Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 71 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2019 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.
Recalls
2
Complaints
71
Complaint Rate
10.8
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$542
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
15%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
2 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.
- Year 7 in the Fourth generation (R52; 2012) (2013–2020).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 4th generation Pathfinder (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
Fourth generation (R52; 2012)
Should You Buy the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder scores 71/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.
With 71 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to unknown or other (11). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder, which scored 7 points higher. See also the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $31 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUVs
- Low major repair risk (15%)
- Low recall count
Cons
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (11 complaints)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (9 complaints)
Compare 2019 Nissan Pathfinder With
2019 Toyota Highlander
Score: 70/100
2019 Ford Explorer
Score: 69/100
2019 Honda Pilot
Score: 56/100
2019 Chevrolet Traverse
Score: 62/100
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Score: 67/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)
- POWER TRAIN (7)
- SERVICE BRAKES (7)
- ENGINE (7)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5)
- STRUCTURE (5)
- FUEL SYSTEM (3)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (2)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
- STEERING (1)
- WHEELS (1)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
- TIRES (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
10.8
per 10k soldSegment avg: 20.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
4
Fires
1
Injuries
2
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Nissan Pathfinder Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
Consequence
A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: If the ABS warning light remains illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
2019 Nissan Pathfinder NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 17.4%
Safety Technologies
Nissan Pathfinder Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$542
vs $573 avg for midsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.4
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
15%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2019 Nissan Pathfinder
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect engine oil for metal shavings
- Check for sunroof glass integrity and signs of shattering
- Test brakes for responsiveness and check fluid levels
- Verify operation of backup camera and rear sensors
- Test cruise control and automatic emergency braking systems
- Check for unusual noises from transmission or transfer case
Check Any 2019 Nissan Pathfinder's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Pathfinder in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Nissan Pathfinder with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Nissan Pathfinder Common Problems by Component
71 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
11 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report issues with the rear camera display, which often malfunctions by going black or not activating when the vehicle is put in reverse. Some owners mention the rear hatch unlocking unexpectedly when starting the vehicle, while others report the vehicle shutting off without warning while driving. A few complaints describe the sunroof exploding while driving, posing a potential safety risk. These problems are often noted in vehicles that were purchased brand new and may occur at various mileage ranges.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly with door lock actuators and sensors. Complaints describe door locks failing to operate properly and sensors incorrectly detecting obstacles, which affects the cruise control and backup camera functionality. Some reports indicate these issues occur around 75,000 to 102,000 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by one report of a fire while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, as well as an injury related to the power tailgate malfunctioning. Potential buyers should be aware of these electrical system issues and consider having these components checked before purchasing.
POWER TRAIN
7 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report issues related to the power train, particularly involving transmission and transfer case failures. Common symptoms include grinding noises, delayed shifting, abnormal engine revving, and loss of acceleration. Some complaints describe complete transfer case failure as early as 25,800 miles, while others note transmission problems at higher mileages, such as 123,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted with instances of vehicles stalling or losing acceleration unexpectedly, which could potentially lead to dangerous situations on the road. These patterns suggest that potential buyers should be cautious of these issues and consider inspecting the power train components before purchase.
SERVICE BRAKES (7 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report brake system failures, with several instances of the brake pedal going to the floor and the vehicle failing to stop. Common symptoms include illuminated ABS and traction control warning lights, as well as brake fluid leaks leading to low fluid levels. Complaints often occur around 70,000 to 150,000 miles, with some reports of brake issues emerging as early as 150 miles. Safety implications are evident, as some owners have experienced complete brake failure while driving, necessitating evasive actions to avoid collisions. These patterns suggest potential risks for used car buyers, particularly regarding brake reliability and associated safety systems.
ENGINE (7 complaints)
ENGINE
7 complaintsOwners report several engine-related issues with the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder. Complaints frequently mention the presence of metal shavings in the oil, which is linked to engine failure, typically occurring around 88,000 to 170,000 miles. Symptoms described include engine knocking, sudden loss of power, and the vehicle failing to restart. Some owners note that the engine stalls or stops while driving, which could pose safety risks, particularly in traffic. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially when considering vehicles with higher mileage.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report issues with the vehicle speed control, particularly involving the cruise control and automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems. Common symptoms include the cruise control failing to brake when approaching obstacles, unexpected acceleration, and the AEB system randomly disabling, which in turn deactivates the cruise control. Complaints often mention faulty radar sensors as a potential cause, with issues appearing as early as 2020 and persisting over several years. A crash is reported in one instance, occurring at approximately 70,000 miles, where the accelerator pedal felt stiff, though no injuries or airbag deployment occurred. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring issues, particularly with the intelligent cruise control and braking systems.
STRUCTURE (5 complaints)
STRUCTURE
5 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report issues with the sunroof and hood structure. Multiple owners describe incidents where the sunroof unexpectedly shatters while driving, even in clear weather conditions, leading to loud explosions and glass fragments on the vehicle. Additionally, complaints often mention that the hood vibrates or flutters noticeably at highway speeds, causing concern about its stability. These issues typically arise shortly after purchase, with at least one owner noting the problem since day one. Safety implications include potential distractions from the road due to hood movement and the risk of injury from falling glass, though no crashes or injuries are reported. These patterns suggest potential structural vulnerabilities that used car buyers should be aware of.
FUEL SYSTEM (3 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report issues related to the fuel system, with symptoms including loss of motive power, fuel odor, and warning lights. Complaints often describe a sudden loss of power while driving, accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes indicating fuel system pressure issues, typically occurring around 115,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners mention a persistent fuel odor, sometimes linked to a loose gas cap or fuel tank leakage, with occurrences as early as 15,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, as one report describes occupants experiencing headaches due to fuel fumes while driving. These patterns suggest potential risks related to fuel system integrity that used car buyers should consider.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder report issues with the air bags, particularly in situations involving braking and collisions. Complaints frequently mention that the air bags deploy prematurely or only partially, as noted in one case where the air bag deployed before impact and another where it only partially emerged during a collision. Both complaints involve braking failures, with one incident occurring at highway exit speeds and the other at 30 MPH, leading to a rear-end collision. The vehicles involved had minimal visible damage, and one had a recorded mileage of 90,000. These reports highlight potential safety implications, especially concerning the reliability of both air bag deployment and braking systems.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (2 complaints)
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder report issues with the vehicle's electronic stability control systems. One complaint describes a malfunction of the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, which was active but allegedly failed to prevent a collision with another vehicle on the freeway. The driver noted no warning lights during the incident but later saw a red indicator suggesting the car might stop suddenly. Another report mentions a non-functional backup camera, although it does not involve a crash. These issues highlight potential safety concerns, particularly with the AEB system, which could be critical for avoiding accidents. No specific mileage or timeline patterns are evident from the complaints.
When Do 2019 Nissan Pathfinder Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder?
How many recalls does the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder have?
Is the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder expensive to maintain?
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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