This model year came with 2 engine and trim setups, including 3.5L 4-Wheel Drive and 3.5L Front-Wheel Drive. Some problems only affect certain setups.
How to check: Enter the VIN, or check the door label or window sticker for the engine and drive type.
What may matter at this mileage
No reviewed problem falls inside the mileage range you gave us. Start with a normal used-car inspection.
Now
1 yr12,000 mi
3 yr •36,000 mi
5 yr60,000 mi
Engine owner reportsThe reported range is above the mileage you may reach
mileage range in owner reports
If you keep the car
1 yrAbout 12,000 miles. This stays below the mileage range in the reviewed reports.
3 yr (yours)About 36,000 miles. This stays below the mileage range in the reviewed reports.
5 yrAbout 60,000 miles. This stays below the mileage range in the reviewed reports.
12,000 annual miles · 3-year ownership horizon · Service history is unknown unless verified by the buyer. These ranges come from owner reports. They are not failure rates or predictions.
Mileage ranges in owner reports for each listed problem.
Problem
Severity
Lower mileage
Middle mileage
Higher mileage
Relation to your mileage
Engine owner reports
High severity
68,750 mi
82,500 mi
96,250 mi
The reported range is above the mileage you may reach
Why this answer
1The reviewed reports do not show a serious problem in the mileage range you may reach.
Engine owner reports
High severity
Evidence: Limited confidence
Owner reports are bound to model year 2020.
Symptom
4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
Mileage in the reports
In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 68,750 to 96,250 miles.
Based on 2 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.
What to inspect
Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.
What may help
Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShowHide
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“After only 110,000 miles, my local Nissan service center (Advantage Nissan, 5101 Auto Center Blvd, Bremerton, WA 98312) states that the timing chain is loose. The repair estimate is in excess of $6000. The expense is because it requires removal of the engine to effect repairs. Research reveals that timing chain issues at 100000+ miles are common for this vehicle. It is the expectation that the timing chain system last the lifespan of the vehicle. The result is that owners pay more than half of the original price simply for maintenance because of Nissan's choice to use substandard parts in a critical system, a fact they learned with earlier models where timing chain issues and recalls occured. I'm retired and can't afford to maintain this vehicle by spending $6000 every 100000 miles.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“The vehicle has developed a persistent and progressively worsening rattling noise from the engine during cold starts, along with intermittent rough operation. The symptoms are consistent with a malfunction or defect in the engine timing chain system, including possible timing chain stretch, timing chain tensioner failure, or related internal engine components. This condition presents a serious safety concern because the timing chain controls engine valve timing. A failure or severe degradation of this system could result in sudden engine stalling or complete engine failure while driving, increasing the risk of a crash without warning, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds. The issue began as an intermittent startup rattle and has steadily progressed in frequency and severity. No consistent warning lights were present in the early stages, which may delay driver awareness of an impending failure condition. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealership service department, and the concern was acknowledged, but no repair or corrective action has been performed. The condition remains unresolved and continues to progress. Based on owner reports and service feedback for similar vehicles equipped with this engine, this issue appears to reflect a potential widespread defect pattern affecting the timing chain and/or tensioner system in this engine family, rather than an isolated incident. Multiple reports describe similar symptoms occurring around similar mileage ranges, suggesting a possible systemic reliability defect. The vehicle is currently still operable but is operating with a known and worsening engine defect that could result in catastrophic engine failure without warning.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“I own a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder with approximately 55,000 miles. The vehicle repeatedly failed Indiana emissions testing because the oxygen sensor monitor would not set to “ready,” despite multiple complete drive cycles and no check‑engine light or stored fault codes. A local shop performed diagnostics and found no issues. They reported that another 2020 Pathfinder came in the following week with the exact same problem. My vehicle was ultimately sent to a Nissan dealership, where they determined the upstream oxygen sensor had failed in a way that prevented the ECM from running the emissions monitor, yet did not trigger any diagnostic trouble codes. The repair required full sensor replacement at a cost of $1,450, not covered under warranty. The failure mode is concerning because: • The vehicle gives no warning to the driver. • The ECM blocks emissions readiness indefinitely. • The issue appears to be occurring in multiple 2020 Pathfinders. • Owners cannot legally renew registration without passing emissions. This may indicate a defective oxygen sensor or ECM logic issue affecting 2020 Pathfinders. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA can track the pattern and determine whether a broader defect investigation is warranted. Vehicle Details: • Year/Make/Model: 2020 Nissan Pathfinder • Mileage at failure: ~55,000 • No warning lights, no stored codes • Emissions monitor would not complete • Dealer confirmed sensor failure and replaced part Safety Concern: A failed emissions component that does not trigger a fault code may indicate a defect in the emissions control system or ECM logic. The lack of diagnostic warnings prevents owners from knowing there is a problem until the vehicle fails emissions testing.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“My 202 pathfinder started misfiring with sever knocking, Nissan said there is metal saving in my oil which is caused because of the long block engine failure and timing chain loosening. I had my oil changes done every 4K, and I also had the fluids flushed twice in 5 years because of excessive build up. How does this happen.”
3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention suspension.
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
What to inspect
Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.
What may help
Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShowHide
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“On April 7, 2025, the dealership attempted to sell me a vehicle that was experiencing an engine condition running too lean. I declined that vehicle due to safety concerns. On April 8, 2025, the salesperson contacted me again and stated that a different vehicle had been located that would meet my needs. At that time, I was nine months pregnant and urgently needed a vehicle with third-row seating for my children. The dealership was aware of my condition and urgency. I took delivery of the vehicle that day. Unexpectedly, I went into labor the following day and gave birth shortly after. Because of childbirth and medical recovery, I did not immediately operate the vehicle extensively or discover the safety issues. After being discharged from the hospital, around April 11, 2025, I began using the vehicle and discovered serious mechanical problems that made the vehicle unsafe to operate. The vehicle exhibited engine-related issues and a major suspension defect that affected vehicle stability and safe operation. The vehicle was returned to the dealership, where repairs were performed and parts were ordered, confirming that the defects existed prior to or at the time of delivery. Despite the vehicle being driven a significant distance immediately before sale, the dealership did not perform a basic oil change or standard post-delivery inspection. Operating a vehicle under these conditions raises concerns for engine reliability, overheating, and failure. The suspension defect created risk of loss of control, and the engine condition created risk of drivability issues. These conditions posed a safety risk to the driver and passengers, including a newborn child. The vehicle remains available for inspection if requested.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“I have a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder SL with under 70k miles. I had an awful squeal start, upon stopping. I had a private shop say I needed brakes, pads and rotors. And this began the issue. This was in 22-23. It is currently Oct 24, and I have had 3 sets of brakes pads and rotors. When this began the dealership told me my brakes were wearing and near needing replacement. So I had been alerted by them initially. There are zero warning lamps. Vehicle is available for inspection anytime.”
4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention electrical system.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
What to inspect
Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.
What may help
Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShowHide
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“Passenger door unlock/lock does not work at all unless done manually by hand and the driver door is beginning to do the same as well. This has begun a year ago. The lift gate button broke off over a year ago as well and is only connected by cables and today (January 9, 2026) while trying to open the trunk the entire silver trim piece flew off towards me. The manual trunk (ours is not automatic) is a poor design and is not made safely to push the trunk button and pull up easily.”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“Driver side door lock / unlock does not work with keyFOB. All other doors lock / unlock but driver side door has to be locked / unlocked with physical key.”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“remote power locks door driver and passenger side will not open or close with remote fob leaving door open for anyone to open door when i am not around, or when at a stop. someone can open door and get in.”
4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
What to inspect
Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.
What may help
Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShowHide
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“A few months after purchase, the power cut off on me. Then it happened again the following year. Then the screen for backing up started going on and off. Then I started feeling like the car was loosing power. In the last 2 years the power cutting off has occurred 3 more times and the rear screen camera has started glitching more where it goes out when switching in reverse.”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“While driving, the vehicle experienced sudden and complete loss of throttle response, resulting in little to no acceleration. This occurred in active traffic and created a dangerous situation where the vehicle could not maintain speed or safely move out of traffic. The vehicle has been serviced multiple times by Nissan of Kenosha, including a full transmission replacement under warranty. Despite these repairs, the same throttle failure has occurred repeatedly, including within hours of being returned as “repaired.” Most recently, the throttle failed again while driving on a public street, and I was only able to move the vehicle into a driveway with minimal acceleration. The vehicle is currently not drivable and remains unsafe to operate. The dealership has not resolved the issue and has released the vehicle multiple times in an unsafe condition. This is an ongoing safety defect involving loss of acceleration and vehicle control.”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“This has been an on going issue with this vehicle where it will cut out start to shutter or is lurching as driving on the road has happened when coming off a stop sign and coming up to 25 mph, has happened when driving on the interstate at 75 to 80 mph, will normally come back to normal operations, has been into the dealership a number of times for this issue, only to be told that it's not coding and will not do it for them when test driving. We have been in contact with Nissan Cusomer Affairs, with the result being that if the vehicle will not have the problem with a Nissan representative to witness then it does not exist. The fact that want is happening should be sending a code and apparently is not sending a code is not a issue?”
