Problems · NHTSA complaints
2026 Nissan Pathfinder problems
Owners filed 15 complaints about the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder with NHTSA between Feb 2026 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (4).
Complaints
15
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train4
- Service brakes3
- Forward collision avoidance2
- Steering2
- Visibility2
- Electrical system2
- Vehicle speed control1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Air bags1
- Seat belts1
- Tires1
- Lane departure1
- Back over prevention1
- Other / unknown3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
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.”
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…”
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”
Steering
2 reports
“My brand new Pathfinder platinum 2026 is very hard to drive on grooved concrete roads. It tramlines severely and the car sways dangerously back and forth needing constant steering adjustments. I believe it could be the Bridgestone Alenza tires on it but not 100% sure. It is very dangerous and the general manager at Nampa Idaho has told me is is aware of this problem too but there is nothing he can do. I had to exit the freeway when this happened because the car was jerking back and forth so bad. All steering assist was turned off so that is not the issue. This has happened 4 times now on grooved roads. Tires are correctly inflated to manufactures advised weight.”
Visibility
2 reports
“Windshield cracked on its own 5 days after purchase.”
Electrical system
2 reports
“After the vehicle sits for several hours, the remote start system fails every time. Both the key fob remote start and the NissanConnect app remote start do not work, even though the vehicle shows as connected. The start command is aborted internally until the vehicle is physically moved a few feet. A dealership porter also could not remote‑start the vehicle at my home, and this is documented. This creates a safety concern because I transport disabled children and medical equipment, and the vehicle may fail to start when needed.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.