Last updated: 2026-03-04

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 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
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
2024 Ford Explorer
Score: 73/100
2024 Toyota Highlander
Score: 67/100
2024 Kia Telluride
Score: 69/100
2024 Honda Pilot
Score: 72/100
2024 Chevrolet Traverse
Score: 73/100
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)
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 soldSegment avg: 8.2
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.
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.
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
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
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 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaintsOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsOwners 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.
ENGINE
4 complaintsOwners 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.
STRUCTURE (3 complaints)
STRUCTURE
3 complaintsOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsOwners 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.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsOwners 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.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsOwners 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.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintThe 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.
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).
2025
1 recall · 25 complaints
2020
0 recalls · 43 complaints
2024(this page)
2 recalls · 38 complaints
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 2024 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder?
How many recalls does the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder have?
Is the 2024 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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