VIBRATION AND/OR NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE APPLIED VEHICLES: 2022-2024 Pathfinder (R53) APPLIED DATES: Built on or before February 28, 2024 APPLIED DRIVETRAINS: AWD IF YOU CONFIRM A binding feeling, vibration, and/or noise coming from the rear end when turning at low speed or accelerating from a stop, AND The issue is resolved by unplugging the Actuator Assembly (AWD Actuator) on the rear Final Drive Unit. ACTION Refer to the SERVICE PROCEDURE below to: 1. Remove the Electro-hydraulic Coupling Assembly (AWD Coupler). 2. Clean the Coupling Oil Tank. 3. Inspect the Breather Tube and Bolt. 4. Replace the Electro-hydraulic Coupling Assembly (AWD Coupler). IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTIO
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Nissan Pathfinder powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Pathfinder | 10 |
| 2019 Pathfinder | 9 |
| 2020 Pathfinder | 7 |
| 2022 Pathfinder (this page) | 17 |
| 2023 Pathfinder | 12 |
| 2024 Pathfinder | 7 |
| 2025 Pathfinder | 6 |
1crash
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PREVENT FRONT AXLE THREAD DAMAGE DURING NUT REMOVAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DRIVE SHAFT BOOT SERVICE INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION If a Drive Shaft (Axle Shaft) Boot on an APPLIED VEHICLE is found to be leaking grease, AND There is no abnormal noise or obvious CV Joint risk due to water intrusion and/or complete grease loss, check for REPAIR KIT-DUST BOOT (CV Joint Boot Kit) availability. ï· If there is a REPAIR KIT-DUST BOOT (CV Joint Boot Kit) available for the vehicle being repaired, do NOT replace the axle. Install a new boot kit following the procedure in the ESM. o Refer to the ESM: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > FRONT AXLE > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BOOT o If the complete axle (drive shaft) is replaced when only a new boot is required, the
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ABNORMAL NOISE, VIBRATION AND/OR BINDING FEELING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2022 Nissan Pathfinders report a serious pattern: the transmission shifts itself into neutral without warning or driver input while the vehicle is actively being driven. This happens at highway speeds and low speeds alike, sometimes multiple times in one trip. The vehicle suddenly loses propulsion, the engine revs up, and the car coasts to a stop or slows drastically—creating immediate danger in traffic. One owner had it happen six times in a six-minute drive home; another was stranded on a dark, dangerous road unable to put the car in any gear.
The narratives also describe unexpected highway deceleration where the vehicle drops from 75 mph to 30 mph or near standstill without driver input, and throttle input that produces only engine revving with no forward motion—essentially a transmission slip condition.
Check engine lights, "SERVICE A/T" messages, and malfunction warnings appear before, during, or after these events. Diagnostic codes like P0742 (torque converter clutch circuit stuck on), P0101, P0507, and P2637 have been pulled, but dealers consistently report being unable to replicate the failures during test drives. Some dealers replaced transmissions control modules and reprogrammed them; others replaced mass airflow sensors or recharged batteries—but the problems recurred. One owner's battery replacement appeared to stop the issue, though no battery failure was evident beforehand. Transmission shift harshness, jerking, and delayed engagement also appear in multiple reports. An owner towing a loaded trailer experienced AWD overheat and uncontrolled rollback down a hill. No permanent fix has been documented across the 17 complaints.
Same Nissan Pathfinder powertrain reports on nearby years: 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended shift to neutral while driving
Vehicle shifts itself into neutral without driver input while operating at various speeds, causing sudden loss of propulsion. Engine revs up as vehicle coasts to a stop or slows significantly. Occurs intermittently and unpredictably.
When: Ranging from under 2,500 miles to 58,607 miles; occurs at speeds below 40 mph and on highway speeds; some owners report multiple occurrences during single trips
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly shifts into neutral without driver touching shifter; Engine revs up while vehicle loses speed; Loss of propulsion/acceleration ability; Check engine light and/or 'SERVICE A/T' warning message; Transmission stuck in neutral and unable to shift to park or drive (in some cases); 'Check shift level position' alert on dashboard; Malfunction Indicator Light illuminates
Codes mentioned: P0742 (torque converter clutch circuit stuck on), P061B (Control Module - Engine), P2637 (Torque management system), P0101 (Air flow measurement), P0507 (Idle air control)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate issue in most cases; transmission control module reprogramming attempted with limited success; one owner's replacement of OEM battery appeared to resolve phantom shifting; no confirmed permanent repair reported across narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan TechLine consulted by dealers; MyNissan email sent to one owner regarding possible emissions system issue; manufacturer awareness noted in some cases; arbitration initiated by one owner; one owner offered $3,500 for inconvenience; Lemon Law claim filed by at least one owner (outside timeframe per owner)
Unexpected deceleration and loss of acceleration at highway speeds
Vehicle abruptly decelerates while cruising at highway speeds (typically 70+ mph) without driver input, from full throttle to 30-35 mph or near standstill. Acceleration disengages intermittently; pressing gas pedal produces RPM increase but no forward motion, feeling like transmission slips to neutral.
