Vehicle Speed Control Problems of Nissan Pathfinder - part 1

A malfunction warning light appeared on the dashboard, indicating the cruise control was no longer working and front crash indicator lights showed sensors were not working and/or turned off due to the malfunction. I believe my emergency breaking blindspot warning, adaptive cruise control are not working at this time. The malfunction light is inconsistent and may go off and on. Town center Nissan was able to duplicate the issue but had no fix available on 9/25/25. They agreed to communicate with the manufacturer and get back to me in a few days. They did not caution me regarding driving the vehicle and returned the keys after connecting to the Nissan diagnostic computer which pulled codes stating a front crash sensor malfunction. They stated their database included 5 other similar Nissan vehicles with similar issues.

Vehicle information •make: Nissan •model: Pathfinder •year: 2025 •mileage at incident: less than 2,800 miles •purchase date: may 2025 summary of problem: since purchase, the vehicle has had repeated brake failures, unintended acceleration, lighting malfunctions, and electronic system defects. Problems are intermittent but worsening, creating a serious safety risk. Details of incidents: 1. Steering / handling: •since day one, steering feels loose and “floating” at highway speeds. 2. Parking assist & braking: •parking assist randomly activates upon startup with all sensors lit and beeping, requiring a restart to clear. •in garage, parking assist sometimes locks brakes, then suddenly accelerates toward wall. 3. Braking / acceleration failures (sept. 3-4 2025): •while driving brakes did not slow vehicle despite increased pedal pressure; required slamming pedal to lock brakes. •on highway 65–70 mph, while pressing brake to slow for exit, vehicle accelerated past 73 mph before decelerating. 4. Lighting failure: •twice, headlights failed to activate in auto mode. First incident resulted in driver being pulled over; restarting car restored lights. Second incident at dusk—only high beams worked; no low beams despite auto mode being on. 5. Other electrical / mechanical defects: •passenger mirror sometimes stuck in folded position; driver mirror opens slowly. •front windows occasionally fail to open/close or move very slowly. •apple carplay forces return to carplay screen, won’t allow switching to other apps; defaults to am/fm radio at startup. •clicking sound from dashboard when ac is running. •ac intermittently blows hot air instead of cold. •auto start/stop feature reactivates itself after being manually turned off. •vehicle shakes noticeably when idling or starting, worsening. Frequency: since vehicle purchase in may 2025. Braking/acceleration failures happened multiple times. Safety risk: loss of braking, unintended acceleration, &lighting failures present a serious risk.

As I was driving my 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, when the vehicle suddenly accelerated to a high rate of speed and the gas pedal became stuck. I tried to press on the brake as much as possible but the vehicle was not successfully able to be stopped which caused a terrible motor vehicle accident.

See all problems of the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

While driving on the interstate with my family, my 2023 Nissan Pathfinder suddenly began to fail (limp mode), forcing me to pull onto the shoulder in a dangerous situation. I was in the farthest lane to the left, with no shoulder available. I had to cruise all the way across two lanes with no acceleration, but my flashers and the grace of god. The issue appears related to the mass airflow sensor, which was already replaced six months ago. I’ve had repeated issues, and neither the dealership nor Nissan has resolved it. The dealership manager even told me rudely that he would unplug the mass air flow sensor and leave it up front for me to come pick it up, because of my attitude. I told him at the beginning of the call that I was frustrated, and it was nothing personally against him. I even asked what did I say to have you make a comment like that. This vehicle is unsafe and unreliable, and I fear for my family's safety the next time I drive it.

See all problems of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

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 🔎.

Gas pedal broke completely off while accelerating to merge. Took it to the dealership and they ordered a new gas pedal and made the repair. There was no prior warning of anything wrong. This could have caused us to have a wreck when we were accelerating to merge and all of the sudden the gas pedal just busted off and the car dramatically slows down. Definitely a safety issue.

See all problems of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

While driving at highway speeds, when attempting to accelerate when passing another vehicle or changing lanes, the vehicle has lost acceleration on more than 1 occasion. I could not accelerate even with the gas pedal all the way down. The car just rolled slowly for about 10 seconds before it began accelerating and jerked forward. Nissan not providing a solution because they “cannot duplicate the issue”.

Transmission malfunction/failure caused loss of all power and had to coast over 3 lanes to the only available shoulder on the left side of the express lanes. This in and of itself could have been catastrophic due to the speed of the vehicles on the express lanes. Turns out there's a failure point on the flexplate and Nissan techs are aware of the issue. Nissan as a whole should replace them if this is the result.

Brake lights staying on and when pressing down on gas no acceleration. Car stalls and when pressing on gas again acceleration accrues. . Very dangerous.

