2015 Ford Explorer vs 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
Two midsize SUVs, compared on what actually matters when you're buying used:
what breaks, when it breaks, and what it costs you.
2015 Ford
Explorer
5/10
The 2015 Explorer is fine transportation until it isn't — and when it isn't, it's the electric power steering or the transfer unit, and both hurt.
VS
2015 Nissan
Pathfinder
4/10
A comfortable, well-packaged family hauler sabotaged by a CVT that Nissan never fully fixed until years later.
Milo scores the 2015 Ford Explorer higher — 5/10 against 4/10.
By the numbers
Green is the better number — higher on every score, lower on failures, complaints and recalls.
| Ford Explorer |
Nissan Pathfinder |
| Known failure points | 9 | 6 |
| NHTSA complaints | 1768 | 320 |
| Safety recalls | 9 | 5 |
| Service bulletins | 12 | 12 |
| Reliability | 55 | 38 |
| Cheap to own | 45 | 35 |
| Fun factor | 50 | 30 |
| Holds value | 55 | 42 |
| Enthusiast cred | 35 | 15 |
The most expensive thing that goes wrong
2015 Ford Explorer
6F55 6-speed automatic harsh shifts / solenoid pack issues
$300–$5,00090k–150k mi
2015 Nissan Pathfinder
CVT shudder/judder on acceleration and failure to properly shift under load
$3,500–$5,50030k–70k mi
If you buy one, buy this one
✅ 2015 Ford Explorer
2015 Explorer Sport with the 401A package, 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo, panoramic roof, and — critically — documented PTU fluid changes and completed toe-link recall work. Second choice: XLT 4WD with the 3.5L NA V6 (no turbos, no intercooler drama) and the tow package (adds trans cooler).
✅ 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
A 2015 SV or SL with documented CVT replacement or extended warranty paperwork, and Nissan's completed hood latch AND brake light recalls — bonus points for a non-rust-belt car with full dealer service history on the transmission.
Narrowed it down? Get the full report
This comparison is model-level.
Milo's report goes car-level — the one you're actually looking at:
- A line-by-line negotiation script
- The pre-purchase inspection checklist
- VIN-specific open recalls
- What it's really worth right now
- Your next 15,000 miles, forecast
- Hidden features & money-savers
Run my free report →
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Scores and findings blend documented NHTSA recalls and complaints with
patterns synthesized from owner communities. Always inspect the specific vehicle and
verify open recalls by VIN before buying.