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
573 reports, newest first.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2024
This recall has been out for 2 years now and Nissan still hasn’t come up with a way to fix it or a replacement. I’m constantly in fear driving down the highway that my hood will fly up into my windshield.
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.
Tires, Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23T009000 (Tires) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but provided no assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
Structure, Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that he was informed at a State Inspection that the vehicle had failed the inspection due to severe rust on the front sub frame, at the engine cradle location. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the entire sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no assistance would be provided because the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000. The VIN was not available.
Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2024
The vehicle started shuddering , a couple of days later it became worst and started losing acceleration , jerking and no shifting almost make have and accident because it didn't shift.
Other or unspecified, Mar 31, 2024
Hood won't latch shut.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 29, 2024
Alternator failed, Broken Tensioner, Catalytic converters bad, Engine misfiring, Brake failure. Discovered odometer disclosure is incorrect and VIN is wrong on the inspection certification. Odometers to the best of my knowledge only move forward, not backward unless they are tampered with or the information presented is fraudulent. I could have nearly been injured fatally, when the car stopped on three separate occasions and ultimately the brakes failed. I had the car less than 1 month in my possession and out of approximately 30 days, it did not run consecutively for 7 days. This information was turned into the Virginia State Police - Office of Inspections; however, they found no fault, but this is a clear misrepresentation of vehicle identification and mileage.
Engine, Mar 21, 2024
Overheating, Burning Smell, Shuddering, Transmission Failure. The Safety concerns are that the vehicle will shut off/stall involuntarily The Safety Problem has been confirmed by a dealer. The Vehicle hasn’t been inspected by the Manufacture since 2017 by its previous owner. It was a pre-owned vehicle when I purchased it in 2023. I am not able to transport the vehicle to Nissan due to the CVT safety concern. [XXX] The Check Engine Light came on the same day the issue was discovered. I drove it to O’Reillys then towed it to my personal mechanic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 13, 2024
I had no light come on I was driving and I was crossing an intersection when the vehicle started shaking and jerking it was going slow then it just jerked me fast while there was on coming vehicles this happened suddenly and now the car light came on a day or two later and the car will not move forward or backwards I contacted the manufacture and they said there was nothing they can do sad this day I almost wrecked 3 times I even asked if they could pay for the labor and I would buy the part because I believe this was a manufacture issue everything I have read is about people having the same issue this could have been prevented and I thank God I didn’t die I did pray the whole drive back home and I feared for my safety and my babies safety . This needs to be addressed and there needs to be a recall before people get seriously injured or lose there lives and it shouldn’t matter about how much miles the vehicle has I believe the manufacture knew about this in the beginning but if they don’t want to fix it at least sell us the parts at a decent price because it’s gonna cost more to fix it than what the car is worth
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.
Service brakes, Feb 12, 2024
We took are vehicle in for AC service. At this time the dealer performed a recall fix for a break relay switch. After the supposed recall was corrected we had issues. The issues were loss of power after pressing and releasing brake. The other issue was having to make multiple attemps to start car. They happen at random moments after driving vehicle over 25 miles in city driving. The dealer claime and charged 2.5k dollars to replace a transfer transmission part. This was not the issue and we still lose power after braking. The main problem is we didn't have these issue until the dealer made the supposed repairs. There are no error codes for any issues with the vehicle. I don't think the recall procedure was completed or was not completed properly.
Structure, Jan 11, 2024
2014 Nissan Pathfinder - Rear subframe rusted out causing vehicle to be unsafe to drive with suspension system failure. Structure is nearly completely rotted out. Issue found during visit to dealership for other recalls and deemed unsafe to drive. No warning indications to the operator, a creaking sound during normal operation. Location Dubuque, Iowa.
Structure, Jan 11, 2024
While driving I noticed the front alignment was all of a sudden off. When parked I checked around the vehicle and found the driver side rear wheel to be kicked out at an angle. I checked the rear under carriage and found the nearly the whole rear subframe and crossmember to be rusted out. The bushing that held the control arm to the subframe came off in my hand. For a vehicle with only 80k and always garaged I was surprised at the extent of the rust. Had the full subframe failed at highway speed it could have been a lot worse. The rear wheel assembly was only connected to the car by the spring and control arm. After some online research I have found many other examples of similar failures with the rear subframe on this generation of Nissan Pathfinders. No recall exists for this failure. $4700 repair bill.
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Air bags, Sep 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond immediately. The contact stated that the failure recurred on a raining day, causing the vehicle to glide. The air bag, traction control, and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the brakes were replaced. The contact stated that she also replaced the tires; however, the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V445000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing inaccurate fuel gauge reading. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle shut off due to the lack of fuel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown repair was completed. The contact also stated that the vehicle was experiencing an electrical failure. The contact stated that the headlights and the interior lights were dim and would flicker intermittently. Additionally, the power train warning light illuminated intermittently. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
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.