TransmissionCritical
CVT overheating, judder and failure.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Test-drive hard, feel for shudder and check for a transmission cooler / prior replacement.
2020 Nissan Pathfinder problems
A 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is now 6 years old, so an average example has covered around 81,000 miles. The final model year of the generation · generally the most sorted build, so mileage, servicing and condition matter more than build-year faults. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2020 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is 6 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 81,000 miles. At that mileage 1 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first. A further 1 typically appear later in the car's life.
Faults a 2020 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~81k miles an average 2020 car has covered.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
TransmissionHigh
Radiator-to-transmission cooler cross-contamination on some cars.
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Check transmission fluid for coolant contamination.
BodyLow
Sunroof rattles and seal leaks.
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Test the sunroof and check the headliner for stains.
Faults still ahead of this car
Typically appear later than this year's average mileage · worth budgeting for rather than inspecting.
EngineMedium
Timing chain tensioner wear on the VQ35.
- Typically appears
- 100,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for a rattle on cold start.
Inspecting a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder?
Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.
Check this exact carNissan Pathfinder · frequently asked questions
Is the Pathfinder reliable?
The CVT is the big risk — test it thoroughly and check for cooler upgrades or replacement.
Do Pathfinder CVTs fail?
Yes, overheating-related failures are common; extended warranties existed for a reason.
What's the 'strawberry milkshake' issue?
Coolant mixing into transmission fluid via a failed cooler — check the fluid colour.