2015 Nissan Pathfinder
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 320 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 25 Pathfinder model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 11 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 7 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
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
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
Representative owner complaints: engine
75 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Mar 3, 2026
While driving at a rate of 20mph +, the pathfinder will start jerking back and forth then turn off. This happened in the middle of a highway lane. Good thing no one was hurt. This was also sudden
Steering, Engine, Jan 21, 2026
1. CODE P0101 not removed after replacing MAF sensor. 2. power steering motor is annoying noise, high pitched sound.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 19, 2024
$4000 worth of work. 4 visits to a local shop. 3 visits to the Nissan dealership, who claims to have replaced cylinders every time. My engine violently shakes even worse. Has cut off midst driving with no power to crank again. 4 batteries & 4 alternator replacements. Barely press on gas pedal and it shakes the whole car, then smells like something rotting.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 10, 2024
My car jolts/jerks in park as soon as it’s crunk up. Have been to the shop 9 times since June. Last 4 times has been Nissan Dealership, had $3000+ worth of work/replacement done. My engine is still continuing to do the same thing. Nissan said past 2 times that it was ignition coils, because they replace plug wires, but they’ve been replaced 3 times now and still the same issue ? Sounds more like CVT or timing chain issue. No codes were thrown past 2 times either
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 5, 2024
It begins shaking, jolting and shuddering while driving; started off happening at take off; then progressed to anytime speed was under 35mph; now, it does it often throughout all speeds. Nissan states it needs a new transmission which was quoted to cost $6,600+tax. The vehicle trade-in value is only $5,000ish prior to these symptoms. Vehicle has less than 117,500 miles and all maintenance and fluids have been routinely changed throughout vehicle's lifespan. This CVT issue seems to be ongoing therefore Nissan and other makes should not be allowed to put these into vehicles that are so costly and these transmissions begin to give problems while vehicles are still under warranty. Need assistance in fixing the costly transmission and Nissan should have a discount on this faulty transmissions that they knew had issues. No warning lamps or messages given; symptoms were found when taken in at 117,000 miles and stated transmission needs to be replaced. Warning lamps and signals should have been given to owner to prevent the damage done to transmission. Warning lamps do not show anything wrong with vehicle; however, the jolting, jumping and sputtering is very dangerous during driving and may cause accidents in braking, acceleration and/or heavy traffic flow.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 14, 2024, crash
Complete shutdown of the vehicle while driving down the road. Caused me to go into a ditch. The vehicles lights flashed and then it just shut off. Had the alternator replaced twice also the battery replaced twice and now the nissan dealership has said they don't know what's wrong with it.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 29, 2023
No warning lamps or error codes given on instrument cluster While driving normally the car suddenly would not accelerate almost causing an accident while turning left. The car was driven home on idle. This Happened 2 weeks prior and the battery was replaced to rule out problem and it worked fine for 2 weeks fine . The same problem occurred again and will not accelerate. This is a major safety hazard and I’m looking into legal action for negligence and non helpful Nissan corporation
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 22, 2022
When driving, many times while going uphill, the car starts to jerk if I press the gas it jerks more. I have to let go of the gas and then press to go fast for it to stop. At times, it has caused for other cars to rear end or for me to go into another car. The jerkin is becoming a safety hazard for me and I’ve only had the car since July. This is my first Nissan ever and would have never imagined to experience such issues.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 11, 2022
A component is draining my battery. 7/21 New battery installed by Dealer. I'm told that the alternator is good. 7/28 adjustment on brake/starter switch??? Dealer wasn't clear. Said problem was fixed. 8/4 returned the SUV back to local dealer . Now I'm told that the Tow Bar was pulling 4 amps of energy and draining the battery, and that I should return the vehicle back to the place of purchased to have repaired. Our 2015 was purchase brand new with the Tow Bar as part of the accessary package. I have a Nissan Security Plus Extended Warranty. The Tech suggested that the Tow Bar may not have been Factory Installed. In the interim, I have been without transportation for 8 days.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 6, 2022
Brake lights will stay on even when car is parked and not occupied.Skid control coms on when driving and engine power is reduced or in lymph node. Car can be put in drive without depressing the brake switch . Ok Nissan says this is not on recall by vin # but there is an active recall on this model now. Sounds like a good lawsuit to me.Thanks and hope you can help.
