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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2018 Nissan Pathfinder Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
12about this part
Share
15%of 78 total for the year
Median mileage
15,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder, 15% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The transmission seems to be slipping. At low rpms there is a noticeable metallic sound and loss of power, especially when making left or right turns. I have taken the vehicle to my local dealership at least three times without them finding a solution or being able to fix the issue. Instead I'm being told that the heat shield is the issue and that it has been taken care off even though the problem still exists.”

NHTSA complaint #11310448, filed 2020-02, 28,000 miles

“When driving at differing speeds, the transmission reduces, then stops applying power to the wheels, and acts as though it's in neutral. This has happened at freeway speeds, down to below 20 MPH, and a all operating temperatures. The brake pedal was not touched in conjunction with the gas pedal, and the vehicle was always in drive. This has now happened to us a minimum of 6 times, with no resolution from Nissan.”

NHTSA complaint #11267852, filed 2019-10, 12,000 miles

“Takata recall my vehicle is non operable and had problems with suspension, axel, knocking in the engine, transmission, window, back up camera, and many more”

NHTSA complaint #11256217, filed 2019-09, 19,000 miles

“The transmission is going bad which makes it dangerous to drive. Had it 2 days and I check my FIXD module and found code. Took to where I purchased it and the drained cvt fluid and now makes a whinning sound and garage knows. U was told they inspected it before selling it to me. No codes where on dash either.”

NHTSA complaint #11696992, filed 2025-11

“My 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL has had to have the engine replaced once due to the CVP issues with the transmission causes in the engine to fail. It was replaced not even two years ago and now the issue has presented itself yet again and the engine has failed once again. I believe that this vehicle should be issued for recall because this is an issue that has happened twice engine has failed twice car will not run. Will not turn over vehicle is at a standstill. I want somebody to contact me regarding this because this is not acceptable.”

NHTSA complaint #11675034, filed 2025-07

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026427%
2025814%
2024910%
20231312%
20221712%
2020917%
2019912%
20181215%
20173418%
201677%
20157724%
201421537%
201337142%
201229%
2011716%
20101128%
2009822%
200815547%
200733760%
200645054%
200558556%
2004913%
200333%
2002106%
200131%
200065%
199988%
19982013%
1997199%
1996128%
19952012%
19941011%
199336%
1992930%
19911436%
19901334%
1987211%

Other parts of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder

Brakes
21 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsElectronic stability control
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
5 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology