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, Mar 7, 2023
I’m having a problem with my vehicle 2014 Nissan Pathfinder theirs a Judder, shuddering coming from my CVT as it Accelerates, I need to know what can be done to fix this ongoing issue other drivers are having if their was ever a recall I was never notified of it I purchased this vehicle back in 2018, I see a lot of problems customers are having with this particular issue. I would like to know what is Nissan doing to fix it I have little children I along with me in my vehicle this is a dangerous situation. I need someone to reach out to me. I’ve email Nissan consumer affairs and yet nothing has been done. I can be reached through email or phone [XXX] I would like resolution. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at a slow speed, the vehicle started to jerk forward. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the continuously variable transmission (CVT) to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the result was not yet provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Power train, Sep 16, 2022
The contact's husband owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration. Additionally, the steering wheel vibrated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with CVT failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Power train, Sep 4, 2022
While driving down a four lane divided hwy, the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating despite the accelerator being pressed. A noise was heard ialong with severe vehicle studdering/vibration mmediately before the failure. Fortunately, i was able to coast into a parking lot without incident. However, had this transmission issue occurred 30sec earlier, i would have stalled out while turning left across oncoming traffic, potentially leading to a significant accident impacting myself and other drivers. Once into the parking lot, I tested the vehicle in various gear positions (low, 2wd, etc) and the vehicle would only respond when it was placed in reverse. I could not get the vehicle to accelerate forward or even obtain any engine rev when in a forward gear such as low, 2wd 4wd, etc. The vehicle has been towed to my mechanic's shop and he will conduct a full evaluation later this week. However, his initial diagnosis based on my description of the event, was that it was a transmission failure. I agree with his initial assessment particularly given the known transmission issues with this make/model year of the pathfinder. There was not any warning lamps at or before or even after the time of the event. The vehicle had experienced brief symptons of studdering in the recent weeks leading up to the failure. And the day prior, the vehicle experienced severe studdering and vehicle hesitation.
Power train, Sep 2, 2022
We have experienced a second CVT failure on the vehicle. First one was on highway driving experienced significant loss power on the highway and "CVT Judder" as it has been described to me by the dealer. The condition was constant and would not allow my vehicle to accelerate and was running very high rpms and was no longer safe to drive any distance. Car was purchased Certified Used in March 2022, first bad transmission was in March 2022, failure occurred and was replaced under warranty. Then in April 2022 second CVT failure and dealer is indicating out of warranty for repair so will be at my expense $6,000+. We have had several major repairs to this vehicle both under warranty and outside- CVT replacement, rear axle, and also need catalytic converter replacement. I am attempting to contact Nissan Consumer Affairs for support but not hopeful given dealership response.
Power train, Sep 1, 2022
The transmission is shuttering hard, cutting power, bouncing rpms as it can't stop shuttering, has completely stopped moving the car.
Power train, Aug 13, 2022
We have experienced a second CVT failure on the vehicle. While highway driving experienced significant loss power on the highway and "CVT Judder" as it has been described to me by the dealer. The condition was intermittent and temporary but became constant within days and is no longer safe to drive any distance. Car was purchased Certified Used in Spring 2017. By Fall 2018 first CVT failure occurred and was replaced under warranty. Summer 2022 second CVT failure and dealer is indicating out of warranty for repair so will be at my expense (~$6,000). We have had several major repairs to this vehicle both under warranty and outside- CVT replacement, axle seized, complete audio system replacement, catalytic converter replacement. I am attempting to contact Nissan Consumer Affairs for support but not hopeful given dealership response.
Power train, Aug 9, 2022
As I accelerate between 10-30 miles per hour the pathfinder shudders and skips. Once past 25-30mph the shuddering stops. I believe this is the same issue that countless other owners have dealt with the CVT needs replacement.
Power train, Aug 7, 2022
The vehicle continues to jolt and skip when accelerating trying to get onto the interstate or merge into traffic. This has been diagnosed as the cvt transmission which has had numerous complaints yet no recall has been done.
Power train, Jul 31, 2022
The car violently jerks while accelerating from a stop or decelerating to a stop
Steering, Power train, Jul 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator after a complete stop. Additionally, the vehicle would shake as the engine would rev while idle without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Power train, Apr 29, 2022
I purchased my car in March of 2018. It was still under the manufacturer warranty. Less than 3 months after having it and various trips to the dealership they had to rebuild my transmission. This was only at 46k miles. Fast forward to April of 2022 and my car is once again violently shuddering and has no power to pick up speed some times. I constantly pray that nothing happens to me or my family because of this. It is not safe. It does not shift correctly and shudders when it does decide to shift and then jerk into gear. There was a class action lawsuit apparently way before I purchased this car for these transmission issues. When I contacted Nissan directly and informed them of the issues I'm having yet again to which they informed me of some extended warranty that was in place for the Nissan Pathfinder that I was never informed of. Tired of paying out of pocket for an issue that Nissan is aware of. This is insane that people pay good money for vehicles and there has already been one class action lawsuit regarding these transmissions so what is it going to take before they recall the whole transmission? Is someone going to have to die before Nissan does what is right?
