2009 Nissan Pathfinder
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 19 |
| 1988 | 17 |
| 1989 | 15 |
| 1990 | 38 |
| 1991 | 39 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 49 |
| 1994 | 91 |
| 1995 | 170 |
| 1996 | 159 |
| 1997 | 217 |
| 1998 | 149 |
| 1999 | 104 |
| 2000 | 112 |
| 2001 | 230 |
| 2002 | 156 |
| 2003 | 110 |
| 2004 | 67 |
| 2005 | 1050 |
| 2006 | 837 |
| 2007 | 561 |
| 2008 | 328 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 45 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 889 |
| 2014 | 573 |
| 2015 | 318 |
| 2016 | 103 |
| 2017 | 183 |
| 2018 | 76 |
| 2019 | 73 |
| 2020 | 50 |
| 2022 | 133 |
| 2023 | 97 |
| 2024 | 68 |
| 2025 | 42 |
| 2026 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
24% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE RECALL FOR AIR BAG IMPACT SENSOR FORM A WHILE BACK FOR NISSAN VEHICALES IN THE NORTHERN STATES IS NOW AFFECTING MY PATHFINDER (THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON). MY PATHFINDER WAS ORIGINAL PURCHASED DOWN SOUTH BEFORE I PURCHASED IT IN ERIE PA.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190315
22% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS AT STAND STILL AT A PARKING LOT, WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD WHILE THE GEAR WAS IN PARK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200615
2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED RADIATOR FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190531
WAS ON MY WAY HOME AND TRUCK LIGHTS CAME ON TRANSMISSION STARTED JUMPING AND ALL LIGHTS CAME ON ... PARKED CAR WOULD NOT CRANK THE NEXT DAY ,,, CALLED AND HAD TOWED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140122
19% of complaints: engine — 7 distinct reports on file.
14% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I STRUCK A DEER WHILE DRIVING MY 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FRONT BUMPER AND SLIGHT DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FRONT FENDER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100304
SAFETY TIMELINE
NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MA
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2009. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THE
Campaign 08V690000 — check if this car was fixed
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN
Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 10E019000 — check if this car was fixed
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEP
Campaign 10V401000 — check if this car was fixed
Transmission Failures
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driverÂs airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.
Campaign 23V067000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V690000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10E019000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V401000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V067000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.