Nissan Pathfinder hybrid problems

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The Nissan Pathfinder is a range of sport utility vehicles manufactured by Nissan since 1986. Until the third-generation model, the Pathfinder is based on Nissan's compact pickup truck platform which it shares with the Navara/Frontier. The front end of the D21 (first generation) and R51 (third generation) Pathfinder is notably identical with the Navara/Frontier up until the B-pillars.

The Pathfinder was marketed as the Nissan Terrano (Japanese: 日産・テラノ, Hepburn: Nissan Terano) outside North America. Beginning in 2004, the R51 series was marketed internationally as the Pathfinder.

In 2012, the R52 series Pathfinder was released as a three-row crossover SUV based on the unibody Nissan D platform, moving away from the body-on-frame chassis format. The role of a mid-size body-on-frame SUV in Nissan's global lineup was passed to the Terra/X-Terra, which was released in 2018 and based on the D23 series Navara.

photo of Nissan Pathfinder hybrid car production

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Nissan Pathfinder hybrid model years

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Common Nissan Pathfinder hybrid problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid cars, several common problems have been reported:

  • Shuddering and Vibration: Some owners have experienced shuddering and vibration in the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid. This can indicate problems with the transmission or other drivetrain components, affecting the overall driving experience and comfort.
  • Gas Gauge Malfunction: Complaints have been made about the gas gauge not working properly in the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid. This issue can lead to inaccurate fuel level readings, causing inconvenience and potential fuel-related problems.
  • Feeling of Vehicle Holding Back: Owners have reported a sensation that the vehicle is holding back, which can impact the performance and responsiveness of the car. This issue may be related to the engine or transmission system.
  • Burning Clutch Smell: Some owners have noticed a burning clutch smell in the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid. This could indicate clutch or transmission issues that need attention to prevent further damage and ensure safe operation of the vehicle.

These problems highlight various concerns with the Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, ranging from safety issues like acceleration problems to performance and drivability issues such as shuddering and gas gauge malfunctions. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining the reliability and safety of the vehicle.

Nissan Pathfinder hybrid

What is the biggest problem with the Nissan Pathfinder?

Most Common Nissan Pathfinder Problems

  • Nissan Pathfinder Transmission Problems. According to CarComplaints, one of the most common Pathfinder issues is transmission failure. ...
  • Coolant Leaking into Transmission. ...
  • Worn Timing Chain. ...
  • A/C and Heating Problems. ...
  • Faulty Fuel Level Sensor.

What year was bad for the Nissan Pathfinder?

CarComplaints says the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder is the worst model year for this three-row SUV. With a whopping 400+ written complaints, the Pathfinder struggled with the coolant leaking into the transmission, eventually leading to transmission failure.

What are the complaints about a Nissan Pathfinder?

Top Nissan Pathfinder Problems

  • Check Engine Light Due to Faulty Fuel Level Sensor. ...
  • Engine won't crank due to starter relay failure. ...
  • Noise From the Front of the Engine. ...
  • Check Engine Light Due to Failed EVAP Canister Vent Valve. ...
  • No Start, Engine Stalls. ...
  • Stall or Misfire Due to Failed Mass Air Flow Sensor.

How many miles per gallon does a Nissan Pathfinder hybrid get?

There's a big wide world out there, and in a Pathfinder, you and yours can see a lot more of it. Its All-Wheel Drive performance is driven by a 284-hp V6 that gets you 20/27 City/Hwy mpg. A massive interior means you can bring along whomever – or whatever – you'll need for your next big adventure.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Nissan Pathfinder hybrid years

We have researched Nissan problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Nissan Pathfinder hybrid cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Nissan Pathfinder hybrid model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Nissan Pathfinder hybrid model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Nissan Pathfinder hybrid years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Nissan Pathfinder hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Nissan Pathfinder hybrid , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Power train problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Visibility/wiper problems
  • Engine problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Nissan Pathfinder hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Pathfinder hybrid model years

A total of 19 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Pathfinder hybrid model years

There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Pathfinder hybrid model years

