Last updated: 2026-03-04
Nissan Pathfinder Reliability by Year
The Nissan Pathfinder averages 73/100 across 7 model years, rated good.
Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Overview
Covering model years from 2018 to 2026, the Nissan Pathfinder holds an average reliability score of 66 out of 100, categorized as "Good" on the Auto Reliability Index. While the Pathfinder shows improvement over time, with 2024 and 2025 models reaching scores of 77, frequent complaints center on the electrical system and power train. Ideal for families needing a reliable mid-size SUV, potential buyers should be aware of specific issues in earlier models, such as service brakes and unknown system complaints, especially in 2022.
Current generation: 5th gen (2022–2023), facelifted 2023.
Best & Worst Nissan Pathfinder Years
Best Nissan Pathfinder Years to Buy
The best Nissan Pathfinder year is 2025 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2020 (78/100) and 2024 (74/100).
Nissan Pathfinder Years to Avoid
The worst Nissan Pathfinder year is 2022 with a score of 66/100, primarily due to service brakes (18) issues.
See full Nissan Pathfinder years-to-avoid analysis →Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Score Trend
Nissan Pathfinder reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 73/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 78/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Nissan Pathfinder
0 recalls · 1 complaints
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Back Over Prevention (1).
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
1 recalls · 25 complaints
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 25 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (4), Power Train (4), Unknown Or Other (3).
2024 Nissan Pathfinder
2 recalls · 38 complaints
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 38 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (8), Power Train (6), Engine (4).
2023 Nissan Pathfinder
1 recalls · 86 complaints
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 86 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (18), Electrical System (15), Service Brakes (13).
2022 Nissan Pathfinder
5 recalls · 119 complaints
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 119 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (18), Power Train (17), Unknown Or Other (16).
2020 Nissan Pathfinder
0 recalls · 43 complaints
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 43 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (9), Engine (8), Unknown Or Other (5).
2019 Nissan Pathfinder
2 recalls · 71 complaints
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 71 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (11), Electrical System (9), Engine (7).
2018 Nissan Pathfinder
3 recalls · 74 complaints
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 74 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (10), Unknown Or Other (9), Electrical System (8).
Nissan Pathfinder Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$542
Repair Frequency
0.4/yr
Major Repair Risk
15%
$31 below the midsize SUVs average of $573/yr.
Ranked #17 of 26 among midsize SUVs.
Nissan Pathfinder Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Nissan Models
Compare all Nissan models by reliability
Compare Nissan Pathfinder With Similar SUVs
The Nissan Pathfinder competes with other midsize suvs such as Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot.
Ford Explorer reliability
9 years tracked · 2694 complaints
Toyota Highlander reliability
9 years tracked · 1892 complaints
Honda Pilot reliability
9 years tracked · 2382 complaints
Chevrolet Traverse reliability
9 years tracked · 1417 complaints
Kia Telluride reliability
6 years tracked · 1600 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
- The Nissan Pathfinder has good reliability with an average score of 73/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Nissan Pathfinder?
- The best year for the Nissan Pathfinder is 2025 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. It has 1 recalls and 25 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Nissan Pathfinder analysis →
- What are the Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid?
- The Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid include 2022 (66/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Nissan Pathfinder?
- The Nissan Pathfinder has an estimated annual repair cost of $542, which is $31 below the midsize SUVs average of $573. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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