When: At 23,000 miles; 57,000 miles; 15,686 miles; multiple instances on interstate driving
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden deceleration from highway speeds to 30-35 mph without driver action; Loss of acceleration; pressing gas pedal produces revving but no forward motion; RPMs increase to 4,000+ but vehicle does not accelerate; Transmission feels like it shifts to neutral; Unsafe merging/lane situations created; Vehicle loses motive power while driving at various speeds; Malfunction warning light displayed
Codes mentioned: Mass airflow sensor failure (replaced in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Mass airflow sensor replaced in one case; issue recurred within a week; fuel pump replaced by previous owner in another case; dealer unable to diagnose in most cases; no lasting repair documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Arbitration ongoing in one case with $3,500 inconvenience offer; Lemon Law claim filed in one case
Transmission shift delay and jerking/clunking during gear changes
Transmission exhibits delayed response and harsh engagement when shifting between gears, particularly from park to reverse and stop to drive. Vehicle lurches or clunks during shifts.
When: Starting early in ownership; at approximately 28,000 miles one owner reports odd shifting during cold startup
Symptoms owners cite: Severe delay in transmission response when selecting gears; Jerking or clunking sensation during gear engagement; Vehicle lurches forward while downshifting before stop; Harsh shift from park to reverse or stop to drive; Surging forward while coasting before coming to stop
Repairs/costs cited: TCM (Transmission Control Module) reprogramming and software patch/update performed; only slight improvement reported; issue persists
Transmission slip under acceleration
Transmission revs loudly but vehicle does not move forward, indicating clutch slip or torque converter malfunction. Occurs when accelerating onto highway.
When: Before 3 years of ownership; exact mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs loudly without corresponding vehicle movement; Loss of power transfer to wheels during acceleration; Unsafe interstate merge conditions created; Vehicle nearly hit from behind due to inability to accelerate
AWD system overheat and power loss during towing
While attempting to tow boat and trailer up incline, AWD system overheats, front wheels slip without rear engagement, and engine power derated despite throttle application. Vehicle experiences uncontrolled rollback down hill.
When: 6/16/2022 at 31,733 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Front wheel slip without rear wheel engagement during climbing loaded hill; Engine power derated despite throttle application; Brakes appear to apply or power reduced unexpectedly; Multiple uncontrolled rollback events down hill; 'AWD Overheat, Stop Vehicle' warning message; Inability to proceed up incline despite repeated attempts
Transmission unintended shift to manual mode
Transmission intermittently and without driver input shifts from automatic to manual mode. Occurs on numerous occasions early in vehicle ownership.
When: At approximately 1,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts from automatic to manual mode without driver action; Intermittent uncontrolled behavior
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; dealer unable to duplicate despite video evidence shown to dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware
Engine stall after restart and inability to shift gears
After vehicle is restarted, engine stalls immediately. Transmission becomes locked and unable to shift between gears. Multiple warning lights flash on instrument cluster.
When: At 58,607 miles after gas station restart
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls immediately after restart; Transmission locked in drive, unable to shift to park or neutral; Multiple unknown warning lights flashing on instrument cluster; Vehicle unable to restart
Repairs/costs cited: 12-Volt battery recharged by dealer; transmission control module reprogrammed; vehicle later lost motive power while driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not informed
Infotainment system freeze and display malfunction
Stereo display, infotainment system, and camera system frequently freeze, lag, or malfunction. Replacement unit exhibits severe backlighting issues and reduced sound quality.
When: Multiple occurrences since purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Infotainment system freezes or lags; Camera system fails to function; Radio functionality impaired; Connected audio sources fail; Backup camera delayed or non-functional; Severe backlighting issues on replacement unit; Reduced audio sound quality
Repairs/costs cited: System replaced once; replacement unit also defective with backlighting and sound issues
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Last Nov.10 after my oil change to Nissan Van nuys Dealership within less than a mile, i got terrible experience,The Car was stop in the middle of the road and a red Solid oil pressure light show up on dashboard and The Gear shift from Drive to Neutral and get towed and bring back to dealer and after 4 days i pick up my car and now i can drive it again! But after couple of days and weeks? While…
While driving at normal speed, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted itself into neutral twice without any driver input. During both incidents, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion in traffic, creating a safety risk for the occupants and surrounding vehicles. Prior to and after these events, the vehicle displayed a “SERVICE A/T” message and a check engine warning light. The vehicle has been inspected…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2022 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 powertrain problem on the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 17 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 25,098 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2022/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.