IF YOU CONFIRM All "hands free" functions of the Intelligent Key (I-Key) do not work. For example, the doors will not lock or unlock when pressing either front door request switch. NOTE: - The issue of all I-Key "hands free" functions not working may occur intermittently or all the time. - The message "No Key Detected" or similar may show on the Vehicle Information Display (located in the combination meter). - All I-Key remote button functions (door lock/unlock, etc.) WILL work normally when all I-Key "hands free" functions are NOT working. ACTION 1. Inspect the I-Key?s battery on its negative contact side. 2. If excessive scratching is found, replace the battery. 3. Verify all I-Key functio
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Nissan Pathfinder cruise control problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder have filed 12 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 50,000 miles at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Pathfinder | 15 |
| 2014 Pathfinder | 9 |
| 2015 Pathfinder (this page) | 12 |
| 2018 Pathfinder | 8 |
| 2019 Pathfinder | 5 |
What stands out
Among the 10 model years of Nissan Pathfinder in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control 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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report that their 2015 Pathfinders lose power during acceleration unpredictably, particularly after braking, at traffic lights, and while turning. Most describe the same pattern: foot on the gas pedal produces little or no response until they lift off and reapply the pedal, at which point the engine responds normally. Some report the vehicle will not accelerate past 10 mph after a stop; others describe complete stalls while driving at highway speeds. One owner reports the engine revving to 5,000 rpms on its own and the vehicle reaching 40 mph without pedal input.
Brake-related issues appear connected to the acceleration failures. Multiple owners report brake lights staying on while driving or even after the vehicle is shut off, draining the battery. Some cite a faulty brake light switch or brake relay; one owner had the stop lamp switch replaced under warranty, only to have the problem recur. One notes a previous recall for this issue did not resolve the intermittent problem.
One owner reports cruise control disengaging suddenly while towing, creating a dangerous situation on the highway. Another describes transmission hesitation, jerking, and shuddering during merges. Dealers have been unable to duplicate these failures or provide solutions, with one suggesting a $2,100 ABS module replacement as a guess at a fix.
Same Nissan Pathfinder cruise control reports on nearby years: 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of power / no acceleration response
Engine fails to respond when accelerator pedal is pressed, particularly after braking, at stops, or while turning. Vehicle requires release and reapplication of pedal to regain power. Occurs randomly and unpredictably.
When: After braking, at traffic lights, while turning; one incident at 57,353 miles; one case ongoing for 18+ months with multiple repair attempts
Symptoms owners cite: No acceleration response despite pedal input; Requires lifting foot off pedal and reapplying to restore power; Vehicle stalls without warning; Cannot accelerate past 10 mph from stop; Loss of power while in motion (e.g., going 35 mph down to 20 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had stop lamp switch replaced under warranty; did not resolve issue. Dealer unable to duplicate failure or find error codes in most cases. One suggestion: $2,100 ABS module replacement (unconfirmed fix).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reports dealership stated this is a manufacturing defect; another notes a previous recall for brake switch issue did not fix the intermittent problem.
Brake light switch / relay malfunction
Brake lights remain illuminated while vehicle is driving or shut off, draining battery. Related to loss of power incidents; likely prevents proper gear engagement or torque delivery.
When: Intermittently; one case ongoing for 18+ months
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights stay on while driving; Brake lights remain on after vehicle is shut off; Battery drains due to lights staying on
Repairs/costs cited: Stop lamp switch replaced under warranty in one case; issue recurred. One owner suspects brake relay switch.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner notes a previous recall for brake switch addressed this; however, intermittent failures continue.
Cruise control disengages under load
Cruise control suddenly disengages while towing, dropping vehicle speed and creating a hazard for trailing traffic.
When: While towing; described as occurring often
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control disengages without warning; Vehicle speed drops suddenly while towing
Transmission hesitation and jerking
CVT transmission hesitates, jerks, and shudders during acceleration and merging, with no warning lights. One owner notes the CVT has been subject to prior recalls and lawsuits.
When: During merges and acceleration; one case at 23k miles (purchased August 2018, incident in December 2018)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission hesitation during acceleration; Jerking and shuddering while merging; No warning lights or diagnostic indication
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: CVT has prior recalls and lawsuits; Nissan reportedly refusing to address issue.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had cruise control trouble with your 2015 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 cruise control problem on the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 37,809 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,809; a quarter make it past 75,000. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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/2015/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.