A newly verified completed remedy with configuration-specific eligibility for Electrical System owner reports, Engine owner reports, Power Train owner reports, Suspension owner reports could improve the recommendation.
A reviewed official or independent source that materially contradicts the claims for Electrical System owner reports, Engine owner reports, Power Train owner reports, Suspension owner reports would force confidence and verdict review.
The link and text carry only the car and non-sensitive context, never price, risk, or VIN.
Your shortlist (saved on this device)
Full evidence
Every conclusion above traces to one of these source records.
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“Passenger door unlock/lock does not work at all unless done manually by hand and the driver door is beginning to do the same as well. This has begun a year ago. The lift gate button broke off over a year ago as well and is only connected by cables and today (January 9, 2026) while trying to open the trunk the entire silver trim piece flew off towards me. The manual trunk (ours is not automatic) is a poor design and is not made safely to push the trunk button and pull up easily.”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“Driver side door lock / unlock does not work with keyFOB. All other doors lock / unlock but driver side door has to be locked / unlocked with physical key.”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“remote power locks door driver and passenger side will not open or close with remote fob leaving door open for anyone to open door when i am not around, or when at a stop. someone can open door and get in.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“After only 110,000 miles, my local Nissan service center (Advantage Nissan, 5101 Auto Center Blvd, Bremerton, WA 98312) states that the timing chain is loose. The repair estimate is in excess of $6000. The expense is because it requires removal of the engine to effect repairs. Research reveals that timing chain issues at 100000+ miles are common for this vehicle. It is the expectation that the timing chain system last the lifespan of the vehicle. The result is that owners pay more than half of the original price simply for maintenance because of Nissan's choice to use substandard parts in a critical system, a fact they learned with earlier models where timing chain issues and recalls occured. I'm retired and can't afford to maintain this vehicle by spending $6000 every 100000 miles.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“The vehicle has developed a persistent and progressively worsening rattling noise from the engine during cold starts, along with intermittent rough operation. The symptoms are consistent with a malfunction or defect in the engine timing chain system, including possible timing chain stretch, timing chain tensioner failure, or related internal engine components. This condition presents a serious safety concern because the timing chain controls engine valve timing. A failure or severe degradation of this system could result in sudden engine stalling or complete engine failure while driving, increasing the risk of a crash without warning, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds. The issue began as an intermittent startup rattle and has steadily progressed in frequency and severity. No consistent warning lights were present in the early stages, which may delay driver awareness of an impending failure condition. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealership service department, and the concern was acknowledged, but no repair or corrective action has been performed. The condition remains unresolved and continues to progress. Based on owner reports and service feedback for similar vehicles equipped with this engine, this issue appears to reflect a potential widespread defect pattern affecting the timing chain and/or tensioner system in this engine family, rather than an isolated incident. Multiple reports describe similar symptoms occurring around similar mileage ranges, suggesting a possible systemic reliability defect. The vehicle is currently still operable but is operating with a known and worsening engine defect that could result in catastrophic engine failure without warning.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“I own a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder with approximately 55,000 miles. The vehicle repeatedly failed Indiana emissions testing because the oxygen sensor monitor would not set to “ready,” despite multiple complete drive cycles and no check‑engine light or stored fault codes. A local shop performed diagnostics and found no issues. They reported that another 2020 Pathfinder came in the following week with the exact same problem. My vehicle was ultimately sent to a Nissan dealership, where they determined the upstream oxygen sensor had failed in a way that prevented the ECM from running the emissions monitor, yet did not trigger any diagnostic trouble codes. The repair required full sensor replacement at a cost of $1,450, not covered under warranty. The failure mode is concerning because: • The vehicle gives no warning to the driver. • The ECM blocks emissions readiness indefinitely. • The issue appears to be occurring in multiple 2020 Pathfinders. • Owners cannot legally renew registration without passing emissions. This may indicate a defective oxygen sensor or ECM logic issue affecting 2020 Pathfinders. