Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Rogue vs Nissan Pathfinder
How the Nissan Rogue and Nissan Pathfinder compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Nissan Rogue vs Nissan Pathfinder: The Rogue averages 333.6 complaints per year and has 43 recalls, while the Pathfinder averages 77.4 complaints per year with 16 recalls. Both have zero reported deaths, but the Rogue has more crash-related complaints (188 vs. 27). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Rogue or Nissan Pathfinder more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV with a high volume of owner complaints—about 334 per year over the past decade. The most common trouble spots are engine issues, brake problems, and forward collision avoidance warnings, with some owners reporting sudden acceleration and ineffective braking. There are also many complaints about unknown or other issues, which can make it hard to pinpoint problems before buying. Overall, the Rogue demands careful inspection and a thorough test drive.
Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-size SUV with far fewer complaints—about 77 per year—but still notable issues. Owners frequently report engine problems like rough running or failed emissions tests, and brake system faults including ABS and forward emergency braking warnings. Electrical glitches, such as doors locking unexpectedly or the car stalling, also appear. While less frequent than the Rogue, these problems can be serious and costly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Rogue | Nissan Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,336 | 774 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 43 | 16 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 188 | 27 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 333.6 | 77.4 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 181 | 22 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Nissan Rogue
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER758
- 02ENGINE678
- 03SERVICE BRAKES569
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE503
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM410
Owners report sudden, violent acceleration while parking, with the brake pedal becoming ineffective. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to crashes, so any used Rogue should be checked for unintended acceleration symptoms.
Complaints describe brake pedal application being ineffective during sudden acceleration events. This suggests a potential brake system failure that could prevent the car from stopping, making a pre-purchase brake inspection essential.
Drivers of models with ProPilot Assist report that adaptive cruise control and lane keeping can fail to detect stopped cars or let the vehicle drift over lane lines before sharply correcting. These flaws could reduce the effectiveness of driver-assist features, so test them thoroughly.
Many complaints fall into this vague category, including issues like door lock actuators failing without warning. Because the cause is unclear, buyers should check all locks, windows, and electronics during a test drive.
“My car was sitting in a parking lot facing the south. It was over 100 degrees that day. I had a front window shade in the front window, and both front windows were down about 2 inches. I went to my car to grab something around 1:30pm and all was fine. When I…”
“Vehicle Information: 2020 Nissan Rogue Component: Structure/Doors Latch/Lock/Linkage Description of Incident: I am writing to report a serious safety defect regarding the front door lock actuators on my 2020 Nissan Rogue. Without warning, the front door lock…”
Nissan Pathfinder
- 01ENGINE186
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER176
- 03SERVICE BRAKES142
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM128
- 05POWER TRAIN110
Owners report engine running too lean, failed emissions tests due to oxygen sensor monitors not setting, and jerking or shuddering while accelerating. These can lead to stalling or failing inspections, so a mechanic should scan for engine codes and check emissions readiness.
Complaints include repeated failures of the ABS and automatic emergency braking system, with warning lights illuminating even after repairs. This means the safety systems may not work when needed, so verify that all brake-related recalls have been performed.
Owners report doors locking inadvertently with the key fob inside, and the car stalling and dying in traffic. These electrical gremlins can leave you stranded or locked out, so test all electrical functions and check for stalling during a test drive.
Complaints include a panoramic sunroof exploding and shattering while driving, causing cuts from glass. This is a rare but dangerous event, so inspect the sunroof for cracks or prior repairs and consider whether the risk is acceptable.
“On April 7, 2025, the dealership attempted to sell me a vehicle that was experiencing an engine condition running too lean. I declined that vehicle due to safety concerns. On April 8, 2025, the salesperson contacted me again and stated that a different vehicl…”
“I own a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder with approximately 55,000 miles. The vehicle repeatedly failed Indiana emissions testing because the oxygen sensor monitor would not set to “ready,” despite multiple complete drive cycles and no check‑engine light or stored faul…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Nissan Rogue — 43 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 Rogue vehicles. The incorrect-size spare tire may have been installed, which does not match the tire size and inflation pressure information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Mot…
The risk: Incorrect spare tire pressure information on the placard may lead to incorrect inflation of the spare tire, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the spare tire assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 25, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 Rogue vehicles. The instrument panel may not display the transmission gear selection indicator. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever S…
The risk: A missing gear selection indicator may lead to unintended vehicle movement or a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission control valve assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number fo…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Rogue and 2017-2022 Rogue Sport vehicles equipped with a jackknife style ignition key. The jackknife key may collapse into a folded position while driving.
