Common Failures Of The Nissan Pathfinder: Problems, Opinions And More

The Nissan Pathfinder is a strong contender in the three-row midsize SUV market. It comes loaded with many state-of-the-art technology and safety features and offers generous space for both cargo and up to 8 passengers. However, this car also has its problems, discover here everything about the common failures of the Nissan Pathfinder .

Although the 2022 Pathfinder retains the previous generation’s 284-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine, it ditches the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in favor of a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all trims can be equipped with all-wheel drive.

Nissan Pathfinder Reliability – How Good Is It?

When people ask, “Are Nissan Pathfinders reliable?” we first need to see what model year Pathfinder they are specifically asking about, as the reliability score for each model can vary.

To illustrate the reliability in each of the last few years of the model, the following list shows the reliability ratings:

• 2020 Nissan Pathfinder : 6.9 out of 10
• 2019 Nissan Pathfinder : 7.4 out of 10
• 2018 Nissan Pathfinder : 7.7 out of 10
• 2017 Nissan Pathfinder : 7.5 out of 10
• 2016 Nissan Pathfinder : 7.3 out of 10
• 2015 Nissan Pathfinder : 7.3 out of 10

Common failures of the Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Motor Corporation has stopped manufacturing the Pathfinder for 2021 and has completely redesigned it for 2022, with a luxurious interior, exceptional driving dynamics, a robust and modern exterior and many of the safety features and technology of the range. high most desired

It’s the nice Nissan Pathfinder, easy to drive, and it also has a user-friendly infotainment system. However, there have been some issues with the vehicles. While there’s no way to cover all of them here, let’s take a look at some of the major issues.

1. Electrical and accessory problems

As of 2018, there are several users who have had issues with the electrical accessories on the Nissan Pathfinder. Options like power doors and locks generated the most complaints, yet almost all of these problems were easily fixed.

In most cases, it seems that the problem was caused by a glitch where these accessories would stop working if the battery died or neared the end of its useful life.

While the power windows were not such an issue, the auto-closing mechanism would activate when the door locks were not receiving enough power, making it impossible for owners to gain access to their vehicle to start the repair process unless they They had the option of the manual key.

In most cases, this problem was fixed by replacing the battery and resetting the car’s electrical system . Some owners were able to figure out how to do this themselves.

2. Transmission failures

This is one of the most common Nissan Pathfinder failures, but it’s important to note that the “problem” is common in years 2005 to 2007. While transmission work can be one of the most expensive to do in For a car, it’s worth noting that the average mileage on these vehicles when their owners encountered transmission problems was well over 100,000 miles.

Transmission problems have not been reported much on the Pathfinders that have been made since 2017. There was a class action lawsuit that claimed the reason for these problems was a transmission coolant leak . The lawsuit covered model years 2005 through 2010, and the settlement provided dealer repair for the leaking refrigerant line only.

In many cases, this left owners with repair bills for the transmission and radiator. However, it’s important to note that the issue affects Pathfinders built more than 13 years ago.

Although there are still a few of these vehicles on the market, their number is dwindling rapidly. After the bad press, Nissan made many improvements to the Pathfinder to avoid the problem in the future.

3. Engine problems

There are few reports of pre-2008 Pathfinder models having abnormal engine problems, including several reports of engines that have had to be rebuilt.

It is important to note that these are almost all on Pathfinders that have more than 150,000 miles (24 thousand kilometers) and the problems did not appear until the vehicles were more than ten years old.

4. Refrigerant leaks

Again, this seems to be largely an issue with older Nissan models, particularly the troublesome 2005 through 2007 years and again in 2013 and 2014.

Coolant leaks can be difficult to trace and repair , however, so people looking to purchase an older model Pathfinder should be aware of the possibility of problems with this part of the vehicle.

5. Removal of anti-lock brakes

NIssan became aware of an issue with its anti-lock braking system on its 2016 through 2020 models in which the system would leak brake fluid. The problem is repaired free of charge by taking the vehicle to any dealer, but keep in mind that if you are going to buy one of these vehicles in the private market, it is possible that the repair has not been carried out.

Since this is a vehicle safety related repair, if you are purchasing or have recently purchased a 2018 Pathfinder, please have your local dealer check the VIN and determine if the repair has been completed.

6. Backup cameras

This could be considered part of the electronic accessory issues mentioned above, but the fact that the 2019 through 2017 Pathfinder models were recalled for this issue means that it probably deserves some special attention.

Like the anti-lock brakes, this repair has most likely been done if you’re buying a used Pathfinder from a dealer, but if you’re buying privately, you’ll need to verify that this repair has been done.

7. Problems with the sunroof

There have been reports that the glass used by Nissan in its sunroofs is cracking since vehicles produced by the company in 2008. There are relatively few reports, but the fact that they exist in many different Nissan models is cause for concern.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done about this potential problem. There is no test for glass embrittlement, and there is no way to know if a Pathfinder might have this problem.

