2020 NISSAN Pathfinder Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

ENGINE

6 complaints

My 202 pathfinder started misfiring with sever knocking, Nissan said there is metal saving in my oil which is caused because of the long block engine failure and timing chain loosening. I had my oil changes done every 4K, and I also had the fluids flushed twice in 5 years because of excessive build up. How does this happen.

Dec 03, 2025

Engine misfiring on left side due to faulty timing chains. Car would not start at times, and engine light flashing. Safety was at risk due to engine being unreliable, misfiring, and we were advised it could possibly stall/cut-out while driving. Problem confirmed by independent service center. Dealer service center would not diagnose without taking engine apart at our expense, they recommended replacing the whole engine, and the car is only 3 years own. There is a know issue with the timing chains on this model of vehicle, yet they did nothing to resolve the problem.

Nov 13, 2023

I drove from Pine Bluff, AR to Memphis, TENN in pouring rain. There were many tractor trailers on the highway throwing water back on my vehicle. When I got into Memphis, my vehicle shut down and would not re-start for several hours. I believe this to be a safety issue because if I had driven a little farther and it suddenly shut down in traffic, this would have caused a terrible accident.

Apr 13, 2023

Engine failure while driving. Abnormal engine oil consumption. Oil level dropped without warning and without any warning lights from the vehicle. The vehicle oil level as checked 1 day prior to failure.

Aug 17, 2022

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 BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,700.*DT

Mar 12, 2021

+ 1 more complaint for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

Driver side door lock / unlock does not work with keyFOB. All other doors lock / unlock but driver side door has to be locked / unlocked with physical key.

Jul 04, 2025

remote power locks door driver and passenger side will not open or close with remote fob leaving door open for anyone to open door when i am not around, or when at a stop. someone can open door and get in.

Jun 03, 2025

No defroster and no heat. Can't defrost or de-fog windows. Fan doesn't turn on failing to defrost windows. No heat, no air conditioning, no air movement. Powering off and on the pathfinder didn't solve it, turning on and off heat, defrost doesn't work. All fuses are OK.

Nov 19, 2022

PERIODICALLY THE BACK UP CAMERA SHORTS OUT AND YOU ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO USE IT.

Oct 04, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

The rear view camera ceases to work. It may work for a few days, then not work for a few days. This has been occurring since prior to the end of the warranty period. Dealer would not inspect as it was working when the vehicle was taken to the dealer.

May 07, 2025

I have a Sun roof with panoramic roof. Driving on highway, with no warning sunroof exploded and shattered. No debris came through the roof just sunroof exploded and glass cut my foot and my husbands hand who was driving. Glass in hair and clothes. No issues before incident. Purchased special edition vehicle brand new in 2020. Next edition released 2023 and 2024 and it is not equipped or offered with either sun roof or panoramic roof. I reached out to manufacturer and was advised to go through insurance and that there was nothing that they could do as per the headquarters in Tennessee. Pictures have been sent to Insuramce adjuster.

Sep 27, 2023

My backup camera continues to glitch/black screen in the middle of me reversing or as soon as I place my vehicle in reverse.

Jan 04, 2023

I was driving at highway speed and heard a loud bang. Sounded like an explosion. I quickly moved to the slow lane and noticed my sunroof had exploded outward with pieces of glass on me when it shattered.

Nov 13, 2022

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

CVT Transmission Judder

Nov 26, 2024

This has been an on going issue with this vehicle where it will cut out start to shutter or is lurching as driving on the road has happened when coming off a stop sign and coming up to 25 mph, has happened when driving on the interstate at 75 to 80 mph, will normally come back to normal operations, has been into the dealership a number of times for this issue, only to be told that it's not coding and will not do it for them when test driving. We have been in contact with Nissan Cusomer Affairs, with the result being that if the vehicle will not have the problem with a Nissan representative to witness then it does not exist. The fact that want is happening should be sending a code and apparently is not sending a code is not a issue?

Jul 18, 2024

At recommend 60k interval transmission was having issues and advised the Nissan Dealership concerning issue. After consulting with Master tech on site and Corporate Nissan service was completed and still have issues. Transmission slips at all different intervals for the known cvt transmission that is in vehicle. Nissan suggested to have a ecm/tcm update to possibly diagnose the problem wanted to charge $150 for no guarantee of any results. Did ride alone with shop Forman. Still have issues and no check engine light or other lights are showing on dash.

