2020 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 | 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 | 1050 |
| 2006 | 837 |
| 2007 | 561 |
| 2008 | 328 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 45 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 890 |
| 2014 | 574 |
| 2015 | 320 |
| 2016 | 105 |
| 2017 | 186 |
| 2018 | 77 |
| 2019 | 75 |
| 2020 | 52 |
| 2022 | 134 |
| 2023 | 103 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 49 |
| 2026 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
31% of complaints: engine — 16 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The car stalled three times and died in active traffic.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260726
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260717
23% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
PERIODICALLY THE BACK UP CAMERA SHORTS OUT AND YOU ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO USE IT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201004
17% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: service brakes — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING ON AUGUST 30 APPROXIMATELY 7:45ON MY VEHICLE'S BRAKES APPLIED BY ITSELF WITHOUT ME APPLYING THE BRAKES.AT THE TIME I WAS ONLY YOU 20 MPH.I NOTIFIED NISSAN,AND I'M STILL WAITING FOR THEM TO GET BACK TO ME ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE.THE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20200928
WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT I HEARD A VERY HIGH PITCH NOISE. I PUT MY WINDOW DOWN TO HEAR WHAT IT WAS. THE SOUND WAS VERY CONCERNING ESPECIALLY BECAUSE I HAVE LESS THAN 3K MILES ON MY CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200603
12% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Unknown
NHTSA ODI report, 20250708
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.