2015 Nissan Pathfinder Powertrain (other) Problems

CVT judder problems on acceleration

NHTSA ID

11729594

Incident

Apr 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and vibrated, causing the steering wheel to lock up. The contact used force to maneuver the steering wheel. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. A mobile mechanic arrived at the residence and inspected the vehicle. The contact was informed that the CVT transmission had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred, and the contact parked the vehicle. The vehicle was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11695011

Incident

May 22, 2024

I bought a vehicle from Woods Nissan in Lees Summit, MO, on [XXX], and in a week I went back for details, and the car would not start. They checked and claimed nothing was wrong, and I took their word for it. I took the car to KC Auto Clinic in Independence, MO, and they found it was the judder system, which they said was an issue they were seeing in many Nissan vehicles. To me, there should be a recall on this, as it can simply shut off and cause a huge accident. Don't let this happen and wait for an accident to happen, as this can happen to anyone, driving or possibly getting into an accident with a vehicle like mine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11679351

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

I was driving on a busy highway and when I went to accelerate after slowing down in traffic my Pathfinder started to shake and shudder and would not accelerate forward. I not only almost got rear ended but I almost got into a head on collision because I was at an intersection. The car just lost all power all of a sudden. My car has been maintained properly with routine oil changes, transmission fluid changes, it has four brand new tires on it just purchased six months ago. So now I find out that I am one of the "victims of the bad CVT transmissions that Nissan put into these vehicles and they knew it!!" I call Nissan support and they tell me basically "too bad the warranty was extended but it ended in 2022 and at 84,000 miles. It's now 2025 and you're at 105,000 miles. I am "disabled for life and on a fixed income" I don't have the money to fix the car. I have like two payments left and it's finally paid off!!! They should've done a RECALL ON THESE TRANSMISSIONS AND THEY DIDN'T!! THEY ARE DEATH TRAPS AND NOW I SEE THEY ARE GIVING $5000.00 TO MURANO AND MAXIMA OWNERS FOR BAD CVT TRANSMISSIONS!! BUT ALL OF US PATHFINDERS, ROGUE AND INFINITY OWNERS WHOSE TRANSMISSIONS DIDN'T GO BAD BEFORE 2022 OR 84,000.00 MIKE'S ARE JUST SCREWED!! THIS IS NOT FAIR AT ALL. WHAT KIND OF COMPENSATION IS THIS?? THIS CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT SETTLEMENT IS A JOKE. I'M CONTACTING A LAWYER. I NEED HELP HERE. I NEED A CAR. SEVEN YEARS OF PAYING FOR THIS VEHICLE AND NOW THIS??!! THEY WON'T EVEN HELP AT ALL. NISSAN SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES!! THEY ARE A HORRIBLE COMPANY DON'T EVER BUY FROM THEM!!

NHTSA ID

11674609

Incident

Jul 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was a significant delay in the vehicle response. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle overheated, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle hesitated to shift into the intended gear. The contact stated that the vehicle had overheated while driving and had failed to shift beyond first or second gear on some occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle had overheated and had stalled on other occasions, and the vehicle would become drivable after half an hour. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

NHTSA ID

11674300

Incident

Jun 5, 2025

Mileage

158,000 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the transmission shuddered, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11659256

Incident

Feb 6, 2025

Mileage

120,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11627393

Incident

Nov 5, 2024

$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.

NHTSA ID

11620736

Incident

Oct 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal for an extended period of the time, the vehicle responded as needed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that there would be no assistance provided in covering the repair cost. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ID

11617776

Incident

Dec 31, 2023

Mileage

30,000 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 3 MPH in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. An Advanced Auto mechanic determined that the battery was drained. The mechanic replaced the battery. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a U-turn, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull into a nearby AAA parking lot, where the vehicle was jumpstarted. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving and turning. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot, where the vehicle was jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with CVT judder. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under TSB Number: NTB17-039N. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11617481

