2020 Nissan Pathfinder problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder sits mid-pack among Pathfinder years: 74 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 125, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (14), driver assistance (11), and electrical system (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
74
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2020 compare to other Pathfinder years?
What are the most common 2020 Nissan Pathfinder problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 14 | 19% | — flat |
| Driver Assistance | 11 | 15% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 11 | 15% | — flat |
| Brakes | 8 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 7 | 9% | — flat |
| Other | 6 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 4 | 5% | — flat |
| Suspension | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“There's been a loss of power when accelerating, engine has made an odd noise during startup and occasionally a knocking noise when driven longer than a 10 mins. Dealership said there's metal in the oil pan. I saw an article today that said only nissan three and four cylinder vehicles have these…”
“The back-up camera and display settings image is no longer visible and the dashboard indicates that it is off. The camera is black and does not display anything nor does it provides information that you are backing up. The safety of drivers and others are at risk. As such, the vehicle fails to…”
“No defroster and no heat. Can't defrost or de-fog windows. Fan doesn't turn on failing to defrost windows. No heat, no air conditioning, no air movement. Powering off and on the pathfinder didn't solve it, turning on and off heat, defrost doesn't work. All fuses are OK.”
“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 VEHICLE IS ONLY 6 WEEKS OLD.MY VEHICLE IS A 2020…”
“1. The vehicle going less then 25 mph accelerates with out foot on the gas paddle. This problem has occurred multiple times on and off. 2. The Transfer case and axle seal started leaking at 74000 miles. Purchased the vehicle as a CPO dealer asking for $4000 to make repairs I only had the vehicle…”
2020 Nissan Pathfinder — common questions
Is the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 74 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Pathfinder year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2020 Pathfinder problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (14 complaints), driver assistance (11 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints).
Does the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder.
Which Nissan Pathfinder years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pathfinder years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2013, 2007, 2014, 2008, 2015, 2001, 1997, 2017, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2022, 1998, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Pathfinder years belongs to 1986.
How safe is the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.