Best and worst years for the Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder started out as a small SUV and has gotten bigger over the years. While the Pathfinder is generally a reliable and well-liked SUV, certain model years stand out as the best and the worst.
The best years for the Pathfinder are generally considered to be after 2015, while the worst were between 2005 and 2007.
About the Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder is a sport utility vehicle produced by Japanese automobile manufacturer Nissan Motors since 1986, originally sharing Nissan’s compact pickup truck platform, and now in its fifth generation. The Pathfinder is marketed as a Terrano outside of North America.
The first generation Pathfinder was introduced in 1985 as a direct competitor to the Toyota 4Runner and Isuzu Trooper.
The SUV was initially built on the Nissan Hardbody Truck platform, but was soon redesigned to be built on a separate body-on-frame chassis.
The second generation, introduced in 1995, was similar in size to the first generation but featured a more modern design.
Finally, the third generation, introduced in 2005, was significantly larger than its predecessors and built on a monocoque chassis.
The fourth generation, introduced in 2012, reverted to a body-on-frame design and was once again smaller than the previous generation.
The latest, the fifth generation, uses the same body-on-frame design as the fourth and has significant design enhancements and additional standard features, such as a wireless charging pad.
Is the Nissan Pathfinder a reliable car?
The Nissan Pathfinder has met its challenges in the past with reliability, but has made up for it in recent years of production. Many features make the Nissan Pathfinder a reliable car.
First, it’s built with a strong and durable frame. Second, it has a powerful engine that can handle a variety of terrain and conditions.
In addition, it also has a comfortable and spacious interior. Finally, it has several safety features that help protect the occupants in the event of an accident.
Nissan Pathfinder Longevity
The Nissan Pathfinder typically lasts about ten years with regular maintenance. Factors that contribute to the Nissan Pathfinder’s longevity include its reliability and build quality.
Nissan offers a 3-year/36,000-mile base warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Nissan also offers an additional warranty to cover all of its Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs). The CVT Warranty is a 10-year/120,000-mile warranty that covers the CVT against major failures and defects.
This order comes in response to widespread problems the Nissan CVT was known to have in the late 2000s.
Common Nissan Pathfinder Problems
As with any vehicle, the Nissan Pathfinder has had its share of common problems. These include problems with the engine, transmission, and brakes.
While you can fix some of these problems relatively quickly and cheaply, others may require more extensive repairs.
transmission coolant leak
Pathfinder owners with model years 2005 through 2010 experienced issues with radiators leaking transmission coolant.
The radiators would burst and the coolant would mix with the transmission fluid, creating a “strawberry shake”, causing extensive damage to engine components such as seals and values.
sunroof problems
The Pathfinder is one of the Nissan vehicles where the sunroof can explode due to a problem with the tempered glass that the sunroofs are made of. The 2013 and 2014 model years are affected by the Pathfinder. A class action lawsuit was filed to address the concern.
Electric problems
The Pathfinder has many electrical components, with some components that are known to have problems. Among them is the alternator, known for shutting down, causing the engine to stall immediately while driving. Model years 2011, 2012 and 2013 were affected.
antilock brake problems
Nissan recalled 2016 and 2020 model years for brake leaks. This major safety issue affected more than 200,000 vehicles. Although Nissan fixes this problem at no cost, it is likely that used models have not been serviced and still have this problem.
Nissan Pathfinder Years to Avoid
Although Nissan vehicles improved in quality, they still had models on this list of model years to avoid. Nissan made most of them before 2010.
1999
The Pathfinder 1999 model year is part of the second generation. The most c problems
Common with the 1999 Nissan Pathfinder were with the electrical system, fuel system, and transmission.
2005
The 2005 Nissan Pathfinder is the first model of the third generation Pathfinder. This model year through 2007 encountered serious problems with coolant leaking from the radiator into the transmission. These also face problems with the fuel system. The fuel gauge was reading incorrectly and the fuel pump was known to fail.
2007
Nissan continued to fight to fix the problems that the introduction of the third generation presented. 2007 continued to see problems with the transmission. Problems with the fuel system also fail, specifically with the system that causes the check engine light to come on due to a bad fuel sensor.
2013
Loss of power and stalled acceleration are common problems found on the 2013 model year. Also, a faulty starter relay can cause some Pathfinders from this year to not start.
The 2013 Pathfinder also has excessive oil consumption issues which can be a symptom of its poor acceleration and stalling issues.
What are the best years for the Nissan Pathfinder?
Although the Pathfinder has had its share of complaints and problems during its 35-year reign, it’s still a popular choice among SUV drivers. So it’s worth buying a few years of the Nissan Pathfinder.
Model years 2021-2023
Model years after 2021 have had no major issues. The Pathfinder received a Design Review and other performance upgrades that have improved its reliability. Also, this generation made a lot of standard features, making it a top buy.
The 2021 year is well received for its technical features and significant suspension upgrades. The fifth generation sees a reduction in annual maintenance costs. The 2022 Pathfinder costs less than $600 a year to maintain.
model year 2017
Reliability features of the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder include the following:
Robust body-on-frame construction
A powerful V6 engine
A well designed suspension system.
These features combine to provide a vehicle capable of tackling rough off-road terrain while providing a comfortable and serene ride on the highway.
model year 2016
Four years after the fourth generation, the 2016 model year for the Nissan Pathfinder sees the 2013 issues fixed.
Some of the new features on the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder include a revised front grille and bumper, new LED daytime running lights, a new rear spoiler and updated interior trim.
New features are also available, such as a power panoramic sunroof, an around-view monitor with moving object detection, and an updated NissanConnect infotainment system with smartphone integration.
Model Years 2009 – 2012
While the third-generation Pathfinder experienced many complaints and issues with the first four model years, the 2009 through 2012 model years received very few.
These used model years are the best to buy because Nissan addressed the problems of the 2005 model. The Pathfinder also gets new standard features like 18-inch wheels and side curtain airbags with these years.
Summary of advantages and disadvantages of Nissan Pathfinder
Advantages Cons
affordability Poor fuel economy
Off-Road Capability Mediocre Acceleration
Spacious interior Bumpy ride for older models
Added tuned suspension
Is the Nissan Pathfinder a good car?
The Nissan Pathfinder is a good car because it is versatile. You can use it for off-road driving, hauling cargo, or towing a trailer. It’s also comfortable and has many defining features of a great family vehicle.
It has a spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo, a comfortable ride, and a variety of available safety and security features.
Nissan Pathfinder Alternatives 2022
Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot is a very popular SUV and one of the main competitors of the Nissan Pathfinder. It has a similar body style and is just as reliable.
Toyota Highlander: The Toyota Highlander is another great alternative to the Nissan Pathfinder because it is just as roomy and has a comfortable ride.
Ford Explorer: The Ford Explorer is another good choice over the Nissan Pathfinder because it has a powerful and versatile engine.
Chevrolet Traverse: The Chevrolet Traverse is a good alternative to the Nissan Pathfinder because it has a lot of cargo space and is very safe.
