Nissan Pathfinder reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 2,770 complaints about the Nissan Pathfinder with NHTSA since 2010, most often about transmission and drivetrain and other or unspecified. Nissan has filed 5 warranty extensions and 28 service campaigns for it, and there are 32 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Nissan Pathfinder? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Pathfinder a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 2,770
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 5
- Filed by Nissan
- Service campaigns
- 28
- Filed by Nissan
- Safety recalls
- 32
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Pathfinder with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | Electrical system (20%) | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 51 | Other or unspecified (29%) | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | 84 | Brakes (29%) | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | 104 | Other or unspecified (27%) | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 136 | Brakes (24%) | 5 | 8 |
| 2020 | 48 | Engine (35%) | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 76 | Other or unspecified (26%) | 2 | 3 |
| 2018 | 77 | Brakes (25%) | 3 | 8 |
| 2017 | 186 | Engine (45%) | 2 | 8 |
| 2016 | 105 | Engine (26%) | 2 | 6 |
| 2015 | 321 | Other or unspecified (25%) | 5 | 6 |
| 2014 | 574 | Transmission and drivetrain (37%) | 11 | 7 |
| 2013 | 890 | Transmission and drivetrain (42%) | 11 | 11 |
| 2012 | 23 | Engine (22%) | 2 | 2 |
| 2011 | 45 | Airbags (27%) | 2 | 2 |
| 2010 | 40 | Transmission and drivetrain (28%) | 4 | 7 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Pathfinder model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Nissan
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Nissan filed with NHTSA for the Pathfinder, in its own words. A warranty extension means Nissan pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionJun 2022· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2015–2018
CVT Warranty Extension In an effort to assure customer satisfaction, demonstrate our confidence in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and to address customer concerns including those expressed by customers in the class actions, Nissan will extend the warranty coverage…
Manufacturer reference Rogue Pathfinder: quote it to a dealer to check whether a car is covered.
- Warranty extensionMar 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2015–2018
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Class Action Owner Notification On March 23, 2022, the Court presiding over a class action lawsuit gave final approval to a proposed settlement under which the CVT warranty will be extended for the following vehicles: 2014-2018 Rogue…
- Warranty extensionMar 2017· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013–2014
CVT Software Update/Warranty Extension Parts Update 2 ***** Parts Update***** Campaign Bulletin NTB16-0120 has been revised to address a part change (in the event that parts are needed) and is now available on NNAnet, ASIST & Dealer360.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2017· Engine and cooling· model years 2022
2016 Titan High Pressure Turbo- Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign - Dealer Announcement The announcement from December 15th, 2016 has been revised to include: - High pressure turbo kits and additional service parts for diesel engine repair are no longer on restriction and may…
- Warranty extensionOct 2012· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010
Nissan has decided in the interest of customer satisfaction, to further extend the warranty for the Radiator Assembly on all 2005-10 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.
- Service campaignJul 2024· Airbags· model years 2010–2012
VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN ID #: PC945 and PC948 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2005-2013 Frontier (D40) 2005-2012 Pathfinder (R51) 2005-2013 Xterra (N50) Check Service COMM or Dealer Business Systems (DBS)…
- Service campaignJun 2023· Equipment and accessories· model years 2022
EZ Flex Seat Ownerâs Manual Supplement Voluntary Service Campaign *****Dealer Announcement***** Nissan is providing owners of approximately 67,546 2022 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles with a supplemental Ownerâs Manual addendum.
- Service campaignJul 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2022
VOLUNTARY EMISSION SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2022 PATHFINDER; A/C CONDENSER PIPE INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary emission service campaign, on certain specific model year 2022 Pathfinder vehicles, to replace the A/C condenser pipe.
- Service campaignJul 2022· Visibility· model years 2022
Air Conditioner Condenser Pipe Voluntary Emission Service Campaign *****Campaign Summary***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Emission Service Campaign to correct a potential refrigerant leak on specific model year 2022 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles identified in Service Comm and…
Manufacturer reference PC899 Pathfinder: quote it to a dealer to check whether a car is covered.
- Service campaignOct 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2022
Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign Dealer Announcement: Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) seatbelt software logic on 11,656 specific MY2022 Pathfinder vehicles identified in Service Comm…
- Service campaignOct 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2022
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2022 PATHFINDER; ECM REPROGRAM FOR âISS SYSTEM FAULTâ MESSAGE INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign, on certain specific model year 2022 Pathfinder vehicles, to inspect and, if necessary, reprogram the ECM.
- Service campaignSep 2021· Body and structure· model years 2022
Rear Door Hinge Bolt Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Dealer Announcement ***** Nissan has reclassified the previously announced quality action (PC817) for new vehicle inventory as a Voluntary Service Campaign.
- Service campaignSep 2021· Body and structure· model years 2022
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2022 PATHFINDER; REAR DOOR HINGE BOLT INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign, on certain specific model year 2022 Pathfinder vehicles, to replace the rear hinge bolt of both the driver (LH) side and passenger (RH) side rear…
- Service campaignJun 2021· Electrical system· model years 2010
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2010 PATHFINDER BCM CONFIGURATION Service Campaign ID # PC056 is no longer active.
- Service campaignJun 2021· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2010 4WD NISSAN ARMADA, FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, TITAN, XTERRA; FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT Service Campaign ID # PC036 is no longer active.
- Service campaignDec 2019· Engine and cooling· model years 2015–2019
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN VEHICLES REGISTERED IN CALIFORNIA; ENGINE CONTROL MODULE INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary emissions service campaign on certain specific model year Nissan vehicles (see APPLIED VEHICLES) registered in the state of California.