There were a total of 31 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 537 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Nissan Pathfinder hybrid . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Nissan Pathfinder hybrid vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-08-13
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
  • VIN: 5N1AR2MM0EC
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: 3 of my door handles have broken once before I had taken ownership of the vehicle. Since owning the vehicle those same 3 door handles have broken again. This is a cause for concern because if you were in a motor vehicle accident you wouldn’t be able to get the doors open from the inside of the vehicle. For the past few months I have been rolling the windows down to open the door from the outside handle..
Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-05-15
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-27
  • VIN: 5N1AR2MM1EC
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle was shaking, and the front end of the vehicle was wobbling. The contact pulled over and stopped to inspect the vehicle; upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact was unaware of the cause of the failure. The contact drove to a nearby Auto Parts Store and upon turning into the parking lot, the wheel detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that four of the five lug nuts were missing from the passenger’s side wheel. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that an independent mechanic arrived at the residence and repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.
Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-23
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-23
  • VIN: 5N1AR2MM7EC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: Driving at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly lost all forward traction. No reaction to the accelerator anymore besides engine revving up. Once vehicle came to a stop, it had to be pushed off the road, impacting traffic on the road, putting my safety and that of others at risk. Technician pulled a “P17F0 - CVT Jutter” code. Dealership advised the vehicle needs a new transmission. Vehicle is less than 10 years old, less than 120,000 miles. Dealership advised no warranty coverage for the issue and a cost of $9,000 to replace CVT transmission. No warning or warning lights prior to incident. Regular maintenance at dealership (brand new purchase, one owner). Nissan is aware of the CVT transmission issues but offering no assistance. (Case # 52368136 from call with Nissan Customer care).
Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-18
  • VIN: 5N1AR2MN8EC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: CVT TRANSMISSION ISSUES. JUDDERING, LOST SPRRD DOWNSHIFT JERKS. GOING 70 ON HIGHWAY IT LOST SPEED JERKED ME AROUND LIKE I AM GETTING HIT. COULDN'T EVEN GO UP RAMP ON HIGHWAY. Its hard to believe that NHTSA dose not have a ban on these vehicals. There are many complaints and Nissan letters within Nissan that have been issued out to dealships ect. no to mention the law suits. NHTSA would be the first i would think to post and force these off of the road. Insted people like me are just forced to junk them and write them off. or spend your life savings on trans replacement.
Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-17
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-17
  • VIN: 5N1AR2MM4EC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: Transmission shudders at 20 miles per hour. It can sometimes buck and jerk pretty hard
Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-15
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-16
  • VIN: 5N1AR2MN4EC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: Transmission is making car bounce around making it very unsafe to drive. Told this trans needs to be replaced! Thought it was on recall but dealership said no it’s not on recall!!!! Car has been parked since 04/15/24
Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-04
  • VIN: 5N1AR2MM3EC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: In my 2014 Nissan Pathfinder when I drive between the speeds of 25-40 mph my SUV shudder and shakes violently like my car is going to break in half, it's not safe to drive anymore,
Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
  • VIN: 5N1AR2MMXEC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from being stationary, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The failure also occurred while decelerating and turning before attempting to accelerate. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted regarding the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-05-08
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-17
  • VIN: 5N1AR2MM8EC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: When driving the vehicle I experience a shudder/judder when accelerating from a complete stop, and turning at low speeds. The SUV can shake violently at times or subtly, it is alarming when driving. It isn't consistent, it happens periodically when I drive. Imagine the anxiety of waiting for this to happen.
Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-16
  • Date Complaint: 2024-06-09
  • VIN: 5N1AR2MNXEC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: The CVT transmission just seized while driving. The car couldn’t move again and had to be towed home. This car has only 89,000 miles on it and I shouldn’t be having that issue and I’m being quoted $7000 to get if replaced. Nissan are doing a horrible job with their transmission and it’s not safe to be driving with that.
Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-08
  • Date Complaint: 2024-06-08
  • VIN: 5N1AR2MM1EC
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: This recall has been out for 2 years now and Nissan still hasn’t come up with a way to fix it or a replacement. I’m constantly in fear driving down the highway that my hood will fly up into my windshield.
Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-02
  • Date Complaint: 2024-06-06
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: My transfer case has gone bad 3 times already. This car just have 110,000 miles on it and the transmission is not good. Nissan is not doing anything about it and there are so many complaints about it. Every time I have to replace the transfer case is over 3k which is extremely frustrating. Something needs to be done
Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2021-10-21
  • Date Complaint: 2024-05-31
  • VIN: 5N1AR2MN9EC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started jerking while shifting gears. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and the contact was advised to replace the spark plugs. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic again who diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed a transmission malfunction. The contact stated the failure had increased considerably over time. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-02
  • Date Complaint: 2024-05-29
  • VIN: 5N1AR2MMXEC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and slowing down, the vehicle was vibrating and shaking while downshifting to a lower gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was also hesitating and jerking into gear while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the CVT transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,215.
Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-16
  • Date Complaint: 2024-04-17
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that he was informed at a State Inspection that the vehicle had failed the inspection due to severe rust on the front sub frame, at the engine cradle location. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the entire sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no assistance would be provided because the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000. The VIN was not available.

Recalls Nissan Pathfinder hybrid

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Nissan Pathfinder hybrid.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Report Received Date: 2021-10-04
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, 2015-2016 Murano Hybrid, and 2014-2017 INFINITI QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may shut down the hybrid system and the engine under certain conditions, causing a loss of drive power.
  • Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R21B4 and R21B5.
  • Model: Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Report Received Date: 2016-04-26
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: 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.
  • Remedy: 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.
  • Model: Nissan Pathfinder hybrid 2014
  • Report Received Date: 2015-01-26
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: 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.
  • Remedy: 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.

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