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
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 23, 2019
THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, ROAR AND MAKE A VERY LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. I HAD JUST STARTED THE ENGINE AND IT WAS IN MY GARAGE AND STATIONARY. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE CAR OFF. LATER THAT DAY, MY HUSBAND STARTED THE CAR AGAIN WITHOUT ISSUE. HE PULLED OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY AND PROCEEDED LESS THAN 100 YARDS DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE NOISE AND SHAKING STARTED AGAIN. I CALLED THE DEALER WHO STATED IT WAS MOST LIKELY THE COOLING FAN (CONFIRMED BY DIAGNOSIS AT SAME DEALER) THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Engine, Jan 14, 2019
THE COOLING/RADIATOR FAN MAKES A RATTLING NOISE WHEN THE A/C IS ON, THIS STARTED AFTER THE CAR REACHED 60,000 MILES. SEEMS LIKE A COMMON THING ON PATHFINDERS AFTER REACHING 60+ MILES.
Engine, Jan 14, 2019
I HEARD A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY AND THEY SAID THE BEARINGS ON THE RADIATOR FAN ARE BAD CAUSING THE FAN TO WOBBLE AND STRIKE AGAINST THE SHROUD. I BOUGHT MY CAR BRAND NEW AND HAS 52,700 MILES ON IT. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE. IF NOT REPLACED THE FAN CAN BREAK INTO PIECES AND CAUSE OTHER COSTLY ENGINE REPAIRS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE PART.
Engine, Jan 8, 2019
NOTICED A RATTLING COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT TOWARDS THE FROM OF MY VEHICLE WHEN IN THE DRIVE THRU. TOOK IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP. BEARINGS IN THE RADIATOR COOLING FAN HAVE FAILED REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MECHANIC WILL CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO FAN BREAKING APART AND PIECES GOING INTO ENGINE. SEARCHING ONLINE SHOWS THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM HAPPENING AT 30-70K MILES ON THESE VEHICLES.
Engine, Dec 30, 2018
ENGINE COOLING FAN MAKES LOUD NOISE WHEN THE AC/HEAT IS TURNED ON. AND STOPS WHEN THE AC/HEATS TURNS OFF. ONLY 42,000 MILES. FAN SEEMS TO WOBBLE A BIT
Engine, Nov 21, 2018
COOLING FAN STARTING MAKING NOISE AND IT APPEARS TO WOBBLE WHEN FAN IS RUNNING.
Engine, Nov 15, 2018
I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT A PROBLEM WITH THE RADIATOR AND CONDENSER FAN MALFUNCTIONING. I WAS LOOKING ONLINE AND I'M NOT THE ONLY WAY THERE ARE THOUSAND OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING THE SAME. LOOKS LIKE THEY DID IT ON PURPOSE AS THEY ALL SEEM TO FAILED AROUND THE SAME MILEAGES. 40K TO 50K. AND FOR A PC OF PLASTIC IT IS REALLY EXPENSIVE.JUST THE PART ITSELF IS 288.00 DOLLARS. THAT IS MORE THAN THE COST OF A REGULAR WINDOW AC. PLEASE LOOK ONLINE FOR THE PROBLEM YOU WILL SEE MULTIPLES FORUMS COMPLAINING OF THIS. SOMETIMES PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO FIX THEM IRREPLACEABLE THEM ON THEIR OWN AS NISSAN CHARGE MORE THAN 1000 THOUSAND TO FIX THIS. REPEAT LOOKS LIKE THEY ARE DOING IT ON PURPOSE. THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2014. AND STILL USING THE SAME FAN AND DESIGN UNTIL THIS YEAR MODEL. THANK YOU
Power train, Engine, Nov 7, 2018
THE AC AND HEAT FAN MAKES LOUD SOUNDS STARTED IN SUMMER 2017. IT'S SO LOUD THAT I HAVE TO TURN IT COMPLETELY OFF NOW.
Engine, Nov 6, 2018
DURING ACCELERATION THERE IS A SUDDEN COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. ENGINE DOESN'T TURN OFF AND THE RPMS DO NOT RISE. THE POWER WILL COME BACK WITHIN A FEW SECONDS. I WAS ON A SURFACE STREET MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ONTO TO AN ACCESS ROAD THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED. TODAY, THE NEXT DAY, A WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AND WHEN I TRIED TO GO AFTER THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I HAD ZERO POWER FOR 3-4 SECONDS.
Engine, Oct 31, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2015 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER UNIT WHEN IT WAS TURNED ON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE SERVICE WHEN IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE COOLANT FAN HAD FAILED. THE DEALER TOWN NORTH NISSAN (9160A RESEARCH BLVD, AUSTIN, TX 78758 (512)-451-7411) WAS CONTACT IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT A DIAGNOSED FEE HAD TO BE CHARGED IN ORDER FOR THE DEALER TO DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRM THERE WERE NO RECALLS UNDER THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,796.
