Last updated: 2026-03-04

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 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
5 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
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)
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
2022 Ford Explorer
Score: 65/100
2022 Toyota Highlander
Score: 74/100
2022 Kia Telluride
Score: 63/100
2022 Honda Pilot
Score: 72/100
2022 Chevrolet Traverse
Score: 73/100
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)
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 soldSegment avg: 13.7
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.
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.
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.
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
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.5%
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 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.
SERVICE BRAKES
20 complaintsOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN
17 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
16 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
SEATS (14 complaints)
SEATS
14 complaintsOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaintsOwners 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ENGINE (3 complaints)
ENGINE
3 complaintsOwners 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.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsOwners 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.
When Do 2022 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.
2022(this page)
5 recalls · 119 complaints
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 2022 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder?
How many recalls does the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder have?
Is the 2022 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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