Nissan Pathfinder Best and Worst Years (2005–2025)
Avoid the 2005-2007 and 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder years; they carry the highest complaint indexes (100, 95, 89, 84, 79) and heavy transmission complaints. The 2010-2012 and 2020 model years score Best, with complaint indexes of 16, 5, 0, and 21.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2005Avoid 2006Avoid 2007Avoid 2013Avoid 2014Best 2010Best 2011Best 2012Best 2020
- Model years
- 20
- 2005–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 5,568
- Recall campaigns
- 35
- Crashes reported
- 131
- Fires reported
- 19
- Top problem area
- Transmission & Powertrain
Pathfinder Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Nissan Pathfinder problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Avoid | 89 | 1,050 | 14 | 6 | 2 | Transmission & Powertrain | 16.5 | — |
| 2006 | Avoid | 84 | 837 | 10 | 0 | 3 | Transmission & Powertrain | 16.5 | — |
| 2007 | Avoid | 79 | 561 | 11 | 2 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 16.5 | — |
| 2008 | Caution | 68 | 328 | 9 | 0 | 4 | Transmission & Powertrain | 15.5 | — |
| 2009 | Good | 11 | 37 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Airbags | 16 | — |
| 2010 | Best | 16 | 40 | 2 | 0 | 4 | Airbags | 16.5 | — |
| 2011 | Best | 5 | 45 | 0 | 1 | 2 | Airbags | 16 | — |
| 2012 | Best | 0 | 23 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Engine | 16 | — |
| 2013 | Avoid | 100 | 890 | 16 | 1 | 11 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21.5 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Avoid | 95 | 574 | 19 | 3 | 11 | Transmission & Powertrain | 24 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Caution | 74 | 320 | 11 | 1 | 5 | Engine | 23 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Good | 37 | 105 | 10 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 22 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 42 | 186 | 8 | 2 | 2 | Engine | 22 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 26 | 77 | 3 | 0 | 3 | Brakes | 22 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Caution | 32 | 76 | 4 | 1 | 2 | Engine | 22 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Best | 21 | 48 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 22 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Caution | 63 | 135 | 3 | 1 | 5 | Brakes | 23 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Caution | 53 | 104 | 4 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 22.5 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Good | 47 | 81 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Brakes | 22.5 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Caution | 58 | 51 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 22.5 | 5★ |
Pathfinder years to avoid: what went wrong
2013 Nissan Pathfinder Index 100 · 890 complaints · 11 recalls
The 2013 Pathfinder is the worst-ranked year with a complaint index of 100 and 890 complaints. Transmission and powertrain issues are 42% of complaints, but at a strikingly low median mileage of 5,120 miles, pointing to early failures. Airbag complaints are 20% at 10,250 miles median, and engine issues 17% at 9,847 miles. Eleven recall campaigns were issued, including brake light switch and hood latch problems. Owners reported brake pedals sinking to the floor and airbags failing to deploy in crashes.
2013 transmission & powertrain problems →2013 airbags problems →2013 engine problems →
2014 Nissan Pathfinder Index 95 · 574 complaints · 11 recalls
The 2014 Pathfinder has a complaint index of 95 with 574 complaints, the second-worst year. Transmission and powertrain complaints are 37% at a median 42,000 miles, airbags 16% at 10,000 miles, and engine 15% at 53,153 miles. Eleven recall campaigns match 2013, covering brake light switches and hood latches. Owners reported brake failures at low speed, sudden loss of steering assistance, and one report of a fire while towing.
2014 transmission & powertrain problems →2014 airbags problems →2014 engine problems →
2005 Nissan Pathfinder Index 89 · 1,050 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2005 Pathfinder has a complaint index of 89, the third-worst of any year, with 1,050 total complaints. Transmission and powertrain problems make up 56% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 100,000. Engine issues account for 43%, and fuel system complaints reach 26%, including reports of fuel tank punctures and fuel sensor failures. NHTSA lists two recall campaigns, covering the engine control relay and airbag sensors. Owners reported vehicles losing power on the highway and fuel system failures at moderate mileage.
2005 transmission & powertrain problems →2005 engine problems →2005 fuel system problems →
2006 Nissan Pathfinder Index 84 · 837 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2006 Pathfinder carries a complaint index of 84 with 837 complaints. Transmission and powertrain issues are 54% of complaints at a median 102,000 miles, and engine problems are 41% at 103,000 miles. Fuel system complaints reach 28% at a lower median mileage of 68,000. Three recall campaigns cover the engine control relay, fuel tank sender units, and airbag sensors. Owners reported airbags failing to deploy in crashes and drivetrain noises leading to loss of control.
2006 transmission & powertrain problems →2006 engine problems →2006 fuel system problems →
2007 Nissan Pathfinder Index 79 · 561 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2007 Pathfinder has a complaint index of 79 across 561 complaints. Transmission and powertrain problems dominate at 60% share with a median 107,000-mile failure point, and engine complaints follow at 46% with 104,000 miles median. Fuel system issues affect 21% of complaints. One recall campaign addresses airbag sensors. Owners reported transmission shaking during gear changes, airbags not deploying in crashes, and one report of engine smoke and fire while the vehicle was parked.
2007 transmission & powertrain problems →2007 engine problems →2007 fuel system problems →
Most common Nissan Pathfinder problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Transmission & Powertrain2,330 (42%)
- Engine1,751 (31%)
- Fuel System818 (15%)
- Other653 (12%)
- Airbags506 (9%)
- Electrical System439 (8%)
- Brakes382 (7%)
- Structure & Body300 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers183 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires161 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Nissan Pathfinder should I avoid?
- NHTSA data points to 2005, 2006, 2007, 2013, and 2014 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 89, 84, 79, 100, and 95. Transmission and powertrain problems dominate complaints in all five years.
- What is the best year for the Nissan Pathfinder?
- The 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2020 model years rate Best, with complaint indexes of 16, 5, 0, and 21, the lowest in the lineup.
- Does the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder have transmission problems?
- Yes. Transmission and powertrain issues make up 42% of 2013 complaints, with a median failure mileage of just 5,120 miles, the earliest onset of any avoid year.
- How many recalls does the Nissan Pathfinder have overall?
- Across all 20 model years covered (2005-2025), NHTSA lists 35 recall campaigns and 5,568 total complaints.
- Are 2017-2019 Pathfinders safe to buy?
- They're rated Caution rather than Good or Best because each has a Do Not Drive or Park Outside recall on record, even though their complaint indexes (42, 26, 32) are moderate.