2014 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
Compared with other Nissan Pathfinder years
More complaints than typical for this model
100/100 6.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 6.4× that of a typical Nissan Pathfinder year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 178 of its 576 complaints were filed by the end of 2016.
- Most reported problem: CVT shudder, hesitation and transmission failure (241 complaints, median 40,305 mi).
- 11 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2011
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 576filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 47,500miles, 353 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 11campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 20 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2014 Pathfinder report mostly on the continuously variable transmission, describing shuddering, hesitation and slipping, and in some cases a total loss of drive leading to replacement. A second common theme is the hood, which some owners say opens or fails to latch, along with sun visors that will not stay up. Transmission reports cluster from roughly 60,000 miles upward, while hood and visor complaints appear across a wide mileage range.
- Transmission and drivetrain
CVT shudder, hesitation and transmission failure
- 241 complaints (42%)
- median 40,305 mi at 3.5 yrs old (133 state mileage)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $5,200 (median of 22 quotes)
- filed 2013–2026
Owners describe shuddering or juddering on take-off and at low speeds, a delay or hesitation when the accelerator is pressed, and slipping that leaves the vehicle short on power. Some complaints say the vehicle would not move when shifted into drive or reverse, and that a shop found dark fluid with metal debris or stored transmission codes and recommended replacing the CVT. Several owners report paying several thousand dollars for a replacement, and some say the dealer could not identify a cause or declined coverage because warranty had ended. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 150,000 miles, frequently on acceleration from a stop.
What to check: Test drive from several stop-and-go starts and listen for shudder or hesitation, and ask for transmission service records. A service bulletin describes calibration and diagnostic procedures for CVT judder, so ask whether any of those were performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The transmission slips causing the car to lose power and acceleration. I was merging onto the highway at 60 MPH when the transmission gave out as I was merging in front of and next to two semi trailers. Luckily I was able to steer back onto the berm but they came very close to smashing into the back of the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11396587, filed 2021-02, 120,000 miles“I got new transmission and dealership told me I had to pay for alternator battery and fuel pump and after I got my car back not to mention the dealership stole everything from my car and my car was as till the same and they said my warranty was up and I barely drov e it around and it broke down again”
NHTSA complaint #11390112, filed 2021-01, 35 miles - Body and structure
Hood opens or fails to latch
Mentioned in 10 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the hood coming ajar or opening while driving, in some cases at highway speed, with damage to the fenders and windshield and a sudden loss of forward view. Others describe the hood not latching securely when closed or the latch sticking so the hood cannot be opened at all. Complaints note the vehicle was included in a hood latch recall but that parts were not available, and some say the dealer told them their VIN was not covered. Reported from roughly 50,000 to 180,000 miles, at city and highway speeds.
Recall 22V420000Recall 15V033000
What to check: Close the hood firmly and confirm the secondary latch catches, then try the release lever. Check whether recall 22V420000 has been completed and that the latch parts were actually installed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Secondary hood latch did not prevent hood from opening. Hood opened at approximately 30 MPH on a residential street. Resulted in damaging struts and body as well as a dangerous impact to visibility. Did a generic internet search and I found recall pc343, NHTSA database shows no recalls open, neither did Nissan website.”
NHTSA complaint #11387952, filed 2021-01, 88,000 miles“While driving on a city street at ~ 30mph, the hood flew open bending both the front driver and passenger fenders and mangling the seals. The force at which the hood opened nearly broke the windshield and did not allow for the driver to see out of any part of the window requiring an immediate stop. There was no indication on the dashboard that the hood was ajar. In doing some research, there is a recall on the same year/make/model but none associated with this VIN. …”
NHTSA complaint #11398825, filed 2021-03, 86,324 miles - Body and structure
Sun visors will not stay up
- 64 complaints (11%)
- median 50,000 mi at 4.5 yrs old (43 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2024
Owners report that one or both sun visors stop staying in the upright position and hang down into the driver's line of sight, sometimes after the mounting clips crack. Some complaints say a visor dropped while driving and distracted them from the road. Owners report that the dealer quoted a repair cost and that the vehicle was not always repaired. Reported from about 47,000 to 160,000 miles, often noted as starting when the vehicle was a few years old.
What to check: Flip both visors up and down several times and confirm they hold position and that the clips and hinges are intact.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The sun visors makes a loud cracking noise and have continued to fall down in my light of sight starting since the vehicle was roughly a year old. They will not stay up and have almost cause me to get into a severe accident several times. The drives side visor had to be removed as it hit me while I was driving and caused me to swerve off the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11391041, filed 2021-02, 65,000 miles“Both sun visors failed to rectract to the original position which leaves both hanging and obstructing the drivers and passengers view. First it was only mid way which leaves them hanging very low. Then they stopped locking at all.”
