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2015 Nissan Pathfinder

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Pathfinder years

Owner complaints for the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder are substantially higher than the model-year median of 97.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

221 reports with mileage · 99 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 76 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 74 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 55 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports1 fire reports6 injury reports

What owners actually said

320 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2022
Latches/locks/linkages

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V420000 (Latches, Locks, Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not m…

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The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V420000 (Latches, Locks, Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood became unlatched. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11474532

Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2022
Power Train

Transmisson is stuttering. Check engine light was on when i had it read came back as CVT leak. Vehicle only has 107,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI #11474256

Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2022
Power Train

When driving for any period of time over a half hour the vehicle will cut power and stop the vehicle. I was turning left at a busy intersection, hit the gas to go and the vehicle lost power and I rolled into the intersection. I could not go forward because the transmission was dead. Nissans solution is a transmission softw…

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When driving for any period of time over a half hour the vehicle will cut power and stop the vehicle. I was turning left at a busy intersection, hit the gas to go and the vehicle lost power and I rolled into the intersection. I could not go forward because the transmission was dead. Nissans solution is a transmission software update. They said it was repaired and after I left the dealership, 40 mins into the drive the vehicle quit at 55mph. This is incredibly dangerous and Nissan is fully aware of the defective CVT transmission they've engineered. Someone needs to stop them before people start dying.

NHTSA ODI #11473729

Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2022
Unknown Or Other

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 goi…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11471588

Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2022
Power Train

Purchased my vehicle new not long after (less than 200 miles) I started having a jerking (which felt to be in the transmission) at the speed of 20-25 mph. I literally would have to let up off the fuel to make it stop. Give it fuel again making sure I go past the 20-25 mph (which isn't good in school zones) I have had it to the N…

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Purchased my vehicle new not long after (less than 200 miles) I started having a jerking (which felt to be in the transmission) at the speed of 20-25 mph. I literally would have to let up off the fuel to make it stop. Give it fuel again making sure I go past the 20-25 mph (which isn't good in school zones) I have had it to the Nissan Dealer 3x for this problem and was told that "Nothing" showed up on the Diagnostic Test. I haven't taken it back since. I was approached by an individual who owned a 2012 Pathfinder and he asked me if I had any problem with my car at the speed of 20-25mph? I said yes and what a conversation we had. My car currently has 27,775 actual miles, I'm to nervous to drive it on a long distance from home! With the jerking and I know it has something to do with the transmission (overhauled motors back in the day) there's No Way I'm going to be left stranded. It's quite a shame really I spent all that money (paid in full) and I'm unable to use my car for a long trip due to fear of becoming stranded because of a Manu. BooBoo

NHTSA ODI #11469097

Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2022
Unknown Or Other

Car will not recognize key. It says key ID incorrect therefore I can not start it by the push to start button

NHTSA ODI #11467538

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2022
Air BagsService BrakesCrash

There was a vehicle at a complete stop doing an illegal left turn, the car behind him was able to swerve around him but I was not able to I hit the brakes twice all the way down and the car did not stop. At the impact the air bags did not deploy. There were not skid marks on the road either, making me believe that the brakes did…

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There was a vehicle at a complete stop doing an illegal left turn, the car behind him was able to swerve around him but I was not able to I hit the brakes twice all the way down and the car did not stop. At the impact the air bags did not deploy. There were not skid marks on the road either, making me believe that the brakes did not do its job. The vehicle is now at the shop waiting for my insurance adjuster to let me know what the next step is. I just spent $5,000 on the transmission just to have this issue arise, luckily my family and I were not seriously injured but it left my kids traumatized. No warnings were issued before the crash.

NHTSA ODI #11467181

Mileage unknown · May 4, 2022
Power Train

Shuttering occurs upon acceleration from a stop and loss of power. Intermittent stalling an extreme loss of power.

