NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 107 owner complaints for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. Most complaints involve electrical system (24) and service brakes (21). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 Rogue, Pathfinder, and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The driver's powered seat may not be fully secured to the seat frame, causing the seat frame welds to detach from the rear inboard seat bracket.
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 |
“[XXX] 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Purchased from Carvana [XXX] I was traveling from Vermont to Pennsylvania. At a [XXX] rest area, the vehicle failed to start after being parked approximately 15 minutes. Dashboard lights illuminated, but the engine would not crank, and subsequent attempts became progressively weaker. A tow truck operator jump-started the vehicle, which then restarted successfully several times. Approximately 200 miles later, while traveling in four lanes of rush-hour traffic on [XXX], the vehicle suddenly experienced a complete engine and electrical shutdown without warning. I lost all power and came to a complete stop in a middle lane. It could not be restarted. I could not safely exit the vehicle because of surrounding traffic and remained buckled in my seatbelt until police arrived to block traffic. The vehicle was towed to Ramsey Nissan. Ramsey Nissan diagnosed a failed battery, rated at 700 CCA and measuring 452 CCA. The dealership reported that the starter and alternator tested normally and no diagnostic trouble codes were stored. The battery was replaced. The dealership did not provide a documented explanation establishing why the engine shut…”
“2023 Nissan Pathfinder. Rear brake pads are wearing at a premature and excessive rate: replaced by the dealer approximately April 2026; on October 19, 2026, at approximately 30,172 miles, they measured 6 mm remaining while the front pads measured 8 mm. Rear pads wearing faster than front pads is atypical. Earlier dealer measurements were inconsistent (reported as 2 mm, then 6 mm, then 2 mm on different visits). The dealer could not explain whether this wear rate is normal or identify a mechanical cause. This matches a documented pattern of premature rear brake wear on 2022–2023 Pathfinders (multiple NHTSA complaints; proposed class action Iwan v. Nissan North America, No. 3:25-cv-01183, M.D. Tenn.). Concern: accelerated, unexplained rear brake degradation reduces stopping ability and may leave drivers unaware of how little pad remains.”
“My vehicle has the idle stop feature. When at a red light, the vehicle shut off and went into idle mode. However, when the light turned green, and I removed my foot from the brake and pressed the gas, nothing happened. The vehicle had shut off entirely and when I turned it back on, it was in neutral. I had to put the vehicle in drive. I had 2 children in the car with me and it was very nerve racking to have a plethora of vehicles stuck behind me honking their horns because I was not moving for a green light. Now mind you, the speed limit on this road is 45 mph. If traffic was flowing, we could of been rear ended. I think we got really lucky on this day. I purchased this vehicle 8 days ago. I researched this issue and it is a common issue, however, there is no recall for it. https://www.reddit.com/r/nissanpathfinder/comments/14ov95d/2023_pathfinder_auto_start_issue_shifts_to/”
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 2WD Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 390 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 379 |
| Pathfinder 4WD SL/Platinum Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | $2,900 | 396 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Rock Creek Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,800 | 418 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall as of Nov 3, 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 107 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (24), service brakes (21), fuel/propulsion system (21). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder 5 out of 5 stars overall.