NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Nissan Pathfinder Safety Ratings
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 73 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder, a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating forms the foundation of its safety profile. This contributed to a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, placing the vehicle in the Strong band. However, two active recalls introduce significant considerations for this model year, notably one campaign advising owners to park their vehicles outdoors due to fire risk.
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of five out of five stars, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder ranks 60 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 73 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 60 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder presents a split picture that the Safety Index of 80 out of 100 captures accurately. Its crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 reflects genuinely strong NHTSA performance, headlined by a five-star overall rating and a perfect five-star side result. The avoidance tech sub-score of 7 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning and electronic stability control are standard equipment, while lane departure warning is absent, a meaningful gap in the active-safety suite for a 2019 model. The defect record sub-score of 11.5 out of 20 is where this year distinguishes itself in a less favorable way. The park-outside braking system recall is the defining safety event for this specific model year, pulling directly on that sub-score. That campaign covers the antilock and traction control system across a range of Nissan models including the 2017 through 2019 Pathfinder, and its severity rating is reflected in the do-not-drive language. The backup camera recall adds a second open campaign. With 73 reported complaints, service brakes and forward collision avoidance together account for 23 of those unverified allegations, a pattern that maps directly onto the two active recall topics. No prior-year Safety Index is on file for comparison, so year-over-year movement cannot be assessed.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Pathfinder AWD SUV earned an overall rating of five out of five stars from NHTSA, the agency's highest safety score. This strong performance was supported by a five-star rating in side protection. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received four out of five stars. The Pathfinder AWD SUV's rollover risk was assessed at 18 percent, with dynamic testing resulting in "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13427
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2019 Pathfinder. The first, and more urgent, targets the antilock and traction control braking system and carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation, signaling a serious safety concern. The second addresses the back-over prevention camera sensing system. Both campaigns are active and require VIN verification.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP19V807000
Risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: If the ABS warning light remains illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up, owners are advised to park the vehic
Reported 2019-11-08
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA19V654000
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Reported 2019-09-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder?
NHTSA has logged 73 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues, the engine, service brakes, forward collision avoidance, the electrical system, and the powertrain. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
73 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2019 Pathfinder's park-outside braking system recall requires immediate attention from any prospective owner. Shoppers must verify the remedy for this critical safety defect has been applied. Separately, the status of the backup camera recall should be confirmed. Unresolved campaigns transfer with the vehicle, and a VIN check through NHTSA's recall lookup is essential before purchase.
- The 2019 Pathfinder carries a park-outside or do-not-drive recall specifically targeting the antilock and traction control braking system, the most serious safety designation NHTSA issues, and VIN verification of remedy completion is essential.
- A second 2019-specific recall covers the backup camera sensing system across a broad range of Nissan models including this Pathfinder, representing a second open campaign that used-market buyers must check.
- The defect record sub-score of 11.5 out of 20 is the weakest component of the 80-point Safety Index for this year, driven by the two active recall campaigns rather than by crash-test performance.
- Lane departure warning is absent as standard equipment on the 2019 Pathfinder, a specific gap in the active-safety profile that distinguishes this model year from competitors offering that feature as standard in the same period.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder places
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Nissan Pathfinder safety questions
Was the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 73 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Pathfinder years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13427), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Pathfinder 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 60 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.