2015 Nissan Pathfinder

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 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
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
Hybrid Sv/Platinum 4dr SUV, Platinum AWD 4dr SUV, S FWD 4dr SUV, S/Sv/Sl AWD 4dr SUV
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
26 combined · 25 city / 28 hwy
Length
197.2 in
Curb weight
4,275–4,676 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2015 standard SUV (18.7 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2015 Nissan Pathfinder is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 197 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,676 lb (Hybrid Sv/Platinum 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (25 city / 28 highway), 39% better than the 2015 standard SUV average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

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

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 321 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.

What changed for 2015

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 Pathfinder — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Pathfinder →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–3.5L 6-cyl
Engine–3.5L
DriveAWD/4WD

Built in: Smyma, Tennessee · Smyrna, Tennessee

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2015 Pathfinder configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Hybrid Sv/Platinum 4dr SUV197.2 in77.2 in69.7 in114.2 in65.7 / 65.7 in4,676 lb54/46
Platinum AWD 4dr SUV197.2 in77.2 in69.7 in114.2 in65.7 / 65.7 in4,672 lb54/46
S FWD 4dr SUV197.2 in77.2 in69.7 in114.2 in65.7 / 65.7 in4,275 lb54/46
S/Sv/Sl AWD 4dr SUV197.2 in77.2 in69.7 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 Hybrid 2WD Hybrid2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 28 / 26+39%$2,600342
Pathfinder Hybrid 4WD Hybrid2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive25 / 27 / 26+43%$2,600344
Pathfinder 2WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23-4%$2,900389
Pathfinder 4WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22-3%$3,050413
Pathfinder 4WD Platinum3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 21-7%$3,200422
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.7 MPG2015 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2015 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.9%
2015 Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.4%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2015 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2015 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2015 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2015 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2015 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2015 Nissan Pathfinder (this car)26 MPG★★★★★6
2015 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated4
2015 Toyota 4Runner19 MPG★★★★★9
2015 Ford Explorer23 MPG★★★★★8
2015 Toyota Highlander28 MPG★★★★★1
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee25 MPG★★★★★9
2015 GMC Yukon18 MPG★★★★★10

Recalls (6)

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Jun 13, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V420000 · 322,671 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Pathfinder vehicles. On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed.
Risk
An unsecured hood could unexpectedly open while driving, obstructing the driver's view, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the bell crank assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 26, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are R22A2 R22A3 and R24B7.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Oct 4, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V774000 · 7,634 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, 2015-2016 Murano Hybrid, and 2014-2017 INFINITI QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may shut down the hybrid system and the engine under certain conditions, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will reprogram the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R21B4 and R21B5.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Jan 20, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V020000 · 264,431 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. The location of the brake light switch may cause the brake light switch relay to repeatedly open and close. Overtime, this can cause the relay to stick in the "ON" position, with the brake lights remaining illuminated even when the brakes are not applied. Additionally, this may interfere with the brake-shift interlock, allowing the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "Park" position, without depressing the brake pedal.
Risk
Continual illumination of the brake lights can prevent other drivers from realizing the vehicle is actually slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash. With the brake override activated, the driver will not be able to accelerate normally, increasing the risk of a crash. The driver can shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, allowing the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, either re-install the brake light switch or swap positions with the Automatic Speed Control Device (ASCD) switch; depending on the model year vehicle. In addition, the brake light relay will be replaced with a new one. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall PC786. Note: this recall supersedes 16V-380.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Apr 26, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V244000 · 3,296,947 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
Risk
If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Fix
Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Oct 20, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V681000 · 919 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
Risk
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Service Brakes · Jan 14, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V012000 · 893 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles manufactured August 14, 2014, to November 5, 2014, and 2014-2015 Nissan Rogue vehicles manufactured August 12, 2014, to November 15, 2014. During the assembly process, the front wheel hub assembly fasteners may not have been properly torqued.
Risk
The under-torqued fasteners may result in a brake caliper separating from the wheel assembly causing a reduction in braking performance or reduced steering control. These conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and tighten any loose bolts to the proper specification, free of charge. The recall began February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2015 Nissan Pathfinder is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

321Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
11Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
44,507 miTypical mileage at failure
Unknown Or Other79
Power Train76
Engine74
Air Bags55
Electrical System27
Vehicle Speed Control27
Service Brakes24
Fuel/Propulsion System11
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/03: 224/05: 124/06: 124/07: 124/08: 124/09: 224/10: 424/11: 125/03: 225/04: 325/05: 225/06: 125/07: 325/08: 125/09: 125/10: 125/12: 126/01: 126/03: 126/04: 226/06: 126/07: 126/08: 126/10: 124/0324/0724/1025/0425/0725/1026/0326/07max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2015 Nissan Pathfinder buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 76 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Engine — 74 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Air Bags — 55 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 44,507 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 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★★★★★157
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
2018 Pathfinder23198.4 in★★★★★378
2017 Pathfinder23198.4 in★★★★★2188
2016 Pathfinder23197.2 in★★★★★2107
2014 Pathfinder26197.2 in★★★★★12531
2013 Pathfinder22197.2 inNot rated11546

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