Nissan Pathfinder vs Toyota RAV4
For 2005–2022 models, the Toyota RAV4 has 14.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 48.8 for the Nissan Pathfinder. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Nissan Pathfinder
48.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
3.3× the Toyota RAV4’s rate
- Complaints
- 5,130
- Sold
- 1,050,631
- Recall campaigns
- 30
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2005–2006, 2008 and 2013. Fewest: 2012, 2018 and 2020–2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 80,000 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 96,849 mi · repair $260–$1,910
-
Transmission cooler and fluid overheating
Typically around 102,000 mi · repair $200–$600
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 27,000 mi
-
Fuel pump and sending unit
Typically around 71,908 mi · repair $630–$1,700
Toyota RAV4
14.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
70% fewer than the Nissan Pathfinder
- Complaints
- 7,062
- Sold
- 4,797,629
- Recall campaigns
- 39
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2006–2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2014, 2016–2017 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 67,976 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 24,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 90,900 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 40,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Nissan Pathfinder or the Toyota RAV4?
For 2005–2022 models, the Toyota RAV4 has 14.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Nissan Pathfinder has 48.8, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Nissan Pathfinder?
The most-reported problem on the Nissan Pathfinder is harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 80,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota RAV4?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota RAV4 is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 60,000 miles.
Which Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota RAV4 years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Nissan Pathfinder: 2005–2006, 2008 and 2013; Toyota RAV4: 2006–2008 and 2010.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.