The Lemon Index2015 Nissan Pathfinder.
The 2015 Nissan Pathfinder is worse than average by owner complaints: 129 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 162, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 21 to 26 mpg combined. The best Nissan Pathfinder year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 321 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Pathfinder year. 2015 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 22K to 67K miles on the car (218 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 20K–74K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 37K–60K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 5K–44K miles
Recalls 5
- latches/locks/linkages 2022
On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed.
- lights 2021
The location of the brake light switch may cause the brake light switch relay to repeatedly open and close.
- airbags 2016
In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied.
Show all 5 recalls
- airbags 2015
The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair.
- brakes 2015
During the assembly process, the front wheel hub assembly fasteners may not have been properly torqued.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 239 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- NISSAN; OIL LEAKING AROUND VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE This bulletin applies only to…
- NISSAN; OIL LEAKING AROUND VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE This bulletin applies to…
- CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedHood latch/bell crank assembly2021–2022
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2450–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
I have received 2 notices concerning the NHTSA recall 16v-244. I have contacted Nissan of gadsden in gadsden, al several times and they tell me that they do not have the part in stock to fix my vehicle.
2015 Nissan Pathfinder owner · NHTSA complaint 10928098
More owner reports
The ac and heat fan makes loud sounds started in summer 2017. It's so loud that I have to turn it completely off now.
NHTSA complaint 11149912
I received a recall for the air bags, the service was done to the car but the problem keeps on occurring, but I have to take it again for the second time, if the problem isn't resolved, what can I do ?
NHTSA complaint 10893233
Quick answers
Is the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 162; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Pathfinder year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2015 Nissan Pathfinder problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (32%), transmission & drivetrain (18%) and engine (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder have?
5 safety recalls (latest: latches/locks/linkages). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder get?
21 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2015 Nissan Pathfinder problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 22,300 and 67,800 miles. The middle report was at 44,300 miles, from 218 complaints.
Does the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 18% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder cost in fuel a year?
About $2450 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Pathfinder year is better than the 2015?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2010 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works