The Nissan Pathfinder has certainly carved out a niche for itself among SUV lovers. However, since this series has been around for quite some time and has seen a lot of experimentation with features, it’s a mixed bag. Some models shine while others… Well, not so much.
To avoid throwing your hard-earned cash down the drain, keep reading to discover which Pathfinder years to avoid!
In This Article:
6 Nissan Pathfinder Years to Avoid
Nissan Pathfinder’s 1995 model is notorious for transmission issues, while the 1999 model has serious rust problems. Then there are the 2005-2007 models, known for the dreaded “Strawberry Milkshake” issue where coolant leaks into the transmission.
The 2013 model also had its share of headaches, with jerky, unreliable transmission performance that Nissan Motor Company, LTD finally fixed in 2014.
First Generation
From our own research, the 1995 Pathfinder is a year you might want to be extra careful with.

This model apparently receives the most complaints, particularly when it comes to engine and transmission issues (though most of which stem from the transmission rather than the engine itself). Worse, there are plenty of gripes about it losing power or bucking during acceleration, which we’ve experienced first-hand.
On the other hand, given how old these vehicles are now, many of them have probably clocked in a ton of miles. That means some of the performance hiccups might just be due to age; in fact, a good tune-up did the trick for us when we bought a 1995 model. Nevertheless, since you still can’t rule out those transmission issues, it’s important to keep them in mind if you’re looking at one of these Pathfinders.
How about the earlier models (1987 to 1994)? Well, while they surprisingly didn’t rack up as many complaints, you’re still dealing with an aging vehicle. Therefore, doing your homework is key: make sure you check out its maintenance history and get it thoroughly inspected before committing.
Second Generation
The second-generation Nissan Pathfinder (running from 1996 to 2004) definitely has its strong points. But if you consider getting one, there’s one big issue you need to watch out for — rust. And among these Pathfinders, the 1999 models seem to take the cake when it comes to complaints about severe rust issues.

Of course, one might argue that people are going to find rust on almost any of these old SUVs at this age. Still, the key isn’t whether there’s rust (because there probably will be) but how bad it is. Some rust, such as surface one, is no big deal since it hasn’t really caused any damage. But once that rust has started eating away at the frame or important components, you’ve got a bigger problem on your hands!
Think about it: rust can work its way into the frame, suspension, and other critical parts, and that can eventually lead to the vehicle being unsafe to drive. We’ve already seen models that look like they could fall apart if we shut the door too hard; that’s what happens when rust gets out of control.
All in all, if you’re eyeing a Pathfinder from this generation, especially a 1999 model, it’s important to really inspect it for rust. Get underneath the car, check the wheel wells, and look around the door frames and suspension.
Still unsure how to identify these Nissan Pathfinder issues? In that case, bring along a head mechanic (or someone you know) who can pinpoint the difference between harmless surface rust and rust that’s slowly destroying the once-reliable vehicle.
Third Generation
Are you looking at a third-generation Nissan Pathfinder (2005-2012)? Then stay alert, especially if they are models from 2005 to 2007.

These years are notorious for the “Strawberry Milkshake” issue, which sounds sweet but is actually a nightmare for your entire transmission and radiator.
Basically, the coolant leaks into the transmission fluid and mixes the two together into a pink, milky mess. Under normal circumstances, these fluids should never come into contact with each other.
Once they do, it starts a slow but steady process of ruining the transmission and messing up how the cooling system functions. Worse, when left unchecked, this can lead to a complete transmission failure, which means you could be looking at a costly repair or even a full replacement.
And you know what’s even more frustrating? This coolant leak issue didn’t just disappear after 2007! While those are definitely the worst years, the problem lingered through later models up to around 2010, even though Nissan has made small fixes each year. It wasn’t until the 4th generation of the Pathfinder that Nissan finally overhauled the cooling system and put an end to the issue.
So, when looking to buy a Nissan Pathfinder used car, you should check for replacements:
- If the Pathfinder you’re interested in has had its radiator or transmission replaced with updated parts, that’s a good sign. It means someone has already addressed the problem!
- On the other hand, if the vehicle still has its original components, be cautious.
Fourth Generation
Last but not least, let’s move on to the fourth-generation Nissan Pathfinder (2013 to 2020). It’s no secret that there will be early issues when a vehicle enters a new generation; for the 2013 Pathfinder, transmission was the big problem!

Specifically, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) caused all sorts of headaches for our team. Even worse, we had to experience excessive stuttering and shaking when accelerating, especially between 15 mph and 30 mph. Your car basically fights you the whole way when speeding up —that’s what many 2013 Pathfinder owners dealt with!
But it doesn’t stop there. Other transmission issues reported include:
- Shifter stuck in Park
- Transmission slippage
- Slipping out of Park
- Transmission not engaging (You press the gas, and nothing happens. Not exactly the kind of reliability you want!)
Even after some vehicle owners had the transmission repaired or replaced, the same issues often reappeared after a while. It seemed like no matter what was done, the 2013 Pathfinder’s transmission always started acting up again.
Fortunately, in 2014, Nissan finally stepped in, and the Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems have largely disappeared. While there were still some minor issues here and there, they were nothing compared to what 2013 owners faced! Long story short, for anyone considering a fourth-gen Pathfinder, the 2014 and newer vehicle models are much safer bets in terms of reliability.
What Are Nissan Pathfinder’s Best Years?
Pathfinder’s 2000 model is a classic that can last well over 180,000 miles. The 2003 and 2004 Pathfinders (from the second generation) also offer solid performance with very few issues.
For third-gen fans, the 2011 and 2012 models are reliable picks, as Nissan finally ironed out the early transmission problems. And if you want something newer, the 2017-2019 models will definitely fit the bill.
2000
In the market for an older Pathfinder? The 2000 model is one of the best bets in terms of reliability.

Owners love how these vehicles last on the roads; in fact, many members of our testing team report their Pathfinders have clocked over 180,000 to 200,000 miles without major issues. That’s pretty impressive for a 20-year-old vehicle.
Of course, with any older car, there are a few things to watch out for, and rust around the strut tower is a known trouble spot for the 2000 Pathfinder. Still, if you can find one in good condition with minimal rust and relatively low mileage, we can guarantee this SUV is going to give you great value for your money.
2003 and 2004
How about second-generation Pathfinders? The 2003 and 2004 models should be top of mind. There were only a few reports about engine sludge buildup in the 2003 models; it wasn’t a widespread issue. Things get even better in the 2004 model, which is widely recognized for its reliable performance (except for a few complaints about excessive oil consumption).
2011 and 2012

As mentioned above, the third-generation Pathfinder (2005-2012) had its ups and downs, especially early on with the infamous “Strawberry Milkshake” issues.
Fortunately, by the time we got to the 2011 and 2012 models, Nissan had largely fixed the problem; each model had only a handful of consumer complaints and two recalls.
2017 to 2019
As some of the more recent options compared to the models above, these 2017-2019 Pathfinders offer a solid combination of performance and technology. According to our own tests, none of them suffered from any major engine or transmission problems – and apart from a few minor electrical issues, they’ve proven to be pretty reliable.
One thing to note: these Pathfinders moved toward a more crossover-like design. Therefore, if you’re a fan of the older, boxier look of the Pathfinder, you might be a little disappointed by the styling (though we believe the smooth handling more than makes up for that).
See more:
Best Years By Brand Model:
Years To Avoid By Brand Model:
Conclusion
The Nissan Pathfinder’s reliability is still a hit or miss for certain models across its four generations. That’s why we’ve put together a handy list of all the years you’ll want to steer clear of when considering a purchase. And if you still have questions after reading this article, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!