NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Nissan Pathfinder Safety Ratings
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 42 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A five-star overall NHTSA crash rating, paired with a clean avoidance technology score, positions the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder as a strong contender for safety-conscious buyers. The model earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, placing it firmly in our "Strong" band. This assessment is further supported by a record of only a single recall campaign, indicating a largely stable post-release profile based on the published federal data.
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder received a five-star overall 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 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder ranks 85 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 | 42 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 85 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2025 Pathfinder holds a Safety Index of 88/100, identical to the 2024 model's 88/100. Year-over-year stability at this level reflects consistent performance across all three index pillars: crash protection at 61 of a possible 70 points, a full 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, and a defect record sub-score of 17.25 out of 20. That defect record score is the one area with room to move, and the single brake-caliper recall is the reason it sits below a perfect 20. The recall affects front calipers shared with the 2025 Murano and INFINITI QX60, suggesting a supplier-level issue rather than a Pathfinder-exclusive design flaw. The complaint picture adds nuance: 42 reported allegations include a notable cluster around Service Brakes (7 reports), which aligns directly with the recall campaign, and six reports each for Forward Collision Avoidance, Power Train, and Engine. The five-star overall NHTSA rating, anchored by a perfect side-impact score, remains the headline strength of this model year. The avoidance-technology suite, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard, earns a maximum sub-score and reinforces the overall index result.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Pathfinder achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in its side-impact assessment with a perfect five-star score. The vehicle's frontal and rollover protection each earned four stars. Its rollover risk is calculated at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test recording no tip. All major crash-test categories have been rated for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20746
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?
The 2025 Pathfinder has one recall campaign. It covers front brake calipers, classified under Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Foundation Components, Disc, Caliper. The recall also applies to the 2025 Murano and INFINITI QX60. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.gov.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER25V173000
Risk: A broken front brake caliper can cause a loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake caliper assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or INFINITI's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD137 and PD138.
Reported 2025-03-19
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?
Owners have filed 42 unverified allegations with NHTSA. The most frequently reported components are Unknown or Other (11 reports), Service Brakes (7), Forward Collision Avoidance (6), Power Train (6), Engine (6), and Electrical System (5). Among the alleged incidents are 2 crashes and 3 injuries. These are consumer allegations, not confirmed findings.
42 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?
A critical safety recall has been issued for the 2025 Pathfinder, specifically addressing potential issues with the brake calipers. This recall necessitates a pre-purchase VIN check through NHTSA.gov to confirm that the required remedy has been completed. While an unresolved recall on a component as vital as the braking system demands attention, it should be seen as a mandatory checkpoint for resolution rather than an automatic deterrent to acquisition.
- The 2025 Pathfinder's Safety Index of 88/100 is unchanged from the 2024 model year, meaning no safety regression but also no measurable improvement in the defect-record sub-score.
- A single recall targets the front brake calipers on 2025 Pathfinder units, shared with the 2025 Murano and INFINITI QX60 - verify remedy completion by VIN before finalizing any purchase.
- Seven unverified owner allegations specifically name Service Brakes as the affected component, a pattern that runs parallel to the active brake-caliper recall campaign.
- The avoidance-technology sub-score is a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting standard-equipment forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder places
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Nissan Pathfinder safety questions
Was the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 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 2025 Nissan Pathfinder crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Nissan Pathfinder have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 42 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20746), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Pathfinder 2025.
- 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 85 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.