2014 Nissan Pathfinder
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 573 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 25 Pathfinder model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 19 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 32 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchJun 13, 2022
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Pathfinder vehicles. On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed.
An unsecured hood could unexpectedly open while driving, obstructing the driver's view, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the bell crank assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 26, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are R22A2 R22A3 and R24B7.
Campaign 22V420000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchJan 20, 2021
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. The location of the brake light switch may cause the brake light switch relay to repeatedly open and close. Overtime, this can cause the relay to stick in the "ON" position, with the brake lights remaining illuminated even when the brakes are not applied. Additionally, this may interfere with the brake-shift interlock, allowing the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "Park" position, without depressing the brake pedal.
Continual illumination of the brake lights can prevent other drivers from realizing the vehicle is actually slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash. With the brake override activated, the driver will not be able to accelerate normally, increasing the risk of a crash. The driver can shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, allowing the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, either re-install the brake light switch or swap positions with the Automatic Speed Control Device (ASCD) switch; depending on the model year vehicle. In addition, the brake light relay will be replaced with a new one. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall PC786. Note: this recall supersedes 16V-380.
Campaign 21V020000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchMay 31, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Pathfinder vehicles manufactured June 20, 2012, to June 13, 2013. The brake light switch may have been installed incorrectly causing the relay to make intermittent contact and repeatedly cycle. This may result in the relay remaining in the "ON" position, causing the brake lights to remain illuminated even when the brakes are not applied. Additionally, the brake light switch may interfere with the brake-shift interlock, allowing the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "Park" position, without depressing the brake pedal.
If the brake override is activated, the driver will not be accelerate normally, increasing the risk of a crash. If the brake lights remain illuminated, other drivers may fail to stop when the vehicle actually brakes, increasing the risk of a crash. If the driver inadvertently shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, the vehicle may rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake light switch and, as necessary, replace the relay, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 16V380000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationApr 26, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Campaign 16V244000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalOct 20, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 15V681000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hood, hinge and attachmentsJan 26, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles manufactured June 20, 2012, to November 18, 2013, 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid vehicles manufactured July 18, 2013, to November 18, 2013, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles manufactured November 29, 2011, to June 14, 2013, and 2014 QX60 vehicles manufactured May 16, 2013, to November 18, 2013, and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles manufactured July 18, 2013, to November 18, 2013. In the affected vehicles the hood release cable assembly may have been installed incorrectly preventing the latching claw from fully engaging. The secondary latch may remain in the open position when the hood is closed.
If the primary hood latch is released and the secondary latch fails during operation of the vehicle, it could cause the hood to open during vehicle operation impairing the driver's vision, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will modify the angle of the hood release mechanism to provide additional length to the release cable, free of charge. The recall began on March 9, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 15V033000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakesJan 14, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles manufactured August 14, 2014, to November 5, 2014, and 2014-2015 Nissan Rogue vehicles manufactured August 12, 2014, to November 15, 2014. During the assembly process, the front wheel hub assembly fasteners may not have been properly torqued.
The under-torqued fasteners may result in a brake caliper separating from the wheel assembly causing a reduction in braking performance or reduced steering control. These conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and tighten any loose bolts to the proper specification, free of charge. The recall began February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 15V012000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, lugs/nuts/bolts/studsMay 2, 2014
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Pathfinder and Rogue vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The right side wheels of the affected vehicles may have one lug nut each that was not properly tightened.
If the lug nut becomes loose from not being properly tightened, it may fall off, allowing the other lug nuts to become loose, possibly resulting in a wheel separation, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten any loose lug nuts to the correct specification, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by the end of June 2014. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 14V229000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareMar 25, 2014
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 14V138000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipOct 17, 2013
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles manufactured April 18, 2012, through September 20, 2013; model year 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles manufactured September 15, 2011, through January 16, 2013; and model year 2014 Infiniti QX60 vehicles manufactured January 17, 2013, through September 20, 2013. In the affected vehicles, during light braking on rough roads, the antilock brake system (ABS) brake pressure output software may lead to an increase in stopping distance.
