Is the 2020 Nissan PATHFINDER reliable?

The 2020 Nissan PATHFINDER has 74 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Nissan PATHFINDER?

Top problems: ENGINE (14 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (11 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (10 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Nissan PATHFINDER?

No recalls have been issued for the 2020 Nissan PATHFINDER.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Nissan PATHFINDER?

The 2020 Nissan PATHFINDER gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2020 Nissan PATHFINDER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 Nissan PATHFINDER is approximately $1,758/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2020 Nissan PATHFINDER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Nissan PATHFINDER has 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.6x the segment average of 121. The most common issue is engine problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: 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..

2 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

14 complaints

19%

• 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.
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO COURTESY NISSAN (1777 N CENTRAL EXPY, RICHARDSON, TX 75080, (972) 231-2600) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO B
• Engine pinging/knocking and engine hesitation / surging most obvious in second gear steady throttle around 2k rpm. Doesn't matter what gas is used. Engine hesitation and pinging/knocking is getting worse. NISSAN states its normal operation.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“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 filing

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Nissan PATHFINDER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Nissan PATHFINDER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,758

Full coverage / month

$147

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

+5%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1758

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Nissan PATHFINDER Service Intervals

Oil change

5K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

105K mi

Spark plugs

105K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

CVT-equipped models (Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Pathfinder) MUST use Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid, not conventional ATF. Frequent CVT service extends life significantly.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Nissan New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2020 PATHFINDER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Nissan dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 74 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
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.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: PERIODICALLY THE BACK UP CAMERA SHORTS OUT AND YOU ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO USE IT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: 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 ABOU
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)