Power train, Mar 26, 2022
I started having problems with my Nissan years ago where it did not have sufficient power and it stalled on a couple of occasions. I took my car to a Nissan dealership on May 2020 and they were not able to diagnose the problem. They recommended to replace the transmission but did not guarantee that will solve the issue. The problem got worse making my car very unsafe to drive and I took it to a different dealership on July of 2021 where they told me that I need to replace my transmission and they indicated that this would solve the issue. I went ahead with the repair which costed me close to $6K. Now I receive the recall notice describing exactly the problems that I was having. Nissan should've been open about this recall and not make me spend thousands to solve an issue that was caused by them.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V774000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Hybrid Propulsion System) however, shortly after the repair, the vehicle would stall right after start-up. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving or while the vehicle was idle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that they were not obligated to repair any additional damages during the recall repair. The contact was informed that the vehicle had no extended warranty service plan. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000.
Power train, Feb 24, 2022
The car had a violent shudder/shaking on acceleration. The CVT was the issue and confirmed by the local Nissan dealer to be what they often see. It had several small jolts over the years but nothing like this. Apparently this is a well know issue inside Nissan to where they extended some repairs without telling owners. If we know of issue we would have had it checked by dealer before the end of secret extended warranty.
Power train, Feb 17, 2022
The transmission cvt failed and it's making the car unsafe to drive.
Power train, Feb 9, 2022
Vehicle was purchased used from an AutoNation Dealership. This 2014 product has the same CVT defect as 2015 and above Pathfinders, but is not mentioned in settlement. Noted a continuous rhythmic thumping noise while driving and occasional scraping. We took the vehicle to a mechanic who informed us it needed to go back to the dealership because Nissan will not sell him a transmission. We were informed by the Nissan dealership a transmission replacement was necessary to make the vehicle safe at a cost of $6k. The parking pin is the defect of all other CVT transmissions in this class of vehicle. If this fails on the road, it will cause an accident when it lunges forward.
Power train, Dec 23, 2021
Vehicle shudders on acceleration randomly. Needs to be safety recall.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 12, 2021
We have a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder and started having issues in June 2021. Our car stalled while driving home from work almost causing an accident. Had it towed to Nissan and they told us we needed to replace the Transmission. It took them 2 months to fix our car. In the midst of fixing the transmission they said the supercharger pulley needed to be replaced. OKAY! We finally get our car and a day later the check engine light is on again and now the horn wont stop blaring. We had to disconnect the battery. WE TOOK IT BACK TO NISSAN and they said the battery was bad. They replaced it but it did not fix the issue. Nissan had to call the Nissan Tech Line for suggestions. So they said the DC/DC converter assy needed to be replaced and the HV harness was also failing to communicate. All this is connected to the transmission. With the new recall coming out all of this should be refunded. We need assistance. Any information or suggestions anyone has would be highly helpful.
Power train, Dec 10, 2021
the CVT transmission jerking/shuddering/hesitation
Power train, Engine, Nov 26, 2021
THE LEAK ON INNER TRANSFER CASE CAN CAUSE FIRE ON MIDDLE OF PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEAT, ALOS ODOR MAY CASUE THE DRIVE UNCONFORTABLE LEAK IS VERY SERIOUSLY FROM AXLE INNER SEAL. CVT TRANSMISSION JUDDER AND SHUDDER IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR ALL PASSENGER ON HIGHWAY THE SPEED WONT GO UP AND THE CAR WILL SHAKE LIKE A BOAT I MIGHT KILL ALL MY FAMILY DURING A TRIP TO PA WITH THIS CVT ISSUE. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ASK NISSAN TO RECALL THIS ISSUE TO SAVE 1000 LIFES.
Power train, Engine, Nov 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the RPM revved up to approximately 4,000-5,000 RPM. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power train, Nov 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while shifting gears from PARK to DRIVE and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle inadvertently started shuddering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Power train, Engine, Nov 1, 2021
Vehicle shuddered, stopped at red light in traffic. Vehicle would not drive or reverse.
Power train, Oct 27, 2021
We purchased our vehicle from Nissan at 72K miles, we experienced a host of problems that we had to pay for out of pocket, only to have Nissan confirm our CVT transmission start to judder and start to lose power when turning left and right at low speeds. We experienced this at 111k miles when our car stalled when pulling out onto a busy road almost causing an accident in front of Walmart. We are in a situation where the repairs of the transmission and the other parts that continually fail are more money than what we have left on payments for the vehicle itself. With such a wide range of vehicles produced with this transmission type and such a widespread problem we feel like Nissan needs to take some ownership of the problem and would like some relief in the form of compensation or recall.