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 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2009 Nissan Pathfinder

▲ Better than typical

2009 Nissan Pathfinder
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:47:43.775Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 37
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2009: 37 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1986	1
1987	19
1988	17
1989	15
1990	40
1991	40
1992	30
1993	49
1994	101
1995	170
1996	159
1997	217
1998	149
1999	104
2000	112
2001	230
2002	156
2003	110
2004	67
2005	1,050
2006	837
2007	561
2008	328
2009	37
2010	40
2011	45
2012	23
2013	890
2014	576
2015	321
2016	105
2017	186
2018	78
2019	76
2020	53
2022	136
2023	107
2024	89
2025	57
2026	15

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

30% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH

Show 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, 2010-03-04

Also filed under Electrical system

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, 2019-03-15

Power train

22% · 8 reports

INJURY

Show 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, 2020-06-15

2009 Nissan Pathfinder. Consumer writes in regards to transmission slipping. *ld the consumer stated the vehicle also experienced radiator failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-05-31

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, 2014-01-22

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Engine

19% · 7 reports

Service brakes

14% · 5 reports

Electrical system

11% · 4 reports

CRASH

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2009-01-26Air bags08V690000 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…

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.…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-07-12Suspension10E019000 Nissan is recalling certain front and rear lower links, p/nos. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, and 54500ZR00A, sold…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-09-16Equipment10V401000 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2012-06-11Defect petitionClosed 2016-10-22 Transmission Failures
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2023-12-08Air bags23V067000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 11 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 8 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 08V690000 · Air bags
Recall 10E019000 · Suspension
Recall 10V401000 · Equipment
Recall 23V067000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.