Jan 08, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that after several minutes, the vehicle operated as designed. While approaching a stop sign, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact depressed the brake pedal desperately to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that no failure was found. The dealer also stated that the manufacturer was aware of the rough transmission shifting, but no recall had been issued for the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Mar 02, 2023

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

On multiple occasions now, but not consistently, you go to start the vehicle and the lights turn on, radio comes on, seat moves into position, ac blows cold, everything fine, except the car doesn’t start. The brake is harder to push when this does occur, and most times a 2nd or 3rd try, it finally turns the car on. Went to have car checked, the battery, starter, and alternator checked 100% fine. One time it took nearly 30 minutes for it to start.

Jul 18, 2023

WHILE DRIVING ON AUGUST 30 APPROXIMATELY 7:45ON MY VEHICLE'S BRAKES APPLIED BY ITSELF WITHOUT ME APPLYING THE BRAKES.AT THE TIME I WAS ONLY YOU 20 MPH.I NOTIFIED NISSAN,AND I'M STILL WAITING FOR THEM TO GET BACK TO ME ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE.THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 6 WEEKS OLD.MY VEHICLE IS A 2020 NISSAN PATHFINDER.I NEED HELP.THANKS.I WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL STREET.

Sep 28, 2020

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 ABOUT A MILE AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP) BUT THEY SAID MY CAR WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. I WOULD OF NEVER KNOWN MY CAR WAS HAVING THESE ISSUES IF I DIDN'T HEARD THAT NOISE. I HAVEN'T HAD THE CAR EVEN FOR 3 MONTHS YET & IT ALREADY HAVING PROBLEMS. *TR

Jun 03, 2020

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

There's been a loss of power when accelerating, engine has made an odd noise during startup and occasionally a knocking noise when driven longer than a 10 mins. Dealership said there's metal in the oil pan. I saw an article today that said only nissan three and four cylinder vehicles have these issues but my pathfinder has the same problems.

Dec 16, 2023

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.

Jul 27, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION

2 complaints

Back up camera issues hardly works

Jan 29, 2023

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 restarted the vehicle, they started working again. We turned the vehicle in on 1/3/2021 and mentioned the issue to the lot attendant.

Jan 04, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

Electrical issues with my car including AC. Timing belt chain went and gasket covers. Continuous issue with this vehicle.

Sep 12, 2025

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

Unknown

Jul 08, 2025

Crash: 1

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

Hood Latch failed. Once opened, it would not re-secure. Vehicle had ~ 67,000 miles at occurrence. Problem was confirmed by dealer service. There were no warning features. Latch needed replacement due to 'damage' even though the was no accident or other reason for it to be 'damaged'. Cost was over $450 for replacement & repair. There are recalls for the same issue on other model years!

May 25, 2025

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stationary, the ABS, traction control, and the Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited for several minutes before restarting the vehicle, and the warning lights were off. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Feb 12, 2025

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

My 2020 Nissan Pathfinder SL has once again developed problems with the Emergency forward Brake System. The ABS AEB was replaced in January 2024 at Southwest Nissan in Weatherford Tx . Today, [XXX] the AEB light came back on. This is also the second time I have had to replace the Brake light located under the brake pedal. This is the second time I am reporting this problem to NHTSA. Research on several car repair sites shows this is a common problem with the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder, but NHTSA has failed to issue a recall. The original cost for repair at the dealership was over $4000. Please review and confirm problems with this model and year. This is an ongoing safety issue. Southwest Nissan Weatherford, Tx was where my car was repaired in January 2024. They will be able to provide all documentation. The mechanic also stated in writing that this was a common occurrence with the Pathfinder. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Oct 24, 2024

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

I have a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder SL with under 70k miles. I had an awful squeal start, upon stopping. I had a private shop say I needed brakes, pads and rotors. And this began the issue. This was in 22-23. It is currently Oct 24, and I have had 3 sets of brakes pads and rotors. When this began the dealership told me my brakes were wearing and near needing replacement. So I had been alerted by them initially. There are zero warning lamps. Vehicle is available for inspection anytime.

Oct 19, 2024

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

I've replaced both CV axles, all brakes, and had service completed with the wheel hubs. Still get a grinding noise located at the front wheels.

