Ford Explorer vs Nissan Pathfinder: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2026, owners filed an average of 781 complaints per model year about the Ford Explorer and 228 about the Nissan Pathfinder.
Side by side
| Ford Explorer | Nissan Pathfinder | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2026 | 2006-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 16,393 | 4,565 |
| Complaints per model year | 781 | 228 |
| Recalls | 104 | 35 |
| Years to avoid | 20132014201520162017 | 20062007200820132014 |
| Best years | 200720192022 | 201620182019 |
| Most common problem | Steering | Transmission |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 19-24 mpg combined (2026) | 21-23 mpg combined (2026) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Explorer | Pathfinder | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 3,532 | 110 |
| Body | 3,203 | 195 |
| Engine | 2,532 | 1,165 |
| Transmission | 1,979 | 1,754 |
| Electrical | 1,263 | 346 |
| Driver assistance | 845 | 140 |
| Fuel system | 756 | 545 |
| Airbags | 431 | 487 |
| Brakes | 438 | 336 |
Questions about the Ford Explorer vs Nissan Pathfinder
Which is more reliable, the Ford Explorer or the Nissan Pathfinder?
Between 2006 and 2026, the Ford Explorer has 5 years to avoid and the Nissan Pathfinder 5. Both are about equally consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Nissan Pathfinder drew fewer complaints per model year (228 vs 781), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Explorer or the Nissan Pathfinder?
From 2006 to 2026, the Ford Explorer was covered by 104 recalls and the Nissan Pathfinder by 35.
What years of the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder should you avoid?
Ford Explorer: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Nissan Pathfinder: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013 and 2014.
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