2009 Nissan Pathfinder: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Nissan Pathfinder? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 37 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2009 Nissan Pathfinder Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2009 Nissan Pathfinder trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2009 Nissan Pathfinder Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated22.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
22.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder has 37 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Pathfinder
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 37
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 16
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 14 / 20
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2009 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Nissan Pathfinder
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for reported problems, such as stalling or performance issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for reported problems, such as stalling or performance issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Nissan Pathfinder, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder has 37 NHTSA complaints, with the most frequent issues reported in the engine and airbag systems. There is one crash-related complaint and four recalls. Due to low confidence, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine Problems and Airbag Malfunctions each account for 11 complaints, the highest counts.
- Transmission/Drivetrain issues are reported in 8 complaints.
- There is 1 crash-related complaint among the total.
- Engine Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Transmission/Drivetrain
All 2009 Nissan Pathfinder Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY AT LOW TO MODERATE SPEEDS OR IN PARK. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED WHICH WAS THE DIAGNOSED ISSUE.
MY DASHBOARD HAS A LOGO OF A RED FLASHING PASSENGER WITH A AIRBAG RED BALL. IT FLASHES NON STOP WHEN EVER I TURN ON THE IGNITION. HOWEVER WHEN I CHECKED FOR AIR BAG RECALL IT'S NOT COMING UP ON THE LIST. ANY SUGGESTIONS?
THE VEHICLE JUST STOP. HAD TOW TO THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED WITH COOLENT IN THAT DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN MY TRANSMISSION FAILED. THERE WAS NO WARNING. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60MPH, AND HAD TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED, AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE RADIATOR FAILED, CAUSING RADIATOR FLUID TO GET INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS RUINED THE TRA…
THIS TRUCK IS VERY WELL CARED FOR,,ALL OF A SUDDEN ITS STALLING AT ANY TIME,,SOME HARD STARTS,,RUNS PERFECT ,THAN STALLS,WHILE DRIVING,NO STEERING,VERY SCARRY,I THOUGHT IT WAS BAD GAS I FILLED 2 MORE TIME FROM GOOD GAS STATION 89 AND 91 OCTAN,
MY 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER (AFTER THE WARRANTY RAN OUT), STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND OVERHEATING. LO AND BEHOLD WE HAVE AN ISSUE WHERE THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION FLUID IS MIXING. THIS APPEARS TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM OTHERS HAVE REPORTED AS A FAILED TRANSMIS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS AT STAND STILL AT A PARKING LOT, WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD WHILE THE GEAR WAS IN PARK. THE CONTACT STATED SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTAC…
WHEN DRIVING UPHILL ON LONG MOUNTAIN ROADS AND SHIFTING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOWN TO 2, 3 OR 4, THE CAR WON'T STAY IN GEAR. AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF DRIVING IT WILL SHIFT BY ITSELF INTO 5 WITHOUT ALLOWING YOU TO SHIFT DOWN AGAIN. YOU CAN ONLY GO INTO D OR STOP AND SHUT DOWN T…
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS FLASHING. WE LINE IN NM SO WE'RE NOT PART OF THE RECALL BUT WE DRIVE FREQUENTLY ON SNOWY SALTY MOUNTAIN ROADS SO WE MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY THE SAME ISSUE.
I TURN ON THE HEATED STEERING WHEEL BECAUSE IT WAS COLD AND IT STARTED BURNING AND SMOKING, LEAVING A BURN MARK IN THE STEERING. I WAS DRIVING IN BRENTWOOD NEW YORK ME AND FAMILY VISITING FAMILY.
RED AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND FLASHING.
TAKATA RECALL- MY TRANSMISSION FLUID IS MIXING AND GOING INTO MY COOLANT SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND MY GAGES IN THE CAR WAS NOT INDICATING TO ME THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. ALL I NOTICED WAS A THICK CHALKY FILM IN THE RADIATOR.
2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED RADIATOR FAILURE. ANTI-FREEZE HAS TO BE ADDED TO THE VEHICLE ALMOST DAILY AND THE WATER TEMPERATURE WOULD RISE ABOVE NORMAL LEVELS. *JS
THE RECALL FOR AIR BAG IMPACT SENSOR FORM A WHILE BACK FOR NISSAN VEHICALES IN THE NORTHERN STATES IS NOW AFFECTING MY PATHFINDER (THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON). MY PATHFINDER WAS ORIGINAL PURCHASED DOWN SOUTH BEFORE I PURCHASED IT IN ERIE PA. IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN GET THE REC…
THE TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER SYSTEM IS MAKING NOISE. NISSAN IS AWARE OF THIS REOCCURRING ISSUE AND HAS SENT OUT AN TSB TO DEALERS THAT DOES NOT FIX THE ISSUE. THERE REALLY SHOULD BE A RECALL SINCE THEY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM SINCE 2004 OR EARLIER. I AM LUCKY THIS DID NOT …
IGNITION KEY WON'T TURN TO START VEHICLE. STEERING COLUMN LOCKED. CAN'T START VEHICLE TO GO ANYWHERE.
TAKATA RECALL. 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER SUSPENSION FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER ARM NHTSA CAMPAIGN #10E019000 DATE ANNOUNCED: MAY 20, 2010 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER AIR BAGS:FRONTAL NHTSA CAMPAIGN #08V690000 DATE ANNOUNCED DECEMBER 29, 2008 DOOR AJAR LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF WH…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT FLASHES.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED IN ORDER TO RESUME TO NORMAL OPE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder.
2009 Nissan Pathfinder Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Nissan Pathfinder Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 37 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
#1: Engine Problems (11 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (11 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 37 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Pathfinder reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.