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Nissan Pathfinder 2013–2020 (R52)

Nissan Pathfinder
Photo: Mr.choppers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Price
$29,500–$44,000
MPG
26
  • Strength: Excellent safety
  • Strength: Excellent capability
  • Strength: Strong value retention
  • Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
  • Watch-out: Below-average reliability
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How it scores for you10 scores
A crash-safe, 6,000-lb-towing family hauler with three roomy rows, but its CVT powertrain woes and skimpy 16-cu-ft cargo hold undercut the comfort.
Reliability35

Recalled somewhat less often than cars of the same model years; 6 of its 9 recalls were serious. About 4% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -6 points for its wider reputation.

Safety100

5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4).

Running costs52

About $2,600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 52% of cars we track.

Cargo & utility15

16 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 15% of other SUVs we track.

Passenger space68

Roomy 7-seat three-row layout with clever sliding second row for third-row access; 79.8 cu ft max cargo is generous for the segment.

Driving fun38

260hp V6 provides adequate power but the CVT saps engagement. Soft, comfort-tuned suspension and light steering make this a docile family hauler, not a driver's car.

Tech42

For its 2013-2020 run, offered typical mid-size SUV features but nothing standout; aging infotainment and modest driver-assist relative to newer rivals lower it below average.

Comfort62

Cushy ride, quiet cabin and comfortable seating were Pathfinder strengths in this generation, geared toward relaxed family cruising.

Value retention70

SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.

Capability86

Rated to tow 6,000 lb; all- or four-wheel drive available.

Safety & recalls15 recalls
Overall 5/5
Frontal 4/5
Side 5/5
Rollover 4/5

15 recalls · 8 common complaint areas across 2015–2020

  • Powertrain — 76 complaints (2015)
  • Recall — Back over prevention: sensing system: camera (2019)
  • Unknown or other — 64 complaints (2015)

2020

  • Complaint clusterEngine11 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    After only 110,000 miles, my local Nissan service center (Advantage Nissan, 5101 Auto Center Blvd, Bremerton, WA 98312) states that the timing chain is loose. The repair estimate is in excess of $6000. The expense is because it requires removal of the engine to effect repairs. Research reveals th

  • Complaint clusterElectrical9 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Passenger door unlock/lock does not work at all unless done manually by hand and the driver door is beginning to do the same as well. This has begun a year ago. The lift gate button broke off over a year ago as well and is only connected by cables and today (January 9, 2026) while trying to open t

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain8 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    The car stalled three times and died in active traffic. The breakdown was so hazardous that the police department had to intervene and push the car out of the road and had to tow the car more than 3 times and was at the Nissan Dealership for over one week. I paid Nissan dealership $5,000 to repair t

  • Complaint clusterBrakes7 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stationary, the ABS, traction control, and the Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited for several minutes before restarting the vehicle, and the war

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other5 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    The rear view camera ceases to work. It may work for a few days, then not work for a few days. This has been occurring since prior to the end of the warranty period. Dealer would not inspect as it was working when the vehicle was taken to the dealer.

2019

  • RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera19V654000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip19V807000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-60

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other11 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    The rear hatch unlocks when I start the vehicle. Then the rear hatch is open indicator comes on

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain9 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    Driving at 75 miles per hour on highway. We Heard an explosion, and airbags deployed. There was no collision or front end hit, there was no warning lights or sounds, no deceleration. My husband was somehow able to pull to the side, we were not injured, except for the airbag hitting me in the head,

  • Complaint clusterElectrical9 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Left side passenger lock mechanism just stopped working. Conducted research online and discovered it’s a rather huge issue with some Nissan vehicles. (I also saw a lawsuit currently in pending status related to this matter) The actuator needs to be repaired. All other locks in the vehicle work fine.

  • Complaint clusterEngine8 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    There was built up sludge in my engine that caused it to fail, and I was charged to replace it

  • Complaint clusterBrakes7 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    On three separate incidents my brakes have totally failed. I went to apply the brakes and the pedal went to the floor with no braking action at all. The most recent occurrence we were exiting a freeway and coming to a traffic signal. Our speed was approximately 45 MPH and upon applying the brakes t

2018

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip18V601000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.

  • RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera19V654000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip19V807000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-60

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain11 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    The vehicle veers towards the right, even though a wheel alignment was completed on 7/1/26. On 7/28/26 when driving the vehicle, it wouldn’t accelerate properly, it felt sluggish and although the gas pedal was depressed it was struggling to pick up speed. As the vehicle was attempting to shift betwe

  • Complaint clusterElectrical9 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Infotainment system stopped working. Now radio, no climate control visible and NO backup camera most of the time. Very dangerous without the backup camera

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other9 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    The forward collision warning and traction control light is stuck on both together. Today is the 1st time it has come on, but when doing research I seen that people have had this issue before and that there was a recall for maxima’s and Murano’s, but nothing that has been seen for the pathfinder.

  • Complaint clusterCruise control8 complaintscomplaints:VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

    I was driving along at 35-40 mph and the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating when I gave it gas. Nearly empty at the time so I thought maybe it was a gas issue. I drove it a couple of days after that and it drove just fine. I filled her up with premium gas, thinking that it would fix the problem.

  • Complaint clusterBrakes7 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    The stop lamp switch has become contaminated with silicon off-gassing from silicon-based grease used in surrounding components in close proximity. This is causing the car to not start, not able to switch gears, and break light is not turning on.

