2023 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
Compared with other Nissan Pathfinder years
More complaints than typical for this model
68/100 1.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.5× 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.
- 83 of its 107 complaints were filed by the end of 2025.
- Most reported problem: Transmission slips into neutral on its own (33 complaints, median 28,850 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2020
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
- 107filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 15,800miles, 6 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 20 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2023 Pathfinder most often describe a 10-speed automatic that slips into neutral on its own, sometimes while driving or restarting after the idle-stop feature cuts the engine, and they report rear brakes wearing out early relative to the front. Camera and driver-assist complaints also recur, with dealers frequently unable to reproduce the neutral/shift complaints on the spot. Many reports come in the first year of ownership at low mileage, though brake and camera reports extend past 20,000 miles.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slips into neutral on its own
- 33 complaints (31%)
- median 28,850 mi at 2.9 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2023–2026
Complaints describe the vehicle dropping out of drive and into neutral by itself, either while stopped at a light or moving at highway speed, forcing the driver to shift back to drive. Several owners tie it to the idle-stop feature: after the engine restarts from a stop, the transmission can end up in neutral or the engine stalls. Owners report dealers applied software updates, could not duplicate the condition, or described it as driver error; some had the shifter or related hardware replaced. Reported from very low mileage up to about 43,000 miles, often from a stop or just after the engine restarts.
What to check: Drive the vehicle through several stops with idle-stop enabled and confirm it returns to drive each time; ask whether any ECM or transmission software updates have been applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving, car shifts into neutral on its own. It happened as I was driving on the highway at 75 mph and out of nowhere i realized my car was in neutral causing me to redline and slowed down while trying to change lane and almost causing an accident. Thank god I was driving and was able to respond in time by shifting back into drive. Happened twice in one hour on a road trip”
NHTSA complaint #11584298, filed 2024-04“It is very difficult and sometimes impossible to shift it to the Neutral position even with your foot on the brakes. Sometimes you have to attempt it three or four times after it being in the drive position. You can move it forward strongly and softly it does not matter...this needs to be adjusted/corrected as sometimes we have to put it into neutral position and it will not work. I see this as a safety defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11542569, filed 2023-09 - Brakes
Rear brake pads worn out early
- 21 complaints (20%)
- typically at 1.8 yrs old
- filed 2023–2026
Owners report rear brake pads and rotors needing replacement well before the front, sometimes with little or no warning light. Complaints describe dealers calling it normal wear for the electronic parking brake or a known pattern on this model, while other shops reportedly found the rear brakes were dragging or not fully releasing. Several owners are frustrated that it is treated as a wear item rather than a covered repair. Mostly reported between roughly 14,000 and 30,000 miles, often on vehicles driven mostly on the highway.
What to check: Ask for the last brake pad measurement on the rear axle (not just a pass/fail health report) and have a shop verify the rear calipers release fully.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Rear brakes needed to be replaced at 20,000 miles. Dealership stated it was normal for electronic brakes to go out that early, which is absurd. Took the car to another mechanic to have the work done, turns out it was a defect in the assembly of the car and the brakes were not fully releasing so we basically were riding our brakes for 20,000 miles. According to the dealership they were getting a lot of this model in for brakes needing replacement. This needs to be looked into for a recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #11694733, filed 2025-10“I was informed of a need to replace worn rear brake pads and rotors due to excessive wear after just over 19,000 miles. Being treated as a wear item despite the fact that the issue is common and known by the manufacturer as an issue. After almost 3 years no recall has been done. Thankfully this was caught prior to the brakes entering a failing state.”
NHTSA complaint #11688014, filed 2025-09 - Engine
Engine stalls or drops into limp mode
- 14 complaints (13%)
- median 5,931 mi at 1.4 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2023–2026
Owners describe the engine cutting out while driving, sometimes at speed on the highway, followed by a rough idle, loss of acceleration, or limp mode that requires stopping and restarting. Complaints mention dealers replacing the fuel pump or mass airflow sensor, with symptoms returning in some cases; others report the dealer could not diagnose the shutdown. Reported from about 6,000 miles upward, often during acceleration or at highway speeds.