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA can track the pattern and determine whether a broader defect investigation is warranted. Vehicle Details: • Year/Make/Model: 2020 Nissan Pathfinder • Mileage at failure: ~55,000 • No warning lights, no stored codes • Emissions monitor would not complete • Dealer confirmed sensor failure and replaced part Safety Concern: A failed emissions component that does not trigger a fault code may indicate a defect in the emissions control system or ECM logic. The lack of diagnostic warnings prevents owners from knowing there is a problem until the vehicle fails emissions testing.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“My 202 pathfinder started misfiring with sever knocking, Nissan said there is metal saving in my oil which is caused because of the long block engine failure and timing chain loosening. I had my oil changes done every 4K, and I also had the fluids flushed twice in 5 years because of excessive build up. How does this happen.”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“A few months after purchase, the power cut off on me. Then it happened again the following year. Then the screen for backing up started going on and off. Then I started feeling like the car was loosing power. In the last 2 years the power cutting off has occurred 3 more times and the rear screen camera has started glitching more where it goes out when switching in reverse.”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“While driving, the vehicle experienced sudden and complete loss of throttle response, resulting in little to no acceleration. This occurred in active traffic and created a dangerous situation where the vehicle could not maintain speed or safely move out of traffic. The vehicle has been serviced multiple times by Nissan of Kenosha, including a full transmission replacement under warranty. Despite these repairs, the same throttle failure has occurred repeatedly, including within hours of being returned as “repaired.” Most recently, the throttle failed again while driving on a public street, and I was only able to move the vehicle into a driveway with minimal acceleration. The vehicle is currently not drivable and remains unsafe to operate. The dealership has not resolved the issue and has released the vehicle multiple times in an unsafe condition. This is an ongoing safety defect involving loss of acceleration and vehicle control.”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“This has been an on going issue with this vehicle where it will cut out start to shutter or is lurching as driving on the road has happened when coming off a stop sign and coming up to 25 mph, has happened when driving on the interstate at 75 to 80 mph, will normally come back to normal operations, has been into the dealership a number of times for this issue, only to be told that it's not coding and will not do it for them when test driving. We have been in contact with Nissan Cusomer Affairs, with the result being that if the vehicle will not have the problem with a Nissan representative to witness then it does not exist. The fact that want is happening should be sending a code and apparently is not sending a code is not a issue?”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“On April 7, 2025, the dealership attempted to sell me a vehicle that was experiencing an engine condition running too lean. I declined that vehicle due to safety concerns. On April 8, 2025, the salesperson contacted me again and stated that a different vehicle had been located that would meet my needs. At that time, I was nine months pregnant and urgently needed a vehicle with third-row seating for my children. The dealership was aware of my condition and urgency. I took delivery of the vehicle that day. Unexpectedly, I went into labor the following day and gave birth shortly after. Because of childbirth and medical recovery, I did not immediately operate the vehicle extensively or discover the safety issues. After being discharged from the hospital, around April 11, 2025, I began using the vehicle and discovered serious mechanical problems that made the vehicle unsafe to operate. The vehicle exhibited engine-related issues and a major suspension defect that affected vehicle stability and safe operation. The vehicle was returned to the dealership, where repairs were performed and parts were ordered, confirming that the defects existed prior to or at the time of delivery. Despite the vehicle being driven a significant distance immediately before sale, the dealership did not perform a basic oil change or standard post-delivery inspection. Operating a vehicle under these conditions raises concerns for engine reliability, overheating, and failure. The suspension defect created risk of loss of control, and the engine condition created risk of drivability issues. These conditions posed a safety risk to the driver and passengers, including a newborn child. The vehicle remains available for inspection if requested.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“I have a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder SL with under 70k miles. I had an awful squeal start, upon stopping. I had a private shop say I needed brakes, pads and rotors. And this began the issue. This was in 22-23. It is currently Oct 24, and I have had 3 sets of brakes pads and rotors. When this began the dealership told me my brakes were wearing and near needing replacement. So I had been alerted by them initially. There are zero warning lamps. Vehicle is available for inspection anytime.”
