Nissan Pathfinder Complaints (2015)

321 consumer complaints on file.

#11769253October 6, 2026
POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle suffered a sudden, complete loss of motive acceleration at highway speeds, followed by a total powertrain breakdown and battery drain linked to an active federal safety recall. While traveling at highway speeds on Highway 169, the vehicle suddenly lost all acceleration, surged, juddered violently back and forth, and then shut down completely in an active traffic lane. The dashboard electrical components remained on, but the vehicle would not crank or restart. This failure trapped the occupants in a highly vulnerable position with oncoming traffic, requiring a dangerous manual jump-start in the middle of a busy highway just to move the vehicle out of the active lanes. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership, where the failure is directly linked to an active, unremedied federal safety campaign: NHTSA Campaign ID 21V020000 / Nissan Recall Campaign PC786 (Stop Lamp Switch Relay Malfunction). This defect causes the brake switch relay to stick, triggering a sudden brake override command that unexpectedly cuts all engine power and aggressively drains the battery while driving. The unprompted engagement of this safety defect while operating at high speeds represents an extreme, life-threatening vehicle performance failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757465August 17, 2026
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood unexpectedly opened and was damaged. The hood ledge and structure were damaged due to the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V420000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The dealer was contacted but declined to acknowledge the damages caused by the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750809July 16, 2026
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the front driver’s side curtain air bag deployed without impact. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact slowed down and veered over to the side of the road to park and inspect the vehicle. The Fire Department and the local EMT was contacted to inspect; however, there was no injury reported. The vehicle was towed to a local body shop, and the local dealer was contacted, however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742196June 4, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, SUSPENSION
The control arm detached from the front subframe due to massive rust on a car that was well cared for and only 10 years old. This happened as we were driving: the front passenger-side wheel became loose and began flopping back and forth, forcing me to immediately pull over into a gas station. I do not want to imagine what would have happened if this had detached on the highway instead of on a town side road. There were NO warnings or symptoms before this catastrophic failure. I had it towed to my regular mechanic, not realizing the extent of the damage—they wouldn't even put it on a lift. I then had it towed to the dealership, where they confirmed the damage was so extensive that (1) both control arms and the front subframe would need to be replaced due to rust ($5,800), and (2) the rear subframe was also extensively rusted, unsafe, and in need of imminent replacement, quoted at an additional $7,000. This being an exorbitant amount for a 10-year-old Nissan Pathfinder, I was forced to sell it to a salvage yard for a pittance just to buy a vehicle I could drive to work—and I can only hope it lasts until I can afford something better. I purchased this Pathfinder about 14 months ago. It was "inspected" by the dealer as well as by my regular mechanic at that time, with no indication that rust was a concern or even worth a comment. I am horrified by how much worse this could have been. We were on a trip more than an hour from home, heading toward the highway to return, when this occurred. No one should have to worry about something like this. Especially because, when I began researching, I found that this is a KNOWN defect on this model and others like it. It is NOT okay to put people at risk of serious or deadly injury when manufacturers KNOW water pools in places that can't be seen or checked, rotting the frame and subframe from the INSIDE out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729594April 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN
CVT judder problems on acceleration
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728739April 2, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the rear brake lights failed to illuminate when the vehicle was parked. The contact depressed the brake pedal to disengage the brake lights. While driving at various speeds, the brake lights illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that there were recalls associated with the VIN related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V020000 (Exterior Lighting) and was repaired in 2021. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721655March 3, 2026
ENGINE
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712378January 21, 2026
ENGINE, STEERING
1. CODE P0101 not removed after replacing MAF sensor. 2. power steering motor is annoying noise, high pitched sound.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707746December 30, 2025
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud sound coming from the front of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that a family member had driven the vehicle and informed the contact that the vehicle was experiencing a transmission failure. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,954.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695011October 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and vibrated, causing the steering wheel to lock up. The contact used force to maneuver the steering wheel. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. A mobile mechanic arrived at the residence and inspected the vehicle. The contact was informed that the CVT transmission had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred, and the contact parked the vehicle. The vehicle was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689114September 23, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679351August 8, 2025
POWER TRAIN
I bought a vehicle from Woods Nissan in Lees Summit, MO, on [XXX], and in a week I went back for details, and the car would not start. They checked and claimed nothing was wrong, and I took their word for it. I took the car to KC Auto Clinic in Independence, MO, and they found it was the judder system, which they said was an issue they were seeing in many Nissan vehicles. To me, there should be a recall on this, as it can simply shut off and cause a huge accident. Don't let this happen and wait for an accident to happen, as this can happen to anyone, driving or possibly getting into an accident with a vehicle like mine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674609July 18, 2025
POWER TRAIN
I was driving on a busy highway and when I went to accelerate after slowing down in traffic my Pathfinder started to shake and shudder and would not accelerate forward. I not only almost got rear ended but I almost got into a head on collision because I was at an intersection. The car just lost all power all of a sudden. My car has been maintained properly with routine oil changes, transmission fluid changes, it has four brand new tires on it just purchased six months ago. So now I find out that I am one of the "victims of the bad CVT transmissions that Nissan put into these vehicles and they knew it!!" I call Nissan support and they tell me basically "too bad the warranty was extended but it ended in 2022 and at 84,000 miles. It's now 2025 and you're at 105,000 miles. I am "disabled for life and on a fixed income" I don't have the money to fix the car. I have like two payments left and it's finally paid off!!! They should've done a RECALL ON THESE TRANSMISSIONS AND THEY DIDN'T!! THEY ARE DEATH TRAPS AND NOW I SEE THEY ARE GIVING $5000.00 TO MURANO AND MAXIMA OWNERS FOR BAD CVT TRANSMISSIONS!! BUT ALL OF US PATHFINDERS, ROGUE AND INFINITY OWNERS WHOSE TRANSMISSIONS DIDN'T GO BAD BEFORE 2022 OR 84,000.00 MIKE'S ARE JUST SCREWED!! THIS IS NOT FAIR AT ALL. WHAT KIND OF COMPENSATION IS THIS?? THIS CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT SETTLEMENT IS A JOKE. I'M CONTACTING A LAWYER. I NEED HELP HERE. I NEED A CAR. SEVEN YEARS OF PAYING FOR THIS VEHICLE AND NOW THIS??!! THEY WON'T EVEN HELP AT ALL. NISSAN SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES!! THEY ARE A HORRIBLE COMPANY DON'T EVER BUY FROM THEM!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674300July 17, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was a significant delay in the vehicle response. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle overheated, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle hesitated to shift into the intended gear. The contact stated that the vehicle had overheated while driving and had failed to shift beyond first or second gear on some occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle had overheated and had stalled on other occasions, and the vehicle would become drivable after half an hour. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670840July 2, 2025
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the passenger's side air bag. The contact was informed that the air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V244000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 94,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666253June 11, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Back brake lights stay on. Seems like brakes are stuck as I can start my car without pressing the brakes and can get it out of the park position without having to push the brakes. I had to disconnect my battery to keep it from being drained. The was a recall back in 2021. I contacted Nissan and they said the issue was fixed. The will not pay for repair because it falls under a warranty that I don’t have. If the pa Manufacturer Name : Nissan North America, Inc. NHTSA Recall No. / MFR Recall No. : 21V-020 / PC786 Recall Subject : Brake Light Switch Relay may Stick
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659256May 6, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the transmission shuddered, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658627May 3, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657692April 30, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655345April 18, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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