Last updated: 2026-04-20

2023 Nissan Pathfinder
RELIABILITY SCORE: 74/100 (GOOD)

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Report

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 86 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

1

Complaints

86

Complaint Rate

12per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$542

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,600–$3,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity62/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity88/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (14)
  • POWER TRAIN (11)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Refresh Year

2023 received a facelift update for the Fifth generation (R53; 2021).

  • Changes: Introduction of Rock Creek Edition; Wireless smartphone charging.
  • Year 2 in this generation (2022–2023).
  • 5th generation Pathfinder (US).

What this means for buyers

Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.

2022: Fifth generation (R53; 2021) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2023: This Model Year (Refresh)

2023 received a facelift update for the Fifth generation (R53; 2021).

Should You Buy the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?

At 74/100, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2023 received a facelift update for the Fifth generation (R53; 2021).

Owners log 86 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to unknown or other (18). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder, which scored the same. See also the 2022 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: Electronic and mechanical systems (18 complaints)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (15 complaints)

Compare 2023 Nissan Pathfinder With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

1

recall on record

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

12

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 12.1

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

4

Crashes

0

Fires

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

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

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V2680002023-04-13

SEATS

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 Rogue, Pathfinder, and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. 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.

Consequence

An unsecured seat with broken welds may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the driver's seat rail clearance, and if necessary, replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 10, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC966, PC967.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2023 Nissan Pathfinder? Check its history first

Every 2023 Nissan Pathfinder has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2023 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, 2nd row, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Front Center Air Bag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, Roof)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Nissan PathfinderRepair 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.

Nissan Pathfinder Resale Value

The Nissan Pathfinder is estimated to retain about 52.3% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Nissan Pathfinder model overall and is not specific to the 2023 model year.

Value Retained
52.3%

after 5 years

Depreciation
47.7%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
127

U.S. used-car listings

Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.

Explore Nissan Pathfinder depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

21–23 MPG

Running cost: $3,150–$3,850/yr

Fuel + repair

20–21 city / 23–27 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2023 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Pathfinder 2WD 3.5L 6-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9)202723$2,600
Pathfinder 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9)212723$2,600
Pathfinder 4WD SL/Platinum 3.5L 6-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9)202522$2,700
Pathfinder 4WD Rock Creek 3.5L 6-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9)202321$3,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder.

  • Inspect rear brake pads and rotors for excessive wear

  • Test drive to check for unexpected shifts into neutral

  • Verify fuel pump functionality and check for stalling

  • Test all camera systems for proper operation

  • Check for water leaks around the sunroof and interior

  • Ensure the engine does not stall or hesitate during acceleration

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Common Problems by Component

86 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

18
15
14
11
9
9
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15)SERVICE BRAKES (14)POWER TRAIN (11)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (9)ENGINE (5)VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)SEATS (2)Other (9)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

18 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, particularly involving electronic and mechanical systems. A common problem is the vehicle unexpectedly shifting into neutral while driving, with multiple complaints noting this occurs at various speeds, sometimes leading to near-accidents or requiring roadside assistance. This issue is reported across both low and high mileage ranges, including vehicles with under 600 miles. Another frequently mentioned problem involves the Around View Monitor camera system failing completely, affecting driver visibility and parking safety. Additionally, some owners experience water leaks from the panoramic sunroof, causing potential electrical concerns and interior damage. Safety implications are significant, with one complaint involving a crash due to the vehicle shutting off while driving. These patterns suggest potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.

18 complaints total1 crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

15 complaints

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, with the most common being problems related to the vehicle stalling or shutting off unexpectedly. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle switching to neutral or turning off at traffic lights, often requiring a manual restart. These issues typically occur shortly after purchase, with some reports indicating problems within the first few months of ownership. Safety concerns are evident, as multiple owners describe situations where the vehicle unexpectedly loses power or stalls in traffic, creating hazardous conditions. Additionally, issues with the vehicle's cameras, warning systems, and electronic controls are noted, with symptoms such as black screens or persistent warning lights.

15 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES

14 complaints

Owners report frequent premature rear brake pad and rotor wear on the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, often requiring replacements as early as 12,000 to 20,000 miles. Complaints commonly mention rear brakes wearing out significantly faster than the front, with some attributing this to the small size of the rear pads and potential issues with the electronic parking brake. Symptoms include noticeable vibrations when braking and the need for rear brake replacements, even under normal driving conditions. Some reports highlight safety concerns, such as increased stopping distances and the potential for brakes to fail unexpectedly, which could pose risks to drivers unaware of the accelerated wear. Buyers should be aware of these issues when considering a used 2023 Pathfinder, especially if the vehicle has higher mileage.

14 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (11 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several powertrain issues with the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, primarily involving unintended acceleration and transmission problems. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle unexpectedly shifting from Drive to Neutral, especially during idle or when using the auto start/stop function, which some owners say has led to near-miss incidents in traffic. Transmission issues also include difficulty finding gears, particularly when accelerating from a stop, with some owners experiencing delayed engagement or forced gear selection. These problems are typically reported between 14,700 and 44,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, including one incident involving a crash due to the vehicle rolling away after being parked. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for used car buyers considering this model.

11 complaints total1 crash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (9 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

9 complaints

Owners report frequent fuel pump failures in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, often leading to engine stalls without warning. Symptoms commonly described include the vehicle stalling in traffic or at intersections, sometimes entering limp mode, and requiring multiple fuel pump replacements. These issues typically arise within a year of ownership, with some reports occurring shortly after purchase. Safety implications include potential loss of control, especially when stalling occurs at high speeds or in active traffic, posing a risk to occupants and other road users. Additionally, some owners note jerking and lagging during gear shifts, as well as discrepancies in fuel efficiency compared to manufacturer specifications.

9 complaints total
ENGINE (5 complaints)

ENGINE

5 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report issues with the engine unexpectedly shutting off, particularly during acceleration or after using the idle stop feature. Symptoms include the engine hesitating, stalling, or shifting into neutral unexpectedly, often from a stopped or slowed position, which has led to near-miss rear-end collisions. These problems often occur at low mileages, with one report noting issues at approximately 5,931 miles. Safety concerns are significant, as the engine's unpredictable behavior can result in loss of power during critical driving situations, such as merging or turning in traffic. Multiple owners mention that dealerships have been unable to consistently diagnose or resolve these issues, with some waiting for parts like fuel pumps for extended periods.

5 complaints total
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder report several visibility-related issues. Commonly mentioned is the cracking of the windshield and windows, with one owner experiencing multiple cracks shortly after purchase, indicating potential glass quality concerns. Another owner highlights a problem with the windshield washer fluid not reaching high enough on the windshield, which affects visibility during adverse weather conditions. Additionally, a shaky driver's side mirror is frequently noted, particularly on highways and uneven roads, impairing rear visibility. These issues are reported within the first few months of ownership, and while no accidents are mentioned, the described visibility impairments could pose safety risks.

3 complaints total
SEATS (2 complaints)

SEATS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder report issues with seat stability and electronic malfunctions. A common problem involves the passenger side captain seat frame, which exhibits excessive play and noise, with one owner noting that the issue persisted even after a frame replacement. This problem was linked to a crash involving a deer, although the insurance company did not attribute the seat malfunction to the accident. Another owner describes an electronics issue with the second row rear seat, where the seatbelt alarm chimes unnecessarily, indicating an unbuckled seatbelt when the seat is unoccupied. This issue requires keeping the seatbelt buckled to silence the alarm. These complaints highlight potential safety concerns, particularly with seat integrity during accidents and electronic malfunctions that may distract drivers.

2 complaints total1 crash
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder report issues with the airbag system, including deployment and noise concerns. One complaint describes a crash where the airbag warning light was on prior to impact, and the driver's side airbag deployed, causing injury due to rips along its sides. Another owner reports a rattling and clicking noise from the airbag, with dealership service appointments delayed by a month. The crash incident occurred at approximately 10,080 miles, indicating potential early-life issues. These complaints highlight safety implications, including injury risk and possible deployment concerns.

2 complaints total1 crash1 injury
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, with symptoms including unintended acceleration and system malfunctions. One owner describes the vehicle suddenly bolting forward and backward, leading to collisions and requiring the engine to be turned off to stop movement. Another owner notes the forward collision warning light blinking intermittently and an audible alert indicating system malfunction, which sometimes disables the adaptive cruise control. Complaints suggest these issues can occur at various times, with one incident involving a collision and another reporting inconsistent system behavior despite dealer intervention. These problems highlight potential safety risks, including unintended vehicle movement and compromised collision avoidance capabilities.

2 complaints total

When Do 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Problems Start?

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

12,000–20,000 milesPremature rear brake wear
14,700–44,000 milesTransmission shifting issues
Under 12,000 milesFuel pump failures

Best & Worst Nissan Pathfinder Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Nissan Pathfinder Years to Buy

The best Nissan Pathfinder year is 2026 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (78/100) and 2020 (78/100).

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. Also avoid 2018 (68/100).

Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Score Trend

Nissan Pathfinder reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 77/100 compared to 71/100 for older years.

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
202682/100Excellent

Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202682/100+4Excellent01
202578/100+4Good125
202474/1000Good238
2023(selected)74/100+8Good186
202266/100-12Good5119
202078/100+7Good043
201971/100+3Good271
201868/100Good374

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 74/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 86 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder include: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (14 complaints), POWER TRAIN (11 complaints), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (9 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder have?
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder expensive to maintain?
The 2023 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 74/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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.

Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Nissan Pathfinder.

No spam. Only data updates for this model.

See incorrect data? Report an issue