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2010 Nissan Pathfinder

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2010 Pathfinder.

Body SUVTransmission Automatic (S5)

The 2010 Nissan Pathfinder is an SUV featuring an Automatic (S5) transmission and an EPA fuel economy rating of 15/22/17 mpg. Technical specifications for this model include a 5.4-quart engine oil capacity using 5W-30 API viscosity. Within a model history spanning 1990 to 2026, this year recorded five recalls and 40 owner complaints—primarily regarding air bags—positioning it far below the 2005 peak of 1,050 complaints but above the 2026 low of seven.

Model year2025 2024 2023 2022 2020 2019 2018 2017 2010

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.4 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque87-108 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy15/22/17 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 550 CCA battery, OE oil filter 152089E01A. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 550 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP245-75R16OEM · verified

Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	152089E01A
Engine air filter	165467S000
Spark plug	22401ZE01B
Battery	24410JA10A
Front wiper blades	288909CA0A alt 288909CA0B
Serpentine belt	11720EA20A alt 117207S00A
Thermostat	212001LA1A alt 13050ZA000
Cabin air filter	27277VR00A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (S5)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	192.1 in
Overall width	72.8 in
Overall height	72.8 in
Wheelbase	112.2 in
Curb weight	4930 lb
Track (front / rear)	62.2 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	51/49

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	15 / 22 / 17 mpg
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Premium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Pathfinder of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.50 sec — 2010 LE

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2010	LE 4.0L V6	7.50 sec	15.90 sec	266 hp	4x4
2012	LE 4.0L V6	7.20 sec	15.60 sec	266 hp	4x4
2005	SE Off-Road 4.0L V6	7.50 sec	15.90 sec	270 hp	4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.4 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 87-108 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 22.0-26.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	Nissan Matic-S
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	11.2
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	1.8 Pints
Differential Gear Oil	80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	3.4 Pints
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts	65 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	65 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	11 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	25 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	22.0-26.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	8 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	8 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	87-108 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	18.0-25.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	18.0-25.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	101 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	177 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinder Firing Order	1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	625 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	650 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	50 rpm
Ignition Timing	15, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance	5 degrees

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	Front A/C, 1.43-1.65; front and rear A/C, 1.76-1.98. lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	Front A/C, 6.10; front and rear A/C, 7.10. oz
Standard BCI Group Number	35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	550 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	24F

Service checks

Pressure Test	20 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-17 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	177-182 °F
Pressure Test	20 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	176-183 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum)	51.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	51.0 psi

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	136 ft-lbs / 76 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	1.102 in / 0.709 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	1.102 in / 0.709 in
Rotor Minimum Machining	1.024 in / 0.63 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

Bolts 9-12

1.4 ft. lbs

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

1.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.6

1.4 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

22 ft. lbs., Step 2: Back off 360 degrees, Step 3: 11 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90

22 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

14 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

33 ft. lbs., step 2: 84-90

33 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

69 ft. lbs., step 2: 90

69 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	72 ft. lbs.	72 ft. lbs
2	loosen all bolts in reverse order.
3	29 ft. lbs.	29 ft. lbs
4	90 degrees	90 degrees
5	90 degrees; Check diameter of bolts at two point, 11 mm and 48 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two point exceed the limit of 0.11 mm, replace bolts.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	72 ft. lbs.	72 ft. lbs
2	loosen all bolts
3	33 ft. lbs.	33 ft. lbs
4	70 degrees; Check diameter of bolts at two point, 12 mm and 55 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two point exceed the limit of 0.23 mm, replace bolts.; Apply new engine oil to threads and seating surface of mounting bolts.	70 degrees

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Bolts 1-10

29 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Bolts 17-24

16 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant at 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
At 30,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 30,000 mi	Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 105,000 mi	Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2010 Nissan Pathfinder sits in a notably quiet period within a generation marked by two dramatic complaint spikes: one in 2005 (1,050 complaints) and another in 2013 (890 complaints). With only 40 complaints and 5 recalls, the 2010 model year shows complaint volumes nearly identical to the prior year (37 in 2009) and represents a modest increase from the trough, but before the subsequent surge that would hit in 2013 with 11 recalls and 4 investigations. The TSB count of 103 is elevated but not anomalous for this generation, and the single NHTSA investigation carried over from 2009. The top complaint area—Air Bags with 8 instances—is notable, though the total complaint volume remains very low. This year falls at the beginning of a brief three-year stabilization window (2009–2012) before the generation's second major quality wave in 2013. **Takeaway: The 2010 Pathfinder represents one of the smoother years in a generation defined by volatile quality swings; while not without the typical used-car caveats, it falls in a comparatively reliable window and is a reasonable choice within this generation's track record.**

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

103

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

2 involved a crash · 0 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09’10’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’22 ’23 ’24 ’25 ’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 40 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags8

Unknown Or Other3

Power Train3

Fuel/Propulsion System2

Steering,Suspension2

Power Train,Engine2

Steering2

Engine & Engine Cooling,Power Train2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

10E019000Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower ArmReported 20/05/2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009… Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

10V115000Steering:Gear Box:Shaft SectorReported 24/03/2010

NISSAN HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2010 TO MARCH 13, 2010. ON SOME OF THE POTENTIALLY AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE… Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG FASTENERS AND ANY MISSING FASTENERS WILL BE REPLACED AND ALL LOOSE FASTENERS WILL BE RETIGHTENED TO THE…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 103 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
ITB09-063C	2026-04-13	Structure	CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C	2026-04-13	Structure	CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C	2026-04-13	Structure	CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB23-081C	2024-07-08	Air Bags	VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR…
NTB13-107G	2024-05-20	Electrical System	VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Pathfinder. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 35 battery Vehicles taking 5.4 qt Engine oil filter 152089E01A Engine air filter 165467S000 Spark plug 22401ZE01B Battery 24410JA10A

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2010 Pathfinder take?

5.4 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2010 Pathfinder have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Pathfinder get?

EPA figures are 15 city / 22 highway / 17 combined mpg.