See all problems of the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

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.

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!.

I was driving vehicle and was at light to enter freeway went to accelerate and nothing happened but car would rev normal in park pulled over in traffic and almost got in a wreck with family in side is very unsafe.

See all problems of the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

While merging onto the parkway, the gas pedal snapped off during acceleration. There was no warning at all, it just snapped off when I stepped on the pedal. I was fortunate enough to pull over onto the shoulder of the parkway without incident, but I had no way to accelerate the car if I needed to. I was very lucky that nothing happened, but I'm very concerned about driving this vehicle and the potential danger it poses to myself and others if this happens again. I believe this is a serious issue and should be looked into with urgency. I've attached pictures of where the pedal snapped off. It appears to be a cheaply made piece of plastic that completely broke off. There is another picture with the pedal intact and circled in red, you can see an indentation towards the top of the pedal. This is where I believe the pedal broke off from.

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.

Car started to shutter, doing 55 mph and stop pulling. . All lights were flashing then shut down, was able to coast into some business parking lot. Had to get towed to shop where was told needed alternator, replaced that and replaced battery…car would start but put in gear and same thing happened shut down and didn’t get but a couple of miles from shop. . Still no fix. Contacted a Nissan dealership was told maybe transmission. Told no recalls, which it should be.

My car powers off as I am driving it. The brakes work but nothing else. The dials go crazy and all the warning lights on my car turn on with all the other lights remaining off. I’m not sure what component stopped working when it shuts off but I would be okay with it being inspected. My safety was put at risk because I could no longer drive the car and the gas pedal doesn’t work so I don’t gain any speed leaving me stranded on the street having to pull over which could lead to an accident. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service dealer. The first sign I know the problem is gonna happen when driving is when I turn on the car and the emergency brake light turns on and the battery light.

See all problems of the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

I started having issues with my brakes. I had recently had the front rotors and pads replaced, but I still heard squeeking, and a little fishtailing on my back end. I figured I needed my brakes in the rear checked, so I took it to pep boys for a free inspection. The mechanic showed me that my rear control arm on the left was very loose, and the compartment that connected to it was severely rusted thru. He told me this was across the whole back end and it was actually part of my frame. He said it is called a k-frame and it should not be rusted through with my car being barely 11 years old. There are massive holes all the way across. He said that is why I thought that I might need my struts replaced because of a thunk sound when pulling off. There was no connection at all. He says I should not drive it at all because my whole back end could fall off literally!.

I have had 2 major and one minor incident with my 2022 Pathfinder. I bought it certified preowned Jan 2023 with 21k miles. At 23k miles- end of the same month it was purchased- the vehicle decelerated from 75mph to 35mph on the interstate. The dealership sent a towing truck to pick it up next day and they diagnosed the problem to be a dead battery- the lights on the car remained on all night but if it was the battery then the car would have not even been on. Dealership failed to dig deeper. At 57k miles on may 3rd 2024 after being at the public park for an hour with my daughter the car would not start, warning lights were on the screen such as a malfunction warning. The dealership sent a tow truck and they kept the car for 3 days. We picked it up on a Monday and on Friday may 10th while driving on the interstate, the car decelerated from 75mph to almost nothing, I barely made it off of the exit. They towed it once again and this time we were told the issue was a bad mass airflow sensor. It was replaced and a week later we got another malfunction warning while parked on a sunny day. Currently in arbitration with Nissan. They fail to recognize this is a safety issue and no matter what they say the "cause" is, the same issue keeps happening on the interstate. Nissan is not taking it seriously and they want to give me 3,500 for the "inconvenience" I keep telling them I do not feel safe in this vehicle. I was told the car is outside lemon law timeframe. I brought up other NHTSA complaints that are like mine and still haven't heard from them, it has been 5 days. I would like for this safety concern to be taken seriously. It has put me and my family in danger as well as others.

1. The vehicle going less then 25 mph accelerates with out foot on the gas paddle. This problem has occurred multiple times on and off. 2. The transfer case and axle seal started leaking at 74000 miles. Purchased the vehicle as a cpo dealer asking for $4000 to make repairs I only had the vehicle for 8 months. Are there recall to fix this issues?.

See all problems of the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

I was driving along at 35-40 mph and the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating when I gave it gas. Nearly empty at the time so I thought maybe it was a gas issue. I drove it a couple of days after that and it drove just fine. I filled her up with premium gas, thinking that it would fix the problem. The third time I went to drive it was last Friday, 2/2/24. It would barely accelerate. It took about maybe a quarter to 1/3 of a mile for it to get up to 40 mph, during which time I have my foot smashed on the gas pedal all the way down to the floor. I went to pick up my dogs, pet food, which was 5 miles away. I made it there. I was not sure that I would make it back. I live in colorado springs, which is a city full of very much traffic, and I was afraid that my vehicle was going to stop in the middle of the road and I was going to get creamed by an oncoming car. I just purchased this vehicle back in October. I have barely driven it myself, as I don’t go out that often. The main reason for this vehicle is my profoundly disabled child to her doctors appointments and back. Now if we stop in the middle of the road and my daughter is killed by an oncoming car because this car just stops working… what a tragedy that would be. I went online and looked up this issue on reddit and other forums. I found a post all the way back to 2013 from a gentleman who had the same exact issue. Now I’m not sure why. In 10 years you guys have not insured that Nissan fixes this issue but I find this to be pathetic. A six-year-old car should not be doing this. Now I am paying $380 a month and have a $20,000 loan on a vehicle that I cannot even drive, for fear that I will die in it. Somebody needs to figure this out, and Nissan needs to stop producing garbage vehicles that put peoples lives at risk. You guys need to ensure this gets done, that’s part of your job. 100% certain that I am not the first person that has submitted a complaint about this to you guys.

See all problems of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

When accelerating from a stop, or increasing speed from a turn, the car sputters, power fluctuates, and sometimes it vibrates and feels like I am driving over a grid. The car sometimes feels like it's going to stall. I have owned this car for 10 years and this problem has been ongoing. It has been happening alot more recently. I have not been in an accident but I feel very unsafe when this happens and afraid it could cause an accident. I have been told it could be a known cvt issue but in the past, Nissan dealers always dismissed my complaints about the issue. No warning lamps or messages have ever appeared regarding this.

Too long for this space, I have attached a pdf with all the information also attached "work order" picture of vehicle being towed, then pictures of the alerts these were from Sunday but were the same from Saturday through Monday. Please look into this as I believe it is a serious issue that a brand new car has 2 engine failures in the middle of highways! I am highly concerned it may be another issure than the battery and I want them to be recalled and safe for everyone!!! they will have this car back on lot for sale probably today!!! please help.

While driving my Pathfinder, the transmission hesitated, jerked, and spuddered while trying to merge into traffic. Almost caused a severe accident. This was not the first time this has happened and Nissan refuses to do anything about the cvt transmission that apparently has been recalled in the past as well as had lawsuits against it. There are no warning lights or notice at all before this happens.

I write to report the issues which are a safety hazard to me & whom ever operates it or I transport in it, which creates a higher concern for my & their safety . I purchased a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder sl on July 6, 2023 an eight seater model 4wd with 8 miles on the speedometer manufactured by Nissan as per label on door April 2023. The problem I have experienced recently after a month & two weeks now. The vehicle starts are normal but once the vehicle is on the road and is within normal operation temperature. I noticed that I must start applying brakes earlier than usual on where the same roads which I have driven other vehicles in order to stop did not have to do this. Is like if I don't do so & ignore not applying the brakes earlier now I must use greater than before foot pedal pressure that when is stop the vehicle jerks forward like it wants to continue on. Also there is a lost of gas pedal power when trying to enter the highway flow traffic, that since I was almost rear-ended twice already is kind of depressing creepy feeling that now I wait longer or seat at a lane in order to safely enter the flow of traffic or passing. In fear that the lost of power of this vehicle if I try to pass or enter will stall out and put others in danger if it does happen. There is also hesitation, jerking form engine & transmission at high & lower speeds. That requires more attention on the early braking problem I have described above. It seems the pilot assist & stop/start when off are still operating in the background. I have returned to the dealer service center that when he inform that I am not the only one affected. Nissan engineers working on it. The dealer allowed me a temp rental replacement vehicle for now but for how long?.

While driving on the parkway several times for traveling to work, my car would suddenly and violently shudder and drop speed much lower than the posted speed limit. My rpms would race from 1. 5 to 5 but no increase in speed when the accelerator was pushed. I had to put my emergency 4 way lights on and drive in the far right lane. Nissan dealership kept saying the vehicle was working fine when I complained about it. I took it in for service at least twice, nothing found. Then when my whole family was with me, the car shuddered violently, and would not respond at all with the accelator pedal and was unresponsive and the brakes difficult to engage and hard to steer. I had to glide into the shoulder to make a full stop. Then the engine would not turn off. All I could do was put my emergency flashers on and put the windows down for air. I had to call for help. My husband then tried the next day to drive my vehicle to the Nissan dealership, but again, the vehicle broke down and had to be towed. Nissan then finally diagnosed the problems as needing transmission replacement. Since it is a hybrid 2014 Nissan Pathfinder with less than 84,000 miles and over 7 years old I would need to buy a new transmission for over $14,000. My milage is under 73,500, but my vehicle is 9 years old. So my mileage is acceptable, but the age of the vehicle disqualifies me, because both parameters must be met for warranty to be effective. I already spent $1400 for a new air compressor system less than 3 months earlier for the same vehicle. I had no heat and no air conditioner.

