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 2 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first. A further 3 typically appear later in the car's life.
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Build the inspection planFaults a 2020 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~81k miles an average 2020 car has covered.
Engine CoolingMedium
Loud grinding, clicking, or excessive vibration from the front end, potentially leading to overheating at idle due to cooling fan bearing failure.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine and set the air conditioning to maximum cold to force the radiator fans on. Listen closely at the front grille for bearing rumble or clicking.
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.
Body ElectricsLow
Power tailgate groans, fails to open completely, or sags under its own weight due to failing spindle drives or weak gas struts.
- Typically appears
- 5-8 years
- What to inspect
- Open the boot using the key fob. Observe the lifting motion for shuddering or grinding, and gently pull down on the open tailgate to ensure the struts hold firm.
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.
Safety ElectricsHigh
SRS airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard, or the passenger airbag status light incorrectly showing 'OFF' when occupied, caused by a faulty Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Sit a colleague in the front passenger seat with the engine running. Verify the 'Passenger Airbag OFF' light extinguishes and no red SRS warning lights appear on the instrument cluster.
SuspensionMedium
Knocking or clunking noises from the front axle when traversing uneven surfaces or braking, caused by torn lower control arm rear bushes.
- Typically appears
- 60,000-90,000 miles
- What to inspect
- With the engine running and footbrake applied firmly, shift the gear selector back and forth between Drive and Reverse. Listen for a distinct metallic clunk from the front wheel arches.
Inspecting a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder?
Turn this car's known weak points into a step-by-step viewing plan · what to inspect, what a bad result means and what to ask the seller.
Build my inspection planNissan 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.
How robust is the ALL-MODE 4x4-i system on this generation?
The intelligent four-wheel-drive system is generally robust, provided the transfer box and rear differential fluids are replaced every 30,000 miles. Neglected fluid changes can lead to a binding sensation during tight, low-speed cornering. Always check that the rotary selector engages 4WD Lock without hesitation or dashboard error messages.
Are there any common issues with the VQ35DE engine's oil consumption?
While earlier iterations of the VQ35 engine were prone to burning oil, the version fitted to the R52 Pathfinder is significantly improved. However, neglected servicing can still lead to sticking piston rings. Dealers should check the dipstick for low oil levels and inspect the exhaust for blue smoke on a cold start.
What should I look out for regarding the infotainment and navigation unit?
The factory head unit is known for intermittent freezing, rebooting, or unresponsive touchscreens, often requiring a software update or complete module replacement. During inspection, spend a minute navigating through the radio, sat-nav, and climate menus to ensure the screen responds promptly and the reversing camera engages without a blank screen.
Other Pathfinder model years
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