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

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

NHTSA ID

11613755

Incident

Jun 13, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11606562

Incident

Aug 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that when making a turn, the contact noticed a rumbling noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed electronic coupler. The contact was informed that the electronic coupler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of a Technical Service Bulletin which had a similar failure description, Technical Service Bulletin NTB10-029E, however, the contact was informed that the repair was not eligible for coverage under Technical Service Bulletin NTB10-029E. The failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA ID

11605421

Incident

Jan 13, 2020

Mileage

40,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11594451

Incident

Jun 10, 2024

Intermittently there is low power when accelerating and the brake lights remain on. If there is low power when accelerating from a stopped position going into traffic, this could lead to injury or death of persons in the car as other vehicles could run into them. Likewise with brake lights remaining on throughout a journey, other road users cannot determine when the brakes have been applied which could lead to collisions.

NHTSA ID

11575722

Incident

Jan 27, 2024

I own a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder with a CVT transmission that has gone out. I bought the vehicle used in October 2022. Obviously this class action lawsuit and claim deadline had already passed - when I bought the car and until my transmission failed, I had no idea about the problems or the lawsuit. Therefore I have never opted out or into the lawsuit because I did not even own the car yet. The vehicle only has 55,000 miles. It's within the original 60,000 mile warranty, but Nissan refused to cover it because the 60 month warranty expired in May 2023. I've raised a case with Nissan Consumer Affairs to no avail. Nissan Cedar Park dealership where it's at has confirmed the transmission failure through no fault of our own. What recourse do I have? I have seen your CAMPAIGN BULLETIN: CVT Warranty Extension Reference: CVT Date: August 30, 2022 It seems to me clearly from that, that Nissan's CVT warranty for my vehicle has been extended and should be covered. How do I pursue getting them to make these warranty repairs? Can you help?

NHTSA ID

11552795

Incident

Oct 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving from a complete stop. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the CarMax where the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,320.

NHTSA ID

11519300

Incident

Feb 27, 2023

Mileage

121,320 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11513328

Incident

Mar 22, 2023

Significant knocking from front of vehicle. Took to mechanic and had front transfer case replaced due to metal breaking off assembly. Could have caused failure while driving.

NHTSA ID

11507950

Incident

Jan 13, 2023

On my way to the emissions test site, I was approaching an intersection that was controlled by a stop sign. As I approached this stop sign, I applied the brakes. My vehicle kept traveling into the intersection. The brakes did not stop the car I went out into the middle of the intersection, crossing one lane of oncoming traffic and into the 2nd lane of traffic and stopped about one foot from an oncoming vehicle. Upon this incident, I drove the vehicle home and tried to figure out what happened. The car drove home okay. Reviewed Recent service visits: December 2021 we had the car in the shop for a bearing was bad in the cooling fan and causing it to hit the shroud; March of 2022 service visit, brakes were flushed; September 2022 in for service found out a rear brake job was needed. As a result of the incident I drove the vehicle to the dealer again - they put it through the diagnostic tool - and the code came up for that the transmission was gone and to drive it any further it would be a death trap. The vehicle needed a brand new transmission. Researching the Nissan Pathfinder year 2015-there is a known defect in the transmission. As a result of a class action suit the warranty was increased to 7 yrs or 84,000 miles. This Nissan Pathfinder has 75,000 miles and was 46 days past the 7 year mark. The dealer could do nothing for me - charged thousands to replace the transmission. And now, all those identified Nissan Pathfinders, Nissan Rogues and certain model Infinitis are still on the road. It was fate that this did not end in a horrific incident for me or those I could have come in contact with. #1 - these vehicles need to be removed from the road and in my case the transmission should have been replaced by a recall. Why wasn't this a recall, who settled a class action suit and left the "death trap vehicles" on the road? (I do not have the invoice for the repair yet, will pick up vehicle tomorrow and forward the invoice to you.

NHTSA ID

11492631

Incident

Nov 2, 2022

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 ID

11474256

Incident

Jul 8, 2022

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 ID

11473729

Incident

Jun 30, 2022

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 ID

11469097

Incident

May 8, 2015

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

NHTSA ID

11463434

Incident

Feb 10, 2022

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 ID

11448433

Incident

May 18, 2021