Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Nissan Pathfinder - part 2

On may 7th at 1:22 pm, the engine in my 2018 Nissan Pathfinder catastrophically failed for the second time while my family was driving. The engine completely lost power in the middle of a very busy highway intersection, going over an overpass, where there was no shoulder. I had no ability to pull off the road. My wife had to push the disabled vehicle off the highway to avoid causing a major accident. This was an incredibly dangerous situation where my entire family’s life was at risk. My wife could have been struck by oncoming traffic while we were pushing the vehicle to safety. There was no protection or space to safely move out of traffic. This is the second catastrophic engine failure on this vehicle. The first engine failed just over two years prior and was replaced by the dealership. Despite the replacement, the second engine also failed, repeating the same critical failure that Nissan Pathfinders from this model year are widely known to experience. There were no prior warning lamps or engine codes during this incident. The engine immediately lost power and locked up while in motion. This vehicle was properly maintained, and all scheduled services were performed by licensed service providers. Additional supporting evidence: •incident date: may 7th at 1:22 pm •photos of the disabled vehicle on the side of the highway provided. •screenshot of text message conversation at the time of the incident (attached). •this failure is consistent with multiple NHTSA complaints, owner reports, class-action lawsuits, and technical service bulletins regarding systemic engine failures in the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder.

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Fast burning oil white smoke regular oil changes 3000k after 2k oil is extremely low 88k miles sludge oil after 2 oil changes.

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Since we purchased the vehicle we noticed that power outlet would not work. We have taken this vehicle back to the dealership and even though they "fix it" as soon as we drive it out within in one or two hours it will give out again. The last time we took it they said not to use "off the market" cellphone chargers because that is what is making it not work. Then the ac has also stopped working a couple of times. All of sudden the truck will blow out hot instead of cold air. We have to stop the vehicle, turn it off and let it rest and then the ac will be back up. They have supposedly looked into it. Lastly, this vehicle has on several occasions not accelerated while we are on the road. Even though the speed limit is 75mph it will not move faster than 40mph. At the same time the service lights on the dashboard begin to turn on/off. It has been very difficult because the last time we took the vehicle to the shop it was in there for more than 30 days. I am very concerned that although they say the "fix it" the vehicle can stop running on me and I can have a serious accident with my family in inside.

See all problems of the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

On April 7, 2025, the dealership attempted to sell me a vehicle that was experiencing an engine condition running too lean. I declined that vehicle due to safety concerns. On April 8, 2025, the salesperson contacted me again and stated that a different vehicle had been located that would meet my needs. At that time, I was nine months pregnant and urgently needed a vehicle with third-row seating for my children. The dealership was aware of my condition and urgency. I took delivery of the vehicle that day. Unexpectedly, I went into labor the following day and gave birth shortly after. Because of childbirth and medical recovery, I did not immediately operate the vehicle extensively or discover the safety issues. After being discharged from the hospital, around April 11, 2025, I began using the vehicle and discovered serious mechanical problems that made the vehicle unsafe to operate. The vehicle exhibited engine-related issues and a major suspension defect that affected vehicle stability and safe operation. The vehicle was returned to the dealership, where repairs were performed and parts were ordered, confirming that the defects existed prior to or at the time of delivery. Despite the vehicle being driven a significant distance immediately before sale, the dealership did not perform a basic oil change or standard post-delivery inspection. Operating a vehicle under these conditions raises concerns for engine reliability, overheating, and failure. The suspension defect created risk of loss of control, and the engine condition created risk of drivability issues. These conditions posed a safety risk to the driver and passengers, including a newborn child. The vehicle remains available for inspection if requested.

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The engine would shift out of drive into neutral while driving on the road. It one time shifted into park while pulling out of my driveway and left me stuck in the middle of the road for several seconds before it would allow me to shift back to drive. This has been continuous throughout. I reported to Nissan with no action from them. Sunroof leaks at 93,000 miles and regular maintenance (at home) the engine seized and they are saying sludge. I know it has been maintained so there has to be a separate cause. We had routine maintenance, the report from Nissan all along provided no engine issues or no oil pressure issues.

