2022 Nissan Pathfinder User Complaints and Problems
Being the debut iteration of a new generation, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has its fair share of complaints. It has recorded a total of 14 complaints, all of which can be broadly divided under the components of its electrical system, mechanical underpinnings, and its structure. While it has remained devoid of the problems of the previous generation, it is important to take into account the most common niggles of the yesteryear models to have an in-depth understanding of the SUV’s performance potential.
Mechanical Complaints
- Jerky transmission unit: The Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems have been a rampant concern. In the previous generation, buyers of the SUV have reported a slippage of the transmission unit. As a result, the vehicle hesitates when shifting between the gears, and consequently, it shudders excessively. Though the complaint was widespread, the new 9-speed automatic transmission unit available with 2022 MY might or might not be prone to the issue.
- Ignition delay: A rather new issue and noted only in 2022 MY relates to the delay in the vehicle’s ignition. In some cases, buyers have reported the inability of the SUV to crank up despite the start/stop button being pressed. While the infotainment functions, climate control, and other functionalities are available, the vehicle fails to move from its position.
- Failure of radiator fan: In several cases, buyers of the Nissan Pathfinder have reported a clunking noise from the engine bay. Where a diagnosis was undertaken, the radiator fan was attributed as the cause of the issue. It has been recorded to wobble excessively and fail after subsequent usage. While the complaint has been rampant, there has been no recall introduced by the brand.
- Stalling of the engine: The Nissan Pathfinder engine problems have been a recurring issue for the brand. In several iterations of the previous generation, buyers have reported the engine to lose its power without any prior symptoms. As a result, the vehicle stalls, which can increase the risk of a crash. To deal with the issue, Nissanhad introduced a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID 16V244000.
Interior Complaints
- Substandard build of the front passenger seat: An isolated concern of the new generation of the Nissan Pathfinder is related to its seats. A couple of owners of the latest iteration of the SUV have reported the front passenger seat to have been placed excessively low. As a result, the seat lacks comfort, and additionally, it can also cause injury to the occupants in case of a crash as it is directly at the eye level of the dashboard.
Safety Complaints
- Malfunctioning Forward Collision Avoidance System: The FCA system of the Nissan Pathfinder has reported two distinct problems. While the first issue is concerned with the inability of the system to identify a threat of a crash, in some other cases, the Forward Collision-Avoidance has falsely identified a vehicle in the vicinity and engaged the braking system.
- Non-deployment of airbags: Another known safety concern of the Pathfinder SUV is concerned with the malfunctioning of its airbag system. Buyers have reported the non-deployment of the airbags in case of a crash. While the reason for the concern is not yet known, in some cases, the failure of the Occupant Classification System (OCS) has caused the problem.
Electric System Complaints
- Improper functioning of the infotainment system: Listed on the unofficial forums, buyers of the Nissan Pathfinder SUV have reported the infotainment system to lag occasionally.
The Nissan Pathfinder in all of its recent avatars has been a first-grade performer. While the 2022 Mazda CX-9 has no complaints, both the other rivals from Toyota and Ford have a handful of complaints.
|
Category
|
Number of Complaints
|
|
Airbags
|
16
|
|
Powertrain
|
29
|
|
Service Brakes
|
38
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
68
|
2022 Nissan Pathfinder Recalls
Nissan’s proactiveness to make the Pathfinder an almost inch-perfect vehicle is quite evident in the way they deal with the recurring issues. Regarding the concern complaints, the brand has never shied away from recalls. Even in the latest 2022 MY, the Pathfinder has been called back 4 times. However, since the SUV continues to be built on a similar platform as before it is important to have knowledge of the recalls of some of the previous iterations as well. Listed below are the recalls initiated on the current and previous generations of the SUV and their implications on the ownership experience.
|
S. No
|
Date
|
NHTSA ID
|
Issues Noticed
|
Additional Remarks
|
|
1.
|
24th Feb 2022
|
22V111000
|
Missing bolt in the second-row seat track
|
Due to a missing bolt, the second-row seat track might move when in motion. As a result, all 21 affected units fail to comply with federal laws.
|
|
2.
|
23rd Sept 2021
|
21V742000
|
Detachment of third-row headrests
|
Due to an improper weld, the third-row headrests might detach. As a result, the affected units fail to comply with federal laws. 10,082 units of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder have been affected by the recall.
|
|
3.
|
23rd Sept 2021
|
21V743000
|
The second-row seatback may separate
|
Due to insufficient welds, the second-row seatback frames might separate.
|
|
4.
|
10th Sept 2021
|
21V076000
|
Substandard secondary hood latch
|
Due to improper welds, the secondary hood latch bracket may detach from the front bumper assembly. As a result, the affected units fail to comply with federal laws.
|
|
5.
|
8th Nov 2019
|
19V807000
|
Possible leak of the brake fluid
|
The Anti-lock brake system actuator pumps might allow brake fluid to leak onto the circuit board, which can lead to an electric short that could result in a fire.
|
|
6.
|
12th Sept 2019
|
19V654000
|
Malfunctioning rearview camera
|
Due to an error, the rearview settings might be adjusted in a way that the image might not be displayed on the screen and continue to function similarly despite the vehicle being restarted.
|
|
7.
|
7th Sept 2018
|
18V601000
|
Possible leak of the brake fluid
|
The Anti-lock brake system actuator pumps might allow brake fluid to leak onto the circuit board, which can lead to an electric short that could result in a fire.
|
|
8.
|
26th Apr 2016
|
16V244000
|
Imprecise functioning of the OCS
|
The Occupant Classification System might falsely identify an adult and consequently, it may turn off the airbag, which can result in non-deployment during a crash.
|
Compared to the Nissan Pathfinder, no other SUV has been recalled as many times. While the 2022 Highlander and 2022 CX-9 have no recalls to their names, the 2022 Ford Explorer has been called back once. This recall is concerned with the fuel system of the SUV and has affected thousands of units.
|
Component
Affected
|
2022
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
Safety
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
|
Exterior
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Electrics
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
|
Interior
|
3
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Drive System
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
0
|
|
Fuel System
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Engine
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Which Nissan Pathfinder model year should you avoid?
Over the past few years, the performance of Nissan’s midsize SUV has improved considerably. However, not all iterations of the Pathfinder have found themselves in a similar space. Amongst the available options, the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is the one to avoid. It has 774 complaints and 10 recalls to its name, which is higher than any other model year.
Should you buy a used Nissan Pathfinder?
While the Nissan Pathfinder is a reliable proposition, not all model years of the SUV are purchase-worthy. For buyers on the look for a midsize SUV, we feel that the 2018 and successive iterations make for sensible buying decisions. While they uphold the practicality and utility of their predecessors, all these variants are also immensely reliable.
