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2015 Nissan Pathfinder

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Pathfinder years

Owner complaints for the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder are substantially higher than the model-year median of 97.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

221 reports with mileage · 99 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 76 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 74 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 55 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports1 fire reports6 injury reports

What owners actually said

320 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2018
Unknown Or Other

DRIVERS SUN VISOR FAULTY, IT BROKE DURING FIRST MONTH. CHEAP PLASTIC CONSTRUCTION IT CLICKS AND HANGS OBSTRUCTING VIEW. MANY DRIVERS HAVE REPORTED THIS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE.

NHTSA ODI #11127936

19,000 miles · Aug 30, 2018
Unknown Or Other

VISOR CLICKING WHEN MOVING UP OR DOWN. NOW NEITHER VISOR WILL STAY UP IN ITS INTENDED POSITION. THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR IS CAUSING A SAFETY CONCERN AS IT IS SAGGING IN FRONT OF MY FACE.

NHTSA ODI #11123579

32,000 miles · Aug 24, 2018
Engine

AT 32,000 MILES, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE AREA WHEN AIR CONDITIONING WAS ON. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE DRIVERS SIDE RADIATOR FAN WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE SHROUD. COMPLETE COOLING FAN MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ITEM WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, DEALER REPAIR WAS $1,000 SO IT WAS REPAIRED AT THE LOCAL SHOP FOR …

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AT 32,000 MILES, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE AREA WHEN AIR CONDITIONING WAS ON. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE DRIVERS SIDE RADIATOR FAN WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE SHROUD. COMPLETE COOLING FAN MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ITEM WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, DEALER REPAIR WAS $1,000 SO IT WAS REPAIRED AT THE LOCAL SHOP FOR $600. I HAD PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2013 PATHFINDER AND IT HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AT 45,000 MILES. SEEMS TO ME LIKE A DESIGN ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11122029

35,000 miles · Aug 23, 2018
Visibility/wiper

SUN VISOR FALLS DOWN IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER BLOCKING THEIR VIEW OF TRAFFIC. FAULTY SUNVISORS MADE OF PLASTIC ARE THE PROBLEM AND THERE ARE MANY PATHFINDER OWNERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THEM. IF YOU HOLD THE SUN VISOR UP WHILE YOUR DRIVING THEN YOUR DRIVING WITH ONE HAND ON THE STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA ODI #11121812

70,000 miles · Aug 23, 2018
Visibility/wiper

SUNVISORS ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HAVE A DESIGN FLAW AND A PIECE INSIDE THE VISOR BREAKS. WHEN THIS PIECE BREAKS, THE VISORS WILL NOT STAY UP OR DOWN AND JUST HANG IN THE DRIVERS LINE OF SIGHT.

NHTSA ODI #11121806

40,000 miles · Aug 11, 2018
Unknown Or Other

RADIATOR COOLING FAN WOBBLES AND MAKES LOAD/GRINDING NOISE! POTENTIALLY ENGINE OVERHEATING CAN BE DANGEROUS TO OCCUPANTS IN THE CAR DURING A ROAD TRIP!

NHTSA ODI #11119314

38,000 miles · Aug 6, 2018
Engine

RADIATOR COOLING FAN IS LOOSE AND MAKES A LOUD BANGING NOISE WHEN THE A/C IS ON.THIS STARTED AROUND THE 38K MILEAGE MARK. THIS HAPPENS WHEN STATIONARY OR WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. SOMETIMES IT'LL GO WEEKS WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. I'VE NOTICED THAT MAKING SHARP TURNS CAN SET OFF THE WOBBLING FAN, CAUSING WEEKS OF ANNOYING, LOUD, A…

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RADIATOR COOLING FAN IS LOOSE AND MAKES A LOUD BANGING NOISE WHEN THE A/C IS ON.THIS STARTED AROUND THE 38K MILEAGE MARK. THIS HAPPENS WHEN STATIONARY OR WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. SOMETIMES IT'LL GO WEEKS WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. I'VE NOTICED THAT MAKING SHARP TURNS CAN SET OFF THE WOBBLING FAN, CAUSING WEEKS OF ANNOYING, LOUD, AND QUIET EMBARRASSING BLUNDER AS IF I WERE BANGING POTS AND PANS TOGETHER. IF YOU TURN A/C OFF, THE NOISE STOPS. WHEN INSPECTING THE FAN WITH A/C OFF, THE FAN IS VERY WOBBLY AND APPEARS TO BANG AGAINST OTHER PARTS RESULTING IN THE LOUD NOISE. PLEASE HELP!!!

