2019 Nissan Pathfinder Reliability ReportKeepScore 72/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2019 Nissan Pathfinder
- Scores 6 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder earns a 78.
- The system most likely to surface first: cvt transmission (critical severity).
- Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the back over prevention: sensing system: camera.
2019 Nissan Pathfinder: Buy or Avoid?
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder offers a comfortable ride and spacious interior for families, but its long-term reliability is significantly hampered by concerns surrounding its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While the V6 engine is robust, the CVT remains a potential Achilles' heel that demands diligent maintenance and careful consideration before purchase. Proceed with caution and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder offers a lot of family-friendly utility and a comfortable ride at an attractive price point. However, the omnipresent risk of a costly CVT transmission failure prevents a confident recommendation. If you're willing to accept this risk and commit to aggressive transmission maintenance, it c…
Best Model Years
2017 (later R52 refresh, before some cost-cutting rumors), 2022+ (new generation with traditional automatic transmission)
Years to Avoid
2013-2016 (early R52 CVTs had even more widespread issues)
Biggest Strengths
- Reliable VQ35DE V6 engine
- Spacious and family-friendly interior
- Comfortable ride quality
2019 Nissan Pathfinder — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The Jatco CVT (JF017E) is prone to shuddering, slipping, overheating, and eventually complete failure. This is often due to internal wear and inadequate cooling, especially under stress or if fluid changes are neglected.
Owners report issues with various electrical components, including sensor failures (e.g., crank position, ABS), power window switches, and occasional battery drain problems. While often minor, they can be persistent and frustrating.
Premature wear of brake pads and warping of rotors are common complaints, sometimes occurring at relatively low mileage. This is likely due to the vehicle's weight and potentially undersized components for the application, leading to inc…
2019 Nissan Pathfinder Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the Pathfinder should be performing optimally. Focus on routine oil changes, tire rotations, and cabin air filter replacements. This is too early for major issues to surface, but ensure all factory recalls are addressed.
Maintenance Zone
This mileage marks a critical service interval. CVT fluid should be inspected and likely changed. Expect to replace brake pads/rotors. Keep an eye out for any early signs of CVT shudder or hesitation, which could indicate future problems.
Elevated Risk Zone
Past 90,000 miles, the risk of CVT issues increases significantly. Suspension components (struts, bushings) may start to show wear. Electrical glitches become more probable. A pre-emptive transmission inspection is highly recommended.
High Risk Zone
This is firmly in the high-risk territory for the CVT. If the transmission has not been replaced or rebuilt, its failure is increasingly likely. Be prepared for significant maintenance costs across multiple systems, or a costly transmiss…
2019 Nissan Pathfinder Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$450-700
Moderate Repairs
$500-1,500 occasionally (e.g., brake overhaul, electrical diagnostics, minor sensor replacement)
How Long Does the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder Last?
Focus on examples with mileage under 75,000 if possible, ensuring the CVT has been serviced. Anything over 100,000 miles without verifiable transmission service history is extremely high risk.
What 2019 Nissan Pathfinder Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Very comfortable and quiet ride quality, especially on highways.
- Spacious interior with good third-row access and cargo capacity.
- Powerful and smooth V6 engine performance.
- Relatively good fuel economy for its class, primarily due to the CVT.
Common Frustrations
- CVT performance can be uninspiring, with rubber-band feel and loud engine droning.
- Significant anxiety and cost associated with potential CVT failure.
- Brakes wear quickly, requiring frequent replacement of pads and rotors.
- Some interior materials feel less premium and are prone to minor rattles.
Who Should Buy the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder?
Best For
- Families needing a spacious, affordable three-row SUV.
- Commuters who prioritize a comfortable highway ride.
- Buyers on a budget seeking a V6-powered SUV.
Not Ideal For
- Anyone who needs absolute bulletproof long-term reliability.
- Drivers who frequently tow heavy loads or drive aggressively.
How the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder Compares to Rivals
While comfortable and capable, the Pathfinder consistently falls short of rivals like the Highlander and Pilot in long-term reliability due almost entirely to its problematic CVT. It offers better value upfront than these competitors, but often at the cost of higher potential…
More Reliable Than
- Dodge Journey
- Mitsubishi Outlander (older generations)
Comparable To
- Kia Sorento (some engine/transmission configs)
- Ford Explorer (some model years for specific issues)
Safety Recalls on the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder
2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
What breaks on the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Nissan Pathfinder — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Nissan Pathfinder. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2019s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2019 Nissan Pathfinder
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Frequently Asked Questions
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