The best of this Pathfinder generation
The 2020 Pathfinder has one of the lowest complaint counts. A few owners report stalling and timing chain noise.
Updated November 2026 · based on 53 owner complaints and 0 recalls
109 65% below the Pathfinder average
0 free to fix at a dealer
Every Pathfinder year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Top problems and what they cost
Stalling
Rare reports of stalling in traffic.
Fix: Diagnosis $100 to $200
Engine
Timing chain noise
Rattle at start-up on some engines.
Fix: Timing chain $1,500 to $2,500
Engine
Recalls
No recalls for this year.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder
- Listen for rattle at cold start.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.17 of the 53 owner complaints about the 2020 Pathfinder involve the engine (32%).
- Ask for CVT fluid service records.A CVT is a gearless automatic transmission that uses a belt. Worn ones shudder, whine or slip, and replacing one often costs $3,000 to $5,000, so service records matter.
Questions
Is the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
The best of this Pathfinder generation. The 2020 Pathfinder has one of the lowest complaint counts. A few owners report stalling and timing chain noise.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder have?
0 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2020 Nissan Pathfinder problems?
Stalling; Timing chain noise.
Crash rating shown for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.