Last updated: 2026-03-04

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good
2024 Nissan Pathfinder

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 38 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

2

Complaints

38

Complaint Rate

5.1

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$542

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

15%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
71/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
80/100 (Excellent)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
84/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

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

Top Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)POWER TRAIN (6)ENGINE (4)

2 recalls on record

Should You Buy the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder?

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder scores 74/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.

With 38 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 electrical system (8). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2023 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

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (8 complaints)
  • POWER TRAIN issues reported (6 complaints)

Compare 2024 Nissan Pathfinder With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
  • POWER TRAIN (6)
  • ENGINE (4)
  • STRUCTURE (3)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (3)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
  • STEERING (2)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
  • TIRES (1)
  • SEAT BELTS (1)
  • AIR BAGS (1)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
  • WHEELS (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

2

recalls on record

The 2024 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

5.1

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 8.2

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

1

Fires

0

Injuries

3

Deaths

0

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

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

24V1760002024-03-05

SEAT BELTS

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The lap belt pretensioner in the left-side front seat belt assembly may be improperly secured, due to a missing rivet. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection," 209 "Seat Belt Assemblies," and 210 "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Consequence

An unsecured lap belt pretensioner will not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the left-side front lap seat belt pretensioner assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Owners may contact Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD106 and PD107.

24V1540002024-02-27

AIR BAGS

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.

Consequence

An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD103, PD104, and PMA34.

2024 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: 16.9%

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 Airbag)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 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 2024 Nissan Pathfinder

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

  • Test auto start/stop function for consistent restart
  • Inspect rear brake pads for uneven or premature wear
  • Check for water leaks inside the vehicle, especially after rain
  • Test transmission for smooth shifting and no unexpected neutral shifts
  • Verify side view mirrors for stability while driving
  • Inspect engine bay for signs of coolant leakage

Check Any 2024 Nissan Pathfinder's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2024 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.

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Common Problems by Component

38 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

8
6
4
8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)POWER TRAIN (6)ENGINE (4)STRUCTURE (3)SERVICE BRAKES (3)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)STEERING (2)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)Other (8)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 complaints

Owners report several issues with the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder's electrical system, most notably involving the auto start/stop function, which sometimes fails to restart the engine, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly at intersections. Complaints frequently mention problems with battery performance and rodent damage due to soy-coated wires, leading to repeated battery failures and the need for wire replacements. Additionally, multiple owners describe issues with power outlets and AC functionality, with the vehicle failing to accelerate and dashboard service lights activating intermittently. These issues appear at low mileages, with some vehicles experiencing problems as early as 16 miles. Safety implications are evident in the reports of vehicles stalling in traffic and exposed electrical conductors potentially leading to electrical hazards.

8 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

6 complaints

Owners of the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report issues related to the power train, specifically involving transmission malfunctions and shifting problems. Common symptoms include vehicles stalling, failing to accelerate, or unexpectedly shifting into neutral, particularly during critical driving situations like highway speeds or on hills. Complaints often mention the vehicle making abnormal sounds, jerking motions, and experiencing loss of power, with mileage as low as approximately 3,500 miles. Safety concerns are evident, as several owners describe scenarios where these issues occur in traffic or on highways, posing potential risks. Prospective buyers should be aware of these patterns and the potential for unresolved transmission problems.

6 complaints total

ENGINE

4 complaints

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder's engine, including coolant infiltration leading to catastrophic engine failure and the need for a full engine replacement, typically occurring around 35,855 miles. Complaints frequently mention unexpected engine shutdowns while driving, often at speeds of 40-55 mph, requiring towing for repairs. Another common issue involves the vehicle's transmission failing and shifting into reverse unexpectedly, even at low mileage, such as 1,198 miles. Safety implications include sudden loss of power and control, posing risks to occupants and other road users. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially in vehicles with similar mileage ranges.

4 complaints total
STRUCTURE (3 complaints)

STRUCTURE

3 complaints

Owners report several structural issues with the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. One common complaint involves rainwater entering the vehicle, particularly on the left and right sides and the middle console, leading to a moldy odor and potential interior damage. This issue is noted at approximately 2,000 miles. Another issue involves the spontaneous shattering of the tailgate glass without any apparent impact or external cause, resulting in glass debris inside the trunk and driveway. Additionally, some owners describe the driver side view mirror shaking while driving, which they feel makes lane changes unsafe. These issues could have implications for vehicle safety and usability, particularly concerning visibility and water damage.