1)vehicle has been repaired 3 times in the last 2 weeks for a brake switch issue that is causing the vehicle not to recognize the brake is pushed causing the car not being able to start. This has been an intermittent issue for 18 months and was told the recall fixed it, which it didn't. 2)dealership service department is now telling me that other issues have arisen since trying to fix issue #1. The car is revving to 5000 rpms, the car is automatically going to manual 1, and the car is hitting speeds of 40mph without touching the pedal.

Front collision shuts off intermittently for no reason. Causes cruise control to shut off immediately and disabled collision avoidance breaking. If cruise is on and approaching slower vehicle car will not slow down causing driver to break aggressively.

Experience judder and stall of vehicle while driving, pulling off and coming from a complete stop. Vehicle will lose power while driving which is unsafe when getting on the freeway or driving in high traffic areas. Vehicle has been taken to the Nissan twice and to other repair shops for related concern and all have stated that the trans needs replacing. There were no lights or warnings before problems started it all occurred simultaneously.

I was experiencing shaking and guttering during acceleration. I was coming from a full stop (red light, stop sign). It shakes, and I have back off the accelerator. When it happened, I had my children in the car on a busy roadway. I would hate to think of what could have happened if my vehicle had stopped on the busy road or crossing railroad tracks. Thankfully, we were close to home, roughly 2-3 miles away. I took the truck to the closest service center to have it looked at. It turns out it is a cvt failure. The service technician could reproduce the same guttering I explained and received various error messages. I have not had the vehicle taken to the dealer yet, as I would have to tow it because I fear driving the truck. I didn't experience any warning lights before the cvt failure. Now my airbag warning light comes on. I called the closest Nissan dealership and explained the issue I was having. Unfortunately, my vehicle has not been repaired because I don't have the $6k plus I was quoted for the repair. I have been made aware of a class action lawsuit regarding failing cvt transmissions. I don't have any information on where I can get help with this issue, and I don't have any correspondence from Nissan. My Pathfinder has been parked since April 2023.

2015 Pathfinder will intermittently not accelerate while driving. Occurs mostly after being at a stop. Has also occurred while in motion in a 35 mph zone. The traction control light will illuminate and stay on until vehicle is shut off and restarted. This is dangerous and will eventually cause a crash.

Cruise control does not always brake when coming close to object. Abs, traction control and collision warning lights will come on periodically causes cruse control to not operate at all. First time it happened was Dec of 2020, was told by dealer it was faulty sensor and was supposedly fixed yet warning lights continue to come on frequently and cruise control will not work until car if shut of and back on. Since 2020 I have reported is to keating Nissan a few times but they say they lights have to be on when I bring it it. When car shut off lights go off and don’t always come back on right away. Car has tended to speed up on its own when cruise control is on when no need to speed up on flat straight road stretch. Last time light illuminated was Feb 1st, Jan 14 2023 although it has happened periodically since 2021 after first incident in 2020. Also warning sensor for coming close to objects in front of you when parking does not alert at all.

See all problems of the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder 🔎.

My vehicle has a cvt transmission problem, it would shake when driving the car, when I made turns or went down hills. On the interstate it shook so bad a had to pull over. I got stuck in the parking a lot one day, the gears were stuck. I tried to go in reverse and the vehicle was moving forward. Then I tried to put the car back into park and try to put it in drive it was still stuck. So I cut my vehicle off and cut it back on just to move. My vehicle would stall out in traffic, there would be no acceleration of the vehicle and the vehicle would jerk, shudder and pull. It felt like its going to cut off. The shaking of the vehicle terrified me the most because it felt like my tires would fly off on the interstate or any road I was driving on.

Unavailable radar obstruction notification warning, loss of cruise.

While on the highway, I accelerated to pass a vehicle and the gas pedal stuck down quickly accelerating the car to over 90mph. I used the brake to slow the car, tried to stomp on pedal and ultimately had to remove my left shoe and jam my left foot under the pedal to pull it back up. I have manufacturer installed mats positioned in the proper placing with photographs to prove the all weather mat was pushed as far forward as possible.

Abs light comes on and stays on. . . Checking for recalls seeing if our vehicle could have same problem with brake fluid leaking on internal circuit board and possible fire danger. Also, several times our Pathfinder will lose power or act as if you have shifted the transmission into neutral. This has happened at speeds from 30mph to 60 mph. Stalls and then after a few seconds it will resume speed.