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.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 22, 2023
While driving on the parkway several times for traveling to work, my car would suddenly and violently shudder and drop speed much lower than the posted speed limit. My RPMs would race from 1.5 to 5 but no increase in speed when the accelerator was pushed. I had to put my emergency 4 way lights on and drive in the far right lane. Nissan dealership kept saying the vehicle was working fine when I complained about it. I took it in for service at least twice, nothing found. Then when my whole family was with me, the car shuddered violently, and would not respond at all with the accelator pedal and was unresponsive and the brakes difficult to engage and hard to steer. I had to glide into the shoulder to make a full stop. Then the engine would not turn off. All I could do was put my emergency flashers on and put the windows down for air. I had to call for help. My husband then tried the next day to drive my vehicle to the Nissan dealership, but again, the vehicle broke down and had to be towed. Nissan then finally diagnosed the problems as needing transmission replacement. Since it is a hybrid 2014 Nissan Pathfinder with less than 84,000 miles and over 7 years old I would need to buy a new transmission for over $14,000. My milage is under 73,500, but my vehicle is 9 years old. So my mileage is acceptable, but the age of the vehicle disqualifies me, because both parameters must be met for warranty to be effective. I already spent $1400 for a new air compressor system less than 3 months earlier for the same vehicle. I had no heat and no air conditioner.
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
Structure, Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the front driver’s and passenger’s side sun visors failed to remain in the upright position. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
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.
Engine, Jul 31, 2023
My car (2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid) has been stuttering/juddering as it has been described by other users. took to my local mechanic who found the software needed to be updated. he was nice enough to take to the local Nissan dealer (San Leandro) phone (510) 347-3030 who did a software upgrade. since then, the juddering/stuttering is a lot worse and doing things it has not done before. they are saying I need a new transmission which does not sit well with me because the car is worse off from the software upgrade that they performed. it was doing much better prior to that. now I get a couple error messages one of which says the hybrid system is overheated - how could it be overheating soon after starting the car first thing in the morning when it has not been running all night. it never did this before. I also get an I-key system error which never popped up before either. in addition, the car has stopped in the middle of the road while street driving which can be a dangerous event! i have called Nissan consumer affairs and they were pretty useless. all they could do is place a dealership complaint. please help.
Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2023
My rear lift gate sometimes closes on its own
Power train, Jul 7, 2023
The vehicle will not move due to judder in transmission.
Electrical system, Jul 2, 2023
Issue 1 ...shift lock solenoid has a faulty wire on bottom solenoid. Unable to move gear out of park. Issue 2 ...power lift gate fails to open. No power options work or manual option will not open rear hatch.
Engine, Jun 6, 2023
Car shudders when accelerating. Have had 3 transmission since 2015 . First time, 2017 car died in a intersection out of town. Took to dealer, They replaced it. Second time, in 2018 car didn't start in driveway. Told it was the transmission. Transmission replaced again. For the last 3 months, car shudders when accelerating and while ascending a steep hill, the engine seemed to work very hard to keep the car running. Wasn't sure if car would make it to the top. Cars were behind me so it was unnerving. Was told today that we again, need a new 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.
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).
Engine, Feb 3, 2023
SHUTTERING AND JERKING FROM THE CVT TRANSMISSION. DECREASED POWER FROM THE TRANSMISSION. HAS BEEN REPORTED AND WON IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. THE VEHICLE MAY COMPLETELY STOP IN MID-MOTION AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. WAS TAKEN TO A SPECIALITY TRANSMISSION SHOP AND CONFIRMED WHAT I AM EXPERIENCING AND WAS REPORTED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT.
Electrical system, Jan 10, 2023
1/6/23-Car turned off on me before entering the highway, luckily I was still in the street. Took it to the Nissan dealership and they stated the car was done for and gave me a trade in value of $1500. This car was purchased sometime in July 2022. Now The dealership of Nissan is quoting me $8K to fix the battery. Also charging a high diagnostic fee. Don’t think it’s fair their selling cars like these to people where they know the battery is expensive.
Structure, Dec 20, 2022
On December 5, 2022, I was driving on the 134W fwy around 6:40 am. I was driving around 60 mph in the fast lane when all of a sudden my hood popped open. I was unable to see in front of my car as the hood was completely up and blocking my windshield. I slowed down and crouched down to see in the sliver of space between the windshield and the top (now located at the bottom due to it being open) of the hood. There was no left shoulder so my only recourse was to make my way to an exit as the section of the fwy I was on was around a merge of another fwy onto the one that I was currently on and there was no safe place to pull my car over to close the hood and unblock my view. Since it was early in the morning, the traffic was light but if there had been more traffic, then I would have slammed into a car in front of me and or someone would have slammed into me as I slowed down due to the surprise of the hood popping open, unexpectedly, and blocking my view. I called my insurance and sent video and pictures and they said to take it to the dealership. They also stated that because of a recall, the dealer should be fixing this hood latch issue. There was no warning to the hood latch failure as I've been driving this car for 8 years and this just happened unexpectedly. The local dealership of this car manufacturer said they oiled and cleaned the latch when we took it in to fix, as per our insurance's advice, but this car is not safe to drive as we are unsure when and if the hood will pop open again. When we called the Nissan Consumer Affairs department, the person my husband spoke to stated that we were never notified of this recall.
Engine, Dec 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact stated that the check engine warning light would illuminate, and the engine would start to vibrate, causing the vehicle to become unstable while turning. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the engine control valve, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 100,000
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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood unexpectedly opened, causing damage to the fender and front of the vehicle. Additionally, the hood detached and was unable to close properly. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,652.
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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated upon completing an oil change on the vehicle, the hood latch failed to close. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the hood latch was repaired. However, the failure had been reoccurring. The contact stated that the hood latch flew open several times while driving. The contact received recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V420000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). However, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to complete the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.