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Last updated: 2026-10-10

2025 Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Report
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder rates good for reliability, though some owners report the transmission locking in low gear while merging.
Recalls
1
Complaints
25
Complaint Rate
2.6per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$542
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,600–$3,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Good reliability and a 5-star federal crash rating, with a brake recall and scattered reports of electrical faults and a transmission stuck in low gear.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
- ENGINE (2)
Should You Buy the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?
Buy with some care. Reliability is good, above average among 2025 SUVs, and among the stronger of the eight Pathfinder years scored. Owners filed 25 complaints, a low rate for its sales. It rates better than the 2024, which drew 38 complaints and 2 recalls. The 2026 rates better still, but it has had far less time on the road to collect complaints.
The worst reports are about the transmission and electrical system. Some owners say the transmission locks into low gear while merging and stays there until they stop and restart the engine. Dealers could not reproduce it, and no fault codes showed. Others describe a backup camera that freezes for 2 to 3 seconds after shifting into reverse, or warning lights that shut off adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Two crash reports with injuries involve airbags that did not deploy and ABS trouble. Federal records list one recall for the hydraulic service brakes.
Ask for proof that the brake recall was completed. Request any dealer visits for the transmission or electrical warnings. On a test drive, merge onto a highway and check the backup camera right after shifting into reverse.
Compared to the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2024 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: Backup camera can show a frozen image for 2 to 3 seconds after shifting into... (4 complaints)
- −POWER TRAIN: Transmission can lock into low gear while pulling into traffic or merging onto... (4 complaints)
Compare 2025 Nissan Pathfinder With

2025 Ford Explorer
Reliability: 72/100

2025 Toyota Highlander
Reliability: 76/100

2025 Kia Telluride
Reliability: 78/100

2025 Honda Pilot
Reliability: 71/100

2025 Chevrolet Traverse
Reliability: 75/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2025 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
2.6
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 3.5
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Murano, Pathfinder, and INFINITI QX60 vehicles. One or both front brake caliper assemblies may have reduced strength and could break. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence
A broken front brake caliper can cause a loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake caliper assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or INFINITI's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD137 and PD138.
Buying a used 2025 Nissan Pathfinder? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2025 Nissan Pathfinder NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
Safety Technologies
Nissan PathfinderRepair 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.
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 2025 model year.
- Value Retained
- 52.3%
- Depreciation
- 47.7%
- Listings Analyzed
- 127
after 5 years
over the same period
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.comMPG & 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 2025 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 2WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,600 |
| Pathfinder 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,600 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Platinum 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 20 | 25 | 22 | $2,700 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Rock Creek 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Nissan Pathfinder.
Shift into reverse and confirm the backup camera shows a live image right away, not a frozen frame.
Watch the dash during the drive for automatic emergency braking, cruise control, or blind spot warning lights.
Merge onto a highway several times and confirm the transmission shifts up out of low gear.
Set the headlights to on instead of auto, then have a helper confirm the brake lights work.
Inspect the panoramic sunroof and rear window for cracks, chips, or signs of replacement glass.
Look through the windshield at night toward headlights and check for double images or distortion.
Ask for service records about loss of power, reduced speed mode, ABS warnings, or idle stop repairs.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder Common Problems by Component
25 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsThe backup camera can show a frozen image for 2 to 3 seconds after shifting into reverse. Drivers then back up while looking at a picture that isn't live. Other reports describe warning lights that turn off adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and automatic emergency braking. The fault comes and goes, and dealers have duplicated it without a fix. One automatic emergency braking warning came with a loss of acceleration. Idle stop also fails, and a dealer called it an electrical problem with no repair available.
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsThe transmission can lock into low gear while pulling into traffic or merging onto the interstate. It stays there until the driver stops and restarts the engine, which raises the risk of being hit from behind. Dealers can't reproduce the problem, and no fault codes show. Separate reports tie an automatic emergency braking warning to a car that wouldn't move off railroad tracks. Other complaints mention missing brake lights with headlights on the standard setting, parking assist locking the brakes, and loose steering at highway speed. Most problems start within the first few months.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsRear window and panoramic sunroof glass can shatter with nothing hitting it. Breaks are reported both while parked and while driving, and the sunroof failure showered the cabin with shards. A sudden burst at speed could startle a driver into swerving. A broken rear window also leaves third-row passengers exposed. Another complaint describes a windshield on an undamaged new car that distorts the view and doubles lights at night. One owner says sunroof glass failures were also reported on earlier Pathfinder model years.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsPower cuts out suddenly while driving, with warning lights coming on and the car dropping into reduced speed mode. One stall happened on an uphill climb, took several restart attempts and was followed by trouble shifting into gear. Police had to help move the car out of traffic. Another case repeated 3 times on a very cold day. Restarting clears the code, but the fault returns at random. Dealers have cleared codes without finding a cause, and the problem remains unsolved in these reports.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedIn a multi-car collision that hit the vehicle front and rear, the airbags didn't deploy, and the driver's face struck the steering wheel. The second crash report is mostly about the ABS. Its warning light came back after a dealer repair. Later, during an evasive lane change at 70 to 75 mph, the tires spun, the front brakes locked and the vehicle skidded. Both filings involve a crash and an injury. The count is small, but these reports point to both loss-of-control and occupant-protection risk.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsThe sunroof and rear window glass can fail with no impact. The sunroof is reported blowing out at 65 mph with a sound like a gunshot, even though it had never been opened. The rear window is described cracking apart slowly while the car sat parked, then collapsing into the cargo area. A failure at highway speed carries a risk of startling the driver. A broken rear window leaves the vehicle unsafe to drive or leave unattended. One dealer said it had never heard of the problem.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintVehicle stalled on highway during extremely low outside temperatures and snow covered roadway. Engine malfuction, reduced power error code briefly appeared followed by a complete engine stall. Vechicle had no power and immediately needed to be steered to safety. Near whiteout conditions lead to an extremely dangerous situation, nearly causing a nearly collision. Prior to this incident, the vehicle had been at the dealership for a similar issue without complete engine stall. Dealer could not diagnose issue as no OBD codes remain after engine failure. This is an extremely dangerous vehicle. Immediate action is required.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaintI bought a 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum and the driver mirror shakes really bad going over 30 MPH. I have reached out to Nissan of North America and they said this is normal. I have talked to a master mechanic with Nissan and this is a well known issue. My wife and I test drove all the Platinum models at our local dealership and they all do this some worse than others. This is a massive safety issue especially when driving down the highway it gets ever worse and if you hit any kind of bump you cant see clearly out the mirror.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintVIN [XXX] Date of Incident: December 21, 2025 Location: I-295 South, merging onto I-95 South, Jacksonville, FL Vehicle: 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, VIN [XXX] Owner: [XXX] Witness: [XXX] Phone Number: [XXX] Email Address: [XXX] Incident Description: While driving on I-295 South, merging onto I-95 South at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The gas pedal became completely stuck to the floor, and I had to keep my foot on the brakes to try to slow the vehicle. Every time I lifted my foot off the brakes, the car would accelerate again. I had to gently pat the brakes repeatedly to slow the vehicle. Once I was finally able to slow the vehicle and bring it to a stop while keeping my foot on the brakes, I tried to shift the car into Park, but it would not go into Park and the gas pedal remained stuck to the floor. I had to turn off the engine completely before the gas pedal released and the car could be shifted into Park. My husband, Alan Moore, was in the car and witnessed all of these events. This incident created a life-threatening situation. The vehicle had previously been taken to the dealership for fuel consumption issues, but no problem was found at that time. Additional Information: The vehicle is unsafe to drive, and I am requesting immediate escalation to Nissan North America for buyback or replacement, as well as a loaner vehicle while this matter is under review. VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2025 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there were audible beeps, and a message flashed on the instrument cluster that the “Forward Collision Avoidance” system had failed. The contact stated that the vehicle immediately started to slow down, and the cruise control disengaged. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the front radar needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The contact took the vehicle back to the same dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the front lane departure camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light could become activated while driving into direct sunlight. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the system was operating as designed. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
Best & Worst Nissan Pathfinder Years
Best Nissan Pathfinder Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreNissan Pathfinder Years to Avoid
Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Score Trend
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 |
| 2026 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?
Does the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder have transmission problems?
Has the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder been recalled?
Is the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder better than the 2024?
Don’t buy a 2025 Nissan Pathfinder without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder does best on recall impact (88/100) and worst on repair costs (70/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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