What to check: Ask for service records showing any fuel pump, mass airflow sensor, or ECM reprogramming work, and scan for stored engine codes during a pre-purchase inspection.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dear NHTSA, I would like to report a safety issue while driving this vehicle on Interstate 35E North of downtown St Paul, MN. While driving in traffic I went to move into a lane to the right allowing us to move in a less congested lane of traffic. During the move I pushed the pedal to full and the engine just shut off/cut out and stalled while in the middle of moving lanes in fast moving traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11544194, filed 2023-09“Just bought 2023 Pathfinder Platinum edition and drove it once. First time driving on the highway at 70 mph on cruise control, the engine stopped and a message came across the dash saying Your engine has stalled. Please pull over to a safe area . This caused me to put my family's safety in jeopardy because we had to wait for 3 hrs for a tow in 100 plus degree heat in the desert with nothing to keep us cool except warm water. …”
NHTSA complaint #11538536, filed 2023-08 - Electrical system
Camera and Around View Monitor stop working
- 9 complaints (8%)
- typically at 3.3 yrs old
- filed 2024–2026
Complaints describe the rear camera and Around View Monitor going blank or black, with the camera button doing nothing while the rest of the infotainment screen keeps working. Owners say dealers traced it to the camera control unit and quoted replacement, sometimes just outside warranty; a few also report the screen blacking out briefly when reverse is engaged. Reported across a wide mileage range, including vehicles past the basic warranty around 25,000 to 43,000 miles.
What to check: Put the vehicle in reverse and cycle through every camera view before buying, and ask whether the infotainment/camera control unit has been replaced or updated.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am reporting a failure of the Around View Monitor / camera system on my 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. The system stopped functioning completely without warning. Pressing the camera button does nothing, the camera cannot be activated through vehicle settings, and no camera views (rear, front, or surround) are available. Parking sensors and the infotainment screen continue to work, indicating a system-level electronic failure rather than user error or a single camera issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11713250, filed 2026-01“Rear camera and camera functionality just stopped working. The OVM is functioning with everything else just not the camera! Yet, diagnostics state that it is an OVM issue and cost $2,500.00 to fix. Safety concerns of no camera and unable to view pedestrians.”
NHTSA complaint #11755308, filed 2026-08 - Forward collision avoidance
Forward collision and AEB warnings stay on
- 7 complaints (7%)
- median 10,080 mi at 2.3 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2024–2026
Complaints describe the automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning lights illuminating or blinking steadily while driving, sometimes with an audible alert saying the system is disabled, and adaptive cruise control working intermittently. Owners report the warning comes and goes without a clear trigger, and that the front radar or sensor was replaced in some cases. Reported across a broad mileage range, from under 11,000 miles upward, in varied driving conditions.
What to check: Start the vehicle and confirm no AEB or forward collision warning lights remain on, and ask whether the radar/ADAS control unit software has been updated.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“In the past week or so I’ve experienced a blinking front collision light blinking as I’m driving. In the past two days the blinking light is now an actual audible alert with a collision warning system malfunction warning light saying it is disabled. Sometimes however, the adaptive cruise control still appear to work, sometimes it doesn’t. The light and system malfunction appears and then turns off on its own with no apparent reason. …”
NHTSA complaint #11572234, filed 2024-02“The control buttons located on the steering wheel of the newer model Nissan Pathfinder are malfunctioning. These buttons control numerous functions and sensors. What's happening is, the spring action of the buttons are failing and the button is loose. This causes the button to make contact as if it was pushed without touching it, simply driving over a bump. Some of these buttons control warning sensors for the vehicle, anti-collision, parking, blind spot, etc. Numerous people are complaining about this online. …”
NHTSA complaint #11702838, filed 2025-12
Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection check rear brake pad thickness and scan for stored codes, then drive the vehicle through several stops with idle-stop active to confirm the transmission stays in drive. Ask for service records on any software updates, camera control unit replacement, or fuel pump and sensor work.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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 107 consumer complaints for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 15,800 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 87 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 68 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more 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.
