CAN COMMUNICATION â NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder have filed 32 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 64,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
32
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Pathfinder | 3 |
| 2011 Pathfinder | 6 |
| 2012 Pathfinder | 3 |
| 2013 Pathfinder | 36 |
| 2014 Pathfinder (this page) | 32 |
| 2015 Pathfinder | 39 |
| 2016 Pathfinder | 20 |
| 2017 Pathfinder | 55 |
| 2018 Pathfinder | 7 |
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 32 engine complaints filed for the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 32 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗REMOTE ENGINE START NOT WORKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ENGINE SUPPORT TOOLS SERVICE INFORMATION A new Engine Support Tool and Engine Support Bracket are now available to allow the CVT to be removed from the Applied Vehicles without having to remove the engine. The procedure in this bulletin is different from the procedure currently in the Electronic Service Manual (ESM), which will be updated with this information at a later date. Please refer to the SERVICE PROCEDURE to use these new tools: - Front Wheel Drive (FWD) ? pages 2-18 - All Wheel Drive (AWD) ? pages 19-37
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Pathfinder emerges from these narratives with two dominant failure patterns. The CVT transmission shudders, jerks, and loses power across all speeds, starting as early as 3,300 miles on some units and recurring repeatedly—one owner replaced the transmission three times between 2015 and present. Owners describe the sensation as the car struggling to shift, becoming unstable in turns, and occasionally stopping in traffic. Transmission replacement runs $8,000–$10,000 or more, and dealers applied recall updates and software reprogramming with no lasting fix.
The engine itself stalls unexpectedly while driving—a safety hazard reported at highway speeds and idle, sometimes after cold starts on hybrids. One owner lost power on an icy hill and slid backward into a mailbox. White smoke from the tailpipe indicates oil burning into cylinders, with mechanics diagnosing defective oil rings and recommending full engine replacement.
Additional failures include repeated catalytic converter replacement (three times in one year), overheating immediately after cold start, radiator cooling fan blades striking the shroud, airbag non-deployment in a rollover, and loud engine noise on acceleration. Multiple owners report Nissan refusing warranty coverage and dealership parts on backorder indefinitely. One hybrid recall (21V774000) addressed hybrid propulsion but offered no remedy for actual failures.
Same Nissan Pathfinder engine reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
CVT Transmission Shuddering and Jerking
The CVT transmission exhibits severe shuddering, jerking, and juddering during acceleration and at low speeds (10-40 MPH). Owners report the vehicle feels unstable when turning and describe the sensation as the transmission struggling to shift properly. Multiple owners report repeated transmission failures requiring replacement multiple times on the same vehicle.
When: Starting as early as 3,336 miles; recurs throughout ownership. One owner replaced transmission 3 times between 2015-present; another at 19,413 miles with rebuilt unit, shuddering returned; another experienced failure at 50,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering and jerking during acceleration; Loss of power during acceleration; Transmission struggles to shift; Vehicle feels unstable while turning; Shaking and vibration throughout vehicle; Intermittent failures that resolve after restart
Codes mentioned: P17F0 (CVT Judder), 817F1-00
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement costs cited as $8,000 to $10,000+. Some owners report multiple transmissions replaced under warranty early in ownership; later repairs fall outside warranty. One rebuilt transmission at 19,413 miles failed again within months. Dealers applied reprogramming and recall PC357 with no lasting resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan settled a class-action lawsuit in fall 2023 for $277 million over transmission issues. Multiple owners report Nissan denies coverage or claims no obligation for additional repairs post-recall. NHTSA Campaign 21V774000 addressed hybrid propulsion system; parts were on backorder. One owner reported dealership unable to reach Nissan "CVT Hotline" to arrange replacement.
Engine Stalling and Loss of Motive Power
The engine stalls or loses power while driving at various speeds, creating hazardous situations. One hybrid owner lost power on an icy hill at 10 MPH and slid backward into a mailbox. Another owner reports the vehicle stops entirely in mid-motion on city streets and highways, posing accident risk. Failures occur intermittently and sometimes recur after restart.
When: Failures reported at 8,000 miles, 50,000 miles, 64,000 miles, 75 MPH highway speeds, and throughout ownership. One hybrid owner at 130,000 miles experienced repeated loss of motive power.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of motive power while driving; Engine stalls intermittently at highway speeds and low speeds; Vehicle coasts to a stop in traffic; Engine stalls immediately after cold start; Check engine light illumination prior to failure; Vehicle regains power after restart, then fails again
Repairs/costs cited: Hybrid owner's vehicle towed to dealer and remained pending investigation; no repair completed. One owner reported repairs attempted for valve failure requiring full engine replacement; not repaired. No repair costs specified in stalling complaints.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hybrid owner received recall campaign 21V774000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Hybrid Propulsion System) in 2021, but parts were unavailable. Manufacturer confirmed no remedy for the recall repair exists. Non-hybrid owner reported manufacturer notified but no further action specified.
White Smoke from Exhaust and Oil Burning
Owners report massive white smoke discharge from the tailpipe, with mechanics diagnosing internal oil leakage into cylinders. One owner states oil rings are defective, causing oil to leak into the combustion chamber. Another owner required a complete new engine after similar symptoms. Both owners maintained regular maintenance and report this as a known manufacturing problem.
When: First reported symptoms at under 83,000 miles and around 75,000 miles. One owner states the problem started almost out of nowhere.
Symptoms owners cite: Massive white smoke from tailpipe; Engine overheating; Loss of motive power; Check engine light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Two owners were told by mechanics that a complete new engine is the only solution. One owner is out of warranty (5 months) but under mileage warranty. Repair costs not specified, but owner expresses frustration at cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer suggested owner contact Nissan directly to discuss possible assistance given the recurring nature of the issue. Mechanics state this is a known manufacturing problem. Owner advised to contact Nissan; no manufacturer response documented.
