NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Nissan Pathfinder Safety Ratings
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 6 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder presents a strong federal safety profile, earning a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating and a perfect avoidance-tech score. This model year achieved an Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, bolstered by a record of zero recalls.
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100 Exceptional, based on NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder ranks 50 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 | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 6 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 50 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2026 Pathfinder marks a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's federal-data scoring, climbing from an 88/100 Strong index on the 2025 model to a 91/100 Exceptional rating this year, a three-point gain that pushed the vehicle across the band boundary. That movement is driven by a perfect defect-record subscore of 20/20, reflecting the absence of any recall campaign on file, and a full 10/10 on crash-avoidance technology, where forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard equipment. The crash-protection subscore of 61/70 anchors the index, consistent with NHTSA's five-star overall result. The side-impact five-star rating is the standout crash figure this year, while the four-star frontal and rollover scores represent the ceiling for further improvement. The rollover risk of 16 percent with a No Tip dynamic result adds context to that four-star rollover score. The six complaints on file are unverified allegations and carry no confirmed safety finding, but the Visibility and Electrical System categories bear watching as the fleet accumulates more miles.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Pathfinder achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection was rated at a perfect five stars, marking the model's strongest performance in federal testing. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each received four stars. The rollover risk for the Pathfinder is 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding in a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21066
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory applies to this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be issued at any time after a model enters the market.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
Six unverified consumer allegations have been filed with NHTSA for the 2026 Pathfinder. The top reported components are Visibility and the Electrical System, each cited twice, followed by single allegations involving Steering, Lane Departure, Back Over Prevention, and an Unknown category. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
6 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is a current-model-year vehicle. Shoppers must verify their specific VIN against the NHTSA recall database before purchase, as new campaigns can open after production. Any future remedy must be completed at a Nissan dealer before taking delivery.
- The 2026 Pathfinder's Safety Index rose three points year-over-year, from 88/100 Strong on the 2025 model to 91/100 Exceptional, crossing into a higher performance band.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for this model year, producing a perfect 20/20 defect-record subscore, the highest possible contribution to the Safety Index.
- NHTSA's side-impact test returned five stars, the top result in the crash suite, while frontal and rollover tests each returned four stars and a 16 percent rollover risk with a No Tip dynamic outcome.
- Six unverified NHTSA complaints cite Visibility and Electrical System components most frequently, two apiece, and no allegations of crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been reported for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder places
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Nissan Pathfinder safety questions
Was the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Nissan Pathfinder have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 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 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 6 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Pathfinder years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21066), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Pathfinder 2026.
- 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 50 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.