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Vehicle shut down mid intersection turn. Had to be towed away to the dealership. 5 days later after having "issues" with diagnosing they said it has oil sludge and the engine seized due to this. The vehicle has been maintained and has less than 100,000 miles. I find this very concerning and believe there is an issue with the quality of the engine.

The auto stop/start function. When enabled sometimes it shuts off engine and does not restart as the system should. Stopping at a red light, almost completely but light turns green and you go to accelerate but auto/stop shuts engine off and car dies in middle of intersection. You have to put in park restart engine and put in drive. Has happened to us 4 times with only 14k on car. Shop can’t seem to see what wrong. Car dies set faults but as soon as you restart car faults go away and Nissan says they can’t see any stored faults. They changed fuel pump put it did. It did not fix the issue. Happens again.

Since purchasing this vehicle new I have had several issues : - while driving on the highway the engine will switch into neutral -one time while pulling out of my drive way I got stuck in the middle of the road because it placed me in park for no known reason. - sunroof leaks, - most recently at 93,000 miles my engine failed and I needed a full engine replacement. They didnt cover this replacement and left it in me to pay for the full replacement. (over $10k) - the breaks needed to be fully replaced before $20,000.

Car started jerking multiple times and then rpm went down to zero and stopped driving while in traffic.

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the abs, traction control, and check engine warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the instrument cluster had gone black. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had been a reoccurring failure for several months. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that brake fluid was leaking onto the circuit board and causing a short circuit. The dealer advised the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 19v807000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

The disabled vehicle when delivered by flatbed car hauler unit to the nearest dealership, petro Nissan, 47 miles from the breakdown site would not move at highway speed but only jerked/bucked and crept along at little more than a fast walk. This condition was last experienced when the vehicle had been on a remote undulating interstate for about 2 hours. The check engine light had reappeared after being recently reset and the engine revving and loss of ground speed started causally then increased in frequency and intensity until totally failing to the point of forcing me to creep with emergency flashers in mode on the shoulder to reach an exit two miles ahead. The high rpm revving coupled with the ground speed loss condition initial stages occurred each of the two prior days. Two Nissan na dealerships in those two days had performed diagnostics and service. On each prior day the check engine light, the high revving engine rpm, and the ground speed loss occurred. On each day a potentially serious safety issue arose. Initially an attempt to match speed and merge with traffic at an onramp and again when (using cruise control) during which the vehicle system attempted an automatic acceleration to maintain speed on rolling hills. Both conditions forced me to the shoulder to avoid a potential accident from immediate and drastic ground speed loss and engine revving at or above 4500 rpm after each of these incidents a Nissan na dealership was consulted and services were performed. In each case I postulated to the service advisors that the transmission sounded/felt like it was slipping on acceleration when the vehicle/ transmission had heated up from extended driving. Both days service advisors checked for diagnostic codes of transmission issues but never mentioned emission issues aside from mass air flow sensor or abs sensors apparently either not seeing or not looking beyond transmission related codes. The first dealer, illini Nissan, ran diagnostics on 1/6/25,.

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer for a tune up where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. There was previously an unknown transmission issue. The transmission was replaced after eight months the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted where a complaint was registered. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

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I purchased a brand-new 2024 Nissan Pathfinder on December 18, 2024. Just seven days later, at only 1,198 miles, the transmission completely failed while driving, causing the vehicle to come to an unexpected stop and then shift into reverse without warning. This created a serious safety hazard for my family and other road users. The vehicle was out of service for 28 days due to delays in repairs. Even after the transmission was replaced, ongoing issues persist, including poor fuel economy. Nissan has denied my request for a replacement or refund, despite the severity of the failure and continued safety concerns. This vehicle poses a serious safety risk, and I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue further.

The check engine light turned on and took it to dealership on 12/14/24 and they stated that throttle chamber may have issues. Used scanner and code p0101- mass air flow sensor circuit was read on scanner. Vehicle struggles to get air flow into engine causes speed to struggle when trying to accelerate.

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I purchased 2024 Pathfinder within days the car stopped while driving I had to pull over to restart very frighting!!! I called the dealer service department they said I had hit the gear shifter and told me be careful?? insulting!!! the car goes into first gear by itself and it is showing its in drive??this must be investigated if I blow the engine cause it will not get out of 1st gear who is responsible ?? if there are so many complaints and this is very important why isnt Nissan doing something to solve this problem? I actually thought I had a lemon!! please help the dealership will not do anything and honestly, I am afraid to drive the car for it is not happening more frequent yesterday I was driving out of my driveway and the car stalled in the middle of driveway !!! please I want to live!.

