Is the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

It can be a dependable family SUV with good maintenance history, but reliability perceptions are heavily influenced by CVT performance. A well-serviced example with smooth shifting behavior and documented fluid services is the safest bet.

What are the most common 2019 Nissan Pathfinder problems?

The most reported issues include CVT shudder/hesitation, suspension clunks or uneven tire wear, brake pulsation from rotor wear, and occasional infotainment or Bluetooth glitches.

Are maintenance costs high for a 2019 Pathfinder?

Costs are usually moderate for a midsize SUV (oil changes, brakes, tires), but CVT-related service and repairs can be more expensive than a traditional automatic. Budget extra for proactive CVT fluid service and thorough inspections.

What are the best years of the Nissan Pathfinder to buy?

Many shoppers prefer later years of a generation due to incremental updates; within the 2013–2020 run, newer models like 2017–2020 are often considered safer picks than early-production years. Always prioritize condition, service records, and a clean test drive over the model year alone.

What should I check before buying a used 2019 Nissan Pathfinder?

Confirm CVT operation (no shuddering or surging), review service records for CVT fluid changes, inspect tires for uneven wear, test brakes for vibration, and verify all electronics (backup camera, Bluetooth, and driver-assist features) work consistently. For deeper research, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, trim details, and the recommended maintenance schedules to keep your 2019 Nissan Pathfinder running its best.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2019 Nissan Pathfinder Reliability ReportKeepScore 72/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid

72/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C-

A practical family hauler with a great engine, but the CVT is a significant reliability wildcard you cannot ignore.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

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.

Biggest Strengths

Reliable VQ35DE V6 engine
Spacious and family-friendly interior
Comfortable ride quality

2019 Nissan Pathfinder — Known Trouble Spots

The systems that break first on the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

CVT Transmissioncritical

Electrical Systemmoderate

Brakes & Rotorsmoderate

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

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.

All Nissan Pathfinder years ranked →Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid →Nissan Pathfinder common problems →

Competing 2019s Worth a Look

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

2020 JeepGrand Cherokee

78/100

2018 NissanRogue

72/100

Relevant Products for Your 2019 Nissan Pathfinder

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Frequently Asked Questions

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