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 has 3,427 complaints and 43 recalls over 10 years, while the Pathfinder has 774 complaints and 16 recalls. The Rogue averages 343 complaints per year versus 77 for the Pathfinder. Both have zero deaths reported. 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 complaint volume: 3,427 over 10 years (about 343 per year) and 43 recalls. Owners frequently report engine stalls or sudden acceleration, brake problems, and forward collision avoidance system glitches. This suggests that while many Rogues may be fine, a significant number have safety-related issues that require attention.
Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-size SUV with far fewer complaints: 774 over 10 years (about 77 per year) and 16 recalls. Reported issues include engine running lean, transmission shuddering, brake system failures, and electrical problems like stalling. The lower complaint rate may indicate better overall reliability, but specific problems can still be serious.
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 | 3,427 | 774 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 43 | 16 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 193 | 27 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 342.7 | 77.4 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 185 | 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 OTHER769
- 02ENGINE713
- 03SERVICE BRAKES575
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE506
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM420
Owners report sudden acceleration without warning and engine stalling while driving, which can lead to loss of control. These issues are dangerous and may require immediate repair.
Complaints include unusual brake noises and ineffective brake pedal application during sudden acceleration events. This could compromise stopping ability in emergencies.
The ProPilot assist system may fail to detect stopped vehicles or improperly handle lane keeping, causing erratic steering. This undermines driver confidence in the safety technology.
Electrical problems are reported, though specific details are limited in the sample. These can cause various malfunctions, from battery drain to sensor failures.
“I am reporting a serious safety incident involving the powered rear liftgate of my 2026 Nissan Rogue Platinum. On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at approximately 9 AM, I was helping my daughter unload her cosmetology case at the Sherman Oaks Galleria. The rear l…”
“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…”
Nissan Pathfinder
- 01ENGINE186
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER176
- 03SERVICE BRAKES142
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM128
- 05POWER TRAIN110
Owners report engine running too lean and oxygen sensor monitor issues that prevent emissions testing readiness. This can lead to failed inspections and potential engine performance problems.
The ABS and automatic emergency braking system may fail, with warning lights illuminating and braking performance compromised. This is a critical safety concern.
Complaints include the car stalling and dying in traffic, as well as key fob and locking issues. These can leave drivers stranded or locked out.
Transmission shuddering and jerking while accelerating are reported, sometimes leading to sudden loss of power. This affects drivability and safety.
“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) compared to the Nissan Rogue (about 343), suggesting it may be more reliable overall. However, both have serious safety-related complaints, so the difference means the Pathfinder might have fewer problems, but buyers should still inspect carefully.
Key differences
- The Rogue has over four times as many complaints per year as the Pathfinder, indicating a higher rate of reported issues.
- Rogue owners frequently report sudden acceleration and engine stalls, while Pathfinder complaints more often involve engine running lean and transmission shuddering.
- Both have brake-related complaints, but the Rogue's are tied to acceleration events, whereas the Pathfinder's involve ABS and AEB failures.
- The Rogue has more recalls (43 vs 16), covering systems like tires, transmission, and electrical, while Pathfinder recalls include brakes, seat belts, and cameras.
- During a test drive, check for any hesitation, sudden acceleration, or stalling, especially when parking or at low speeds.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and lane keeping systems on a highway to ensure they respond correctly and don't cause erratic steering.
- Listen for transmission shuddering or jerking during acceleration, and check for any warning lights related to ABS or traction control.
- Verify that the sunroof (if equipped) is intact and operates smoothly, as there are reports of spontaneous shattering.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and brake systems.
- During the test drive, deliberately test the brakes, acceleration, and any advanced driver-assist features.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any repairs related to the engine or transmission.
- For the Pathfinder, check the sunroof for cracks or signs of stress, and for the Rogue, check the liftgate operation if equipped.
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 | 61 | 10 |
| 2025 | 186 | 51 |
| 2024 | 204 | 82 |
| 2023 | 728 | 104 |
| 2022 | 264 | 135 |
| 2021 | 289 | 0 |
| 2020 | 152 | 53 |
| 2019 | 336 | 76 |
| 2018 | 609 | 77 |
| 2017 | 598 | 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
- 3,427
- Nissan Pathfinder total complaints
- 774
- Nissan Rogue total recalls
- 43
- Nissan Pathfinder total recalls
- 16
- Nissan Rogue avg complaints/year
- 342.7
- 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