Best and worst Nissan Pathfinder years — which to avoid

The Nissan Pathfinder is supposed to be one of the best family SUVs capable of off-road driving, but as it turns out, not all of its model years proved to be so reliable. There are certain Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid that make drivers think twice before making a final buying decision.

To relieve you of the drag, our team will provide you with the best years to buy and worst Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid as ranked by our experts. You’ll be able to see a thorough breakdown of all the model years and their reliability ratings based on NHTSA records, details on manufacturer recalls, driver complaints, and more.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Nissan Pathfinder years

Rating the best and worst Nissan Pathfinder model years wasn’t easy as our team wanted you to have only factual and verified information. For the most part, we used prominent driving safety organizations like NHTSA and IIHS to obtain complaint records and recall details for each of the Nissan Pathfinder model years.

On top of that, we also wanted to give you an in-depth understanding of what it’s like to own and drive one of these. For that matter, we relied on renowned driver rating sites including KBB, Edmunds, and Consumer Reports, as well as some forum threads to confirm those ratings.

Since the models from 1987 to the early 2000s didn’t face many issues, we’ve skipped those early model years and focused on those with the most complaints. Overall, this list is what we were left with after extensive research:

Most common Nissan Pathfinder problems

Considering how long it’s been made up until now, it’s no wonder that the Nissan Pathfinder had a fair share of common issues in certain model years. So, our team took it upon ourselves to further explain those and let you know which model years had the most struggles with the following issues:

1. Timing chain premature wear

The timing chain guides on Nissan Pathfinders are prone to wear faster than average. Consequently, tapping and rattling noises from the front of the engine accompanied by cold starts as bad timing chain symptoms.

The wear was more pronounced in the 2006 and 2013-2016 Pathfinder models, with several drivers complaining about the inconvenience. To resolve the issue, drivers had to replace the timing chains for under $2,000.

2. Transmission failure

Transmission failure is reported to be one of the most common problems that Pathfinders face on average. It usually happens after about 90,000 to 102,000 miles and is caused by coolant leaking into the transmission.

Pay much attention to your Pathfinder, so you notice and address issues like this one on time before they get out of hand. To rectify the problem, you must replace the entire transmission, which costs about $4,000. However, depending on how long the issue had festered, you would have to dole out money for repairs on other components affected by the coolant leakage.

It is best to get a professional to thoroughly assess your Pathfinder and work on all the issues to ensure you do not have to return for another repair caused by the leaking coolant. If you fail to ensure that there is no lingering effect of the leaked coolant in your Pathfinder’s engine or you delay the much-needed repairs for too long, you stand the chance of having to deal with severe engine problems.

3. Broken fuel level sensor

Drivers of different models of the Pathfinder have complained about the fuel level sensor failing to give accurate readings after a while. Nissan traced the issue to be due to the affected vehicles having a deformed fuel tank shell with a structure that keeps touching the sensor, causing it to give the reading that the tank is one-quarter full when it’s empty.

A recall was ordered for the affected vehicles, and the fuel sensors were replaced free of charge.

4. Faulty air conditioning system

The 2015 Pathfinder stands out in particular for having the most of this issue. The heating and air conditioning units were reported not functioning as they should.

Some drivers even reported hearing a squealing noise when the A/C is on and the vehicle was running. The cause of the problem was linked to faulty cooling fan blades and bearings. The cost of repairs for this issue is usually below $300, labor included.

5. Faulty navigation systems

There have been reports of the navigation system developing problems, leading to issues with the navigation display and controls. Drivers complain that aside from the navigation controls freezing and the navigation display messing up at odd times, the backup camera also got stuck often, with the reverse assist display malfunctioning.

Although sometimes, a simple update does the trick to get the navigation system back to normal, it is best to have your mechanic observe the issue and proffer solutions.

6. Anti-lock brake issue

The 2016 to 2020 Pathfinder models had a recurring problem of low brake fluid symptoms and even leaks. In 2020, Nissan ordered a recall on affected vehicles, ensuring the problem was repaired for free. Therefore, when buying any Pathfinders off the private market, ensure the issue has already been fixed before purchase, as the recall would not apply.

