Last updated: 2026-03-04

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good
2022 Nissan Pathfinder

2022 Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder scores 66/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 119 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2022 is the first model year of the Fifth generation (R53; 2021).

Recalls

5

Complaints

119

Complaint Rate

20.6

per 10k sold

Above avg

Est. Annual Cost

$542

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

15%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
55/100 (Mixed)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
68/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
82/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

SERVICE BRAKES (20)POWER TRAIN (17)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (16)

5 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2022 is the first model year of the Fifth generation (R53; 2021).

  • First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
  • Redesigned for the 2022 model year.
  • Refreshed in 2023.
  • 5th generation Pathfinder (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

Compare 2022 pricing and recall counts against 2023+ before deciding.

Fifth generation (R53; 2021)

2022selected
2023refresh

Should You Buy the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder?

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder scores 66/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.

Its complaint rate (20.6 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 13.7. The most common reports involve service brakes (18).

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to service brakes (18). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, which scored 8 points higher. See also the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • $31 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUVs
  • Low major repair risk (15%)

Cons

  • Moderate recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for SUV
  • SERVICE BRAKES issues reported (20 complaints)

Compare 2022 Nissan Pathfinder With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 5 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • SERVICE BRAKES (20)
  • POWER TRAIN (17)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (16)
  • SEATS (14)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6)
  • STRUCTURE (5)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (4)
  • SEAT BELTS (4)
  • WHEELS (4)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)
  • AIR BAGS (3)
  • ENGINE (3)
  • STEERING (2)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (2)
  • SUSPENSION (2)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
  • VISIBILITY (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

5

recalls on record

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has 5 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

20.6

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 13.7

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

3

Fires

1

Injuries

3

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2022 Nissan Pathfinder Recall Details

5 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

22V5270002022-07-21

BACK OVER PREVENTION, EQUIPMENT

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rogue, 2022 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Titan rental vehicles. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The Infotainment system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 29, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22A5 PC901 PC902.

22V1110002022-02-24

SEATS

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2022 INFINITI QX60 and Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. 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."

Consequence

A missing mounting bolt may allow the seat track to move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the second-row seat track and install a new mounting bolt as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PC867 and PC868.

21V7420002021-09-23

SEATS

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2022 Pathfinder vehicles. The third-row headrests may have an improper weld or misaligned internal components, which can allow the headrest to move or detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."

Consequence

Headrests that move or detach may not adequately restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace all three third-row seat headrests, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC844.

2022 Nissan Pathfinder NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 15.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (TBD)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Nissan Pathfinder Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based 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

Pathfinder
$542
Category Avg
$573
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Inspect rear brake pads for excessive wear
  • Test drive to check for transmission shifting into neutral unexpectedly
  • Check sunroof for leaks and signs of water intrusion
  • Verify heated seats function properly
  • Examine tires for uneven wear patterns
  • Ensure all warning lights are off during a test drive
  • Check for any recalls and confirm they have been addressed

Check Any 2022 Nissan Pathfinder's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2022 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.

2022 Nissan Pathfinder Common Problems by Component

119 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

20
17
16
14
26
SERVICE BRAKES (20)POWER TRAIN (17)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (16)SEATS (14)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6)STRUCTURE (5)VISIBILITY/WIPER (4)Other (26)

SERVICE BRAKES

20 complaints

Owners report frequent premature wear of the rear brakes on the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, often requiring replacement as early as 7,000 to 20,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention grinding noises and lack of dashboard indicators as symptoms of brake issues, with some owners noting rapid wear from 8mm to 2mm thickness. Additionally, there are reports of front brake calipers overheating and causing smoke, and a few instances of brake rotors shuddering or corroding, leading to extended stopping distances. Safety implications include potential brake failure and increased stopping distances, with parts availability issues noted due to national backorders. This information may be useful for potential buyers to consider when evaluating the vehicle's maintenance history and potential future costs.

20 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

17 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report issues with the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral while driving, leading to sudden loss of propulsion. Symptoms often include the inability to accelerate, the engine revving without power transfer, and the need to manually reselect drive. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, including vehicles with as few as 2,500 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one complaint involving a crash due to vehicle rollback while towing. Additionally, some owners mention warning lights such as "SERVICE A/T" and check engine lights, but dealers often struggle to replicate or diagnose the problems.

17 complaints total1 crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

16 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report issues with the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving, often without any apparent impact from external objects. Complaints also highlight water leaks, usually from the sunroof or roof area, and some describe hearing a gurgling sound after rain or car washes. Additionally, several reports involve the vehicle unexpectedly shifting into neutral or park while driving, and instances of the car automatically applying brakes without obstruction, leading to a crash in one case. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some occurring shortly after purchase. Safety implications include the risk of glass shards falling into the cabin, unexpected vehicle stops, and potential for rear-end collisions.