The increased stopping distance may increase the risk of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ABS, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 13V445000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalSep 26, 2013
Nissan North America Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014 Pathfinders manufactured from July 25, 2013, to September 5, 2013 with Almond interiors only. The instrument panel tear seam on the passenger frontal air bag was incorrectly cut on the back side of the instrument panel which could cause the air bag to not deploy properly.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the improper air bag deployment may increase the risk of personal injury.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected instrument panel assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 13V456000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
213 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 18, 2024
CVT TRANSMISSION ISSUES. JUDDERING, LOST SPRRD DOWNSHIFT JERKS. GOING 70 ON HIGHWAY IT LOST SPEED JERKED ME AROUND LIKE I AM GETTING HIT. COULDN'T EVEN GO UP RAMP ON HIGHWAY. Its hard to believe that NHTSA dose not have a ban on these vehicals. There are many complaints and Nissan letters within Nissan that have been issued out to dealships ect. no to mention the law suits. NHTSA would be the first i would think to post and force these off of the road. Insted people like me are just forced to junk them and write them off. or spend your life savings on trans replacement.
Power train, Sep 17, 2024
Transmission shudders at 20 miles per hour. It can sometimes buck and jerk pretty hard
Power train, Sep 16, 2024
Transmission is making car bounce around making it very unsafe to drive. Told this trans needs to be replaced! Thought it was on recall but dealership said no it’s not on recall!!!! Car has been parked since 04/15/24
Power train, Sep 4, 2024
In my 2014 Nissan Pathfinder when I drive between the speeds of 25-40 mph my SUV shudder and shakes violently like my car is going to break in half, it's not safe to drive anymore,
Power train, Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from being stationary, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The failure also occurred while decelerating and turning before attempting to accelerate. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted regarding the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Power train, Aug 17, 2024
When driving the vehicle I experience a shudder/judder when accelerating from a complete stop, and turning at low speeds. The SUV can shake violently at times or subtly, it is alarming when driving. It isn't consistent, it happens periodically when I drive. Imagine the anxiety of waiting for this to happen.
Power train, Jun 9, 2024
The CVT transmission just seized while driving. The car couldn’t move again and had to be towed home. This car has only 89,000 miles on it and I shouldn’t be having that issue and I’m being quoted $7000 to get if replaced. Nissan are doing a horrible job with their transmission and it’s not safe to be driving with that.
Power train, Jun 6, 2024
My transfer case has gone bad 3 times already. This car just have 110,000 miles on it and the transmission is not good. Nissan is not doing anything about it and there are so many complaints about it. Every time I have to replace the transfer case is over 3k which is extremely frustrating. Something needs to be done
Power train, May 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started jerking while shifting gears. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and the contact was advised to replace the spark plugs. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic again who diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed a transmission malfunction. The contact stated the failure had increased considerably over time. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, May 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and slowing down, the vehicle was vibrating and shaking while downshifting to a lower gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was also hesitating and jerking into gear while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the CVT transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,215.
Power train, Air bags, Mar 16, 2024
The transmission jerking/shuddering problem has been ongoing in the Nissan Pathfinder ever since a safety recall in 2014. Passenger airbag light is always on, even if an adult is seated there. The airbag warning light flashes on the dashboard. Nissan’s OCS system seems to be frequently complained about online. Dealers say it’s just wear and tear which is just unbelievable. Dealers quote repair / replacement cost for the frame and harness anywhere from $1200-$2900. I want to report this issue so that others with the same problem may come forward so a recall be issued.
Power train, Mar 11, 2024
Back on 5/27/21, I purchased a new transmission from Murfreesboro Nissan for my 2014 Nissan Pathfinder at 128k miles. Everything seemed fine at first, but a few months later, on 2/18/22, I got the CVT flush at 146k miles as advised. I mentioned that my Pathfinder was jerking, similar to when a transmission issue occurs. I was reassured that it was normal. Concerned about the ongoing transmission problems, I visited Murfreesboro Nissan on 9/16/22, when my check engine light came on. I specifically requested a diagnostic test and mentioned the transmission issue once again. However, I was informed that the problem was with the catalytic converter, which I had to get fixed elsewhere. I was once again told it was normal for the transmission to feel that way. Months passed, and on 12/2/22, at 159k miles, I returned to Murfreesboro Nissan for another diagnostic test. The situation had worsened, and this time the service advisor confirmed that the problem was indeed with the transmission. To my dismay, the advisor even admitted that she wished she had advised me to sell the transmission when I purchased it in 2021, as they apparently have consistent issues with their CVTs. She acknowledged that going from 128k miles to 159k miles should not require a new transmission, especially after getting the CVT flushed as recommended. Murfreesboro Nissan will not cover it since it just passed the 1 year mark of the transmission warranty though I have been complaining about it while it was still in warranty.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Nov 6, 2023
Experience judder and stall of vehicle while driving, pulling off and coming from a complete stop. Vehicle will lose power while driving which is unsafe when getting on the freeway or driving in high traffic areas. Vehicle has been taken to the Nissan twice and to other repair shops for related concern and all have stated that the trans needs replacing. There were no lights or warnings before problems started it all occurred simultaneously.