2017

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip18V601000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip19V807000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-60

  • Complaint clusterEngine54 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    SLUDGE IN ENGINE- UNDER 100,000 MILES We had been keeping up with all recommended services, and it is cosmetically perfect, but the car is now a total loss. A Check Engine light came on, and we began to notice a tremor/shake and took it to Southern Team Nissan. The Nissan dealer diagnosed sludge in

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other33 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    My 2017 Nissan Pathfinder was making noise - I brought it to my mechanic and he said it is not safe to drive that the rear frame assembly has rotted and on one side was not even connected to anything. I have 110,000 miles on it. I asked Nissan to stand by there vehicle and was told it’s past warrant

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain33 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot at unknown speeds, the vehicle began jerking and stalled. The battery had become inoperable. The TPMS message was displayed. The failure was linked to Technical Service Bulletin: NTB15-015h. The local d

  • Complaint clusterElectrical20 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    As I was driving my 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, when the vehicle suddenly accelerated to a high rate of speed and the gas pedal became stuck. I tried to press on the brake as much as possible but the vehicle was not successfully able to be stopped which caused a terrible motor vehicle accident.

  • Complaint clusterSteering8 complaintscomplaints:STEERING

    Constant whine from under the vehicle while in park or idle. Even after having the rack replaced

2016

  • RecallAirbags: sensor: occupant classification16V244000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano

  • RecallLatches/locks/linkages: hood: LATCH22V420000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Pathfinder vehicles. On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed.

  • Complaint clusterAirbags19 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS

    Occupant Air bag sensor is on constantly and Air bag light on dashboard. My vehicle has never been in an accident. There was a recall issued for my vehicle in 2016. I purchased my car in 2017 new and it was overstock vehicle. The recall was cleared in August 2016 by dealer and I just found this out

  • Complaint clusterEngine19 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    My front differential and transmission failed at the same time while I was driving on a major highway. I had to repair both components at a dealership costing me over $8000.

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other17 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    There is a recall for replacement of the hood latch. the recall ID is R24B7. I have taken my car to the dealer twice. All they do is inspect and clean the part. They do not replace the part. It was my understanding the hood latch should be replaced. However Gunn NIssan refuses to replace the

  • Complaint clusterBrakes12 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    Every year when it warms up, the brakes fade. I've had new pads, rotors, new fluid. Still have brake fade. Took it to mechanic, he tried a new master cylinder. Still have brake fade. This is a known issue for these vehicles. Something needs to be done. Nissan needs to be held liable for their faulty

  • Complaint clusterElectrical10 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    My 2024 Nissan Frontier has experienced repeated complete power loss more than three times. The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while on the street and cannot be restarted. During some incidents, even the emergency hazard lights did not work. I had to use jump cables to restart the vehicle. I first r

2015

  • RecallBrakes15V012000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles manufactured August 14, 2014, to November 5, 2014, and 2014-2015 Nissan Rogue vehicles manufactured August 12, 2014, to November 15, 2014. During the assembly process, the fron

  • RecallAirbags: frontal; air bags: sensor: occupant classification15V681000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant

  • RecallAirbags: sensor: occupant classification16V244000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano

  • RecallExterior lighting: brake lights: switch21V020000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. The location of the brake light switch may cause the brake light switch relay to repeatedly open and close. Overtime, this can cause the relay to stick in the "ON" position, with the brake lights remaini

  • RecallEngine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ecu/ecm): software; hybrid propulsion system21V774000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, 2015-2016 Murano Hybrid, and 2014-2017 INFINITI QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may shut down the hybrid system and the engine under certain conditions, causing a

  • RecallLatches/locks/linkages: hood: LATCH22V420000

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Pathfinder vehicles. On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed.

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain76 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    CVT judder problems on acceleration

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other64 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this request under my existing Consumer Affairs case number [XXX] regarding my 2015 Nissan Pathfinder (VIN: [XXX] , Plate: [XXX] ). On [insert date], while driving on the freeway, the hood latch failed and caused the hood to suddenly fly up, completely block

  • Complaint clusterAirbags54 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS

    The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the front driver’s side curtain air bag deployed without impact. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact slowed down and veered over to the side of the road to park and inspect the vehicle. The Fire Depa

  • Complaint clusterEngine38 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    While driving at a rate of 20mph +, the pathfinder will start jerking back and forth then turn off. This happened in the middle of a highway lane. Good thing no one was hurt. This was also sudden

  • Complaint clusterElectrical23 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    The relay in the drivers seat melted and the wires shorted out. This caused issues with my radio, clock, brakes, and power issues when accelerating. They replaced the relay which cost me $1200 and suddenly all of my systems work correctly. I was told the short was causing feedback into the electrica

Cost to own$21,000 / 5 yr

MSRP, new

$29,500–$44,000

Estimated used price, by model year

2020$23,300–$27,400
2019$20,300–$23,800
2018$17,500–$20,600
2017$15,100–$17,700
2016$12,900–$15,100
2015$10,900–$12,800

$2,600/yr

EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.

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Specs
MSRPNew $29,500–$44,000
Efficiency26 MPG
Seats7
Drivetrain4WD
PowertrainGas

City MPG

25

Highway MPG

28

Combined MPG

26

Horsepower

260 hp

Doors

4

Length

198.4 in

Width

77.2 in

Height

70.1 in

Wheelbase

114.2 in

Curb weight

4,275 lb

Cargo volume

16 cu ft

Cargo (seats folded)

79.8 cu ft

Towing capacity

6,000 lbs

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