Sep 01, 2024

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

Car does not display the correct amount of fuel remaining once it hits half a tank left. Can read quarter of a tank remaining, and the distance to empty meter shows 40 miles. Or it will show 97 miles to empty and car will be on empty on fuel gauge. Then once I arrive at my destination, they flip. Driving 3 miles reports driving over 10-15 miles from distance to empty, the gauge starts moving. Never an accurate reading.

Aug 13, 2024

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, she observed a beeping sound, and the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake switch, ABS control module, and the AEB sensor needed to be replaced after two months. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,139.

May 21, 2024

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

1. The vehicle going less then 25 mph accelerates with out foot on the gas paddle. This problem has occurred multiple times on and off. 2. The Transfer case and axle seal started leaking at 74000 miles. Purchased the vehicle as a CPO dealer asking for $4000 to make repairs I only had the vehicle for 8 months. Are there recall to fix this issues?

Apr 22, 2024

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the passenger’s side headlight began to fog up. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was condensation in the headlight housing and that the headlight housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Apr 09, 2024

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while parked in the driveway, the key fob was left in the cupholder, and the contact went to unlock the vehicle, and all the doors were inadvertently locked. The Police were called to assist in unlocking the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the battery and the key fob were replaced. After the battery and key fob were replaced, the failure reoccurred again with the key fob in the purse of the contact’s wife on the passenger’s seat. The contact stated that his daughter was inside the vehicle at the time and was able to unlock the door from inside the vehicle. The contact stated that his wife pushed the button to unlock the doors and all the doors locked. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be diagnosed. The failure mileage was unknown.

Aug 08, 2023

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

Back in nov 2022 my car had to go in the shop due to its jerking, shuddering, shaking while accelerating. Then suddenly just stopped wouldn’t let me accelerate turn break nothing locked up luckily I was able to pull over and shut off the car because it was still on during this time. I had just picked my young kids up from elementary school. The dealer ship had us pay the deductible and told us it was the ecm they replaced it and we were 0 dollars out of pocket due to warranty. Well 2023 may it started showing low oil pressure light then it would go off the engine light comes on then goes off and while the lights are coming on and going off the car with shake and studder. Got an oil change it it had stopped. Now July 2023 the engine light is one constantly as well as low oil pressure vehicle is constantly studderling making a clanckung noise when accelerating but stops when breaks are hit. Lags when turning on and off vehicle hard to take in and out of gear. White exhaust comes out of exhaust pipe when stoppped at stop lights. It’s so unsafe to travel with all 5 of my kids because the vehicle is so unpredictable. We can drive it and have no problems then turn around the next time it is making all these sounds and having problems We are to the point it’s not worth paying for It and just want to do a voluntary repo because the deal else ship won’t take it back so we can get another vehicle.

Jul 25, 2023

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

Defroster does not work properly. Will allow my vehicle to warm up for 15 to 20 minutes to allow proper heating as this has been an on going issue. While driving in colder temperatures the front windshield will freeze over a on the inside of the vehicle only effecting the drivers side. There will be a distinct line up the middle of the windshield where the drivers side is frosted over and the passenger side is clear. We have taken to a local Nissan dealer where they state everything works as it should and that even the owners brand new Nissan pick up also does this. This is a major safety concern!!! We are forced to continue to drive as once you pull over you will loose all heat causing the entire windshield to freeze over. This has been happening since we purchased the vehicle Dec 2021

Dec 21, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

Moisture ingression into the passenger side front lighting assembly (head light). Visable water droplets and some accumulartion . 1st indication was an errror message along with reduced visibility. 2nd indication was failue of that headlight.

Aug 29, 2022

SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

When braking anywhere from 50 mph to 25mph rpms increase whe braking, engine and transmission still pushing vehicle until torque converter disengages at 20mph. If you need to slow down quickly it requires extra braking force until the car reaches 20mph.. if you put the car in neutral it will slow down much faster because transmission and engine aren't still pushing the truck. This hot much worse after Nissan changed the transmission program a few months ago.

Jul 27, 2022

⭐

4.6/5.0

73 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2020 NISSAN Pathfinder have?

The 2020 NISSAN Pathfinder currently has 41 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2020 NISSAN Pathfinder?

The most common problems reported for the 2020 NISSAN Pathfinder are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2020 NISSAN Pathfinder problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2020 NISSAN Pathfinder comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.