YearToAvoid

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Caution The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder has a complaint index of 53 and ranks 10th out of 20 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 104 complaints, 1 recall, and no fires or deaths, with electrical system and fuel system issues topping owner reports.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
53/100
#10 of 20 Pathfinder years
Verdict
Caution
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
104
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
4
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Top issue
Electrical System
Best nearby year
2020
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
22.5
20 city / 26 hwy
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Top 2023 Nissan Pathfinder problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Other28 (27%)
  2. Electrical System23 (22%)
  3. Fuel System23 (22%)
  4. Brakes21 (20%)
  5. Engine18 (17%)
  6. Collision Avoidance & Cameras13 (13%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain13 (13%)
  8. Visibility & Wipers6 (6%)
  9. Lane Departure3 (3%)
  10. Structure & Body3 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report the electronic parking system failing to hold the vehicle, with the car rolling away after the driver exits.
  • The Forward Collision Avoidance feature reportedly failed to alert a driver before a rear-end crash at low speed.
  • Seat frame welds and cushion structures reportedly loosened, causing shaking and noise, with one case relating to a recall repair that recurred.
  • Airbag warning components reportedly rattled and clicked, raising concern about unintended deployment.
  • Electrical faults reportedly disabled the shifter after liquid exposure near the console, preventing the vehicle from shifting gears.
  • Owners report the 'AT' warning light illuminating along with grinding noises and the transmission failing to engage Park or Drive.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder complaints: complaints filed per month9Oct 2022Jul 2023Jan 2024Jun 2024Dec 2024Jul 2025Dec 2025May 2026
104 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2022 to Sep 2026; peak Aug 2023 (9).

2023 Nissan Pathfinder recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V268000Apr 13, 2023Structure & Body12,400 vehicles

    Seats:critical fasteners

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 Rogue, Pathfinder, and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The driver's powered seat may not be fully secured to the seat frame, causing the seat frame welds to detach from the rear inboard seat bracket.

    Risk: An unsecured seat with broken welds may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat rail clearance, and if necessary, replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 10, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC966, PC967.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder fuel economy and fuel cost

City
20 MPG
Highway
26 MPG
Combined
22.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,875
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2023 compared with other Pathfinder years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2020Best2148022
2022Caution63135523
2023Caution53104122.5
2024Good4781222.5
2025Caution5851122.5

All Nissan Pathfinder years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 53 for the 2023 Pathfinder, giving it a Caution verdict. It ranks 10th out of 20 Pathfinder model years, with 104 complaints and 1 recall.
What is the biggest problem with the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?
Electrical system issues are the top problem area, accounting for 23 of 104 complaints, or 22%. Fuel system complaints tie at 23 reports, also 22%.
Does the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 23V268000, covering the driver's powered seat frame, which may not stay fully secured to the seat frame.
How does the 2023 Pathfinder compare to other years?
With a complaint index of 53, the 2023 model sits in the middle of the pack. Years like 2013 and 2014 score much worse at 100 and 95, while 2011 and 2012 score near 0 as Best years.
What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?
The EPA rates the 2023 Pathfinder at 22.5 mpg combined (20 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,875.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.