Last updated: 2026-03-04

Nissan Pathfinder

1 Nissan Pathfinder Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Nissan Pathfinder average of 73/100

The Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid are 2022 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2022 with a reliability score of 66/100. The best Nissan Pathfinder year to buy is 2025 78/100.

Verdict

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder scores significantly below the model average of 73/100. The weakest year is 2022 with a score of 66/100 due to service brakes (18) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 78/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Nissan Pathfinder Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Nissan Pathfinder average of 73/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202266/100Good5119Service Brakes (18)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 119 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (18), Power Train (17), Unknown Or Other (16).

5 recalls119 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Service Brakes (18), Power Train (17), Unknown Or Other (16), Seats (14), Electrical System (11), Vehicle Speed Control (6)

View full 2022 reliability report →

What Are Common Nissan Pathfinder Problems?

Top reported issues across all Nissan Pathfinder model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

64 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

64 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

60 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

58 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

35 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

21 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2022

Best Nissan Pathfinder Year to Buy Instead

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 43 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (9), Engine (8), Unknown Or Other (5).

Score: 78/100 (Good)0 recalls43 complaints
View full 2020 reliability report →

All Nissan Pathfinder Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Nissan Pathfinder years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Nissan Pathfinder years: 2022 (score: 66/100). These model years score significantly below the Nissan Pathfinder average of 73/100.
What is the best year for the Nissan Pathfinder?
The best year for the Nissan Pathfinder is 2025, with a reliability score of 78/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 25 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Nissan Pathfinder have?
Across all years in our database, the Nissan Pathfinder has a total of 14 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Nissan Pathfinder worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 78/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 73/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Nissan Pathfinder problems?
The most common Nissan Pathfinder problems are electrical system (64 complaints), unknown or other (64 complaints), power train (60 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Nissan Pathfinder reliable long-term?
The Nissan Pathfinder has an average reliability score of 73/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Nissan Pathfinder generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Nissan Pathfinder generation is the Fourth generation (R52; 2012) with an average score of 72/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Nissan Pathfinder?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Nissan Pathfinder is $542 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 78/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 25 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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