NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Safety Ratings
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 96 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder achieves a 5 out of 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA. This strong performance in federal testing underpins its NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, placing it in our "Strong" band. The vehicle's safety record is further characterized by a single recall, for which a remedy has been identified.
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder AWD received an overall 5-star crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder ranks 57 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 | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 96 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 57 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder achieves a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, anchoring its strong performance. This model year significantly improves upon its predecessor, earning an 88 out of 100 on MotorCaliber's Safety Index, a five-point gain from the 2022 model's 83. The crash protection sub-score stands at 61 out of 70. A perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology reflects the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across all trims. Its 5-star side impact rating is a particular strength in crash performance. The single recall documented for this model year involves critical fasteners in the driver's powered seat mechanism; this is a specific, addressable issue rather than a broad systemic defect. The defect record sub-score of 16.75 out of 20 indicates some room for improvement. While no fatalities were reported among the 96 owner complaints, one reported injury is noted. These complaints span electrical, fuel, braking, and engine categories. Overall, the 2023 Pathfinder presents a distinctly stronger safety profile on every measurable dimension compared to the 2022 model.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder perform in crash tests?
Side protection is a standout for the 2023 Pathfinder AWD, earning 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's evaluations. The vehicle achieved an overall 5-star safety rating. Both frontal and rollover protection were rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for the 2023 Pathfinder AWD stands at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test yielding a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18393
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?
One recall affects this model year: a campaign covering certain 2023 Rogue, Pathfinder, and Infiniti QX60 vehicles for a seats issue involving critical fasteners. The driver's powered seat may not function as intended due to those fasteners. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the data for this campaign, but buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN.
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS23V268000
Risk: An unsecured seat with broken welds may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat rail clearance, and if necessary, replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 10, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC966, PC967.
Reported 2023-04-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?
Owners have filed 96 unverified allegations with NHTSA. The most frequently reported components are Unknown or Other at 26 reports, Electrical System and Fuel/Propulsion System each at 21, Service Brakes at 19, Engine at 14, and Power Train at 11. These are consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
96 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?
A critical recall for seat fasteners defines the 2023 Pathfinder's safety profile. For any prospective owner, verifying the remedy of this issue via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool is an essential pre-purchase step.
- The 2023 Pathfinder's Safety Index of 88/100 is five points higher than the 2022 model's 83/100, a measurable year-over-year improvement within the Strong band driven by crash protection and avoidance tech scores.
- NHTSA's 2023 NCAP result for this vehicle is 5 stars overall, with a 5-star side rating as the peak score and 4-star results in both frontal and rollover categories.
- The sole recall for this model year targets critical fasteners in the driver's powered seat, a campaign shared with the 2023 Rogue and Infiniti QX60 - buyers should verify VIN-specific remedy status.
- Ninety-six unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with Electrical System and Fuel/Propulsion System each drawing 21 alleged reports, making those the two most specific complaint clusters worth asking a seller about.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder places
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Nissan Pathfinder safety questions
Was the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 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 2023 Nissan Pathfinder crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Nissan Pathfinder have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 96 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18393), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Pathfinder 2023.
- 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 57 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.