Service brakes, Engine, Oct 4, 2018
BRAKES MAKE A CLICKING NOISE ALMOST AS IF THE PADS ARE BOUNCING AROUND AT ANY SPEED WITH LIGHT BRAKE APPLICATION. ENGINE COOLING FAN IS MAKING A RACKET BOUNCING OFF OF SHROUD WHEN THE HEAT OR A/C IS TURNED ON. IT IS THE PASSENGER SIDE FAN. JUST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED AND ONLY HAS 50K. NICE VEHICLE, JUST WISH I DIDNT HAVE TO TURN AROUND AND MAKE REPAIRS THAT SHOULD NOT BE NEEDED.
Engine, Sep 24, 2018
RADIATOR COOLING FAN MAKES LOUD NOISE WHEN THE A/C IS TURNED ON AND STOPS WHEN THE A/C IS TURNED OFF. ONLY HAVE 51,356 MILES
Engine, Aug 24, 2018
AT 32,000 MILES, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE AREA WHEN AIR CONDITIONING WAS ON. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE DRIVERS SIDE RADIATOR FAN WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE SHROUD. COMPLETE COOLING FAN MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ITEM WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, DEALER REPAIR WAS $1,000 SO IT WAS REPAIRED AT THE LOCAL SHOP FOR $600. I HAD PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2013 PATHFINDER AND IT HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AT 45,000 MILES. SEEMS TO ME LIKE A DESIGN ISSUE.
Engine, Aug 6, 2018
RADIATOR COOLING FAN IS LOOSE AND MAKES A LOUD BANGING NOISE WHEN THE A/C IS ON.THIS STARTED AROUND THE 38K MILEAGE MARK. THIS HAPPENS WHEN STATIONARY OR WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. SOMETIMES IT'LL GO WEEKS WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. I'VE NOTICED THAT MAKING SHARP TURNS CAN SET OFF THE WOBBLING FAN, CAUSING WEEKS OF ANNOYING, LOUD, AND QUIET EMBARRASSING BLUNDER AS IF I WERE BANGING POTS AND PANS TOGETHER. IF YOU TURN A/C OFF, THE NOISE STOPS. WHEN INSPECTING THE FAN WITH A/C OFF, THE FAN IS VERY WOBBLY AND APPEARS TO BANG AGAINST OTHER PARTS RESULTING IN THE LOUD NOISE. PLEASE HELP!!!
Engine, Jun 29, 2018
MY TRUCK IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEYRE CLAIMING THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A NEW TRUCK WITH 71000 MILES
Engine, May 20, 2018
DRIVER'S SIDE RADIATOR FAN WOBBLES AND MAKES NOISE WHEN COMPRESSOR FOR DEFROSTER OR A/C IS TURNED ON.
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, May 20, 2018
SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, MY NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS FAILED TO ACCELERATE EITHER AT A STOP OR DURING NORMAL SPEED. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT STALL, BUT WOULD ONLY ACCELERATE ALMOST AT IDLE SPEED. THE SYMPTOM OF THE PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR A COUPLE OF TIME THEN THE SLIP INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD DISPLAY AND STAY ON UNTIL THE CAR WAS SHUT DOWN AND RESTARTED, I HAVE SEVERAL PICTURES DEMONSTRATING THE ISSUE AS DESCRIBED FOR WHEN THE INDICATOR SLIP LIGHT FOR THE LIMITED SLIP CONTROL WOULD DISPLAY IN CLEAR CONDITIONS. THIS WOULD OCCUR IN IDEAL WEATHER CONDITIONS AND ROAD CONDITIONS WERE CLEAR AND MY FOOT WAS DEFINITELY NOT ENGAGING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS PRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PULL INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR ATTEMPTING TO PASS A SLOWER VEHICLE. I COULD DEPRESS THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR WITH NO IMPACT ON ACCELERATION. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL NEAR MISSES WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC DUE TO FAILURE TO ACCELERATE. I TOOK IN THE VEHICLE INTO D-PATRICK NISSAN IN EVANSVILLE, INDIANA SEVERAL TIMES AND TO ANDY MOHR NISSAN, INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA. IN BOTH CASES, THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETECT ANY ISSUES WITH CODE ERRORS OR REPLICATE THE ISSUE EVEN AFTER I PROVIDE PHOTO EVIDENCE OF THE ISSUE I WAS HAVING. THE FAILURE TO ACCELERATE IS SO RANDOM AND CAN HAPPEN SEVERAL DAYS IN ONE WEEK OR AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN I KNOW IT WILL NOT CHANGE UNTIL I CAN SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE AND RESTART. SOME INSTANCES THE FAILURE TO ACCELERATE WOULD PERSIST BUT MOST OF THE TIME IS WOULD CORRECT ITSELF AFTER RESTARTING. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH MY WIFE AND THREE CHILDREN IN IT. I FINALLY DECIDED TO FILE A COMPLAINT AFTER I FOUND ANOTHER NISSAN PATHFINDER OWNER WHO WAS HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH HIS NISSAN PATHFINDER.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 4, 2018
2015 NISSAN PATHFINDER, LESS THAN 40K MILES, RADIATOR COOLING FAN WOBBLES AND MAKES LOUD/GRINDING NOISE (LIKES IT'S COMING LOOSE), IN THE MIDDLE OF A LONG ROAD TRIP. POTENTIAL ENGINE OVERHEAT/SEIZURE, DANGEROUS TO OCCUPANTS IN CAR.