- Service campaignDec 2019· Engine and cooling· model years 2015–2019
Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogram California Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on approximately 104,221 specific Nissan vehicles identified in Service Comm and currently registered to…
- Service campaignDec 2019· Engine and cooling· model years 2015–2019
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN VEHICLES REGISTERED IN CALIFORNIA; ENGINE CONTROL MODULE INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary emissions service campaign on certain specific model year Nissan vehicles (see APPLIED VEHICLES) registered in the state of California.
- Service campaignOct 2018· Electrical system· model years 2018
Electric Intake Valve Timing Control (eVTC) Reprogram Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to reprogram the electric intake Valve Timing Control (eVTC) module in certain 2018 model year Pathfinder vehicles.
Manufacturer reference PC661 Pathfinder: quote it to a dealer to check whether a car is covered.
- Service campaignOct 2018· Electrical system· model years 2018
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2018 PATHFINDER; ELECTRIC INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL MODULE REPROGRAMMING INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign on certain specific 2018 model year Pathfinder vehicles to reprogram the electric Intake Valve Timing (IVT)…
- Service campaignSep 2018· Engine and cooling· model years 2017
Engine Coolant Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to drain and refill the radiator on specific 2017 Nissan Pathfinder (R52) and Rogue (T32) vehicles.
- Service campaignSep 2018· Engine and cooling· model years 2017
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2017 ROGUE AND PATHFINDER; ENGINE COOLANT INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign on certain specific model year 2017 Rogue and Pathfinder vehicles.
- Service campaignApr 2018· Electrical system· model years 2013–2014
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013–2014 PATHFINDER; CVT This bulletin has been amended. Changes have been made throughout. It is necessary for you to read this revised procedure to properly perform this action. Please discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- Service campaignMar 2017· Equipment and accessories· model years 2013–2014
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013 - 2014 PATHFINDER; CVT This bulletin has been amended. A correction was made to the DTC number on page 16. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- Service campaignMar 2017· Mobility equipment· model years 2013–2014
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013–2014 PATHFINDER; CVT The Parts Information in this bulletin has been amended. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- Service campaignDec 2016· Electrical system· model years 2013–2014
Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to reprogram the Transmission Control Module(TCM) to improve CVT service diagnostics.
- Service campaignDec 2016· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013–2014
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013 - 2014 PATHFINDER; CVT INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign on certain specific 2013-2014 Pathfinder vehicles to reprogram the TCM and, if needed, inspect and replace the CVT or CVT control valve.
- Service campaignJan 2013· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013
Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign to reprogram the Transmission Control Unit (TCM) on certain specific 2013 Model Year Pathfinder vehicles. This TCM reprogram will prevent a CVT belt slip condition from occurring
- Service campaignJan 2013· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013
Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign to reprogram the Transmission Control Unit (TCM) on certain specific 2013 Model Year Pathfinder vehicles. This TCM reprogram will prevent a CVT belt slip condition from occurring
- Service campaignJan 2013· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013
Voluntary service campaign 2013 Pathfinder TCM reprogram. This transmission control unit reprogram will prevent a CVT belt slip condition from occurring and will be performed at no charge for parts or labor.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Pathfinder model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Transmission and drivetrain798 (29%)
- Other or unspecified486 (18%)
- Engine475 (17%)
- Airbags376 (14%)
- Brakes274 (10%)
- Electrical system256 (9%)
- Body and structure154 (6%)
- Cruise control and speed control102 (4%)
Safety recalls
32 recalls cover at least one Pathfinder model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
One or both front brake caliper assemblies may have reduced strength and could break.
The lap belt pretensioner in the left-side front seat belt assembly may be improperly secured, due to a missing rivet.
Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
The driver's powered seat may not be fully secured to the seat frame, causing the seat frame welds to detach from the rear inboard seat bracket.
The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
When the Sirius XM subscription is set to "Not Subscribed," it may cause the infotainment head unit to reboot, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera.
On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed.
The second-row seat track may be missing a mounting bolt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.
The third-row headrests may have an improper weld or misaligned internal components, which can allow the headrest to move or detach.
The second-row seat back frames may have insufficient welds that could separate.
Insufficient welds may allow the secondary hood latch retainer bracket to detach from the front bumper assembly.
The location of the brake light switch may cause the brake light switch relay to repeatedly open and close.
These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601.
Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles.
The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
And 17 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- PE21022Preliminary evaluation· opened Dec 2021, closed Jul 2022· Doors, latches and locks· model years 2013–2016
Hood Latch/Bell Crank Assembly
Led to recall 22V420000.
- EA15004Engineering analysis· opened Aug 2015, closed May 2017· Airbags· model years 2013–2014
Occupant Classification System Failure
Led to recall 15V681000.
- RQ15001Recall query· opened Mar 2015, closed Sep 2015· Airbags· model years 2013–2014
Occupant Classification System Failure
- PE13029Preliminary evaluation· opened Aug 2013, closed Mar 2014· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2013
Transmission cooler hose separation
Led to recall 14V142000.
- DP12004Defect petition· opened Jun 2012, closed Oct 2016· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010
Transmission Failures
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 2,770 owner complaints, 5 warranty extensions and 28 service campaigns Nissan filed, and 32 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2013 (890), 2014 (574), 2015 (321). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Nissan Pathfinder?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name transmission and drivetrain (29%), other or unspecified (18%), engine (17%). Nissan has filed 5 warranty extensions covering the Pathfinder, listed on this page.
Which Pathfinder model years have the most complaints?
2013 (890), 2014 (574), 2015 (321). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Pathfinder with each other rather than with other models.
Has Nissan extended the warranty on the Pathfinder?
Yes: transmission and drivetrain (model years 2015–2018); equipment and accessories (model years 2015–2018); transmission and drivetrain (model years 2013–2014), and 2 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Pathfinder?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 32 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.