Worst Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid

If you are looking to buy a Nissan Pathfinder, you will get many options you can choose from depending on your budget and preferences. However, there’s one question that simply can’t be avoided in any case – what are the worst Nissan Pathfinder years?

The wort Nissan Pathfinder years include 2005 and 2013, but here’s a list with all the problematic model years:

• 2005
• 2006
• 2007
• 2008
• 2013
• 2014
• 2015

Naturally, our team of experts will further elaborate on the worst-rated model years and explain which issues are commonly reported for those.

Third-generation Pathfinder (2005-2008 model years)

The bulk of problems that the third generation of Pathfinders had were engine-related problems which at times affected the transmission. The annoying noises the engine always produced affected the Pathfinder’s reliability.

However, transmission failure and coolant leaking into transmission fluid lines made the worst problem for drivers, especially regarding the 2005 and 2006 model years. If you are buying a third-gen Pathfinder, we advise you to skip all the model years from 2005 to 2008 and go for a 2009 or 2010 model.

On top of engine and transmission problems, this generation of the Pathfinder also commonly struggled with fuel delivery issues, peeling paint, and even exhaust smoke.

Fourth-generation Pathfinder (2013-2015 model years)

Coolant leakage was no longer a prominent feature for the fourth generation of Pathfinders, but they still had transmission problems, especially in the model years from 2013 to 2015. Drivers complained that the vehicle did not shift the gear when necessary, sometimes shaking when driven between 100 to 120 miles per hour.

Among these, it’s vital to avoid the 2013 model which received the most complaints, chief among which were reported transmission issues. It’s also good to avoid the third-gen Pathfinder due to interior accessory issues and engine problems.

What are the best Nissan Pathfinder years to buy?

Though Pathfinder’s more recent models are under a lot of scrutiny about their reliability, some older models stand out, having passed the test of time. Below are the best Nissan Pathfinder years.

• 2000
• 2001
• 2002
• 2009
• 2010
• 2016
• 2017
• 2018

The model years of the fourth generation on this list are the absolute best Pathfinders you will find on the market. They have the best interior architecture, fewer engine problems, a better transmission, and an excellent crop of technologies that work together to make driving easier and promote safety. Among these, we’ll recommend a few of the best-rated ones with brief explanations of their benefits.

2009 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2009 Pathfinder is the most reliable option out of all the third-gen models and it’s not just because it received the least amount of complaints. It also finally got the transmission sorted out so there were no more coolant leaks or breakdowns that could set owners back for thousands of dollars.

On top of that, it’s one of the best models according to ownership feedback in terms of safety ratings, reliability, and off-road capacity.

2012 Nissan Pathfinder

If you are in the market for a fourth-gen Pathfinder, the 2012 model is by far the best-rated one. Not only did it receive the least amount of complaints, but it also came with upgraded transmission compared with the earlier models.

This added up to the overall reliability and boosted the resale value of the car which is always important to drivers. Finally, the 2012 Pathfinder only had two recalls in total which also speaks volumes about the model’s dependability.

Is the Nissan Pathfinder worth buying?

The Nissan Pathfinder has grown to become a capable and well-developed vehicle. Whether you go with an older or more recent model, you will find that they are robust, survive for very long and still produce excellent results. Aside from avoiding the first generation of Pathfinders for age reasons, it is also best to avoid the third generation of Pathfinders as they do not have the reliability of other years.

If you regard cars as investments, a good Nissan Pathfinder is a worthy investment as it holds its value well. The Pathfinder can last for as long as 300,000 miles or twenty years on average with proper maintenance. Selling the Pathfinder before it reaches 100,000 miles mileage would return a reasonable profit as it would still be in an excellent position by then. 

Delving into the world of automobiles with a keen eye for detail, we bring you guidance that cuts through the clutter. If the question of which years to avoid keeps you up at night, our articles like Ford Explorer years to avoid, Toyota 4Runner years to avoid, and Jeep Grand Cherokee years to avoid, provide clear answers. Armed with our research, embark on your vehicle buying expedition with a newfound confidence.