GradeNissan Pathfinder Reliability Grade
Average reliability
Grade a specific Nissan Pathfinder
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Nissan Pathfinder earns a C+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B- for its engine and a C for its transmission. It ranks 10th of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. The transmission (C) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 2,532 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Nissan Pathfinder reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2003, 2004, 2010, 2011 and 2012
Years to avoid: 2005–2008 (transmission slipping / rough shifting) and 2013–2014 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the Nissan Pathfinder last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Nissan Pathfinder vs. other midsize SUVs
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Murano | A | A | A |
| Toyota 4Runner | A | A | A |
| Buick Enclave | A- | B+ | A- |
| Toyota Highlander | A- | B- | B+ |
| Mazda CX-9 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Subaru Outback | B+ | B | B |
| Chevrolet Traverse | B | C+ | B- |
| GMC Acadia | B | C | B- |
| Dodge Journey | B- | B- | B- |
| Honda Pilot | C | C+ | C+ |
| Nissan Pathfinder | B- | C | C+ |
| Subaru Ascent | B | C- | C+ |
| Chevrolet Blazer | C+ | C- | C+ |
| Dodge Durango | B- | C+ | C+ |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | C | C- | C |
| Volkswagen Atlas | C- | B | C |
| Ford Explorer | C+ | C | C- |
| Honda Passport | C | C | C- |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | D | C- | D |
| Kia Sorento | D | C- | D |
| Ford Edge | C | D | D |
| Hyundai Palisade | D | D | F |
| Kia Telluride | D | D | F |
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Rate your PathfinderNissan Pathfinder reliability FAQ
Is the Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Average reliability. The Nissan Pathfinder earns a C+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B- for its engine and a C for its transmission. It ranks 10th of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. The transmission (C) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 2,532 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Nissan Pathfinder last?
We estimate a well-maintained Nissan Pathfinder lasts around 160,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Nissan Pathfinder?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Nissan Pathfinder model years are 2003, 2004, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
What Nissan Pathfinder years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Nissan Pathfinder years to be most careful with are 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013 and 2014. The 2005 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting. The 2006 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting.
Is the Nissan Pathfinder transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Nissan Pathfinder transmission a C (below-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Nissan Pathfinder engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Nissan Pathfinder engine a B- (average reliability).