Power train, Oct 30, 2023
The vehicle while at highway speed would not accelerate at all and rpms go way up. At lower speeds between 20--40 mph the car would shake and jerk violently. On 4 separate times when getting on highway ramps during acceleration it would simply just not go, Locate dealer has done all recalls they have but will not address the CVT transmission problems.
Power train, Sep 1, 2023
The car is shuttering/jerking upon takeoff. The vehicle has 120000 miles on it. The CVT transmissions were recalled in other models, but the same transmission is in the 2014 as well.
Power train, Aug 14, 2023
The Transmission randomly driving down the road started shaking and rpm’s went all over the place with a horrible judder and sense then won’t move or moves very little
Power train, Aug 1, 2023
Juttering - first noticed during accelerating while turning and then it started to happen at any given time - rolling slow and driving fast. It feels like the transmission is out of gear until I let off the accelerator and then it catches again. This is a safety issue due to unexpected speed and control variation. It appears to stem from the CVT that I've ready many complaints about. When I first noticed an issue (I was still within warranty), I took it to Nissan, but I believe only a software calibration was completed and that appears to have only been a temporary fix. Now, I'm beyond the warranty by years and miles and the issue has returned.
Power train, Jul 7, 2023
The vehicle will not move due to judder in transmission.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 3, 2023
Yesterday as I was driving normally at about 40mph the traffic came to a stop I slowed down as usual then came to a complete stop when traffic began to move again I gently accelerated and my car started moving abnormally slow I pressed down a bit more on the pedal and no acceleration at all the car was on and on drive mode there was nothing irregular but it would not advance more than about 2/3 miles per hour super slow. This went on for a minute and no matter how many times I pressed the gas pedal nothing happened I was absolutely terrified of the cars and semis behind me because it was a freeway and traffic flow started moving quick and I was still at less than 5mph Suddenly the car jerked and at last speed. I drove off with the car working normal again but that situation has be very worried and scared because it is my main transportation for my 3 children
Power train, Vehicle speed control, May 27, 2023
I was experiencing shaking and guttering during acceleration. I was coming from a full stop (red light, stop sign). It shakes, and I have back off the accelerator. When it happened, I had my children in the car on a busy roadway. I would hate to think of what could have happened if my vehicle had stopped on the busy road or crossing railroad tracks. Thankfully, we were close to home, roughly 2-3 miles away. I took the truck to the closest service center to have it looked at. It turns out it is a CVT failure. The service technician could reproduce the same guttering I explained and received various error messages. I have not had the vehicle taken to the dealer yet, as I would have to tow it because I fear driving the truck. I didn't experience any warning lights before the CVT failure. Now my airbag warning light comes on. I called the closest Nissan dealership and explained the issue I was having. Unfortunately, my vehicle has not been repaired because I don't have the $6k plus I was quoted for the repair. I have been made aware of a class action lawsuit regarding failing CVT transmissions. I don't have any information on where I can get help with this issue, and I don't have any correspondence from Nissan. My Pathfinder has been parked since April 2023.
Power train, May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH the vehicle was not shifting correctly and the vehicle stated jerking and shaking without any warning. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle tow to the dealer. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was file and advised to contact NHTSA. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Power train, Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving from a stop light, the vehicle failed to respond properly. The contact stated that there was a delay while shifting gear before the vehicle launched forward. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Power train, Mar 28, 2023
The car shudders and hesitates when first driving in the morning. CVT transmission is not responsive causing delays in acceleration. Critical safety issue that could lead to an accident. I was nearly hit because the car did not respond as it should on acceleration.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 22, 2023
Cvt failed. Confirmed by certified nissan dealer. No warnings at all. This is a known issue by nissan that has affected millions of customers. Vehicle killed while driving in one of the largest cities in American with a special needs disabled child in the car.
Power train, Service brakes, Mar 15, 2023
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10190203-0001.pdf The car shook with and we got the above errors with vehicle speed 30 miles. THe ABS, brake and skid and other lights came on screen with 4WD error At this speed on a bridge with rain and wind to lose ABS is a risk, there was perceived loss of power train and and skid luckily no accident and we pulled the car over to safety what if was higher speed in rain/snow so writting this and also that nissan has a technical bulletin but not covered under nHtSA for them replace for free. THis was all sudden with shake. just like the picture in the https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10190203-0001.pdf We like to know if this is recall and is covered and to be paid by dealer or we have to out of pocket and if NTSB can help us and consumers recover this from Nissan or Nissan should do a safety recall on this part.