Used Car InformerUsed Car Informer

2013-2016 Nissan Pathfinder: CVT failure pattern

KNOWN MAJOR RISK
known major failure pattern on this model

What goes wrong

Same JATCO CVT story as the Altima/Rogue, in a heavier vehicle that stresses it harder. Shudder complaints are rampant.

Federal record for the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder, pulled from NHTSA when this page was built:
319 owner complaints on file , most-reported: POWER TRAIN (76) · UNKNOWN OR OTHER (64) · AIR BAGS (54).
5 safety recalls listed.
Complaint volume tracks how many were sold as well as how they held up , read it as a pattern, not a score. Counts change; confirm live at nhtsa.gov or by running the free check below.
Rough cost: $3,500-$4,500 replacement. Broad estimates , labor rates and parts vary widely by region and shop.

What to do about it

Before you hand over cash: Long cold test drive with steady-throttle highway section. Any shudder = walk.

Whatever you find, a $100-150 pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is the cheapest money you’ll spend on any used car , including this one.

Run the full free check on this Pathfinder →

Free · no signup · federal recall + complaint data included

← All buyer's guides · Keep Your Car Alive (free DIY guide)

General reference information only , not a mechanical inspection, appraisal, or vehicle history report, and not specific to any individual car. Failure patterns describe documented tendencies across many vehicles; any single car may be better or worse. Cost figures are rough estimates , verify locally. The absence of a warning is not a statement that a car is safe or problem-free. Always verify recalls directly with NHTSA and get a pre-purchase inspection. Not affiliated with any manufacturer, dealer, or reporting service. No affiliate links, no commissions, no ads. © Used Car Informer, operated by MCC LLC · v6.6