Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2014 Nissan Pathfinder — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2019 to Dec 2018
The most reported issue is power train problems (149 complaints). 19 complaints involved crashes. 3 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (11)
NHTSA Campaign: 16V244000
Component: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V138000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V380000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V229000
Component: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V681000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V033000
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V012000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V445000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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.
Risk: The increased stopping distance may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V456000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V020000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 22V420000
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
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.
Risk: An unsecured hood could unexpectedly open while driving, obstructing the driver's view, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 565)
Power Train →9 issues
While driving at 65 mph, your car's engine revved up while the car slowed down, then stopped responding when you tried to drive forward or backward. The check engine light came on after you stopped. The diagnostic codes indicate a CVT transmission failure—a problem the owner notes has recurred in other Nissan models and triggered recalls for 2013 models. Fixing this will likely require CVT transmission repair or replacement.
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Your transmission may refuse to shift into gears while driving, and you might experience significant slipping when it attempts to shift. This makes the vehicle difficult or impossible to drive safely. The transmission will likely need to be serviced, rebuilt, or replaced.
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Your CVT transmission is shaking or juddering, and in this case, the car suddenly stopped moving while driving through an intersection. The driver was able to safely coast to a parking lot, but this is a serious drivability issue. The transmission may need inspection, repair, or replacement to restore normal operation.
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While backing up, your Pathfinder wouldn't shift into gear and got stuck in traffic. A mechanic found the transmission fluid was dark and contained metal shavings, indicating internal transmission damage. Your transmission will likely need to be replaced to restore normal operation.
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Your car's hood may not be closing properly and could come loose while driving. Debris and dust entering through the hood opening can damage your transmission. The dealer failed to inform you about this known safety recall or offer to fix it.
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Your Pathfinder jolted when you tried to accelerate from a stop, and your check engine light came on. A mechanic diagnosed this as a transmission failure at around 150,000 miles. The transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced, which typically involves removing the transmission from the vehicle and either repairing internal components or installing a new or remanufactured unit.
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Your car's continuously variable transmission (CVT) shudders severely when accelerating, which Nissan has acknowledged as a known issue. The shuddering has caused safety concerns, including a near-accident and head contact with the window. Nissan has declined to repair it despite the documented service bulletin, citing various reasons each time.
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About three weeks ago, your car started jerking and the check engine light came on. A mechanic diagnosed it as a CVT transmission problem, which should be covered under warranty since you replaced the transmission just over two years ago. Nissan's service department initially denied the warranty claim, though Nissan's consumer affairs department later indicated a decision hadn't been finalized. The repair typically involves diagnosing and potentially rebuilding or replacing the CVT transmission.
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Your Pathfinder's continuously variable transmission (CVT) is juddering and hesitating when accelerating from a stop, creating a safety concern when driving in traffic or merging. The transmission is experiencing an internal failure that's been flagged with diagnostic code P17F0. Nissan has acknowledged similar problems in other models with extended warranties, but hasn't extended the same coverage to your Pathfinder despite having identical symptoms. Fixing this will likely require transmission fluid service, internal transmission inspection, or potentially a transmission replacement.
Parts you may need:
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Suspension →5 issues
Your car's left rear suspension makes an annoying squeaking noise when going over bumps or getting in and out of the vehicle. A mechanic discovered that the rear suspension sub-frame is rusted where it connects to the car's body, which compromises the structural integrity of your suspension. Your mechanic has advised that the car is unsafe to drive in this condition. Repairs will likely involve replacing or reinforcing the rusted sub-frame attachment points.
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Your car's rear subframe has rusted completely through, creating a serious safety hazard. While the rest of your vehicle only shows surface rust, the rear subframe — a critical structural component — requires complete replacement to make your car safe to drive.
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Your rear subframe is rusting and failing, which supports the back suspension of your vehicle. This is a serious structural issue that could affect how your car handles and eventually lead to suspension failure. The repair will likely require replacing the rusted subframe component.
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You heard a loud clunk from the rear passenger side of your vehicle, followed by a binding noise when going over bumps or turning. An inspection revealed that the rear sub-frame had rusted severely, causing a suspension part to break free and sit loose in a hole in the frame. This rust and breakage poses a safety risk since multiple suspension components are bolted to this sub-frame.
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Your Pathfinder's rear subframe has corroded and rotted, causing loud noises during normal driving that get worse over speed bumps. A mechanic confirmed the subframe needs to be replaced, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. The repair will require replacing the entire rear subframe assembly.
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Engine →2 issues
Your transmission is experiencing judder (vibration and shuddering), which a transmission shop diagnosed using diagnostic code P17F0. You've already replaced the motor mount and air intake, but the transmission issue persists. The dealership declined to help within the first 12 days of purchase. A full transmission inspection or repair will likely be needed to resolve the juddering problem.
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Your engine makes an extremely loud noise when you press the gas pedal, similar to a disconnected exhaust pipe, and the vehicle struggles to accelerate normally. The transmission is not shifting automatically as it should. The problem started suddenly three days ago with no warning lights or previous symptoms.
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Power Train,vehicle Speed Control,engine →1 issue
When you accelerate and your car reaches 30-60 mph, you may feel a distant shuddering sensation that causes the engine to lose power and triggers the check engine light. This issue appears to be relatively common among similar vehicles. The problem likely involves diagnosing the engine's performance through the check engine code and may require inspection of the fuel system, ignition system, or transmission control components.
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your car's engine computer (EMC) isn't recognizing that you've replaced your catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and exhaust manifold, even though these parts have been swapped out multiple times. Your vehicle has a bad exhaust smell and doesn't run properly, and while clearing the diagnostic codes temporarily fixes the issue, the check engine light and problems return shortly after. The fix will likely require the engine computer to be reprogrammed or replaced so it can properly communicate with your new exhaust components.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train,engine →1 issue
Your engine RPMs jump up and down while driving, and you've noticed a loud humming noise. The check engine light came on briefly with codes pointing to CVT transmission juddering, a catalytic converter issue, and a bad tire pressure sensor. Even after the light went off, the RPM and speedometer jumping continues, which you're concerned about for safety. The dealership may need to diagnose the CVT transmission, catalytic converter, and sensor issues to resolve the underlying problems.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,engine →1 issue
Your car is displaying a warning that the hybrid battery is overheating. There's a recall for this issue, but it doesn't apply to your vehicle's identification number, so the dealer won't repair it under warranty. You may want to have the battery cooling system inspected by a technician to prevent potential damage.
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Related Vehicles
Other Nissan Pathfinder years: