2020 Nissan Pathfinder: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 47 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (29% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days
0
recalls
47
owner complaints
0
fire reports
7,572
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★★Front ★★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★★
5-star NHTSA overall safety ratingNo fire reportsNo recall campaignsWeak spot: engine (29%)Problems reported early (median 7,572 mi)
Common problems
Computed from 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Engine (engine mechanics)29% · 12 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)15% · 6 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)10% · 4 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)7% · 3 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)7% · 3 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)5% · 2 complaints
“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 this specific, life-threatening defect, but the car returned to me unfixed.The vehicle is unsafe and has been sitting parked at my house for 3 months because I cannot safely drive it. It keeps stalling, dying in traffic and making a loud grind noise. I need help.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2026
“The back-up camera and display settings image is no longer visible and the dashboard indicates that it is off. The camera is black and does not display anything nor does it provides information that you are backing up. The safety of drivers and others are at risk. As such, the vehicle fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · Apr 2026
“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 the trunk the entire silver trim piece flew off towards me. The manual trunk (ours is not automatic) is a poor design and is not made safely to push the trunk button and pull up easily.”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“My 202 pathfinder started misfiring with sever knocking, Nissan said there is metal saving in my oil which is caused because of the long block engine failure and timing chain loosening. I had my oil changes done every 4K, and I also had the fluids flushed twice in 5 years because of excessive build up. How does this happen.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2025
“Electrical issues with my car including AC. Timing belt chain went and gasket covers. Continuous issue with this vehicle.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2025
“remote power locks door driver and passenger side will not open or close with remote fob leaving door open for anyone to open door when i am not around, or when at a stop. someone can open door and get in.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2025
“Driver side door lock / unlock does not work with keyFOB. All other doors lock / unlock but driver side door has to be locked / unlocked with physical key.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2025
“Hood Latch failed. Once opened, it would not re-secure. Vehicle had ~ 67,000 miles at occurrence. Problem was confirmed by dealer service. There were no warning features. Latch needed replacement due to 'damage' even though the was no accident or other reason for it to be 'damaged'. Cost was over $450 for replacement & repair. There are recalls for the same issue on other model years!”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2025
“I've replaced both CV axles, all brakes, and had service completed with the wheel hubs. Still get a grinding noise located at the front wheels.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2024
“1. The vehicle going less then 25 mph accelerates with out foot on the gas paddle. This problem has occurred multiple times on and off. 2. The Transfer case and axle seal started leaking at 74000 miles. Purchased the vehicle as a CPO dealer asking for $4000 to make repairs I only had the vehicle for 8 months. Are there recall to fix this issues?”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
NHTSA has 47 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. The most complained-about area is engine (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2020 Nissan Pathfinder problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 7,572 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.