2020 Nissan Pathfinder problems
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has 52 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has 52 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 11 complaints, typically surfacing around 13,350 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 Pathfinder | 184 | 2 |
| 2018 Pathfinder | 76 | 3 |
| 2019 Pathfinder | 74 | 2 |
| 2020 Pathfinder (this page) | 52 | 0 |
| 2022 Pathfinder | 133 | 5 |
| 2023 Pathfinder | 100 | 1 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 5 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2020 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2020 Nissan Pathfinder? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 11 owner reports · tends to show around 13,350 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- electrical — 9 owner reports · tends to show around 8,144 mi · ~$850 to fix
- powertrain — 8 owner reports · tends to show around 80,000 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- brakes — 7 owner reports · tends to show around 48,280 mi · ~$450 to fix
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2020 Nissan Pathfinder
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 5 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
When driving or idling you get a smell of antifreeze inside the drivers compartment. Dealer said the only way to fix was to get the heating and cooling system on recirculating and not fresh air. This is constant problem no matter the twhat the temp at urge isoutside.
Defroster does not work properly. Will allow my vehicle to warm up for 15 to 20 minutes to allow proper heating as this has been an on going issue. While driving in colder temperatures the front windshield will freeze over a on the inside of the vehicle only effecting the…
There's been a loss of power when accelerating, engine has made an odd noise during startup and occasionally a knocking noise when driven longer than a 10 mins. Dealership said there's metal in the oil pan. I saw an article today that said only nissan three and four cylinder…
My 202 pathfinder started misfiring with sever knocking, Nissan said there is metal saving in my oil which is caused because of the long block engine failure and timing chain loosening. I had my oil changes done every 4K, and I also had the fluids flushed twice in 5 years…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder?
On the NHTSA data, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2020 Nissan Pathfinder?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 11 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 13,350 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 52 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 13,350 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 11 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 13,350 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 13,350 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Nissan Pathfinder has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 52 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.