Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
In general, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is a reliable SUV that many consumers have purchased and enjoyed their driving experience with.
However, no vehicle is perfect, and some consumers have also reported experiencing problems with their 2020 Nissan Pathfinder.
These reports can be disorganized and scattered across the Internet, making it difficult to get a good idea of what problems the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder runs into more commonly than others.
In this article, we will summarize the reports found online regarding the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder so that you can be aware of its problems. Then, we will discuss the lemon law and how you can use it to be compensated for your defective vehicle.
Common 2020 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
- Electrical Problems: Car lock problems, backup camera off, no defroster or heating, faulty sensors around car
- Engine Problems: Loss of power, metal in oil pan, leaking oil, stalling, banging and knocking sounds
- Transmission Problems: Unexpected acceleration, gear slippage, failure to accelerate, failure to decelerate
- Brake Issues: Brake locking up, weak braking power, brakes applied without driver input, leaking brake fluid, squealing
2020 Nissan Pathfinder Electrical Issues
Electrical issues are among the more commonly reported problems, likely because there are a lot of electronics in modern vehicles and therefore many things that can malfunction.
In the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder, consumers report encountering problems with the vehicle locks (locking them out, for example), the backup camera turning off or flickering, no defrosting or heating capabilities, and faulty sensors around the car giving false reports of issues. Because electronics issues can be so variable, consumers are encouraged to have them inspected by an authorized dealership or repair center.
2020 Nissan Pathfinder Engine Issues
Engine issues are some of the most unfortunate to come across because they have significant impacts on the vehicle and are often complex or expensive to address.
In the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder, consumers reported experiencing engine issues like stalling, losses of power, oil leaks and associated issues like discovering metal in the oil pan and banging and knocking sounds. Engine problems can be very dangerous if they result in combustion or ignition of engine fluids and should be taken to a mechanic as soon as they are suspected of being present in the vehicle.
2020 Nissan Pathfinder Brake Issues
Lastly, consumers mention a handful of brake issues with their 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. For obvious reasons, brake problems are among the more dangerous problems a vehicle can experience.
Consumers report their brakes squealing despite being new, having weak braking power in general, having their brakes automatically applied without driver input, and leaking brake fluid. All of these problems could result in the driver exercising less control over their car and therefore should be addressed by a professional as soon as they are discovered or suspected.
Example Complaints from Real Nissan Pathfinder Owners
“There’s been a loss of power when accelerating, engine has made an odd noise during startup and occasionally a knocking noise when driven longer than a 10 mins. Dealership said there’s metal in the oil pan. I saw an article today that said only nissan three and four cylinder vehicles have these issues but my pathfinder has the same problems.”
“I bought my Pathy at the end of March 2023, with less than 20,000 miles on it. Since then I have had repeated problems with the backup camara and the door lock actuators. The console cover around the radio started rattling, the tag light covers were sliding around in the openings and one of the tires leaked. Took it to Lithia Springs Nissan (where I purchased it) repeatedly. They never really fixed the camara and locks. Now the warranty that would cover those items is expired. Nissan definitely needs a longer bumper-to-bumper warranty, or better quality.”
“Save yourself a lot of time and money do not buy any Nissan Pathfinder new or old I bought my brand new 2020 Nissan Pathfinder at Rocking Nissan of Richmond, I’ve had nothing but major issues with the engine 3.5 , Every morning on cold start black smoke comes out of the tailpipe. Gets very poor gas mileage 14 to 19 The day I bought the vehicle once I got home, I noticed the year and date on the screen, said March -1-2012, As I looked more into, Nissan used old software from 2012 on the new vehicles so basically I was not buying a 2020 updated version Software. My vice to anybody is to stay away From Nissan altogether save yourself a lot of money.”
How the Lemon Law Could Help with Your 2020 Nissan Pathfinder Issues
If your 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is showing signs of a defect and is still under the manufacturer’s original warranty, you may be eligible to begin the lemon law process and receive compensation for purchasing or leasing a defective vehicle.
The process starts with you identifying a defect in your vehicle and taking it to an authorized manufacturer dealership for repair attempts.
A vehicle is considered a lemon if the defect is not repeatedly repaired for the same or similar issue during the warranty period. A reasonable number of repairs is generally needed, which typically is around two to four.
During these attempts, it is crucial to document and record all repairs to build evidence supporting your lemon claim.
Once the vehicle has undergone repeat warranty repair attempts for the same or similar issue that substantially impairs its safety, use or value, the vehicle likely is a lemon.
With a successful lemon law claim, you are entitled to either a refund of the payments made towards the vehicle or a replacement vehicle of similar make and model.
A refund consists of the reimbursement of all monies spent on the vehicle including the down payment, monthly payments, taxes and fees and a replacement vehicle consists of exchanging the lemon for one that is substantially similar.
With either option, the manufacturer is entitled to charge a usage fee which is a value for when the vehicle was driven without the problems that made it a lemon.
As the prevailing party under the California Lemon Law, the consumer is entitled to the payment of their attorneys fees and costs by the auto manufacturer. This makes pursuing a lemon law claim the right and easy financial decision as there is no out of pocket expense to the consumer.
If you are considering presenting a lemon law claim, it is advisable to consult with an experienced lemon law attorney who can assist to maximize your chances of winning. If you prevail, the manufacturer must pay your attorney’s fees, making the lawsuit cost-free for you.
Even before deciding to file a lemon lawsuit, hiring a skilled lemon law attorney can make managing the lemon law process much smoother for the consumer. An attorney will help organize documentation and evidence, manage negotiations, communicate with the manufacturer, and represent you in court if need be.
Connect with a Skilled Lemon Law Attorney in California
If you have identified a defect in your 2020 Nissan Pathfinder and are feeling stressed by the pressure of navigating the road to redress, don’t worry! The Lemon Law Experts are here to help you understand your rights and fight for them. Manufacturers bring their own legal teams to defend against consumers who bring lemon law claims against them.
Level the playing field by hiring a lemon law attorney of your own. We have been helping consumers get the compensation they deserve for their defective vehicles since 2009 and have helped thousands of clients.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out an online form on our website!