Engine, Mar 15, 2018
ACCELERATING FROM STOP AND EXPERIENCE A STUDDER OR DELAYED ACCELERATION. MUST RELEASE ACCELERATOR AND THEN PRESS AGAIN TO ACCELERATE. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE AND CANNOT BE REPRODUCED ON DEMAND SO IT MAKES IT HARD TO DIAGNOSE WITH A MECHANIC.
Engine, Mar 1, 2018
THE RADIATOR COOLING FAN FAILED IN MY 2015 NISSAN PATHFINDER CAUSING A LOUD KNOCKING IN THE MOTOR . EVERY NISSAN DEALERSHIP AROUND COLUMBIA, SC DOES NOT HAVE THE PART IN STOCK DUE TO IT BEING ON BACKORDER. THIS IS FOR BOTH FACTORY AND AFTERMARKET. NO DEALERSHIP KNOWS WHEN NISSAN WILL EVEN PROVIDE THE FACTORY PART. WITH THE EXCESSIVE RATE OF NISSAN & ALSO INFINITY'S DROPPING DUE TO THIS SAME ISSUE AND THE DEMAND FOR THIS PART, I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED ASAP. IT IS APPARENT THAT THIS IS A FAULTY PART ON THESE MODEL VEHICLES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THIS FOR CERTAIN CAN LEAD TO LARGER PROBLEMS. THERE ARE 3 NISSAN LOCATIONS NOT FAR. PLEASE LOOK AT THE STATISTICS FOR THIS, THEIR NUMBERS WILL CONFIRM MY COMPLAINT.
Engine, Feb 26, 2018
MOTOR & FAN ASSEMBLY WITH SHROUD- FAN IS INOPERATIVE SINCE A PART ON FAN HAS BROKEN. VEHICLE IS ONLY WORKING ON ONE FAN. VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE WHEN FAN ASSEMBLY WOULD COME ON WHILE DRIVING.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 15, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THREE TIMES TO A LOCAL DEALER (SANDY SANSING NISSAN, 5705 PENSACOLA BLVD, PENSACOLA, FL 32505), BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,353.
Power train, Engine, Nov 4, 2017
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STUTTERS/JUDDERS FOR A FEW SECONDS. IT HAS BEEN PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE, EVEN STARTING TO SHOW UP AT MEDIUM SPEEDS, TO THE POINT WHERE WE THINK THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO STALL. IF YOU PUSH ON THE GAS IT EVENTUALLY GOES THROUGHT THE STUTTERING. SINCE NO CODES ARE INDICATING THEY WILL NOT LOOK AT THE ISSUE.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 14, 2016
VEHICLE START BUTTON IS IN A UNSAFE LOCATION. KNEE KEEPS HITTING WHILE DRIVING AND CAR TURNS OFF. IT NEEDS A COVER OR SMARTER SWITCH SO THAT A ACCIDENTAL TOUCH CANT SHUT THE CAR OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT'S A SEVERE HAZARD!!!!!!
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 16, 2015
POTENTIALLY FAULTY BRAKE SYSTEM OR DOWNSHIFT CVT OR SIMULATED GEARSHIFT SYSTEM. DETAILS: WHEN DRIVING IN SLOW MOVING TRAFFIC WITH THE BRAKES PARTIALLY APPLIED, THE VEHICLE TENDS TO MOMENTARILY ACCELERATE AND SPEED UP. CONCURRENTLY THE RESISTANCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TENDS TO DECREASE, ALONG WITH A VISIBLE DOWN-AND-THEN-BACK-UP JUMPING OF RPM NEEDLE. THE BRAKE PEDAL NEEDS TO BE KEPT PRESSED TO ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP (NEW VEHICLE, WITH ONLY 300 MILES), THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THE PROBLEM I HAD BEEN EXPLAINING. THE TECHNICIAN AGREED TO SPEAK WITH THE ENGINEER THE NEXT DAY. HOWEVER, NEXT DAY THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED SUCH AS ISSUE, AND IT MAY BE SIMPLY THE DOWN-SHIFT OF THE CVT TRANSMISSION. THIS IS UNUSUAL IN COMPARISON TO ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE DRIVEN. ACCELERATION OF THE CAR DURING THE BRAKING CYCLE IS CLEARLY ODD. POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN OR SLOW TRAFFIC ZONES NEAR SCHOOLS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE.