Nissan Pathfinder vs Toyota Highlander
For 2005–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 14.6 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 Highlander’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 Highlander
14.6 complaints per 10,000 sold
70% fewer than the Nissan Pathfinder
- Complaints
- 4,263
- Sold
- 2,920,212
- Recall campaigns
- 38
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2007, 2014, 2016 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 56,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 16,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 46,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,100 mi
-
Automatic transmission internals
Typically around 73,350 mi · repair $2,910–$5,410
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Nissan Pathfinder or the Toyota Highlander?
For 2005–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 14.6 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 Highlander?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Highlander is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 56,000 miles.
Which Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Nissan Pathfinder: 2005–2006, 2008 and 2013; Toyota Highlander: 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.