Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2026 Nissan PathfinderRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder. Most complaints involve power train (4) and service brakes (3). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
21–23mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
15
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder as of Nov 3, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

15 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2026 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train4
  2. Service brakes3
  3. Forward collision avoidance2
  4. Steering2
  5. Visibility2
  6. Electrical system2
  7. Vehicle speed control1
  8. Fuel/propulsion system1
  9. Air bags1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Pathfinder model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996159
1997225
1998149
1999113
2000128
2001239
2002171
2003110
200467
20051,050
2006837
2007561
2008328
200937
201040
201145
201223
2013891
2014575
2015321
2016107
2017188
201878
201976
202053
2022137
2023107
202487
202558
202615
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

4 reports1 crash
“When driving anywhere from 30-50 mph the vehicle goes into Neutral without any warning. I know this because when I accelerated the engine just revved. This has happened when I was driving and also happened when my husband was driving. This has happened approximately 8-10 times since owning the vehicle. If I had been crossing an intersection when this happened it could cause a crash. One time I did pull over on the side of the road to keep the car behind me from running into me since I lost the ability to accelerate.I have less than 5,000 miles on my vehicle. I have taken the vehicle 3 times and it is still there now to the Nissan dealership I bought it from. They cannot duplicate it and have not fixed it. It has been in the shop around 20 working days altogether. No messages appear when this happens.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11772942

Service brakes

3 reports2 crashes
“Purpose of this complaint I am asking Nissan North America to review Nissan's part of what happened with my practically new 2026 Pathfinder. I am not asking Nissan to pay for the collision itself, and I am not asking Nissan to reimburse expenses that were the responsibility of my automobile insurer. My accident occurred [XXX]. State Farm provided rental coverage through [XXX]. My complaint concerns what happened after that coverage ended, including additional delay and expense while Nissan parts and Nissan-related technical or programming issues prevented completion and return of my vehicle. The dealership-versus-body-shop issue Nissan Consumer Affairs told me that rental assistance might have been considered if my vehicle had been sitting at a Nissan dealership. That reasoning does not address the reality of my situation. Nissan dealerships in Memphis do not perform the collision body repairs my Pathfinder required. Had I taken my wrecked vehicle to a Nissan dealership, I would have been directed to a collision repair facility. Pre-accident concerns: fluid leak, brakes, and AEB Before the collision on [XXX], I had already noticed a spot from fluid leaking…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Power train, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11773025

Forward collision avoidance

2 reports2 crashes
“Side airbags did not deploy during a 45-35mph left turn collision to drivers fender, door, rear door and the auto brake engaged impeding the vehicle to clear the lane. Not positive but the body shop said the seat belt did not engage properly? Injuries sustained to driver was loss of consciousness from head impact breaking door window, whiplash and broken right tibial plateau fracture. Still suffering side effects from severe concussion and fracture”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026Air bags, Seat belts, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11772524
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S9)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Pathfinder 2WD
Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
212723$2,800382
Pathfinder 4WD
Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive
212623$2,800390
Pathfinder 4WD Platinum
Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive
202522$2,900408
Pathfinder 4WD Rock Creek
Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive
202321$3,800422
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
NISSAN PATHFINDER SUV N/A AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.5%
Overall
5 / 5
NISSAN PATHFINDER SUV N/A FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 21066Vehicle 21065
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2026 Pathfinder questions

How many recalls does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 3, 2026.

What are the most common 2026 Nissan Pathfinder problems?

Owners filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (4), service brakes (3), forward collision avoidance (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder get?

The EPA rates the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026