3 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

Owners of the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder frequently report issues with the rear brakes, specifically noting premature wear. Multiple complaints describe the rear brake pads wearing down significantly faster than the front pads, with some owners experiencing complete wear at approximately 12,000 to 26,000 miles. Symptoms include unprompted, aggressive application of the rear brakes due to a possible defect in the Electronic Brake Force Distribution system, leading to uneven wear and potential safety risks from sudden deceleration. These issues highlight a pattern of rear brake problems that may pose a safety concern for potential buyers.

3 complaints total
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder report issues with the driver's side view mirror, specifically that it constantly shakes while driving. Complaints frequently mention that this shaking makes it difficult or impossible to use the mirror effectively, impacting the ability to make safe lane changes and potentially leading to near-accidents. The shaking is described as severe enough to cause discomfort or nausea when looking at the mirror. These issues suggest potential safety implications, as the inability to rely on the side view mirror could contribute to unsafe driving conditions. No specific mileage range is noted, indicating the problem may occur at various points in vehicle use.

2 complaints total
STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder report issues related to steering, primarily involving groove wander with the Original Equipment Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S tires. This condition causes the vehicle to involuntarily follow road grooves, particularly on highways, impacting driver control and safety. Additionally, a separate issue involves the vehicle unexpectedly shifting into first gear while showing it is in drive, leading to stalling and requiring the driver to restart the vehicle. These incidents occur shortly after purchase, and owners express concern over potential safety risks, such as loss of control and engine damage.

2 complaints total
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaints

Owners of the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, primarily involving malfunctioning sensors and unexpected deactivation of cruise control. One complaint details a right wheel sensor inaccurately reading high speeds, leading to multiple warning lights and potential braking risks, particularly after an engine replacement. Another owner describes the collision warning system disengaging cruise control unexpectedly at highway speeds without any forward traffic, causing abrupt slowing and close proximity of trailing vehicles. These issues typically occur shortly after dealership visits or repairs and present potential safety risks such as sudden braking and loss of speed control.

2 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Owners of the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder report issues related to vehicle speed control, specifically involving the gas pedal. One complaint describes the gas pedal snapping off during acceleration while merging onto a parkway, resulting in the inability to accelerate and requiring the driver to pull over to the shoulder. The pedal is described as a plastic component that broke without warning. Another complaint highlights repeated engine failures on highways over a weekend, with concerns that the issue may be more serious than initially diagnosed. These reports suggest potential safety implications, as they involve loss of control and unexpected vehicle behavior. No specific mileage or timeline patterns are identified in the complaints.

2 complaints total
TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint
2025-10-10

The Original Equipment (OE) Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S 255/50R20 105H M+S tires on my brand new 2024 Nissan Pathfinder suffer from groove wander on roads in which grooves are cut into them to mitigate hydroplaning in rainy conditions. The geometric design, tread design incompatibility, or structural irregularities of these tires cause severe groove wander and impair safe handling. Groove wander causes the vehicle to follow road grooves involuntarily, which is a handling defect that compromise driver control. Groove wander causes the vehicle to rapidly swerve from side to side, and in the case of my vehicle, feel as if the rear end is "fishtailing" and raising off the pavement. This condition is a safety hazard, especially at highway and interstate speeds or in inclement weather. Groove wander does not allow the vehicle to operate safely, causing the driver to constantly correct the involuntary path of the vehicle on such roads. The driver's and others' safety are at risk if the driver is unable to quickly correct the path of the vehicle and keep the vehicle in the lane of traffic to avoid lane departure into another vehicle or object. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by both the Nissan dealer from I bought the vehicle and a local Bridgestone/Firestone service center because both are unwilling to do so. Both have refused to accompany me on a test drive on Interstate 90 where this occurs because this road is approximately 12 miles one way from their locations (their claim it is too far away; if it was only 5 miles, they would be willing to do this). The tires have been visually inspected by both companies, and naturally both have found nothing wrong with the tires (normal wear at this time). Visually inspecting he tires will not diagnose the issue, and a test ride needs to be completed to document this issue - again both Nissan and Bridgestone refuse to do this. Other brand tires on other vehicles I own do not suffer groove wander.

When Do 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Problems Start?

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

35,000–36,000 milesEngine failure
1,000–3,500 milesTransmission issues
12,000–26,000 milesRear brake wear

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.

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
2024(selected)74/1000Good238
202374/100+8Good186
202266/100-12Good5119
202078/100+7Good043
201971/100+3Good271
201868/100Good374

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 74/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 38 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8 complaints), POWER TRAIN (6 complaints), ENGINE (4 complaints), STRUCTURE (3 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder have?
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder expensive to maintain?
The 2024 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.

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