P0420 on NISSAN PATHFINDER — Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1

Q: "What does P0420 mean on a NISSAN PATHFINDER?"

"P0420 indicates: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1. This is a emission controls code. 2 NISSAN PATHFINDER owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0420 on NISSAN PATHFINDER?"

"Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Fuel System, Other, Power Train. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0420 serious on my NISSAN PATHFINDER?"

"Of 2 NHTSA reports for this code on NISSAN PATHFINDER, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my NISSAN PATHFINDER shows P0420?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0420 Means on Your NISSAN PATHFINDER

P0420 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1. This code relates to the emission controls system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

2 NISSAN PATHFINDER owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2005-2014. Most reports come from the 2005, 2014 model years. The most commonly reported component is Fuel System, Other (50.0% of reports).

Real NISSAN PATHFINDER Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"[fuel level sensor] service engine light went on august 10, 2008, two codes p0463(fuel level sensor) and p0420(catalytic efficiency low). shortly after this; when filling-up the fuel gauge would read "e" after some time it would read correctly. this problem is intermittent."

— 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER owner · FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER · Filed 01/27/2009

"Cvt transmission problem : (1) the codes that were stored were p01710 cvt judder code & p0420 trans fluid low code (2) and transmission is taking 10secs to shift properly so needs a new transmission."

— 2014 NISSAN PATHFINDER owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 03/01/2019

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'05

1

'14

Common Causes on NISSAN PATHFINDER

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER 50%

POWER TRAIN 50%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0420 mean on a NISSAN PATHFINDER? ▾

P0420 indicates: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1. This is a emission controls code. 2 NISSAN PATHFINDER owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0420 on NISSAN PATHFINDER? ▾

Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Fuel System, Other, Power Train. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0420 serious on my NISSAN PATHFINDER? ▾

Of 2 NHTSA reports for this code on NISSAN PATHFINDER, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my NISSAN PATHFINDER shows P0420? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.