Pathfinder (R52)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder
That's near the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.0 per year). Within the normal range for the category.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 10 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Battery & propulsion recalls (1)
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 loss of drive power.
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Sample complaint excerpts
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2014] My car is saying hybrid battery overheating theres a recall for it but not for my vin and they won't fix it
- [2014] My car (2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid) has been stuttering/juddering as it has been described by other users. took to my local mechanic who found the software needed to be updated. he was nice enough to take to the local Nissan dealer (San Leandro) phone (510) 347-3030 who did a software upgrade. since then, the juddering/stuttering is a lot worse and doing things it has not done before. they are
- [2014] I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE SINCE 2016. IN 2017 MY VEHICLE STALLED AT A BUSY EXIT RAMP AFTER SHAKING. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 MY VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN ON A BUSY EXIT RAMP. THE WARNING ON THE VEHICLE STATED HYBRID SYSTEM OVERHEATING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF THE SHAKING AND STALLING AND TWO DAYS LATER I RECEIVED MY VEHICLE BACK. THE SERVICE RE
Electric Propulsion
- [2014] https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10190203-0001.pdf The car shook with and we got the above errors with vehicle speed 30 miles. THe ABS, brake and skid and other lights came on screen with 4WD error At this speed on a bridge with rain and wind to lose ABS is a risk, there was perceived loss of power train and and skid luckily no accident and we pulled the car over to safety what if w
- [2014] https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10190203-0001.pdf The car shook with and we got the above errors with vehicle speed 30 miles. THe ABS, brake and skid and other lights came on screen with 4WD error At this speed on a bridge with rain and wind to lose ABS is a risk, there was perceived loss of power train and and skid luckily no accident and we pulled the car over to safety what if w
High-Voltage Battery
- [2014] I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF WHAT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE 2014 NISSAN PATHFINDER HYBRID WHICH YOU SHOULD NOTIFY OTHER CUSTOMERS OF AS WELL. THE REAR BLOWER MOTOR IS USED TO COOL THE VERY EXPENSIVE BATTERY SYSTEM AND HOLD OFF BATTERY FAILURE. THERE ARE NO SENSORS OR FEEDBACK MONITORING OF THE REAR BLOWER MOTOR TO CONFIRM IT IS OPERATIONAL. THE REAR BLOWER MOTOR OF MY PATHFINDER
- [2014] I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF WHAT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE 2014 NISSAN PATHFINDER HYBRID WHICH YOU SHOULD NOTIFY OTHER CUSTOMERS OF AS WELL. THE REAR BLOWER MOTOR IS USED TO COOL THE VERY EXPENSIVE BATTERY SYSTEM AND HOLD OFF BATTERY FAILURE. THERE ARE NO SENSORS OR FEEDBACK MONITORING OF THE REAR BLOWER MOTOR TO CONFIRM IT IS OPERATIONAL. THE REAR BLOWER MOTOR OF MY PATHFINDER
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Recalls (17)
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.
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 remaining illuminated even when the brakes are not applied. Additionally, this may interfere with the brake-shift interlock, allowing the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "Park" position, without depressing the brake pedal.
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. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
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.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Pathfinder vehicles manufactured June 20, 2012, to June 13, 2013. The brake light switch may have been installed incorrectly causing the relay to make intermittent contact and repeatedly cycle. This may result in the relay remaining in the "ON" position, causing the brake lights to remain illuminated even when the brakes are not applied. Additionally, the brake light switch may interfere with the brake-shift interlock, allowing the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "Park" position, without depressing the brake pedal.
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 Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles manufactured June 20, 2012, to November 18, 2013, 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid vehicles manufactured July 18, 2013, to November 18, 2013, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles manufactured November 29, 2011, to June 14, 2013, and 2014 QX60 vehicles manufactured May 16, 2013, to November 18, 2013, and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles manufactured July 18, 2013, to November 18, 2013. In the affected vehicles the hood release cable assembly may have been installed incorrectly preventing the latching claw from fully engaging. The secondary latch may remain in the open position when the hood is closed.
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 classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
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 front wheel hub assembly fasteners may not have been properly torqued.
Nissan North America (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013 Pathfinder vehicles manufactured April 18, 2012, through October 3, 2012, and equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In the affected vehicles, the internal oil cooler (ITOC) hose may detach from the cooler due to inadequate clamping force, allowing transmission fluid to leak.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Pathfinder and Rogue vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The right side wheels of the affected vehicles may have one lug nut each that was not properly tightened.
Nissan North America Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014 Pathfinders manufactured from July 25, 2013, to September 5, 2013 with Almond interiors only. The instrument panel tear seam on the passenger frontal air bag was incorrectly cut on the back side of the instrument panel which could cause the air bag to not deploy properly.
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles manufactured April 18, 2012, through September 20, 2013; model year 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles manufactured September 15, 2011, through January 16, 2013; and model year 2014 Infiniti QX60 vehicles manufactured January 17, 2013, through September 20, 2013. In the affected vehicles, during light braking on rough roads, the antilock brake system (ABS) brake pressure output software may lead to an increase in stopping distance.
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Pathfinder and Infiniti JX vehicles manufactured December 3, 2012, through January 29, 2013. The front brake torque member was improperly cast resulting in structural weakness. This can lead to premature failure and cracking.
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, Sentra, and Infiniti JX35 vehicles. Sensors within the passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) may have been manufactured out of specification. This may cause the system to malfunction and permanently suppress the passenger airbag.
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder problems?
The 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder has accumulated 2,807 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Nissan Pathfinder engine is most reliable?
The 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder was offered with 4 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder a good used car?
The 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,807 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder have?
The 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder has 2,807 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder?
There are 17 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Nissan Pathfinder?
Before buying a used Nissan Pathfinder, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Pathfinder?
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (17.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,807 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.