Engine Overheating
Engine overheats shortly after starting, with temperature gauge rising to hot. One owner reported 'hybrid system overheated' error message appearing immediately after cold start, even when the vehicle had not run overnight. Another owner experienced overheating concurrent with loss of motive power and check engine light.
When: One owner at 64,000 miles; another shortly after dealership software update. One hybrid reports overheating error on cold morning start.
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge indicating hot (H) position; Hybrid system overheated error message; Check engine light illumination; Loss of motive power concurrent with overheating
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed. Hybrid owner reports the overheating error appeared after Nissan dealership software upgrade, making transmission performance worse overall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer reported no recalls on VIN related to overheating failure. Nissan consumer affairs contacted by one owner but described as 'useless.'
Loud Engine Noise and Poor Acceleration
Engine produces extremely loud running noise upon acceleration, described as resembling a disconnected header pipe or exhaust. Vehicle struggles to accelerate after pressing the pedal. Transmission does not shift automatically. One owner reported loud engine sputtering that began suddenly after the vehicle had been running quietly earlier.
When: Sudden onset three days prior to complaint. One diagnosis occurred at 15,120 miles after jerking and failed acceleration.
Symptoms owners cite: Extremely loud engine running noise upon acceleration; Loud engine sputtering noise; Struggles to accelerate; No automatic transmission shifting; Failed acceleration while driving
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer diagnosed that the valve failed and engine replacement needed; not repaired. Another complaint describes noise as undiagnosed by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer at Brandon Nissan provided diagnosis of valve failure requiring engine replacement. Another complaint not confirmed by dealer or independent service center.
Cooling Fan Blade Failure
Radiator fan blade shakes and strikes the fan shroud, producing loud noise. Two owners report this failure, both told by dealers it is a common problem with the make and model. Parts were on backorder at both dealerships.
When: At 52,000 miles and 55,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from radiator; Fan blade shakes and strikes fan shroud; Abnormal noise upon starting vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Two owners reported parts on backorder; vehicles not repaired. Dealers stated the failure is common.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Bill Ray Nissan informed owners the failure is common to the make and model; parts unavailable. Manufacturer not notified of failures.
Catalytic Converter Failure
Bank one catalytic converter fails repeatedly and requires replacement multiple times within a short timeframe. One owner replaced the converter twice within a year and faced a third replacement need before the warranty year ended. Another owner's catalytic converter warning light illuminated prior to loss of motive power during hybrid propulsion system failure.
When: First replacement around December; second within six months; third needed before warranty expiration. Another owner at 130,000 miles (hybrid) with warning light prior to power loss.
Symptoms owners cite: Catalytic converter warning light; Catalytic converter repeatedly failing; Shortened converter lifespan (less than six months between failures)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement costs cited as $3,000 per replacement. Owner replaced twice within warranty period; third replacement needed after three-month warranty expired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty covers three months; subsequent replacements are owner responsibility. Parts for recall 21V774000 were on backorder.
Transmission Control Faults and Error Messages
Owners report error messages unrelated to their actual symptoms appearing after dealership service attempts. One owner reports 'hybrid system overheated' and 'I-Key system error' appearing after a Nissan dealership software update, neither of which appeared before. Another owner received transmission code 817F1-00 that dealership refuses to address despite a part recall existing on the code.
When: After software update at dealer; upon startup after cold night.
Symptoms owners cite: Hybrid system overheated error message; I-Key system error; Transmission fault codes; Error messages appearing after dealership service
Codes mentioned: 817F1-00 (transmission fault)
Repairs/costs cited: Software update performed by Nissan dealership resulted in worse transmission performance and new error messages. Dealership refuses to honor part recall related to 817F1-00 code.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan dealership performed software upgrade that worsened the condition. Consumer called Nissan consumer affairs; described as useless. Dealership refuses to honor part recall.
Airbag Non-Deployment
In a rollover accident, neither driver nor passenger front airbags deployed, though side airbags did. The vehicle had been recalled previously for passenger airbag issues, supposedly repaired. During the same incident, a deployed airbag trapped the owner in the vehicle, requiring it to be cut open for extraction.
When: Rollover accident; one hybrid owner at 130,000 miles with air bag deployment failure and entrapment during crash.
Symptoms owners cite: Front driver airbag failed to deploy in rollover; Front passenger airbag failed to deploy (previously recalled); Side airbag deployed but trapped owner in vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle became total loss. Airbag system required cutting vehicle to extract trapped owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle previously recalled for passenger airbag; supposedly repaired. Airbag failure occurred again despite recall work. Recall 21V774000 received in 2021 for hybrid propulsion system.
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Issue with the CVT for Nissan pathfinder. Have seen lot of complaints around the transmission for pathfinders (2013 and 2014 models). Nissan doesn't accept the issue and is charging us pay 5000$ for repairs. Currently have mileage of 69500 and just passed the warrant (by 3 months). Nissan doesnt accept for any repairs. The vehicle while in motion stutters and stops in the middle of the road…
The catalytic converter bank one has been replaced twice within a year on this vehicle and now for the year is out it needs to be replaced a third time. I do not know if there is a manufacturing issue with that but I don’t have another $3000 to replace this. The catalytic converter bank one only stays good for less than six months, but the warranty runs out after the three month period. I am not…
Had engine trouble with your 2014 Nissan Pathfinder?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder?
It's a meaningful issue. 32 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 20,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 64,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Nissan/Pathfinder.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.