2018 Nissan Pathfinder

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Nissan Pathfinder
Pictured: 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD in Baja Storm Metallic, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
FWD 4dr SUV, Platinum AWD 4dr SUV, S/Sv/Sl AWD 4dr SUV
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Seats
7
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
Length
198.4 in
Curb weight
4,275–4,672 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Few owner complaints78 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 237 for similar models.

Watch out for

  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is a small SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 198 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,275 lb (FWD 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 8% worse than the 2018 small SUV average of 24.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 78 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.

What changed for 2018

  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Pathfinder →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–3.5L 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Smyrna, Tennessee

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2018 Pathfinder configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
FWD 4dr SUV198.4 in77.2 in70.1 in114.2 in65.7 / 65.7 in4,275 lb54/46
Platinum AWD 4dr SUV198.4 in77.2 in70.1 in114.2 in65.7 / 65.7 in4,672 lb54/46
S/Sv/Sl AWD 4dr SUV198.4 in77.2 in70.1 in114.2 in65.7 / 65.7 in4,420 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Pathfinder 2WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23-8%$2,900395
Pathfinder 4WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22-5%$3,050404
Pathfinder 4WD Platinum3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 21-9%$3,200424
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.9 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.4%
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD
Side crash test — 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Nissan Pathfinder (this car)23 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Toyota 4Runner18 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Ford Explorer22 MPG★★★★★7
2018 Toyota Highlander29 MPG★★★★★4
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee25 MPG★★★★★10
2018 GMC Yukon19 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Chevrolet Tahoe19 MPG★★★★★3

Recalls (3)

Safety advisory: 2 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · Nov 8, 2019 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 19V807000 · 391,479 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: If the ABS warning light remains illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 12, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V654000 · 1,228,830 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · Sep 7, 2018 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 18V601000 · 215,124 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
Risk
A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

78Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
16,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Service Brakes19
Unknown Or Other18
Electrical System14
Engine13
Power Train12
Vehicle Speed Control9
Steering6
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)6
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/07: 222/12: 223/02: 123/03: 423/04: 123/06: 123/07: 123/10: 124/01: 224/02: 224/03: 124/08: 124/10: 125/02: 225/07: 225/08: 125/09: 125/10: 125/11: 125/12: 126/01: 126/03: 226/08: 126/10: 122/0723/0323/0724/0224/1025/0825/1126/03max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Nissan Pathfinder buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Service Brakes — 19 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Engine — 13 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 16,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Pathfinder years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Pathfinder23197.2 inNot rated015
2025 Pathfinder23197.2 in★★★★★156
2024 Pathfinder23197.2 in★★★★★286
2023 Pathfinder23197.2 in★★★★★1107
2022 Pathfinder23197.2 in★★★★★5136
2020 Pathfinder23198.4 in★★★★★048
2019 Pathfinder23198.4 in★★★★★276
2017 Pathfinder23198.4 inNot rated2188
2016 Pathfinder23197.2 inNot rated2107
2015 Pathfinder26197.2 inNot rated6321
2014 Pathfinder26197.2 inNot rated12531
2013 Pathfinder22197.2 inNot rated11546

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →