The Nissan Pathfinder remains a popular mid-size SUV equipped with award-winning safety features. However, not all model years were created equal, with some racking up over 2,000 complaints and a lawsuit.
Key Points
- The 2018 and 2019 model years of the Nissan Pathfinder offer the best blend of performance, tech, and comfort.
- The 2005 model year is by far the worst in terms of complaints and overall recalls.
- Owners of the 2013 model year reported issues with the CVT, which resulted in a class-action lawsuit.
Nissan Pathfinder’s Best Years Include Major Safety Upgrade in 2018, Parents Magazine Award in 2019
Debuting in 1986, the Nissan Pathfinder has been on the market for over 35 years. The popular family SUV, which has its roots in a compact pick-up truck, is now in its fifth generation for the 2022 model year. The sport utility vehicle’s earlier generations were tough-looking, boxy, and rugged, with a robust ladder-frame chassis. However, from 2013 onward, the Pathfinder went the crossover route, with a unibody construction. Both body styles have their merits and drawbacks.
2019 Pathfinder’s Tech & Safety Features Led Parents to Name it ‘Best Three-row SUV’
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder, with its array of advanced safety and driver assistance features, was named to the Best Three-Row SUVs category in Parents Magazine’s list of “10 Best Family Cars of 2019.” Pathfinder was noted specifically for its Intelligent Around View Monitor camera technology, which pairs with other available features that focus on the area around the vehicle, including Blind Spot Warning and Predictive Forward Collision Warning and can warn you of possible hazards. Also of note is the rear door alarm, which detects if a rear door is opened prior to driving. And if it is not opened again at the end of the trip, the system can remind customers that something might be left in the rear seat.
2018 Pathfinder Got a Major Safety Feature Added as Standard
In 2017, Nissan announced that it was making Automatic Emergency Braking standard on one million vehicles sold in the U.S. for model year 2018, including the Pathfinder. In essence, the addition of the standard AEB makes an already safe and reliable vehicle even safer.
AEB (previously known as Forward Emergency Braking) uses radar technology to monitor a vehicle’s proximity to the car ahead, giving the driver audible and visual display warnings to help him reduce the vehicle’s speed if a potential front collision is detected. If the driver fails to respond, the AEB system can apply the brakes.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, one-third of all police-reported crashes involve a rear-end collision (2013 study). The NHTSA also reports that systems such as AEB can help reduce injury by as much as 35% (2015 report).
Nissan Pathfinder’s Worst Years Include Highest Recalls in 2013, Lawsuit over Shaky CVTs
The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder had one of the model’s highest recall rates. There were 10 in total, with the most serious involving the ABS braking system, which could increase stopping distance rather than shorten it, raising the risk of a crash. This recall affected over 151,000 2013 and 2014 Nissan Pathfinders.
Another major recall was caused by the loss of transmission fluid in models equipped with a CVT, resulting in transmission failure. Due to weak clamping force, the oil cooler hose could detach, leaking fluid. The recall affected just over 3,000 2013 Nissan Pathfinders.
The continuously variable transmission problem is also part of a class-action lawsuit affecting model year 2013 and 2014 Pathfinder SUVs and alleging that the CVT shakes excessively during acceleration between 15 and 30 miles per hour.
In a 2016 recall, nearly 3.3 million Nissan vehicles, including the 2013-2017 Pathfinder, had issues with the occupant seat sensor. It incorrectly identified a passenger seat as empty, although it was occupied. This prevented the airbag from deploying, increasing the chances of injury in the event of an accident.
2005 Pathfinder Garnered 2,000 Complaints, Class Action Lawsuit
The 2005 Nissan Pathfinder makes our “worst year” list not because of its four relatively light recall problems, but because of its over 2,000 complaints registered with the NHTSA and Car Complaints. The majority of this overload of negative feedback centers on the transmission. Engine and fuel system problems round out the top three most reported complaints.
Although, the 2005 model’s seatbelts were also an issue of contention. While the rest of the feedback focuses on less vital issues like interior and exterior accessories, the three main complaints are serious enough to warrant deeper research and careful consideration when it comes to the Pathfinder’s 2005 model year.
The biggest transmission problem that racked up over 400 complaints concerns 2005-2007 Pathfinders, which may have a defective radiator where a coolant leak may cause transmission failure around 90,000 miles. The repair can be costly, edging upwards of $3,500.
The 2005 Nissan Pathfinder also logged in four official recalls, with the most significant being a problematic crash zone sensor.
Despite Some Bad Years, is the Pathfinder a Decent SUV?
Although, the Pathfinder is reasonably affordable to run and maintain, certain model years are best av0ided in favor of more reliable model years. The overall average annual maintenance and repair cost of a Nissan Pathfinder is around $550, according to Repair Pal.
The boxy style that Pathfinder fans have known and loved is now finally back with the 2022 model year. The current Pathfinder’s robust styling is now paired with car-like agility. It is a significant update, because the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder finally has new technology and off-road hardware to compete with rivals.
However, if you can live with slightly dated styling, a used Nissan Pathfinder is a fantastic used purchase. It would be a smart idea to look into a Nissan Certified Pre-owned vehicle, which undergoes a 167-point inspection.
Photos: Nissan
