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 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.
Other or unspecified, 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 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.
Structure, Aug 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the front driver's side interior door handle no longer functioned as needed, and the door could not be opened from inside the vehicle. The driver had to roll down the window and use the exterior door handle to open the door. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000.
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.
Structure, Aug 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that both the driver and passenger sun visors would frequently drop down independently. The contact stated that the failure would impede his vision while driving at various speeds. The dealer was notified about the failure and gave him an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the hood unexpectedly opened, obstructing his view and causing him to swerve into oncoming traffic. The contact was able to pull over on the shoulder of the roadway. There was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The failure damaged the hood, fender, and body of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the dealer had canceled two scheduled appointments. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was made aware by Carfax that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V420000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the hood flew open and crashed into the windshield, cracking the windshield. There was no injury sustained. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact closed the hood manually. The contact then drove to his residence. The vehicle was taken to Safelite where the windshield was replaced. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V420000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). However, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Tires, Jun 22, 2022
Tire size Continental Cross Contact 235/65/R18 LX 20. Three tires developed sidewall bubbles the fourth has tread breaking down. It was found during routine tire inspection at the car dealer. Tires have about 40,000 mile on them and rotated every 5,000. Contacted Continental and told them the problem. They were not very helpful. I purchased new tires because having 3 bubbles is unsafe. I went to Costco to purchase new tires. Will never buy Continetal tires again. If you have theses tires have them inspected frequently.
Other or unspecified, Apr 30, 2022
Top rack is loose and the padding comes out while driving and hits car The compartment handle (where tire jack is) is always loose and doesn't lay flat
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?
Structure, Apr 6, 2022
During rainy days, we get water in the car through the roof mounting. I was told at the dealership that it's from the manufactory I need a new roof mounting kit.
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, Hybrid propulsion system, Mar 14, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving up a hill during icy road conditions at approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. As a result, the vehicle slid backwards down the hill and crashed into a brick mailbox. The catalytic converter warning light was illuminated prior to the failure however the part was on back order. The front air bags failed to deploy and the unknown air bag that did deploy trapped her in the vehicle causing it to need to be cut in order to release the contact. The failure had occurred on several occasion. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it remained pending an investigation from Nissan. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V774000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Hybrid Propulsion System) back in 2021 however parts had not been available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no remedy for the recall repair. The contact was concerned that it will take 3 months for Nissan to conclude their investigation with the vehicle failure and that in the meantime she was left with no transportation. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Structure, Mar 11, 2022
While my wife was driving down the street, about 25 mph, the hood suddenly popped open, hitting the windshield, and twisting and tearing the metal on both fender panels. It was terrifying. What if it had happened on the highway?
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 3, 2022
Car shakes and sputters at low speeds or when stopping. Took to dealership transmission failure
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.
Electrical system, Feb 16, 2022
After performing Recall PC786 my vehicle still randomly fails to start and I have to wait for 20 to 30 minutes for it to respond to normal start procedure. Fob battery new, battery good, break engaged. The recall didn’t provide a solution, problem with starting relay and connectivity remains. Safety issue.