What are the most common Nissan Pathfinder problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 3,830+ owner reports, the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT8/JF016E), VQ35DE Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear, Coolant Leak from Thermostat Housing (VQ35DE). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
The 2015 Nissan Pathfinder has 7 known issues documented across 3,830+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT8/JF016E) and VQ35DE Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Pathfinder problems?
Repair costs for known Nissan Pathfinder issues range from $90 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT8/JF016E), typically costs $300-$6,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT8/JF016E)?
The 2013-2020 Pathfinder uses the Jatco CVT8 (JF016E) which suffers from premature failure under the heavier loads of the SUV. The transmission overheats during towing, climbing, or sustained highway driving. Nissan issued TSB NTB15-024 for CVT judder and extended the warranty un… Repairs typically run $300-$6,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2016 Nissan Pathfinder VQ35DE Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear?
The 2013-2016 Pathfinder with the 3.5L VQ35DE engine develops timing chain stretch and chain guide wear, typically after 80,000-120,000 miles. The timing chain tensioner, secondary chain tensioners, and plastic chain guides all degrade over time. Stretched chains cause rattling o… Repairs typically run $2,000-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder Coolant Leak from Thermostat Housing (VQ35DE)?
The 2013-2020 Pathfinder VQ35DE engine develops coolant leaks from the thermostat housing/water outlet, typically around 60,000-100,000 miles. The plastic housing cracks or the O-ring seal degrades, causing a slow coolant leak that can lead to overheating if not addressed. This i… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder AWD Transfer Case Motor and Coupling Failure?
The 2013-2020 Pathfinder AWD system uses an electromagnetic coupling that fails prematurely, causing the AWD system to malfunction. The transfer case actuator motor burns out, resulting in a 4WD/AWD warning light and loss of AWD capability. In some cases, the coupling can seize,… Repairs typically run $800-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2015 Nissan Pathfinder No-Crank and False I-Key Error from Shift Control Cable Misadjustment?
2013-2015 Pathfinders (R52), including the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid, suffer a documented no-crank condition in which the starter never engages when the ignition button is pressed and the combination meter displays "I-Key Error." Because the message points at the Intelligent Key sys… Repairs typically run $90-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder CVT Judder and Hesitation During Acceleration?
Nissan NTB17-039R applies to 2013-2020 Pathfinder R52 vehicles with a V6 CVT only when the customer reports judder and P17F0 or P17F1 is stored. The bulletin states that it does not apply when judder is absent, neither code is stored, or other DTCs are present. Its repair flow se… Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder Premature Catalytic Converter Failure?
The R52 Pathfinder with the VQ35DE engine experiences premature catalytic converter failure, often between 80,000-120,000 miles. The catalytic converters can become clogged or the catalyst substrate breaks down, triggering P0420/P0430 codes. Contributing factors include the CVT i… Repairs typically run $500-$2,500. Severity: medium.