Engine, Dec 28, 2021
cvt transmission is the worse my vehicle stopped on me on the highway coming from miami to orlando no warning nothing just stopped, the vehicle goes faster than it actually says with my children the only direction it could go into is reverse late at night it was so scary. I know if I could change my vehicle I would for a vehicle without CVT Transmission it doesn't shift like normal which is shifting at each short line it races to 3 to 4 then goes down putting more where and tear than norm
Engine, Mar 23, 2021
FOR OVER 6 MONTHS MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN SPUTTERING OFF AND ON. JUST RECENTLY, WHEN CRANKING IT UP, IT WOULD BLOW OUT WHITE SMOKE AND SPUTTER EVEN WORSE. WE BOUGHT IT IN MARCH 2020 KNOWING IT WAS SPUTTERING BUT THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED TO HAVE FIXED IT. NOW IT'S WITH NISSAN WHERE IT'S BEEN FOR ALMOST 2 WEEKS. THEY'RE STATING THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THESE ISSUES. I'VE ALSO FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THESE PARTICULAR YEAR AND MAKE/ MODEL VEHICLES HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. IF THIS REALLY IS AN ISSUE, IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 2, 2021
THERE WAS A RECALL FOR A HIGH PITCH SOUND FROM THE RADIATOR. WELL MY CAR IS DOING THIS ISSUE WHERE THE HEAT IS ON AND IT SOUNDS HORRIBLE FROM THAT AREA. COULD IT NOT OF BEEN REPAIRED LIKE IT STATS? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 25, 2021
ELECTRICAL ENGINE COOLING FAN FAILURE ASSEMBLY. LOUD GRINDING NOISE ON DRIVER SIDE FAN WHICH IS AN ASSEMBLY OF TWO FANS IN ONE UNIT. WIDELY AVAILABLE INFORMATION ON WEB POINTS TO WHEEL BEARING FAILURE INSIDE THE FAN.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 1, 2020
THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED STALLING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND STUCK AT THE SAME SPEED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THIS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES WHERE THE CAR WOULD STALL AND THE ACCELERATION WOULD NOT WORK ON LOCAL ROADS AS WELL AS THE INTERSTATE THUS CONSIDERABLY SLOWING THE SPEED OF THE TRAFFIC UPON GETTING IT INSPECTED AT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY FOUND THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WAS FAULTY.
Power train, Engine, Nov 25, 2020
I JUST PURCHASED THIS SUV USED WITH 84000 MILE WITHIN 24 HR THE CAR STARTS TO DRIVE LIKE I AM RUNNING OVER SPEED BUMP LIKE IT'S NOT PULLING OR SOMETHING KIND OF HARD TO EXPLAIN THE GAUGES BOUNCE BACK AND FORTH WHEN IT HAPPENS IT'S TRYING TO PICK UP SPEED BUT STALLING IT'S CLEARLY THE CVT ISSUE IT HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND JUST RIDING THROUGH TOWN IT FELT LIKE IT WAS LOSING POWER NOT WANTING TO THE SAME SPEED I WAS AT
Engine, Oct 22, 2020
THE ENGINE COOLING FAN PART NUMBER 21481-3JA2E HAS FAILED TWICE IN THIS VEHICLE. FIRST TIME AT 50,529 MILES AND AGAIN AT 106,370
Power train, Engine, Oct 14, 2020
MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 28000 MILES AND I HAD TO HAVE A NEW TRANSMISSION.
Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2020
NOTICED THAT A LOUD CLACKING/CLUNKING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE HOOD. NOISE SEEMED TO ONLY BE APPARENT WHEN A/C IS TURNED ON. IT SEEMS THAT THE COOLING FAN IS DEFECTIVE. *TR
Engine, Jun 10, 2020
NOTICED THAT A LOUD CLACKING/CLUNKING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE HOOD WHEN I PULLED INTO GARAGE. NOISE SEEMED TO ONLY BE APPARENT WHEN A/C TURNED ON. BROUGHT CAR TO DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE COOLING FAN WAS DEFECTIVE. SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM THAT NISSAN REFUSES TO ADDRESS. THE NISSAN PATHFINDER NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND HAVE THE COOLING SYSTEMS REPLACED. *TR
Engine, May 10, 2020
NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE FROM FAN ASSEMBLY AS A/C IS PUT ON. NOISE GOES AWAY AS CLIMATE CONTROL IS TURNED OFF. READING MULTIPLE FORUM THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM ON NISSAN PATHFINDER (2013-2017). OEM PART COST $513 AND REPLACEMENT AT DEALER FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE OUT OF WARRANTY COST $1000 OR MORE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS BY THE MANUFACTURER TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. REPLACING FAN ASSEMBLY IS NOT TRIVIAL FOR CONSUMERS. *TR
Engine, May 4, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LYNNES NISSAN CITY (318 BLOOMFIELD AVE, BLOOMFIELD, NJ 07003), WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE COOLING FAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,400.
Engine, Jan 24, 2020
LOAD CLUNKING BEHIND RADIATOR ON PASSENGER (RH) SIDE. FAULT TREE ANALYSIS REVEALED ISSUE WITH THE RADIATOR FAN BLADE ASSY. FAN BLADE MECHANICAL STRUCTURE/BEARING FAILURE
Engine, Jan 8, 2020
WHENEVER I TURNED ON THE A/C OR HEATER, THERE WAS A STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I NOTICED IT WHEN I WAS STATIONARY AT A STOP LIGHT. I TURNED OFF THE A/C WHICH THE NOISE WENT AWAY. I TOOK IT TO FIRESTONE TO GET IT CHECKED OUT, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE COOLANT FAN AND SHROUD WAS GOING BAD; THEREFORE, IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $1,100 TO REPLACE. I WAS TOLD THAT IF IT KEPT KICKING ON THAT IT COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK OFF AND HIT THE RADIATOR WHICH WOULD DO MORE DAMAGE. I CALLED DEALERSHIP CLOSE TO WHERE I WORK, AND ASKED ABOUT IT. I WAS INFORMED THAT HE REPLACED MORE THAN A COUPLE OF THEM THIS PAST YEAR, AND TOLD ME HE COULD TAKE CARE OF IT FOR APPROXIMATELY $900. AFTER GETTING HOME, I DID SOME RESEARCH WHICH SEEMS THAT IT HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM WITH NISSAN PATHFINDERS MADE BETWEEN 2013-2017. IT SEEMS NISSAN IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM; HOWEVER, NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS. TODAY, I CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS ABOUT THIS ISSUE WHICH SHE SUGGESTED I FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA. AGAIN, IT SEEMS NISSAN IS WELL AWARE OF THE ISSUE; HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT TAKING THE STEPS TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION. IT'S COSTING CONSUMERS ADDITIONAL MONEY FOR THEIR MISTAKE. I'VE ATTACHED DOCUMENTATION THAT I HAD IT REPLACED. ALSO, I ATTACHED JUST ONE OF THE WEBSITES THAT I CAME ACROSS THAT ADDRESSES MY CONCERN.
Engine, Jan 6, 2020
MY 2015, IS AT 54K MILES AND IT STARTING MAKE NOISE AND HAD IT CHECKED IT'S THE COOLING SYSTEM. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. MY FRIEND HAS A 2017 AND SHE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH NISSAN.