NHTSA complaint #11344305, filed 2020-08, 62,000 miles
Buying note. Check transmission behavior carefully on a test drive and ask for service history, since CVT complaints are the most common theme for this model year. Also confirm hood latch and brake light switch recalls were completed, and inspect the sunroof glass and visors during a pre-purchase inspection.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 576 consumer complaints for the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. 353 of the complaints include a mileage, and 52% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 47,500 miles. Of all complaints, 19 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 32 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns and 243 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Nissan Pathfinder model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Transmission and drivetrain215 37%
- Air bags92 16%
- Other or unknown88 15%
- Engine62 11%
- Body and structure48 8.3%
- Brakes42 7.3%
- Electrical system33 5.7%
- Vehicle speed control26 4.5%
- Suspension15 2.6%
Also reported: Fuel system (14), Latches, locks and linkages (10), Steering (9), Seats (8), Exterior lighting (7), Seat belts (6), Wheels (6), Engine cooling (5), Equipment (4), Tires (2), Hybrid propulsion system (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Vehicle has constantly jerked under 30 miles an hour. I had the computer reprogrammed in 2016 per the Nissan recall but the shudder never went away. Nissan said that I had to drive through the shudder. Well today my transmission went out and Nissan said there is nothing they can do. Please do no buy this car.”
NHTSA complaint #11290228, filed 2019-12, 160,000 milesAir bags: “The battery would not stay locked in place and this seemed to impact the mileage starting over and did not keep accurate amount of gas in vehicle. My transmission was going out; felt as if something was being dragged while driving. I have had to purchase tires twice since buying the vehicle even with getting rotations every other oil change.”
NHTSA complaint #11081803, filed 2018-03, 90,000 milesOther or unknown: “I arrived at my destination and attempted to open my drivers side door and the handle would not work. It made a crunch sound and I could no longer use it. I now have to leave my car on, roll my window down, reach to open the car from the outside, roll the window back up, then turn my car off. I had parked my car in a parking lot on a level surface when this happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11255910, filed 2019-09, 62,000 milesEngine: “Sometimes my Pathfinder does not accelerate when I step on the gas pedal. It typically happens when I am trying to drive after a stop sign or a red light, but sometimes it will even happen when I'm turning into oncoming traffic and trying to accelerate, but nothing happens. It's intermittent, so it does not happen every time.”
NHTSA complaint #11221285, filed 2019-06, 65,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
52% of the 353 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 8,120 and 73,600 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Pathfinder · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.4% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2013: 4 stars overall; 2015: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2014 Nissan Pathfinder version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 22V420000Jun 13, 2022Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › LatchCovers: Nissan Pathfinder 2013–2016
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.
- 21V020000Jan 20, 2021Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Nissan Pathfinder 2013–2015
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"…
- 16V380000May 31, 2016Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Nissan Pathfinder 2013–2014
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Pathfinder vehicles manufactured June 20, 2012, to June 13, 2013. The brake light switch may have been installed incorrectly causing the relay to make intermittent contact and…
- 16V244000Apr 26, 2016Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Nissan Pathfinder 2013–2016, Altima 2013–2016, Sentra 2013–2016 +14 more
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…
- 15V681000Oct 20, 2015Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Nissan Pathfinder 2013–2015, Altima 2013–2015, Sentra 2013–2014 +3 more
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…
- 15V033000Jan 26, 2015Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and attachmentsCovers: Nissan Pathfinder 2013–2014, Infiniti JX35 2013, QX60 2014 +2 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles manufactured June 20, 2012, to November 18, 2013, 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid vehicles manufactured July 18, 2013, to November 18, 2013, 2013 Infiniti…
See all 11 recalls for the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE21022Hood Latch/Bell Crank AssemblyClosed · Dec 9, 2021
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 243 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031720Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11009068Sep 19, 2024Air bags. DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR…
- 11001192Jun 7, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. CVT/TCM CALIBRATION DATA “WRITE” PROCEDURE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Pathfinder
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 | 76,900 | 0 | 5 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 57 | 9,000 | 1 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 86 | 13,500 | 2 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 107 | 15,800 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 69 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 136 | 11,500 | 5 | 5 | 23 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 53 | 19,700 | 0 | 5 | 23 | 7 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 76 | 40,000 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 26 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2018 | 78 | 16,000 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 188 | 42,710 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 105 | 48,900 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 321 | 44,254 | 5 | 5 | 23 | 96 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 576 | 47,500 | 11 | 5 | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 891 | 15,000 | 11 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2012 | 23 | 87,000 | 2 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 2011 | 45 | 46,000 | 2 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 40 | 111,386 | 4 | — | 18 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 37 | 91,000 | 3 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 328 | 106,534 | 4 | — | 17 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 561 | 99,123 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 837 | 93,000 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,050 | 90,024 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 67 | 76,684 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 110 | 100,750 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 156 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 230 | 99,782 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 112 | 124,697 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 104 | 130,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 149 | 112,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 217 | 113,400 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 159 | 121,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 170 | 127,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 91 | 127,500 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 49 | 141,500 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 30 | 123,698 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 39 | 157,016 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 38 | 192,412 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 15 | — | 2 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 17 | 148,000 | 2 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 19 | — | 2 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
All Nissan Pathfinder model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder?
Owners of the 2014 Pathfinder report mostly on the continuously variable transmission, describing shuddering, hesitation and slipping, and in some cases a total loss of drive leading to replacement. The issues reported most often: CVT shudder, hesitation and transmission failure; Hood opens or fails to latch; Sun visors will not stay up.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder have?
NHTSA recorded 576 consumer complaints for the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 215 complaints (37% of the total), followed by air bags with 92.
Has the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder been recalled?
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder get?
The EPA rates the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder (Pathfinder 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 20 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder reported?
Among the 353 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 47,500 miles and the middle half falls between 8,120 and 73,600 miles; 52% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.