- Other or unknown30 28%
- Electrical system24 22%
- Fuel system23 22%
- Brakes22 21%
- Engine15 14%
- Lane departure3 2.8%
Also reported: Seats (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Air bags (2), Seat belts (2), Engine cooling (1), Exterior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “Rear view tilt down mirrors mirrors not working can not see to back up I have had the car to 5 dealers manufaturer has refused to look at it they keep saying everything is working correctly there were no warning signals the dealers all have said the mirrors are working properly. My problem is when the car goes into reverse you cann ot see because one mirror does not tip down so you can see the road.. I have owned 4 Nissan cars and all 4 cars the mirrors all tilted”
NHTSA complaint #11594520, filed 2024-06Electrical system: “Forward warning system dashboard light goes on and does not shut off. Module has been replaced at a cost of $2500 and this has not solved the problem. Light has gone off with a chime alarm and yellow triangle with an exclamation point too. We were told we needed to get it fixed as soon as possible for safety reasons. Unfortunately, Nissan dealer can't seem to fix the problem and we're afraid to drive the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11703671, filed 2025-12Fuel system: “The vehicle shifted itself to neutral when stopping at a red light. I had to shift the car back to drive. When I tried to pull off from the red light, the car nearly shut off. Just researching other similar incidents, the problem is related to the start/stop function.”
NHTSA complaint #11667281, filed 2025-06Brakes: “On my 2023 Nissan Pathfinder I have approximately 25000 miles on it. When I step on the brakes, there is a noticable vibration as if the rotors are warped and pads worn. The brakes and rotors should not be an issue this soon.”
NHTSA complaint #11716505, filed 2026-02Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 10,080 and 21,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2023 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 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.5% risk |
| Pathfinder · SUV FWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | — |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2023 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2022: same overall rating; 2024: 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 2023 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 | 9-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Rock Creek | 3.5L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,900 |
| Pathfinder 4WD SL/Platinum | 3.5L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,050 |
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
- 23V268000Apr 13, 2023Seats › Critical fastenersCovers: Nissan Pathfinder 2023, Rogue 2023, Infiniti QX60 2023
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 Rogue, Pathfinder, and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The driver's powered seat may not be fully secured to the seat frame, causing the seat frame welds to detach from the rear inboard seat bracket.
Recall details for the 2023 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.
- 11033027May 1, 2026Brakes. AEB WARNING WITH ONE OR MORE CURRENT DTCS STORED IN THE ADAS CONTROL UNIT 2, AND/OR THE LASER/RADAR CONTROL UNIT IF YOU CONFIRM The front radar is inoperative, the AEB warning is displayed, and one…
- 11033026May 1, 2026Fuel system. FUEL FILLER TUBE LOWER SEAL IS LEAKING AND DTC P0456 IS STORED IN THE ECM This bulletin is no longer active. Please discard previous versions of NTB26-006.
- 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…
- 11028683Feb 2, 2026Fuel system. FUEL FILLER TUBE LOWER SEAL IS LEAKING AND DTC P0456 IS STORED IN THE ECM IF YOU CONFIRM The vehicle has a visible leak with a smoke machine test coming from the fuel filler tube lower seal, AND DTC…
- 11024395Oct 1, 2025Electrical system. STEERING WHEEL SWITCH BUTTONS INOPERATIVE, STICKING, OR NOT CLICKING WHEN PRESSED IF YOU CONFIRM The customer states that any of the steering wheel switch buttons are inoperative, sticking, or not…
- 11019068May 29, 2025Body and structure. EXCESS DUST ENTERING CABIN WHILE DRIVING ON DIRT ROADS IF YOU CONFIRM That while driving on dirt roads with all doors and windows closed, that there is excessive dust intrusion into the vehicle’s…
- 11015915Feb 25, 2025Engine. DRIVABILITY CONCERNS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND ON INCLINES IF YOU CONFIRM A lugging / shutter / judder at highway speeds, especially on slight inclines, ACTION Reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM).
- 11014472Feb 20, 2025Brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Electrical system. AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING APPLIED SYSTEMS: Vehicles equipped with a lane camera (see Figure 1) SERVICE INFORMATION If the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) warning light or…
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
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?
Owners of the 2023 Pathfinder most often describe a 10-speed automatic that slips into neutral on its own, sometimes while driving or restarting after the idle-stop feature cuts the engine, and they report rear brakes wearing out early relative to the front. The issues reported most often: Transmission slips into neutral on its own; Rear brake pads worn out early; Engine stalls or drops into limp mode.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder have?
NHTSA recorded 107 consumer complaints for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 30 complaints (28% of the total), followed by electrical system with 24.
Has the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder get?
The EPA rates the 2023 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 2023 Nissan Pathfinder reported?
Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 15,800 miles and the middle half falls between 10,080 and 21,000 miles; 100% 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.