2010 Nissan Pathfinder: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2010 Nissan Pathfinder? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 40 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2010 Nissan Pathfinder Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2010 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. 4 trims analysed.
2010 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 2010 Nissan Pathfinder has 40 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Pathfinder
- Model year
- 2010
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 40
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 22
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2010 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2010 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2010 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 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect steering and suspension components before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect steering and suspension components before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2010 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
Based on 40 NHTSA complaints for the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder, issues appear concentrated in airbag malfunctions and transmission/drivetrain problems, each with 11 complaints. Engine problems (8 complaints) and steering defects (5 complaints) also feature prominently. With only 2 crash-related complaints and a low confidence level, these patterns suggest potential areas of concern but do not confirm widespread defects.
- Airbag malfunctions and transmission/drivetrain problems each account for 11 complaints, the highest counts.
- Engine problems are reported in 8 complaints, indicating a recurring theme.
- Steering defects and suspension failures are noted in 5 and 4 complaints respectively.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Engine Problems
All 2010 Nissan Pathfinder Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire 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 2010 Nissan Pathfinder. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
On 01/20/25, I brought my vehicle to Nissan of Downtown L.A , to fix a manufacturer recall of drivers side airbag. The invoice indicates "Inspect Driver Bag Module and Replace Driver Air Bag Cover." "Upon Inspection Performed Recall, Inspect Driver Air Bag And Replace Driver …
rear sub frame rusted through. Vans in Mansfield Ohio showed us were were the frame was completely rusted out.
I had a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder that was “bought back” by Nissan after 6 years of use because of a “rusted frame” and now once again I have a 2010 Nissan Pathfinder, where the rear sub-frame rusted through and caused the wheel to give out and track wrong -causing a life-or-death s…
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campai…
I was traveling at approx. 35 mph when the car shuddered violently for a second or two, all panel lights lit up and everything completely shut down while going through a very busy 6-lane intersection. All steering, brakes, and maneuverability were lost. I was lucky to coast to a …
Coolant leaked into transmission causing transmission failure . Car maker will not acknowledge the problem. Car towed to repair shop. Told $6000.00 for new radiator and transmission.Thank God I was only going 35-40 miles an hour.
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while approaching a traffic light at approximately 35 MPH, he depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated causing the vehicle to run the red light. The contact stated no warning light was i…
Transmission completely crapped out on me due to the radiator leaking into it.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON A BUMPY ROAD, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE SEAT BELT ACTIVATED AS DESIGNED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED A…
SERVICE ENGINE SOON, LIGHT TURNED ON AS SOON AS I TURNED ON THE VEHICLE AND HAVE NOT TURNED OFF SINCE AND FOR NO REASON, UNTIL I HAD A DIAGNOSTIC TEST DONE THE CODE WAS P0181 AND IT APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH FUEL SYSTEM. LIGHT IS STILL ON.
STEERING IS DETERIORATING AND POPPING IN THE FRONT END SUSPENSION
VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT WHILE ON FREEWAY THEN WENT INTO DIRT MEDIAN TRIED TO GET IT BACK ON THE FREEWAY AND IT STARTED ROLLING WENT ACROSS THE FREEWAY AND DOWN A STEEP EMBANKMENT. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS HARD TO STEERING AT SPEED LIMIT (75 IN AZ). PULLED TO THE RIG…
DEFECTIVE FACTORY RADIATOR LED TO MIXING OF TRANS FLUID AND COOLANT CAUSING CONTAMINATION AND VEHICLE FAILURE. PROBLEM INITIALLY EXPOSED WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY AT 50MPH. VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT THIS SPEED. HAD I BEEN AN INEXPERIENCED DRIVER, LIKE…
MILKY FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE COOLANT AREA. I HAD BOTH THE COOLANT & RADIATOR FLUID DRAINED AND REPLACED FOR PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES. NOW WHEN I PUT MY CAR INTO DRIVE AND I STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL TO ACCELERATE, IT REVS HIGH BEFORE GOING INTO GEAR. IT DOES THIS ESPECIALLY AFTER I…
PASSANGER AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES WHEN AN ADULT IS IN THE PASSANGER SEAT. WORRIED THAT IT WILL NOT DEPLOY IF IN AN ACCIDENT. T
ENGINE COOLANT (ANTIFREEZE) IS MIXING WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. WHEN GOING TO ADD TRANSMISSION FLUID AND CHECKING ALL OTHER FLUIDS, I REALIZED THAT THE RADIATOR IS FILLED WITH A YELLOW MILKY COLORED SLUDGE, AND MY TRANSMISSION FLUID IS BONE DRY. FURTHER RESEARCH INTO THIS PROBLEM …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PERUZZI NISSAN (215-943-6200, LOCATED AT 165 LINCOLN HWY, FAIRLESS HILLS, PA 19030) WHERE IT WAS S…
RADIATOR DEFECT, STARTED TO LEAK INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION ... THERE IS NO WAY OF KNOWING THIS TILL THE TRANSMISSION IS FULLY DONE
RADIATOR LEAKED FOR AN UNKNOWN AMOUNT OF TIME CROSS CONTAMINATING FLUID WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. REPLACED RADIATOR, AND FLUSHED ALL FLUIDS, BUT TRANSMISSION IS NOW RUINED.
ALL OF A SUDDEN THE DASHLIGHT CAME ON TELL ME THAT THE AIRBAG WAS TURNED OFF. VEHICLE TO TAKEN TO HONDA OF MARYSVILLE WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASE AND WHERE WARRANTY WAS PURCHASED. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. VEHICLE WAS TAKE TO NISSAN FOR REVIEW IT HAS TAKEN TWO WEEKS TO GE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder.
2010 Nissan Pathfinder Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder. 5 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.
2010 Nissan Pathfinder Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 40 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2010 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 2010 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (11 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (11 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 40 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM. 5 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 2010 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
The 2010 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 Airbag Malfunctions 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 2010 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.