16 complaints total1 crash1 injury
SEATS (14 complaints)

SEATS

14 complaints

Owners of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report issues with the vehicle's seats, particularly concerning the front passenger seat's low height, which is non-adjustable. Many describe it as being so low that shorter passengers risk hitting their heads on the dashboard in the event of a collision, and some have resorted to using additional cushions for elevation. Additionally, there are reports of the driver's side heated seat ceasing to function around 37,000 miles, with concerns about potential electrical hazards. Safety implications are evident in reports of injuries to children caused by the second-row seats unexpectedly moving forward, pinning them against the front seats. These patterns suggest potential safety risks and comfort issues that prospective buyers should consider.

14 complaints total2 injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, with common problems including difficulty starting the car, unresponsive gear shifts, and malfunctioning sensors. Several complaints describe the vehicle shifting into neutral unexpectedly, sometimes while in motion, which poses a significant safety risk. Additionally, issues with the rear backup camera and collision warning sensors are noted, often without prior warning indicators. One report involves a fire occurring while the vehicle was parked and off, and another describes the wireless charger overheating a phone battery. These problems appear to emerge at relatively low mileages, with some occurring as early as 3,000 miles, indicating potential early-life reliability concerns.

11 complaints total1 fire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 complaints

Owners of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder report several issues related to vehicle speed control. Complaints frequently mention problems with the accelerator pedal, including it breaking off completely or getting stuck, with some owners needing to manually adjust the pedal to regain control. These issues occur at varying mileages, with some owners experiencing problems as early as a few months after purchase. Additionally, some owners describe unintended acceleration or inability to accelerate beyond certain speeds, requiring vehicle restarts to temporarily resolve the issue. Safety implications include potential loss of control and near-crashes, particularly when the vehicle unexpectedly loses power or accelerates uncontrollably.

6 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 complaints

Owners of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder report several issues related to the fuel and propulsion system. Multiple complaints describe premature shut-off during refueling, where the gas pump stops before the tank is full, occurring at various gas stations and with vehicles having as low as 19,000 miles. Some owners also mention issues with the fuel door, which does not lock and can open during car washes, raising concerns about potential tampering or water entering the fuel tank. Additionally, there are reports of problems with the vehicle's automatic shut-off system at stoplights, causing delayed acceleration that requires abrupt braking to avoid collisions. These issues could be significant for potential buyers, particularly considering the safety implications of the automatic shut-off system's behavior in traffic.

4 complaints total
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)

AIR BAGS

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder report issues related to airbag functionality and seating that may affect safety. One owner describes an incident where the airbag failed to deploy during a crash at approximately 38,600 miles, although no injuries were reported. Another complaint mentions the airbag warning light activating intermittently. Additionally, concerns are raised about the passenger seat's low position potentially impacting airbag deployment. These issues highlight potential safety implications, particularly in the event of a collision, and are relevant for prospective buyers evaluating the vehicle's reliability and safety features.

3 complaints total1 crash
ENGINE (3 complaints)

ENGINE

3 complaints

Owners of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder report several engine-related issues. The most frequent problem involves the engine shutting down unexpectedly, as one owner describes their vehicle seizing due to oil sludge despite regular maintenance and having less than 100,000 miles. Another owner experiences persistent engine check light and auto start errors, linked to corroded ground wires, with issues reoccurring shortly after repairs at around 22,675 miles. Additionally, there is a concern about the transmission not shifting into neutral when the engine is off, posing a safety risk if the vehicle runs out of gas, as described by an owner unable to move their car out of the road. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, including loss of power and difficulties in vehicle maneuverability.

3 complaints total
STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder report steering-related issues, with complaints frequently mentioning the vehicle swaying to one side during acceleration and aggressive swaying at higher speeds, particularly on highways. One owner notes the need for tie rod and control arm repairs, with these issues occurring under 35,000 miles. Another owner describes an incident where the vehicle's steering assist and Intelligent Lane Intervention systems may have contributed to uncommanded steering actions during an evasive maneuver, leading to a temporary loss of control. Safety implications include the potential for unintentional lane changes and the possibility of rollovers, as passengers in one incident feared. These patterns suggest potential concerns for buyers regarding steering stability and the interaction of driver assistance systems.

2 complaints total

When Do 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

7,000–20,000 milesRear brake wear
2,500–35,000 milesTransmission shifting issues
93,000 milesEngine failures

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.

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2022(this page)

5 recalls · 119 complaints

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.

avg 73
18
19
20
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Nissan Pathfinder reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201868/100Good
201971/100Good
202078/100Good
202266/100Good
202374/100Good
202474/100Good
202578/100Good

Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202675/100 (predicted)Predicted01
202578/100+4Good125
202474/1000Good238
202374/100+8Good186
2022(selected)66/100-12Good5119
202078/100+7Good043
201971/100+3Good271
201868/100Good374

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 66/100. It is reasonably reliable with 5 recalls and 119 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder include: SERVICE BRAKES (20 complaints), POWER TRAIN (17 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (16 complaints), SEATS (14 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder have?
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has 5 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder expensive to maintain?
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has estimated annual repair costs of $542/year, which is $31 less than the midsize SUVs average of $573. With a reliability score of 66/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue