The Lemon Index2018 Nissan Pathfinder.
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is better than average by owner complaints: 40 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 55, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 21 to 23 mpg combined. The best Nissan Pathfinder year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 78 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Pathfinder year. 2018 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 7K to 30K miles on the car (39 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- brakes 2019
These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601.
- back over prevention 2019
Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles.
- brakes 2018
The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
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 185 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- NISSAN; SERVICE INFORMATION FOR DTCS B2EF0 AND B130C This bulletin applies only to vehicles…
- NISSAN; VIBRATION AND/OR NOISE WHEN MAKING LOW SPEED TURNS This bulletin applies only to…
- NISSAN; VIBRATION AND/OR NOISE WHEN MAKING LOW SPEED TURNS This bulletin has been amended
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Front collision sensor not working light illuminated breaking system light illuminated warning not working vehicle in motion on highway. Happens every time I drive
2018 Nissan Pathfinder owner · NHTSA complaint 11242259
More owner reports
The intelligent cruse control system work intermintently. When this happens the safety braking system does not work .
NHTSA complaint 11113680
2018 Nissan Pathfinder. Consumer is seeking reimbursement for a rental vehicle while having recall repairs performed.
NHTSA complaint 11394233
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 55; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Pathfinder year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2018 Nissan Pathfinder problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (35%), speed control (15%) and stability control (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder have?
3 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder get?
21 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 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 2018 Nissan Pathfinder problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 7,000 and 30,400 miles. The middle report was at 16,000 miles, from 39 complaints.
Does the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Pathfinder year is better than the 2018?
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