NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 40 owner complaints for the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder. Most complaints involve air bags (11) and power train (11). The EPA rates it 14–18 mpg combined.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Pathfinder model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 159 |
| 1997 | 225 |
| 1998 | 149 |
| 1999 | 113 |
| 2000 | 128 |
| 2001 | 239 |
| 2002 | 171 |
| 2003 | 110 |
| 2004 | 67 |
| 2005 | 1,050 |
| 2006 | 837 |
| 2007 | 561 |
| 2008 | 328 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 45 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 891 |
| 2014 | 575 |
| 2015 | 321 |
| 2016 | 107 |
| 2017 | 188 |
| 2018 | 78 |
| 2019 | 76 |
| 2020 | 53 |
| 2022 | 137 |
| 2023 | 107 |
| 2024 | 87 |
| 2025 | 58 |
| 2026 | 15 |
“On 01/20/25, I brought my vehicle to Nissan of Downtown L.A , to fix a manufacturer recall of drivers side airbag. The invoice indicates "Inspect Driver Bag Module and Replace Driver Air Bag Cover." "Upon Inspection Performed Recall, Inspect Driver Air Bag And Replace Driver Air Bag Cover And Check Found Vehicle OK." Approximately four months later, the red airbag light on my dashboard was flashing. On 05/13/25, I returned to Nissan Of Downtown L A. I explained the issue to service advisor, Litzy Carranza. She stated if the results of the diagnostic testing weren't related to the recall issue, I would be responsible for the cost to repair. When I received the results: "Airbag Light Flashing, Check For DTCS And Found B1049 And B1054. Check Wires And Connectors Found OK. Recommend Replacing Airbag Module And Spiral Cable To Start." Litzy informed me the cost to fix issue would be approximately $2,000. I declined to have issue repaired at my cost, and I left dealership. On 05/14/25, I contacted Nissan Headquarters to file a complaint. Case #[XXX] was established. Several days later, I spoke with Marshay, Nissan Consumer Affairs. She indicated that each Nissan…”
“I was traveling at approx. 35 mph when the car shuddered violently for a second or two, all panel lights lit up and everything completely shut down while going through a very busy 6-lane intersection. All steering, brakes, and maneuverability were lost. I was lucky to coast to a safe spot and if this had happened on an interstate it may have easily been catastrophic. The dealer found a failed cam shaft sensors (their verbiage on the bill). Replaced both and the crank sensor.”
“MILKY FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE COOLANT AREA. I HAD BOTH THE COOLANT & RADIATOR FLUID DRAINED AND REPLACED FOR PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES. NOW WHEN I PUT MY CAR INTO DRIVE AND I STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL TO ACCELERATE, IT REVS HIGH BEFORE GOING INTO GEAR. IT DOES THIS ESPECIALLY AFTER I REVERSE OUT BEFORE PUTTING IT INTO DRIVE WHICH PUTS ME IN DANGER BECAUSE IT TAKES AWHILE TO GO INTO GEAR AND IF A CAR IS COMING, I COULD BE HIT.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder FE 2WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| Pathfinder 2WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,700 | 523 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,000 | 555 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Auto (S5), 8 cyl, 5.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 14 | $5,700 | 635 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 5, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 40 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (11), power train (11), engine (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder at 14–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).