2019 Nissan Pathfinder Safety Report

The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder presents a mixed safety profile. While it achieved strong crash test ratings from NHTSA, including a 5-star overall rating, 5-star side impact, and 4-star frontal and rollover ratings, the vehicle has accumulated 71 complaints, including 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries. A significant concern is the recurring pattern of engine-related issues, accounting for 6 complaints, with descriptions of metal shavings in oil, complete engine failure, and loss of motive power. This suggests potential long-term reliability issues despite initial crashworthiness. Furthermore, brake system failures are also noted in complaints, with multiple instances of the brake pedal going to the floor or insufficient deceleration, directly correlating with one of the two recalls issued for this model. The recall history highlights two critical safety concerns. The first recall addresses a potential brake fluid leak on the ABS circuit board, which could lead to an electrical short and fire risk. This aligns with complaints describing brake failures and even an airbag deployment without significant impact. The second recall pertains to the back-up camera display, where a lack of an image increases the risk of a crash. Several complaints specifically mention the reverse camera display malfunctioning or going black, indicating this recall addresses a prevalent issue. The combination of high crash test scores with a notable number of complaints, particularly concerning critical components like the engine and brakes, suggests that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash scenarios, real-world reliability and component integrity are areas of concern. Common complaint patterns extend beyond the engine and brakes to include power train issues (3 complaints), visibility/wiper problems (3 complaints, including wiper failure in rain), and electrical system malfunctions (2 complaints, including sensor errors and instrument cluster blackouts). The 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' category is the highest with 7 complaints, indicating a range of miscellaneous but potentially significant issues. The presence of 4 crashes and 2 injuries among the 71 complaints underscores that these issues are not merely inconveniences but can have serious safety implications. The fire incident, while singular, is particularly concerning given the brake fluid leak recall.

Our recommendation: While the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder boasts strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of documented engine and brake system reliability issues, as well as two safety recalls. Thorough pre-purchase inspections, especially of the engine and braking components, are highly recommended.