NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Nissan Pathfinder Safety Ratings
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 49 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall rating from NHTSA, a strong performance in federal crash testing. This contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, placing it in our Strong band. Notably, the 2020 model year shows a meaningfully safer profile on our index compared to its 2019 predecessor. The vehicle also benefits from a clean recall record, with no recalls issued by NHTSA.
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder AWD SUV received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, both sourced from NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder ranks 29 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 49 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 29 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder marks a notable step forward in our index, rising 8 points to 88/100 from the 2019 model year's 80/100, while both years remain in the Strong band. The jump is driven primarily by a spotless recall record, which earns 19.5 out of a possible 20 points in the defect record component, the highest weight available for that category. The crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 reflects the NHTSA NCAP results: a headline 5-star overall rating, a perfect 5-star side result, and solid 4-star scores in the frontal and rollover categories. The 18 percent rollover risk figure and the No Tip dynamic result add further context to that rollover rating. The avoidance technology score of 7 out of 10 reflects the standard fitment of forward collision warning and electronic stability control, partially offset by the absence of a standard lane departure warning system. The 49 reported complaints, concentrated in Engine and Electrical System categories, are unverified consumer allegations and do not represent confirmed defects, but the forward collision avoidance component drawing 4 of those reports is worth monitoring given that the system is a standard safety feature on this trim configuration.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Pathfinder AWD SUV achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA, buoyed by its perfect 5-star score in side-impact evaluations. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each registered 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover risk stands at 18 percent, with the dynamic tip test successfully demonstrating a "No Tip" outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14520
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. That clean recall slate is a direct contributor to its near-perfect defect record sub-score of 19.5 out of 20.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder?
Forty-nine unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine (14 reports), Electrical System (10), Service Brakes (8), and Power Train (7). One alleged crash has been reported. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
49 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder?
Shoppers considering a used 2020 Pathfinder should run the VIN through the NHTSA recall database before purchase. Although no recall campaigns are currently on file for this model year, recall campaigns can be added after a vehicle's production run. Confirm any prior recall remedy was completed by a previous owner.
- The 2020 Pathfinder carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a distinction that directly lifts its defect record sub-score to 19.5 out of 20 and separates this year from model years with active campaigns.
- NHTSA's NCAP awarded this specific model year a 5-star overall rating, with the side-crash category reaching the maximum 5 stars and both frontal and rollover categories landing at 4 stars.
- The Safety Index rose 8 points over the 2019 Pathfinder's 80/100, the largest single-year gain visible in the two-year comparison available, reflecting the combined effect of strong crash scores and a clean recall record.
- Forty-nine unverified allegations reported to NHTSA cluster around Engine and Electrical System components, with Service Brakes and Power Train also appearing in the top reported categories, giving prospective buyers specific areas to investigate during a pre-purchase inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder places
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Nissan Pathfinder safety questions
Was the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 2020 Nissan Pathfinder crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Nissan Pathfinder have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 49 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Pathfinder years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14520), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Pathfinder 2020.
- 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 29 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.