2009 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
Compared with other Nissan Pathfinder years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.2× that of a typical Nissan Pathfinder year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 5 of its 37 complaints were filed by the end of 2011.
- Most reported part: Air bags (11 complaints, median 91,500 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 37filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 91,000miles, 29 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 4.0L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 37 consumer complaints for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder. The part named most often is air bags, with 11 complaints (30% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (8) and engine (7). 29 of the complaints include a mileage, and 21% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 91,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 87 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns and 4 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 6 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 13 Nissan Pathfinder model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags11 30%
- Engine7 19%
- Brakes5 14%
- Electrical system4 11%
- Engine cooling4 11%
- Fuel system2 5.4%
- Other or unknown2 5.4%
- Equipment1 2.7%
Also reported: Seat belts (1), Steering (1), Body and structure (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “The recall for air bag impact sensor form a while back for Nissan vehicales in the northern states is now affecting my Pathfinder (the airbag warning light is on). My Pathfinder was original purchased down south before I purchased it in erie pa. Is there any way I can get the recalled extend to my car and others like it”
NHTSA complaint #11187162, filed 2019-03, 132,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I was driving to work when my transmission failed. There was no warning. I was driving about 60mph, and had to merge to the side of the road. I had to get it towed, and it was determined the radiator failed, causing radiator fluid to get into the transmission. This ruined the transmission. Cost is about $4,000 to replace, and third party warranty is refusing to cover any of it.”
NHTSA complaint #11377508, filed 2020-12, 107,000 milesEngine: “The timing chain and tensioner system is making noise. Nissan is aware of this reoccurring issue and has sent out an TSB to dealers that does not fix the issue. There really should be a recall since they have known about the problem since 2004 or earlier. I am lucky this did not fail on my recent long trips on the highway. It could have been deadly.”
NHTSA complaint #10993006, filed 2017-06, 170,000 milesBrakes: “Pulled out of my house and came to a stop sign, when pushed on brake pedal brakes went all the way to the floor and finally stopped my vehicle in the intersection of a 4 way stop, one other vehicle was at the stop sign also. Drove to sears automotive (closest) to have inspection. They checked brakes, brake lines with no leakage found. The conclusion was that master brake cylinder was leaking inside. Replaced master cylinder and brakes work good now. Checked Nissan and there were no recalls on the master cylinder.”
NHTSA complaint #10568764, filed 2014-03, 82,292 milesMileage when problems were reported
21% of the 29 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 51,000 and 107,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder · sedan RWD/AWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 3 · 22.8% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2009 Nissan Pathfinder version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,850 |
| Pathfinder 2WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 19 | 15 | $5,500 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,150 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 14 | $5,850 |
| Pathfinder FE 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 23V067000Feb 10, 2023Air bags › FrontalCovers: Nissan Pathfinder 2008–2011, Xterra 2008–2011, Frontier 2008–2011 +3 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
- 10V401000Sep 10, 2010Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system)Covers: Nissan Pathfinder 2008–2010, Versa 2008–2010, Altima 2008–2010 +4 more
Nissan is recalling certain vehicles that were equipped with a garmin nuvi model 750 navigation system. The batteries contained in the affected gps units can overheat.
- 08V690000Dec 29, 2008Air bags › FrontalCovers: Nissan Pathfinder 2005–2009, Frontier 2005–2009, Xterra 2005–2009
Nissan is recalling 242,720 my 2005-2009 pathfinder, frontier and xterra vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new…
Recall details for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 87 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031720Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11007001Jul 8, 2024Air bags. VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN ID #: PC945 and PC948 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2005-2013 Frontier (D40) 2005-2012 Pathfinder (R51)…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Pathfinder
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 | 76,900 | 0 | 5 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 57 | 9,000 | 1 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 86 | 13,500 | 2 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 107 | 15,800 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 68 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 136 | 11,500 | 5 | 5 | 23 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 53 | 19,700 | 0 | 5 | 23 | 7 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 76 | 40,000 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 26 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2018 | 78 | 16,000 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 188 | 42,710 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 105 | 48,900 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 321 | 44,254 | 5 | 5 | 23 | 96 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 576 | 47,500 | 11 | 5 | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 891 | 15,000 | 11 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2012 | 23 | 87,000 | 2 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 2011 | 45 | 46,000 | 2 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 40 | 111,386 | 4 | — | 18 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 37 | 91,000 | 3 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 328 | 106,534 | 4 | — | 17 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 561 | 99,123 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 837 | 93,000 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,050 | 90,024 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 67 | 76,684 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 110 | 100,750 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 156 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 230 | 99,782 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 112 | 124,697 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 104 | 130,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 149 | 112,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 217 | 113,400 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 159 | 121,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 170 | 127,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 91 | 127,500 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 49 | 141,500 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 30 | 123,698 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 39 | 157,016 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 38 | 192,412 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 15 | — | 2 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 17 | 148,000 | 2 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 19 | — | 2 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
All Nissan Pathfinder model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder have?
NHTSA recorded 37 consumer complaints for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 11 complaints (30% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 8.
Has the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder (Pathfinder 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,850 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder reported?
Among the 29 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 91,000 miles and the middle half falls between 51,000 and 107,000 miles; 21% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.