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: other or unspecified
79 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2025, crash
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this request under my existing Consumer Affairs case number [XXX] regarding my 2015 Nissan Pathfinder (VIN: [XXX] , Plate: [XXX] ). On [insert date], while driving on the freeway, the hood latch failed and caused the hood to suddenly fly up, completely blocking my view. This recall-related defect directly led to my vehicle striking another car. Thankfully, no one was injured. However, my vehicle sustained significant damage: •Both front fenders were bent •Front bumper was damaged This incident was a direct result of the hood latch defect that is already part of a safety recall. The failure created an extremely dangerous situation that could have caused serious harm to myself and others. I am respectfully requesting that Nissan cover the cost of repairs or provide reimbursement for the damage caused by this recall-related failure. I believe this is a fair and reasonable resolution, as the damage was not due to negligence but to a documented safety defect. Please advise me of the next steps required to process this request, including any documentation, repair estimates, or photographs you need me to provide. Thank you for your attention and for working with me to resolve this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Case Number: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, May 3, 2025
The hood does not fully latch when closed unless manually engaged. I’ve brought it in to the dealer several times now to specifically have the safety recall completed but all they continue to do is “ clean” it and send me away. It is an ongoing issue and they will not complete the recall on my vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Apr 30, 2025
After my fiance passed from cancer in February. I saved 10g for me and our kids to get to school and work. The Carfax report only showed one recall at that time. I only drove that truck a week and almost died multiple times with my family. The truck just would go into limp mode. I found later that Nissin America had recalled the CVT / Judder/ transmission. It was recalled and never fixed! That was on no report I saw. I thought I found a great vehicle for my family and I bought a death trap. How can a recall of such importance like the transmission needing to be replaced and paid for by Nissan. It's 7 thousand dollars. I would have never bought that vehicle if all the information on that vehicle was on the report. How can you take something so dangerous and allow it to be sold to the public not knowing thst it was never repaired. The previous owners were never notified of the recall which is why is was never fixed. Nissan told me it was covered up to 81,000 miles or you had until 2024 to get it repaired or whichever came first. My family is about to lose everything. I can't even drive to hilltop to get my plates. I still haven't been able to drive it. It is a death trap. This vehicle should not have ever been resold with such a significant issue like the transmission! I feel like i was just robbed ten thousand dollars. I'm disabled and had plans to return to school. My sons wrestling future is now over. Everyone lost their jobs because I can't drive anyone. I can't even go to the store without worrying I'm going to die in that truck. This is so wrong. I am praying that you can help me make this right. The truck had a recall that was removed yet never fixed. A danger to the public and my family.Thank you for your time.
Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2025
The trans shifting from 70 miles per hour to first gear while driving on the highway now it shakes my car when I move it for word just to clean under it in my parking lot I just bought the car last year I dove it for about 3 to for month's And now it sits for five to six because i can't afford a new transmission
Other or unspecified, Mar 24, 2025
My Nissan Pathfinder had R24C6 Hood Latch Recall repaired a couple months ago and is is still not updated in the NHTSA website? Service was done at the Nissan Dealership on Sonoma Blvd in Vallejo Ca. When I go to the Nissan dealership website to schedule an appointment, Nissan states that there are no open recalls on this vehicle (7SBE521) I will upload documentation to prove it was done. NHTSA can also verify with dealership with necessary. Thank you!!!
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.
Electrical system, Seats, Other or unspecified, May 17, 2024
The relay in the drivers seat melted and the wires shorted out. This caused issues with my radio, clock, brakes, and power issues when accelerating. They replaced the relay which cost me $1200 and suddenly all of my systems work correctly. I was told the short was causing feedback into the electrical systems of the car by the service department. The dealer further confirmed there is an advisory on this issue and it has been noted several times. They stated the issue is ongoing but there is no recall.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 13, 2023
The Power Liftgate Switch on the trunk is always having issues due to the chrome plate thats part of the body on the trunk. The chrome panel is easily weathered and rubber seal comes off and when in contact with water, water drains right onto the relay switch and causes burnt out relay, or blown fuses, and does not operate.
Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2023
The hood latch is not secure, while driving on the interstate especially, you can see the hood blowing up..This is dangerous because the hood may lift up while driving.
Other or unspecified, Apr 11, 2023
Car making hissing / humming noise
Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2022
The rear hatch door goes up when the lift button is pushed on the tailgate door, it reaches the top, beeps, then immediately comes back down. The hatch door hit my wife on the head. If you push up hard against the tailgate when it starts to immediately come down it is possible to keep it up. But someone not strong enough can be seriously injured by the door. It’s the same situation every time we lift the hatch to open—up, beep, and back down it immediately comes We talked to dealer. They said contact Nissan consumer affairs. So we did. They said our vehicle is out of warranty: nothing we can do. Go back to dealer and pay to have it fixed. Not helpful at all. This isn’t a lightbulb burnt out or physical wear issue— it’s a safety issue and the manufacturer should do a recall and fix it ASAP.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2022
I just got a recall for the hood latch. Although ours hasnt popped open yet, it bounces around like crazy when driving on the highway or if its windy out. We just returned from a 10 hour trip and going down the highway we pulled off to check because it was bouncing so much. Was very nervous going down the highway that it was going to pop open. This def is a safety issue.
Other or unspecified, Jun 4, 2022
Car will not recognize key. It says key ID incorrect therefore I can not start it by the push to start button
Other or unspecified, Dec 23, 2021
I bought my 2015 Pathfinder new in 2016. Love the vehicle but I am disappointed in how quickly it started to "fall apart". I had a Altima with over 200 000 miles without a single part breaking on it. I bought my Pathfinder based on the premise that all Nissan products are as good as my Altima. I have only 52000 miles on my Pathfinder now and I have a defective cooling fan making a terrible noise. There is no support for my Pathfinder any longer from Nissan and the cost of replacing the fan is well over $1400. I expected more from Nissan and my new vehicle for next year will be based on my experience with Nissan. I am not sure I will be driving a Nissan next year. Nissan is cheeping out on product that they use for their vehicles now, it's too bad, they used to have very well built products.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Nov 12, 2021
CVT Transmission Internal Failure Judder Code P17FO Cost to replace $5000 Broken Radiator Fan cost to replace $938 Total repairs required $6281. Car located at Canon Nissan Dealer. Another repair shop indicated they are seeing failed CVT transmissions on many 2015 Pathfinders and Nissan models which appears to be a manufacturers defect. No warning lights. started naking noises week or two ago. indicated the fan was dangerous.
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2021
We bought our car from Newton Nissan south in 2019 it’s a 2015 and has a CTV transmission well now the CTV transmission will not switch into any other gears it jerks and shakes bucks etc I have read that this is a on going issues with this type of transmission well because the in-service date being 2015 the warranty does not cover the car even thought we didn’t purchase it will 2019 I’m trying to see what can be done about this because it’s not a uncommon issue for this type of transmission
Other or unspecified, Aug 17, 2021
On 8-16-21, while driving at highway speed, the sunroof over the driver/passenger area in the vehicle spontaneously exploded. No evidence of any item hitting it was located. No vehicles or underpasses were near the vehicle when this occurred. From attached photographs, it is clear the glass pushed up from the explosion, not downward as if something impacted it.
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
Other or unspecified, Nov 7, 2020
VERY LOUD PLASTIC RATTLE WHEN CLIMATE CONTROL IS TURNED ON AND PLASTIC FAN AT THE ENGINE SIDE OF THE RADIATOR STARTS SPINNING.
Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2020
THE COOLING FAN BEGAN TO RATTLE, ALMOST COMING OFF INTO THE RADIATOR. THEN THE CONDENSER WENT OUT FOR THE A/C. BOTH PARTS WERE REDESIGNED BY NISSAN, WHICH ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2020
THE COOLING FAN OR SOMETHING MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHENEVER THE AIR IS TURNED ON WHENEVER IT'S SITTING OR DRIVING
Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2020
UNREPAIRED SAFETY RECALLS REPORTED BY NHTSA
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