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Nissan Pathfinder Problems

The Nissan Pathfinder evolved from a rugged body-on-frame SUV into a modern crossover, offering family transportation with available off-road capability. With 20,126 complaints and 38 reported deaths, the Pathfinder's reliability has varied across its dramatic changes. Understanding which generation suits your needs is essential.

20,126
Total Complaints
84
Total Recalls
39
Model Years
38
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

2014 2013 2007
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1986 1987 1988

Common Problem Categories

Power Train 4,962
Engine And Engine Cooling 1,906
Engine 1,870
Unknown Or Other 1,274
Air Bags 1,194

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2025 78 1 6 0 Good
2024 118 2 6 0 Good
2023 256 1 14 0 Good
2022 348 5 14 6 Average
2020 126 0 4 0 Good
2019 224 2 8 6 Good
2018 238 3 10 0 Good
2017 504 2 26 4 Average
2016 250 2 28 0 Good
2015 850 5 38 6 Below Average
2014 1,464 11 66 6 Avoid
2013 2,400 11 52 2 Avoid
2012 70 2 4 2 Good
2011 118 2 0 2 Good
2010 122 5 6 0 Good
2009 102 3 4 0 Good
2008 916 4 20 0 Below Average
2007 1,692 1 32 6 Avoid
2006 2,448 3 32 0 Avoid
2005 3,120 2 42 22 Avoid
2004 172 3 6 0 Good
2003 294 3 32 8 Average
2002 412 5 38 2 Average
2001 598 1 42 4 Average
2000 332 1 26 4 Average
1999 288 1 58 4 Average
1998 388 1 62 2 Average
1997 586 1 40 4 Average
1996 428 1 48 0 Average
1995 436 0 26 14 Average
1994 216 0 18 4 Good
1993 134 0 4 18 Good
1992 76 0 4 4 Good
1991 98 0 6 6 Good
1990 88 0 2 4 Good
1989 38 0 6 0 Good
1988 34 0 0 0 Good
1987 62 0 0 2 Good
1986 2 0 0 0 Good

Nissan Pathfinder Years to Avoid

The 2005 Pathfinder is the worst model year, with transmission cooler failures that could mix coolant with transmission fluid, destroying both the transmission and radiator in a strawberry milkshake of failure. The 2005-2010 models share this transmission cooler issue that requires proactive replacement to prevent. The 2013-2016 CVT-equipped Pathfinders had transmission shuddering and failure issues similar to other Nissan CVT vehicles. The 2001-2004 models had engine timing chain issues. Avoid any 2005-2010 Pathfinder without documented transmission cooler bypass or replacement.

Best Nissan Pathfinder Years

The 1986-1995 WD21 Pathfinders are simple, body-on-frame trucks with excellent durability. The 1996-2004 R50 Pathfinders with the VQ35DE V6 are reliable when timing chain is maintained. The 2017-2022 Pathfinders improved CVT reliability significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions