Avoid: 2023, 2022, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2012 · Best recent: 2020
13 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 16 model years, the Nissan Pathfinder has 3,333 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 55 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine. 2014 drew the most complaints (1,135), 2012 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (23).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Nissan Pathfinder vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $17,239–$29,266.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 |
| 2025 | 51 |
| 2024 | 81 |
| 2023 | 104 |
| 2022 | 135 |
| 2020 | 53 |
| 2019 | 76 |
| 2018 | 77 |
| 2017 | 186 |
| 2016 | 107 |
| 2015 | 320 |
| 2014 | 1,135 |
| 2013 | 890 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2011 | 45 |
| 2010 | 40 |
Highest: 2014 (1,135 complaints). Lowest: 2012 (23).
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the current generation (2022+), which replaced the CVT with a conventional 9-speed automatic, initial sentiment is mixed.
"No Key Detected" warnings, front collision/automatic emergency braking sensors flashing erratically or activating falsely, automatic high beams malfunctioning, volume/steering wheel control failures.
Rough, pulling, or "slipping" sensations during low-speed shifts in city driving.
Screen going blank, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay disconnections, freezing, unresponsive touchscreen, poor GPS performance.
Complete failure often requiring full replacement, frequently recurring even with replacement units; associated with jerking, stalling, and error codes (e.g., P17F0, P17F1).
Rear brake pads and rotors wearing out extremely quickly, sometimes by 15,000 miles.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Pathfinder. Individual model years are broken down above.
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