The risk: Driver contact with a key in the collapsed position could inadvertently shut off the vehicle while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the vehicle shuts off while driving, the air bags may not deploy in a crash as int…
The fix: Dealers will insert a spacer into the key slot of the jackknife key, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed March 29, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 3…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Rogue vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. Increased temperatures can break down the engine oil, which may cause the engine bearings to seize and become damaged, leading to engine fai…
The risk: Engine failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, inspect for diagnostic trouble codes, and test drive the vehicle, free of charge. The dealer may also inspect the oil pan for metal debris, and replace the engine if necessar…
Nissan Pathfinder — 16 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Murano, Pathfinder, and INFINITI QX60 vehicles. One or both front brake caliper assemblies may have reduced strength and could break. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard n…
The risk: A broken front brake caliper can cause a loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake caliper assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or INFINITI's customer servi…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The lap belt pretensioner in the left-side front seat belt assembly may be improperly secured, due to a missing rivet. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor V…
The risk: An unsecured lap belt pretensioner will not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left-side front lap seat belt pretensioner assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. O…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2022 Pathfinder vehicles. Insufficient welds may allow the secondary hood latch retainer bracket to detach from the front bumper assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard n…
The risk: A detached secondary hood latch may allow the hood to open if the primary hood latch is not engaged, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the secondary hood latch bracket as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for thi…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
Buyer analysis
Nissan Rogue or Nissan Pathfinder: which should you buy?
The Nissan Pathfinder has far fewer complaints per year (about 77 vs. 334 for the Rogue), suggesting it may be less troublesome overall. However, the Pathfinder still has serious engine, brake, and electrical issues that require attention. In practice, a used Pathfinder might need fewer repairs, but both models demand a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Key differences
- The Rogue has over four times as many complaints per year as the Pathfinder, with engine and brake issues being especially common.
- Rogue owners report sudden acceleration and ineffective braking, while Pathfinder owners more often report engine running lean and emissions failures.
- Forward collision avoidance problems are a top complaint for the Rogue, but for the Pathfinder, brake system and electrical issues are more frequent.
- The Pathfinder has fewer recalls (16 vs. 43 for the Rogue), but both have had recalls for critical safety systems like brakes and back-over prevention.
- During a test drive, check for any sudden acceleration or hesitation when parking or braking; if the brake pedal feels soft or unresponsive, walk away.
- Test all driver-assist features, especially adaptive cruise control and lane keeping, on a highway to ensure they detect stopped vehicles and stay centered.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection that includes an emissions readiness check; if the oxygen sensor monitor is not ready, it could indicate a persistent problem.
- Inspect the sunroof for any cracks or signs of repair, and test all electrical functions, including door locks and the key fob, to avoid being locked out or stranded.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been repaired by a Nissan dealer.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, brakes, and electrical systems.
- During a test drive, specifically test the brakes, acceleration, and any driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control.
- Check for any warning lights on the dashboard and ensure they illuminate and then go out when starting the car.
- For the Pathfinder, verify that the sunroof operates smoothly and shows no signs of cracks or previous damage.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Nissan Rogue | Nissan Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 41 | 10 |
| 2025 | 176 | 51 |
| 2024 | 193 | 82 |
| 2023 | 699 | 104 |
| 2022 | 256 | 135 |
| 2021 | 285 | 0 |
| 2020 | 149 | 53 |
| 2019 | 332 | 76 |
| 2018 | 609 | 77 |
| 2017 | 596 | 186 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Nissan Rogue or Nissan Pathfinder in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Rogue vs Nissan Pathfinder
- Nissan Rogue total complaints
- 3,336
- Nissan Pathfinder total complaints
- 774
- Nissan Rogue total recalls
- 43
- Nissan Pathfinder total recalls
- 16
- Nissan Rogue avg complaints/year
- 333.6
- Nissan Pathfinder avg complaints/year
- 77.4
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Nissan Rogue top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Nissan Pathfinder top complaint area
- ENGINE