NHTSA ODI #11118099

42,000 miles · Jul 20, 2018
Visibility/wiper

THE SUN VISORS ARE POORLY ENGINEERED AND ARE EASILY BROKEN THROUGH NORMAL OPERATION. THE VISOR WAS PLACED AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD TO BLOCK THE SUN, WHILE DRIVING, THE VISOR PIVOTED DOWNWARD AND BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S FIELD OF VIEW. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AS ONE CAN EASILY SEE WITH A QUICK WEB QUERY. FRUSTRATING THAT THE PART IS…

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THE SUN VISORS ARE POORLY ENGINEERED AND ARE EASILY BROKEN THROUGH NORMAL OPERATION. THE VISOR WAS PLACED AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD TO BLOCK THE SUN, WHILE DRIVING, THE VISOR PIVOTED DOWNWARD AND BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S FIELD OF VIEW. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AS ONE CAN EASILY SEE WITH A QUICK WEB QUERY. FRUSTRATING THAT THE PART IS EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE, BUT EVEN MORE CONCERNING THAT IT PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD AND NISSAN DEALERSHIPS SAID "IT'S COMMON THAT THE VISORS BREAK BECAUSE THEY'RE MADE OF CHEAP PLASTIC"

NHTSA ODI #11112783

71,000 miles · Jun 29, 2018
Engine

MY TRUCK IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEYRE CLAIMING THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A NEW TRUCK WITH 71000 MILES

NHTSA ODI #11104768

48,000 miles · Jun 24, 2018
Unknown Or Other

THE COOLING FAN FAILED AT LESS THAN 50,000 MILES. THIS PRODUCT IS FLAWED AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. DEALER SELLS A FAN ASSEMBLY FOR 800.00 PLUS LABOR. THIS IS A RIDICULOUS FEE FOR A COOLING FAN. I WAS ABLE TO BUY THE PART FOR 300 ONLINE AND CORRECT THIS ISSUE MYSELF BUT THE PRICE IS STILL HIGHER THAN IT SHOULD BE. THIS FAN SHOU…

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THE COOLING FAN FAILED AT LESS THAN 50,000 MILES. THIS PRODUCT IS FLAWED AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. DEALER SELLS A FAN ASSEMBLY FOR 800.00 PLUS LABOR. THIS IS A RIDICULOUS FEE FOR A COOLING FAN. I WAS ABLE TO BUY THE PART FOR 300 ONLINE AND CORRECT THIS ISSUE MYSELF BUT THE PRICE IS STILL HIGHER THAN IT SHOULD BE. THIS FAN SHOULD NOT BE FAILING THIS EARLY IN THE VEHICLE LIFE SPAN.

NHTSA ODI #11103626

Official recalls

5

22V420000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Jun 13, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unsecured hood could unexpectedly open while driving, obstructing the driver's view, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the bell crank assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 26, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are R22A2 R22A3 and R24B7.

21V020000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Jan 20, 2021

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" position, with the brake lights remaining illuminated even when the brakes are not applied. Additionally, this may interfere with the brake-shift interlock, allowing the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "Park" position, without depressing the brake pedal.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Continual illumination of the brake lights can prevent other drivers from realizing the vehicle is actually slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash. With the brake override activated, the driver will not be able to accelerate normally, increasing the risk of a crash. The driver can shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, allowing the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, either re-install the brake light switch or swap positions with the Automatic Speed Control Device (ASCD) switch; depending on the model year vehicle. In addition, the brake light relay will be replaced with a new one. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall PC786. Note: this recall supersedes 16V-380.

16V244000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Apr 26, 2016

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 Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.

15V681000 · Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Oct 20, 2015

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 vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

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 vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.

Consequence: If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Air Bags:frontal

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 vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.

Consequence: If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

15V012000 · Service Brakes

Jan 14, 2015

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles manufactured August 14, 2014, to November 5, 2014, and 2014-2015 Nissan Rogue vehicles manufactured August 12, 2014, to November 15, 2014. During the assembly process, the front wheel hub assembly fasteners may not have been properly torqued.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The under-torqued fasteners may result in a brake caliper separating from the wheel assembly causing a reduction in braking performance or reduced steering control. These conditions increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and tighten any loose bolts to the proper specification, free of charge. The recall began February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE21022 · Hood Latch/bell Crank Assembly

Opened Dec 9, 2021 · Closed Jul 8, 2022

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate consumer complaints alleging hood latch failures occurring on certain model year (MY) 2013-2016 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. Complaints received indicated a sudden and unexpected opening of the hood while the vehicle was in motion, blocking the driver's visibility.During this investigation Nissan collected parts from the field to analyze for root cause of the alleged failures. On June 13, 2022, Nissan submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a hood bell crank assembly defect in certain MY2013-2016 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles produced at the Smyrna, TN plant. According to Nissan's DIR, an accumulation of dust and dirt contamination on and around the bell crank lever pivot joint, which actuates the secondary hood latch, can create a condition that can cause the lever to remain in the open position after it has been disengaged. In this condition, the secondary hood latch may not hold the hood closed as designed while the vehicle is in motion obstructing the driver's forward view and increasing the risk of a crash.A remedy plan for all affected vehicles is currently under development. See recall action 22V-420 for further details. Nissan's action resolves the issues raised by this investigation, and therefore, this investigation is closed.The VOQs cited above can be found with ID numbers: 11456378, 11448298, 11436637, 11431131, 11427702, 11423321, 11406574, 11398825, 11389741, 11387952, 11375938, 11349105,11306735, 11302647, 11190468, 11166607.