What are the common problems of the Nissan Pathfinder according to the year?

Below is a list of some of the problem areas found on Pathfinders by year. All of these complaints were made by Pathfinder users themselves.

1- Nissan Pathfinder 2011 problems

Noises were reported coming from the front of the engine. Owners have also been noted to experience sudden engine shutdown or the engine not starting. The check engine light came on , but this was found to be a minor issue and simply due to a faulty fuel level sensor.

2- Failures of the Nissan Pathfinder 2012

The owners complained that the motor would not turn over. This was found to be due to a starter relay failure. Additional complaints involved transmission problems, rough idling, and the ” front of engine noise ” problem continued to plague Nissan Pathfinder owners.

3- Failures of the Nissan Pathfinder 2013

Engine starting problems continue as does noise from the front of the engine. The check engine light came on due to the EVAP canister vent valves failing. Stalls and/or misfires have been reported due to a bad MAF sensor .

Owners commented that the timing chain rattled and they experienced a knocking noise. Erratic or high idle after throttle body cleaning was another complaint owners reported. Comments like ” unrefined transmission ” and ” poor passing power ” contributed to the low reliability rating.

4- Nissan Pathfinder 2014 problems

A large number of Nissan Pathfinder owners have reported that their check engine light came on due to a faulty fuel level sensor – again, a minor issue and easy to fix.

There continued to be reports of noise coming from the front of the engine and a rattling and knocking noise from the timing chain. A rough or high idle was also reported in this model year.

5- Breakdowns of the Nissan Pathfinder 2015

Most of the reported failures were consistent with previous reports, although there were fewer reported issues overall. Negative comments included items such as ” noisy engine under hard acceleration ” and unrelated engine reliability complaints such as ” fewer safety features than rivals “.

6- Nissan Pathfinder 2016 problems

Repairpal.com says there were only 3 issues that owners registered complaints about: Check Engine Light due to a faulty fuel level sensor, timing chain noise, and rough idling. Cons included ” noisy CVT under high throttle .”

7- Failures of the Nissan Pathfinder 2017

Transmission issues manifested as shift delays, squealing under acceleration, burning noises and odors were reported coming from under the hood. Even with these reported problems, this is the model year that copilotsearch.com declares as the best Pathfinder. There were negative reports of ” rough ride quality ” and ” dull driving dynamics “, but those were merely opinions.

8- Nissan Pathfinder 2018 problems

The Nissan Pathfinder 2018 model year reported powertrain issues . The NHTSA in the US reported complaints that were summarized as “When driving at different speeds, the transmission downshifts and then stops applying power to the wheels, acting as if it were in Neutral.”

9- Failures of the Nissan Pathfinder 2019

The most common problems were seemingly minor issues: continual complaints and reports showing check engine light coming on due to senor failure, ongoing front engine noise, and no starting and stalling issues made up the majority of the complaints. registered complaints.

However, the 2019 Pathfinder finished near the bottom of the midsize pack NOT because of reliability, but because of reports of a ” stiff ride ,” ” uncomfortable rear seats, ” and ” small cargo space .”

Advantages and disadvantages of the Nissan Pathfinder

Because the Nissan Pathfinder has gone through so many different facelifts, it’s hard to make many blanket statements about all model years. Therefore, we will focus on the last twenty years of Pathfinders.

The Nissan Pathfinder has been a great full-size family SUV for decades. It is known for a very spacious interior and a generally good maintenance record.

Most model years have virtually no problems in their first five years, and many owners report needing nothing more than oil changes and new tires until they hit 100,000 miles.

The problems that have arisen are usually fixed by relatively simple repairs that have little to do with the safe operation of the vehicle itself. However, these problems include:

• transmission failures
• engine problems
• refrigerant leaks
• Removal of anti-lock brakes
• Security cameras
• Sunroof Problems

On the other hand, the Pathfinder is one of the most expensive non-luxury full-size SUVs on the market. The gas mileage for the car is considered high, although it is around average for its category.

In other words, if you’re looking to buy a full-size SUV that can fit the whole family and all a lot of luggage, the Nissan Pathfinder is definitely worth the money.

Criticisms and opinions about Pathfinders

Since you know the common failures of the Nissan Pathfinder, it is good that you know what people say about this vehicle:

“With a roomy cabin that has room for up to eight people, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is ready and reporting for family hauling duty. It’s quiet inside and offers a smooth ride that will be appreciated on both long road trips and on the road.” daily commutes.”

“Compared to the 2020 Pathfinder (no 2021 model), the new Pathfinder has more muscular, upright styling, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, retuned steering, additional interior storage and new technology features. We’re also pleased that Nissan have revised the suspension tuning of the Pathfinder for 2022.”

Basically, the latest design of the Nissan Pathfinder is more elegant and the interior is designed for use by all members of the family. The interior has gone through several redesigns over the years, but the most recent one has focused on incorporating many more features for both driver and passengers.

Steering issues have been fixed, but overall this is a family car, not a luxury vehicle.