Infiniti QX60 & Nissan Pathfinder Seat Track (2017-2025): Recalls, Generation Differences, and Replacement

Vehicle Generation Warning: 2017-2020 vs. 2022-2025

Before diagnosing or buying this part, it's critical to know that the 2017-2025 model years span two completely different vehicle generations. Parts are generally not interchangeable between them.

• First Generation: 2017-2020 Infiniti QX60 (L50 chassis) & 2017-2020 Nissan Pathfinder (R52 chassis)
• Second Generation: 2022-2025 Infiniti QX60 (L51 chassis) & 2022-2025 Nissan Pathfinder (R53 chassis)

This guide is divided into sections covering each generation. Be sure you are reading the information that applies to your specific model year.

Symptoms of a Failing Seat Track Bracket

A failing seat track can manifest in several ways, ranging from annoying noises to a complete loss of function. Always check the power seat fuse in your vehicle's fuse box first, as a simple blown fuse can mimic a major part failure.

• Seat Twists or Moves Unevenly: This is a very common symptom. When you try to move the seat, one side moves while the other is stuck, causing the seat to bind in the tracks. This usually points to a failed motor or stripped gear on one side.
🎬 Watch: How to repair a stripped gear for under $15.
• Grinding, Clicking, or Popping Noises: Loud mechanical noises during adjustment often mean a gear's teeth are stripped or there is debris caught in the track mechanism. If you hear a click but the seat doesn't move, the motor is receiving power but is likely jammed or has failed internally.
🎬 See this quick fix for a stuck or broken motor.
• Seat is Completely Stuck: If the seat doesn't move at all and makes no noise, the issue is likely electrical. This could be a blown fuse, a bad seat switch, or damaged wiring under the seat.
• Seat Moves in One Direction Only: If the seat will move forward but not back, or recline but not return upright, the fault often lies in the seat control switch, but can also be a problem within the track's motors or wiring.
• Loose or Rocking Seat: Any movement or wobbling in the seat base while driving is a major safety concern. It can indicate loose mounting bolts or a structural failure within the seat track itself, similar to the issue that prompted a recall on 2023 models.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs by Generation

2022-2025 Infiniti QX60 & Nissan Pathfinder (Second Generation)

2017-2020 Infiniti QX60 & Nissan Pathfinder (First Generation)

All Generations: Other Related Issues

• Inoperative Power Seat Due to Chafed Wires (TSB NTB21-077): A general Nissan TSB notes that the driver's power seat can stop working because the wiring harness for the seat switch rubs against a sharp edge on the seat frame. This can wear through the insulation and cause a short. Before replacing the entire track, inspect the wiring harness underneath the seat for any visible damage.
• Second-Row Seat Recalls: Several recalls were issued for the second-row seats on 2022-2023 models, including for an incorrect stopper that could cause the seat to get stuck (NHTSA #23V-108) and for missing mounting bolts (NHTSA #22V111). These recalls do not apply to the front driver or passenger seats.

Buying a Used Seat Track Bracket: What to Inspect

A used OEM seat track is often the most economical repair, as new assemblies can be extremely expensive. However, due to the complexity and variations, careful inspection is key.

1. Verify Compatibility Above All Else: This is the most important step. You must match the part to your vehicle's generation (2017-2020 vs. 2022-2025), side (Driver/Left or Passenger/Right), and specific options. For Pathfinders, this includes trim levels like SL and Platinum. For both vehicles, you must confirm if the track is for a seat with or without memory, power lumbar, heating, and cooling. Use the part number from your original track to find an exact match.
2. Inspect the Rails and Frame: Look down the length of the rails. They must be perfectly straight. Any bends or twists, often from a vehicle that was in an accident, will prevent the seat from moving correctly. Check the mounting points for any cracks or stress marks, especially around weld points on 2023 models.
3. Examine the Wiring and Connectors: Carefully check the integrated wiring harness for any cut, frayed, or pinched wires. Pay special attention to the area where the harness might rub against the frame. Ensure all plastic connector housings are intact and not cracked, and that the pins inside are not corroded or bent.
4. Check the Motors and Gears: Look at the electric motors for any signs of rust or water damage, which is a major red flag. If possible, try to see the plastic worm gears. Look for stripped, cracked, or missing teeth, which is a common cause of the 'twisting' failure symptom.
5. Note Cosmetic vs. Functional Damage: It is common for used seat tracks to have broken or scuffed decorative plastic trim pieces. This typically does not affect the function of the track assembly and is a cosmetic issue. Focus on the structural and electrical integrity of the part.

Replacement Overview

Replacing the seat track assembly requires removing the entire front seat. While it doesn't require specialized tools, the seat is heavy and awkward, so having a helper is recommended.

• Difficulty: 3 out of 5
• Estimated Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours
• Tools Needed: Socket set (14mm is common), torque wrench, trim removal tools, flashlight.

High-Level Steps:

1. Disconnect the Battery:

   Warning: This is a mandatory safety step. Wait at least 3 minutes after disconnecting the negative battery terminal before working on the seat. This allows the airbag system's backup power to discharge and prevents accidental deployment.

2. Access Mounting Bolts: The seat is held to the floor by four main bolts. You will need to slide the seat all the way forward to access the rear bolts, and all the way back to access the front ones. Pop off the plastic trim covers to expose them.
3. Unbolt and Tilt Seat: Once the four bolts are removed, carefully tilt the entire seat backward to access the electrical connectors underneath.
4. Disconnect Wiring: Unplug all electrical connectors. There will be a large yellow connector for the airbag system, which must be handled carefully. There will be other connectors for the seat motors, sensors, and heater/memory modules.
5. Remove Seat: Lift the seat out of the vehicle. Be careful not to scratch interior panels.
6. Swap the Track: Place the seat on a clean workbench. Unbolt the seat cushion and seat back from the old track assembly and transfer them to the new one.
7. Re-installation: Installation is the reverse of removal. Bolt the seat back to the floor, ensuring you tighten the bolts to the proper torque specification (a good reference is 35 ft-lbs, from a similar Infiniti model). Reconnect all electrical harnesses before reconnecting the battery.
8. Test and Calibrate: Reconnect the battery and test all functions of the power seat (forward/back, up/down, recline, memory, heating/cooling). If the passenger seat was worked on, a 'Zero Point Reset' for the Occupant Classification System may be required, which is typically done by a dealer.

Cost Comparison

Aftermarket options for the complete seat track assembly are rare to non-existent, making used OEM the most viable alternative to expensive new parts.

Technical Specifications & Part Numbers

Part numbers are highly specific. Always verify with your vehicle's VIN. The numbers below are for reference and highlight the complexity.

2022-2025 (Second Generation)

• 87301-6SA5A: Passenger Side (RH) Track Assembly, WITHOUT memory function (for Infiniti QX60).
• 87301-6SA6A: Passenger Side (RH) Track Assembly, WITH memory function (for Infiniti QX60).
• 87351-6TA1A: Driver Side (LH) Cushion Frame Assembly, WITH power and memory (for Nissan Pathfinder Platinum).

2017-2020 (First Generation)

• 87351-3JA4B: Believed to be the Driver Side (LH) seat track/adjuster for this generation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)