to the local Nissan dealer. They stayed with the truck 2 full days. Nothing found code wise nor could they replicate the issue. Took it back a couple days later. Nothing. Later on after taking the truck back, the service writer called with a possibility. The original master had gone bad. The replacement, even though brand new and from a reputable manufacturer, could not handle the pressure exerted by the booster. Supposedly they are not as strong as the oem part. I have pressed on the pedal hard, soft, slow, fast. Nothing changes the braking. I would think that this should not be an intermittent problem if that was the case. So still at no solution except to spend $800 on a new oem master cylinder and hope that it is the solution. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.