2020 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
Compared with other Nissan Pathfinder years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
7/100 0.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.4× 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.
- 13 of its 53 complaints were filed by the end of 2022.
- Most reported problem: Sudden power loss, stalling, or cut-outs (15 complaints, median 28,919 mi).
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
- 53filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 19,700miles, 9 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 20 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe engine knocking, timing chain trouble, and engine failure, along with sudden power loss and stalling while driving. Brake noise and unexpected braking, and rear camera screens that go black or glitch, also appear repeatedly in these complaints. Mileage is not listed in most reports, and the figures that are given range from very low mileage to about 110,000 miles.
- Engine
Engine knocking, timing chain, or engine failure
- 8 complaints (15%)
- typically at 5.0 yrs old
- filed 2022–2026
Owners describe engine knocking or pinging, hesitation and misfires, and in some reports metal in the oil, abnormal oil consumption, or an engine failure while driving. Some reports tie these symptoms, along with a rattling noise on cold starts, to loose or faulty timing chains. According to complaints, dealers recommended engine replacement or removal for timing chain repair, and the dealer would not diagnose without paid engine disassembly. Most reports in this group do not list mileage, though a timing chain report mentions about 110,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the engine has been checked for knocking, misfires, or cold-start rattling during a test drive, and ask for records of any timing chain or engine repair. Ask whether oil level history or oil analysis results are available, given the reports of oil loss and metal in the oil.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 vehicles have these issues but my pathfinder has the same problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11560432, filed 2023-12“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 because of excessive build up. How does this happen.”
NHTSA complaint #11702786, filed 2025-12 - Engine
Sudden power loss, stalling, or cut-outs
- 15 complaints (28%)
- median 28,919 mi at 1.9 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe the vehicle losing throttle response or power in traffic, cutting out, or stalling and dying while driving, sometimes with shuddering, lurching, or jerking. Some say the car shut down and would not restart for hours, and others report the problem continuing after a transmission replacement or dealer service. The dealer reportedly could not duplicate the issue during test drives in some cases, and owners say the stalls continue. Mileage is not listed for most of these reports, and some describe the problem returning after dealer repairs or occurring at interstate speed.
What to check: Ask whether any CVT judder or transmission software work has been done, and test the throttle and transmission at low speed and on the highway. Ask for repair records from any visits for throttle, transmission, or stalling problems.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“A few months after purchase, the power cut off on me. Then it happened again the following year. Then the screen for backing up started going on and off. Then I started feeling like the car was loosing power. In the last 2 years the power cutting off has occurred 3 more times and the rear screen camera has started glitching more where it goes out when switching in reverse.”
NHTSA complaint #11747857, filed 2026-07“I drove from Pine Bluff, AR to Memphis, TENN in pouring rain. There were many tractor trailers on the highway throwing water back on my vehicle. When I got into Memphis, my vehicle shut down and would not re-start for several hours. I believe this to be a safety issue because if I had driven a little farther and it suddenly shut down in traffic, this would have caused a terrible accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11516912, filed 2023-04 - Brakes
Brake noise, wear, and unexpected braking
- 7 complaints (13%)
- median 2,700 mi at 0.9 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2024
Owners describe squealing when stopping, with brake pads and rotors replaced repeatedly, and a high-pitched noise that was traced to a brake fluid leak. Other complaints describe brakes applying by themselves at low speed, and an emergency braking warning light returning after a repair. A separate complaint describes needing extra braking force until the vehicle slows to about 20 mph, with the engine and transmission still pushing the vehicle. Reported from about 800 miles to under 70,000 miles where listed, with some arising within months of purchase.
What to check: Test the brake pedal feel, check for squealing or fluid leaks under the vehicle, and confirm the emergency braking warning light is off. Ask whether the emergency braking system and the brake light component under the pedal have been checked or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving on august 30 approximately 7:45on my vehicle's brakes applied by itself without me applying the brakes.at the time I was only you 20 MPH.I notified Nissan,and I'm still waiting for them to get back to me about this safety issue.the vehicle is only 6 weeks old.my vehicle is a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder.I need help.thanks.I was driving on a local street.”
NHTSA complaint #11361565, filed 2020-09, 798 miles“When I was driving in a parking lot I heard a very high pitch noise. I put my window down to hear what it was. The sound was very concerning especially because I have less than 3k miles on my car. I took it to the dealership they said they weren't sure why it was making the noise... (it stopped about a mile away from the dealership) but they said my car was leaking brake fluid. I would of never known my car was having these issues if I didn't heard that noise. I haven't had the car even for 3 months yet & it already having problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11327192, filed 2020-06, 2,700 miles - Back-over prevention (rear camera)
Rear camera goes black or glitches
- 5 complaints (9%)
- typically at 3.0 yrs old
- filed 2022–2026
Owners describe a backup camera that goes black, blanks, or glitches, sometimes while reversing and sometimes as soon as the vehicle is put in reverse. In a rental vehicle report, the camera and parking sensors stopped working until the vehicle was restarted. Some describe the camera working for days and then failing again. Mileage is not listed in these reports, and some describe the camera failing while the vehicle was still under warranty.
