NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Nissan Pathfinder Safety Ratings
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 132 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder achieves a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, contributing to its Strong band placement with a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100. Standard crash-avoidance technology is integrated across all trims. However, five recall campaigns have been issued for this model year, a significant consideration for consumers.
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder AWD SUV received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder ranks 81 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 132 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 81 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder launched with five recall campaigns, three of which were initiated within weeks of its introduction, signaling early production quality concerns. These recalls concentrated heavily on structural weld integrity across the seat system, the hood latch, and a camera software correction. The model's 83/100 Safety Index, rated Strong, reflects positively on its structural performance, with a crash-protection subscore of 61 out of 70. Its avoidance-technology score is a perfect 10 out of 10, recognizing standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The defect record subscore of 12.25 out of 20, however, underscores the weight of its recall history. The 132 reported complaints, with seat components appearing both in recall documentation and as a top complaint category, suggest a direct correlation between the seat-related campaigns and owner experience. All complaint allegations remain unverified.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Pathfinder AWD SUV received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is particularly strong, achieving a full 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection and rollover prevention were each rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover risk is assessed at 16 percent, with dynamic tip testing yielding a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16045
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?
Five recall campaigns cover this model year. Two address seat-related critical fasteners, including second-row seat track and seat back frame weld deficiencies. A third targets third-row headrest weld or misalignment issues. A fourth covers a secondary hood latch weld that may allow the latch to separate. A fifth, resolved via over-the-air software fix, addresses the back-over prevention camera system on certain rental vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the provided campaign data.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA22V527000
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The Infotainment system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 29, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22A5 PC901 PC902.
Reported 2022-07-21
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS22V111000
Risk: A missing mounting bolt may allow the seat track to move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat track and install a new mounting bolt as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PC867 and PC868.
Reported 2022-02-24
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT21V742000
Risk: Headrests that move or detach may not adequately restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace all three third-row seat headrests, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC844.
Reported 2021-09-23
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS21V743000
Risk: Seat backs with separated welds may fail to adequately restrain occupants during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replaced the seat assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PC845, PC846, and PC847.
Reported 2021-09-23
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH21V706000
Risk: A detached secondary hood latch may allow the hood to open if the primary hood latch is not engaged, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the secondary hood latch bracket as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC840.
Reported 2021-09-10
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder?
A total of 132 owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, including alleged 3 crashes and 3 injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components are Service Brakes with 34 reports, followed by Electrical System at 19, Engine at 18, Power Train at 17, and Seats at 16.
132 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder?
Any shopper considering a used 2022 Pathfinder should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. With five recall campaigns on record, confirming that all remedies, particularly the seat fastener and hood latch repairs, have been completed is a practical safety step, not an optional one.
- Three separate recall campaigns targeting seat components, covering second-row seat track fasteners, second-row seat back frame welds, and third-row headrest welds, were issued specifically for the 2022 model year, making seat-system remedy verification a priority check.
- The hood latch recall, citing insufficient welds on the secondary latch retainer, is unique to the 2022 Pathfinder among the model's recent history and warrants physical confirmation of repair completion by VIN.
- The defect record subscore of 12.25 out of a possible 20 is the single largest drag on the 83/100 Safety Index, directly reflecting the weight of five recall campaigns against the overall score.
- Seats appear both as a top recall subject and as the sixth-highest complaint category with 16 unverified allegations, making it the component area where the 2022 model year's safety record is most concentrated and worth the closest scrutiny.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder places
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Nissan Pathfinder safety questions
Was the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 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 2022 Nissan Pathfinder crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 132 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16045), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Pathfinder 2022.
- 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 81 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- 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.