Nissan Pathfinder Years to Avoid
We analyzed 2556 owner complaints and 44 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Nissan Pathfinder model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2013 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in powertrain & transmission.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Powertrain & Transmission
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Nissan Pathfinder Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Nissan Pathfinder Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | 23 | 2 | 23/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | 891 | 11 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Nissan Pathfinder | 575 | 11 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Nissan Pathfinder | 321 | 5 | 95/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Nissan Pathfinder | 107 | 2 | 44/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2017 Nissan Pathfinder | 188 | 2 | 60/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Nissan Pathfinder | 78 | 3 | 33/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2019 Nissan Pathfinder | 76 | 2 | 34/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2020 Nissan Pathfinder | 53 | 0 | 8/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2021 Nissan Pathfinder | 0 | 0 | 0/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2022 Nissan Pathfinder | 137 | 5 | 57/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Nissan Pathfinder | 107 | 1 | 26/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
Buying a Used Nissan Pathfinder: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Nissan Pathfinder model years to avoid are 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2022. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring powertrain & transmission issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Nissan Pathfinder?
The most reliable used model year for the Nissan Pathfinder is 2021 (as well as 2012, 2020, 2021), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Nissan Pathfinder?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Nissan Pathfinder are Powertrain & Transmission, Unknown Or Other, Airbags & Restraints. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Nissan Pathfinder?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 44 safety recall campaigns and recorded 2556 official owner complaints for the Nissan Pathfinder.