What to check: During a test drive, shift into reverse repeatedly and confirm the backup camera image and parking sensors respond each time. Ask whether any camera or display software updates have been completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We rented this vehicle from Budget for about two weeks. On two separate occasions the backup camera went blank and the rear parking sensors quit working. I stopped the vehicle and shifted from reverse to drive and back but the rear view camera and sensors did not come back on. After I shutdown and restarted the vehicle, they started working again. We turned the vehicle in on 1/3/2021 and mentioned the issue to the lot attendant.”
NHTSA complaint #11446132, filed 2022-01“The back-up camera and display settings image is no longer visible and the dashboard indicates that it is off. The camera is black and does not display anything nor does it provides information that you are backing up. The safety of drivers and others are at risk. As such, the vehicle fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, Rear Visibility.”
NHTSA complaint #11735464, filed 2026-05
Buying note. Someone considering this model year may want to ask about engine noise, timing chain repairs, and oil level history, since these are common topics in the complaints. Test the brakes, the backup camera, and the engine on a cold start during a test drive.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 42 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 53 consumer complaints for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. 9 of the complaints include a mileage, and 67% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 19,700 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 98 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Nissan Pathfinder model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 7 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.
- Engine17 32%
- Electrical system12 23%
- Other or unknown9 17%
- Brakes8 15%
- Fuel system4 7.5%
- Suspension3 5.7%
- Exterior lighting2 3.8%
Also reported: Body and structure (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Air bags (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11385020, filed 2020-12, 7,000 milesElectrical system: “Passenger door unlock/lock does not work at all unless done manually by hand and the driver door is beginning to do the same as well. This has begun a year ago. The lift gate button broke off over a year ago as well and is only connected by cables and today (January 9, 2026) while trying to open the trunk the entire silver trim piece flew off towards me. The manual trunk (ours is not automatic) is a poor design and is not made safely to push the trunk button and pull up easily.”
NHTSA complaint #11709946, filed 2026-01Other or unknown: “I have a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder SL with under 70k miles. I had an awful squeal start, upon stopping. I had a private shop say I needed brakes, pads and rotors. And this began the issue. This was in 22-23. It is currently Oct 24, and I have had 3 sets of brakes pads and rotors. When this began the dealership told me my brakes were wearing and near needing replacement. So I had been alerted by them initially. There are zero warning lamps. Vehicle is available for inspection anytime.”
NHTSA complaint #11620731, filed 2024-10Transmission and drivetrain: “On April 7, 2025, the dealership attempted to sell me a vehicle that was experiencing an engine condition running too lean. I declined that vehicle due to safety concerns. On April 8, 2025, the salesperson contacted me again and stated that a different vehicle had been located that would meet my needs. At that time, I was nine months pregnant and urgently needed a vehicle with third-row seating for my children. The dealership was aware of my condition and urgency. I took delivery of the vehicle that day. Unexpectedly, I went into labor the following day and gave birth shortly after. …”
NHTSA complaint #11714796, filed 2026-02Mileage when problems were reported
67% of the 9 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,000 and 55,139 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 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 · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Pathfinder · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.4% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2020 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2019: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2020 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 | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Platinum | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by 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. 98 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…
- 11031699Mar 30, 2026Electrical system. TELEMATICS SERVICE INFORMATION HINT: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 4G network compatible TCU. TCUs compatible with 3G network only are no longer supported. SERVICE INFORMATION…
- 11014471Feb 20, 2025Forward collision avoidance, Electrical system, Brakes. INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE AND AEB/FEB WARNING LIGHT ON OR RADAR OBSTRUCTION MESSAGE DISPLAYED WITH DTC C1A16 OR C2582 IF YOU CONFIRM IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (on the next page)…
- 11009068Sep 19, 2024Air bags. DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR…
- 11001192Jun 7, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. CVT/TCM CALIBRATION DATA “WRITE” PROCEDURE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004963May 21, 2024Electrical system. INTELLIGENT KEY INITIALIZATION PROCEDURE STOPS OR WILL NOT CONTINUE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 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.
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 | 69 · 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
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder?
Owners of this model year most often describe engine knocking, timing chain trouble, and engine failure, along with sudden power loss and stalling while driving. The issues reported most often: Engine knocking, timing chain, or engine failure; Sudden power loss, stalling, or cut-outs; Brake noise, wear, and unexpected braking.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder have?
NHTSA recorded 53 consumer complaints for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 17 complaints (32% of the total), followed by electrical system with 12.
Has the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder (Pathfinder 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder reported?
Among the 9 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 19,700 miles and the middle half falls between 7,000 and 55,139 miles; 67% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.