Mechanic Works On 2026 Nissan Pathfinder. Then He Notices It Has An Unprecedented New Feature: 'Something I Wasn't Expecting'

A mechanic is pleasantly surprised by his recent discovery of a new, unprecedented feature while working on a Nissan Pathfinder. 

Don (@letsreviewit78) was completing service on the Nissan’s transmission when he found something he didn’t expect to see. He documents the steps taken to find this new feature in a TikTok that has generated over 5,055 views as of this writing.

“Check this out. This is something I wasn’t expecting to see,” Don begins. 

Don showcases a 2026 Nissan Pathfinder he is servicing at the shop. While nothing is special about the specific model that he is working on, he did notice an unprecedented new feature. 

“This isn’t anything groundbreaking, but this is something I want to point out because I haven’t seen this. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this,” he shares. 

Don goes under the hood of the Nissan and reveals the engine control module, which he notices is a Hitachi unit. Then, something catches his eye.

“I noticed something on this engine control module. … It says, ‘Made in USA,’” he shares. 

Clearly, Don was excited by this, captioning the post, “Hitachi made in USA 2026 Pathfinder? Merica!” 

“Check that out: Hitachi made in USA 2026 Nissan Pathfinder. Are jobs coming back to America?” Don concludes in his video.  

A New Nissan In The Shop?

While the mechanic's discovery that a Hitachi product was made in the USA was exciting, viewers weren’t necessarily thrilled. 

“That’s why it’s in the shop already,” one TikTok commenter shared. 

While other commenters couldn’t resist the urge to mention Nissan and its CVT transmission issues. 

“All I heard was 2026 and transmission,” a third commented. 

“2026 and already in the shop,” a fourth said. 

“Already transmission problems Nissan do better,” another added. 

Nissan hasn’t earned the best reputation with transmissions, and drivers have shared transmission issues beginning as early as 77,000 miles. These transmission defects led to a class action lawsuit in which Nissan drivers received repair reimbursements and extended warranties. 

Is Hitachi Bringing Jobs To The US?

Hitachi is based in Japan and has a global impact across multiple industries, specializing in digital systems and services. So, when mechanics see an engine control module with a "Made in USA" label, it can be surprising. 

The company has been in business for over 100 years and first started selling in North America in 1926. Since then, Hitachi has extended its presence in the U.S. with 54 individual companies and a workforce of over 16,800 employees.  

Even with a global presence, Hitachi has been focusing on manufacturing and job creation in the US. Last year, Hitachi was selected by the Trump administration to lead the development of AI data centers with a $1 billion investment. Four hundred and fifty-seven million dollars will be put into creating the largest power transformer factory in the U.S. This factory will be located in Virginia, and it’s expected to bring thousands of new, high-paying jobs to the area.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin shared that 825 new jobs will be created in Virginia with the recent partnership with Hitachi. 

Additionally, close by in Hagerstown, Maryland, a manufacturing facility for Hitachi Rail was created. 

Hitachi is heavily targeting the U.S. to build new facilities there, as confirmed by Hitachi president Toshiaki Tokunaga.  

“The United States is a key market for Hitachi, and this investment reflects our commitment to powering America's energy future to meet the accelerating demands for reliable and sustainable solutions to benefit the nation,” per Tokunaga.

By establishing a rail manufacturing center in Maryland and investing in a new AI data center in Virginia, the company is creating new job opportunities. 

“We are supporting American manufacturing, the development of critical infrastructure, and the rapid expansion of data centers driven by AI adoption,” Tokunaga continues.

Motor1 has contacted Turner via email and TikTok direct message, and Nissan and Hitachi via email. This post will be updated if any party responds.