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.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Power train4
- Service brakes3
- Forward collision avoidance2
- Steering2
- Visibility2
- Electrical system2
- Vehicle speed control1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Air bags1
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.
View as table
| 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 |
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Deaths reported
- 0
What owners report most
Power train
“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.”
Service brakes
“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…”
Forward collision avoidance
“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”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 2WD Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 382 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 390 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Platinum Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | $2,900 | 408 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Rock Creek Auto (S9), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,800 | 422 |
- 23mpg comb.
- 23mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 15.5%
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 16.9%
Maintenance basics
| 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 |
- 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
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.