NHTSA ODI #11463434

Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2022
Exterior Lighting

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V020000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall rep…

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The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V020000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11455855

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2022
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY 2019. TWO YEARS LATER IN MAY 2021, I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN AND WHEN IT WAS TIME TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE TURN, THE CAR FELT LIKE IT LOST POWER AND EVEN THOUGH I WAS PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR SEEMED TO BE STUCK AND HESITATING. IT WOULDN'T GO OVER 5MPH. BROUGHT INTO CARMAX WHER…

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PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY 2019. TWO YEARS LATER IN MAY 2021, I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN AND WHEN IT WAS TIME TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE TURN, THE CAR FELT LIKE IT LOST POWER AND EVEN THOUGH I WAS PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR SEEMED TO BE STUCK AND HESITATING. IT WOULDN'T GO OVER 5MPH. BROUGHT INTO CARMAX WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM, BUT BECAUSE THERE WERE NO LIGHTS ON THEY COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM AND THE DIAGNOSTIC DIDN'T PICK UP ANY CODES. TWO DAYS LATER THE CAR DID THIS AGAIN AND THIS TIME IT LITERALLY DIED AS WELL IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY STREET. THIS TIME IS RATTLED AND SHOOK WHEN IT DIED. CARMAX SAID TO BRING IT IN TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP. NISSAN TRIED TO GET ME TO PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE!! SAID THERE WAS SLUDGE ON THE OIL CAP AND THAT WAS AN INDICATION THAT WE NEVER CHANGED THE OIL. WE CHANGE THE OIL EVERY 5,000MILES! CARMAX WARRANTY WOULDN'T APPROVE A NEW ENGINE BASED ON 1 MECHANICS OPINIONS. I KEPT INSISTING IT FELT LIKE A TRANSMISSION ISSUE, BUT THEY CAN ONLY INVESTIGATE IF THEY HAVE A DIRECTION VIA IDIOT LITE OR CODE FROM THE DIAGNOSTIC. SO IF THEY DID THE INSPECTION AND THERE WAS AN ISSUE, THEN IT WOULD BE COVERED BY THE EXT. WARRANTY. BUT IF THEY DIDN'T FIND AN ISSUE, I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR INSPECTION AND LABOR $300+. THEY REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING GREAT FOR THE LAST 9 MONTHS UNTIL THIS WEEK! THE CAR IS DOING IT AGAIN. SEVERAL TIMES IN A MATTER OF 3 DAYS THE CAR HAS LITERALLY FELT LIKE IT LOSES ITS POWER AND WONT GO OVER 20MPH NO MATTER HOW FAR YOU PUSH ON THE GAS PEDAL. SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A SLOW DOWN, STOP, TURN OR AN INCLINE. YOU CAN LITERALLY FEEL THE LOSS IN POWER. BROUGHT IT TO A DIFFERENT NISSAN DEALER, WHO SAID RIGHT AWAY IT SOUNDS LIKE THE CVT TRANSMISSION ISSUE. I AM DEVASTATED. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. I AM PRAYING THAT CARMAX'S EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERS THIS AND THAT IT FIXES THE PROBLEM. CONCERNED WHEN I READ OTHERS HAD IT FIXED BUT STILL HAVING THE ISSUE!

NHTSA ODI #11448433

Official recalls

5

22V420000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Jun 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unsecured hood could unexpectedly open while driving, obstructing the driver's view, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

21V020000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Jan 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

16V244000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Apr 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.

Consequence & remedy

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.

15V681000 · Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Oct 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

15V012000 · Service Brakes

Jan 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE21022 · Hood Latch/bell Crank Assembly

Opened Dec 9, 2021 · Closed Jul 8, 2022

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate consumer complaints alleging hood latch failures occurring on certain model year (MY) 2013-2016 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. Complaints received indicated a sudden and unexpected opening of the hood while the vehicle was in motion, blocking the driver's visibility.During this investigation Nissan collected parts from the field to analyze for root cause of the alleged failures. On June 13, 2022, Nissan submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a hood bell crank assembly defect in certain MY2013-2016 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles produced at the Smyrna, TN plant. According to Nissan's DIR, an accumulation of dust and dirt contamination on and around the bell crank lever pivot joint, which actuates the secondary hood latch, can create a condition that can cause the lever to remain in the open position after it has been disengaged. In this condition, the secondary hood latch may not hold the hood closed as designed while the vehicle is in motion obstructing the driver's forward view and increasing the risk of a crash.A remedy plan for all affected vehicles is currently under development. See recall action 22V-420 for further details. Nissan's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation, and therefore, this investigation is closed.The VOQs cited above can be found with ID numbers: 11456378, 11448298, 11436637, 11431131, 11427702, 11423321, 11406574, 11398825, 11389741, 11387952, 11375938, 11349105,11306735, 11302647, 11190468, 11166607.