Stop/start system works intermittently,the button that activates and deactivates the system keeps failing,the dealership has repaired it 5 times and still doesn’t work which when driving creates uncertainty if the motor will cut out and the electriconics of the vehicle is compromised.

1. Code p0101 not removed after replacing maf sensor. 2. Power steering motor is annoying noise, high pitched sound.

See all problems of the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

My 2018 Nissan Pathfinder started knocking at 75000 miles and it’s getting worse by the day I’ve paid my car payment down to 4000$ and now I’m told my motor is soon to go out.

$4000 worth of work. 4 visits to a local shop. 3 visits to the Nissan dealership, who claims to have replaced cylinders every time. My engine violently shakes even worse. Has cut off midst driving with no power to crank again. 4 batteries & 4 alternator replacements. Barely press on gas pedal and it shakes the whole car, then smells like something rotting.

My car jerks violently into first gear often. Slow acceleration. Exclamation mark inside a triangle warning light came on and my car wouldn't accelerate over tha 2 miles per hrs. When in park or at a stop light it idles roughly. Rear brakes have been prematurely expired. I have since replaced them.

My 2022 Pathfinder had 34,725 miles on it when I left for the grocery store, on the way while driving on the highway I got an alert on my dash saying "check shift level position", which that seemed normal & fine, and vehicle was still driving normally at this point. That alert then went away as I was driving a moment or two later ( however I did get a photo of it). A very few moments later, I was driving along and the vehicle suddenly shifted into n(eutral)! I pulled over, shifted into park, turned off the car, restarted it, and the check engine light was on. However I shifted the car into d(rive) and proceeded to try to get back home, car seemed to be driving normally, but then no, it began again, the car suddenly shifted into n again as I was driving. I tried pulling over and restarting the vehicle again, but the same thing happened again. I decided to have my passenger take a video of our drive home so that it could be easily shown to the dealer what was happening, that way there would be no question of if the dealer could replicate the issue or not. During our aprox 6:07 minute trip home, it happened another 5 times! once I was home I found that I had a email from mynissan saying that there may possibly be an issue with my vehicle emmisions system. My husband has a code reader and he plugged into it and it showed a code of p0742, which is ("torque converter clutch circuit stuck on"). So the next morning 10/01/24 I called my dealership and spoke to service and let them know what was going on and that it needed to come in, I explained however that I would not be loaded my 3 kids in the car and making that hour + trip up there driving the car as this is a huge safety hazard. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership. The next day the dealer did reach out to me and tell me they plugged into it, saw the p0742 code, but "didn't know what to do with that", so they were calling the Nissan "techline".

While driving my son to school, traffic began slowing and then accelerating in front of me. I was driving approximately 40 mph when I took my foot off the accelerator to slow down. Before I had a chance to press the brake, the vehicle shifted into neutral on it own without the shift level being touch and a steady malfunction indicator light came on. At this point the traffic began speeding up and I was unable to accelerate until I manually shifted the vehicle back into drive.

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and attempted to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the property and was later towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but no cause for the failure was identified. The contact stated that several weeks afterwards, the display screen went black before the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and attempted to jump start the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle shut off as soon as the contact arrived at the local dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed but no cause for the failure was identified. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Follow up to my prior complaint (NHTSA id number: 11568968). Sandy sansing Nissan in pensacola, florida replaced the fuel pump and the front forward detection sensor. We also had to have the middle row, middle seatbelt replaced due the sensor not working. We have had the vehicle back for a week and the problems have continued, if not gotten worse. The vehicle has stalled out multiple times, 3 days in a row, nearly causing my wife and children to be rear-ended by a semi truck on 2 occasions. The issue is the vehicle gets to about 27 mph, revs up to 6k rpms, stops moving forward and begins to slow down (at 6k rpms), warning lights like the oil light kick on along with several other lights, and the vehicle stalls, forcing the driver to glide off the roadway. My wife took a photo of the dash as she was gliding off the road and it shows the vehicle still in d (drive) at 0 mph and 1k rpms, whatever that means since the car was still rolling. Once off the road, she has to turn the car off to get it to reset so she can move forward. She stated that at least 2 times, the car restarts with the shifter still in d. On one occasion, she could not get the car to restart for several minutes. Nissan, of course, says they haven't gotten any complaints and no error codes. My wife also states the info center and radio always fail right before the vehicle starts stalling. I going to have to have the car towed to Nissan due to us living over a hour from the dealership and the car not being safe to drive.

See all problems of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the vehicle needed an oil change, and that the check engine warning light would be deactivated. The oil change was performed; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the continuously variable transmission (cvt) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

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.

I was driving my Pathfinder and I experienced engine failure. It is a four year old engine with 170000 miles on it that has been properly maintained. The engine was knocking and would not accelerate on the highway past 40 mph. When I finally stopped the car, it would not restart. I read an article where this type of engine failure was consistent with the rogue and altimas that you were already investigating and I was wondering if the Pathfinder had a related investigation going on.

The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph and depressing the brake pedal, the engine revved up to 2,000 rpms. The contact stated that the failure had also occurred upon releasing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the rpms would increase, and the vehicle would accelerate unintendedly. No warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to two dealers and was advised by both dealers that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealers. The failure mileage was approximately 14,700.

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted, and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated while starting the vehicle and pressing the push to start button. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that there was sludge in the engine oil. The mechanic stated that sludge was found in the oil due to a lack of regular oil changes. The contact disputed the claim and provided receipts that all oil changes were up to date. The contact had the engine taken apart by the dealer and an independent mechanic, and both discovered metal shavings inside the engine, which had resulted in the engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was repaired by the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

I was at a stop sign the auto start stop was on. The car stopped engine off while at the stop sign. I heard a chime ive never heard before, pressed gas pedal and didnt move. Realized the car was off and now was in neutral. It took me a couple minutes to get the car back on and continue on my way. This a brand new car at the time had approx 1025 miles on it. I have now made an appt at the dealership to trouble shoot the issue.

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.

Complete shutdown of the vehicle while driving down the road. Caused me to go into a ditch. The vehicles lights flashed and then it just shut off. Had the alternator replaced twice also the battery replaced twice and now the Nissan dealership has said they don't know what's wrong with it.

On 6/9/24 I was traveling south on interstate 77. I had intelligent cruise control set. I heard a little chime noise go off and looked at my dash to see what it could be. I noticed the intelligent cruise control was turned off. So I gave my car gas to get it back up to speed. The engine just reved and that is when I noticed that my car was in neutral. This was not operator error. I had both of my hands on the steering wheel and nothing hit the shifter to put it in neutral. I have an appointment with Nissan on Monday 6/17. Back in Feb 2023 this same car put itself in neutral at a stop light. I could not get it to go into drive. I shut it off and turned it back on and it was able to go into drive. I took it to the Nissan dealer on 2/14/23. They said it gave a code that they never saw and would look into it. They did nothing to the car at this time. They never got back to me and I never inquired about it because it never went into neutral again by itself until 6/9/14 while driving down a busy interstate. This time I was very scared and felt like this was a dangerous situation and a safety concern.

Upon a tune up request, mechanic discovered metal shavings in the engine. I got a second opinion, and was told that I needed a new engine. Vehicle is still under 100,000 miles.

Issue is related to insufficient starting and propulsion of the vehicle after the idle stop feature has stopped the engine. After the idle stop feature turns off the engine [upon stopping of the vehicle], the engine does not start quickly and efficiently. You take your foot off the brake, the vehicle begins to start, then you push on the gas, the engine/vehicle then hesitates and stutters, and then the engine finally fully engages and moves the vehicle. Engine doesn't seem to be getting sufficient fuel. Note: the most concerning issue is that upon pushing on the gas after idle stop, the vehicle has automatically slipped into neutral [two recent incidents], basically stalling the vehicle in traffic (until the rpms reduced and it could be put back in drive). This is a safety concern if I am beginning to take a left-hand turn or pulling out into oncoming traffic. I have to now turn off the idle stop feature each trip to avoid this safety concern (unless I forget). I will be bringing vehicle into the dealer for service soon - but I am not confident this is going to effectively diagnosed or resolved.