Ford Escape vs Nissan Pathfinder
For 2005–2022 models, the Nissan Pathfinder has 48.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 58.3 for the Ford Escape. 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.
Ford Escape
58.3 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.2× the Nissan Pathfinder’s rate
- Complaints
- 23,552
- Sold
- 4,041,648
- Recall campaigns
- 67
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008–2010 and 2013. Fewest: 2007, 2012 and 2021–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 56,500 mi
-
Head gasket and cylinder head
Typically around 85,000 mi · repair $1,620–$3,010
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 110,984 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 52,000 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 80,200 mi · repair $260–$1,910
Nissan Pathfinder
48.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
16% fewer than the Ford Escape
- 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
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Escape or the Nissan Pathfinder?
For 2005–2022 models, the Nissan Pathfinder has 48.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Escape has 58.3, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Escape?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Escape is stalling and no-start, typically around 56,500 miles.
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.
Which Ford Escape and Nissan Pathfinder years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Escape: 2008–2010 and 2013; Nissan Pathfinder: 2005–2006, 2008 and 2013.
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.