2016 Nissan Pathfinder Complaints

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/01/2026

Driving along and it felt as if I were driving over a rumble strip. It stopped after a while, but later that evening I felt it again, but this time the shudder was stronger and it sounded almost like a loud bird chirping. I slowed and the noise stopped, but drove home slowly through the neighborhood in case something happened. I took it to the mechanic and he suggested trading it in before it gets worse, and he mentioned transmission judder, so I researched and found I'm one of many.

SUSPENSION — Filed 07/01/2025

The crossmember aka- K frame, mfc part #55400-3JA2C. It completely rotted away where the suspension trailing arm connects from the wheel causing uneven and excessive wheel wear and poor handling while driving Yes it is available for inspection. Reproduced unknown Not inspected by authorities No warning lights

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE — Filed 04/23/2026

My 2024 Nissan Frontier has experienced repeated complete power loss more than three times. The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while on the street and cannot be restarted. During some incidents, even the emergency hazard lights did not work. I had to use jump cables to restart the vehicle. I first reported this issue to Nissan in January 2025. The dealer kept the truck for about one week but stated they could not find anything wrong. The problem continues, including incidents on 04/20/2026 and 04/23/2026. This creates a serious safety hazard because the vehicle can lose power in traffic and increase the risk of a crash or injury.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/01/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and sputtered while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where DTC: P17F1 (Internal CVT failure was retrieved). The contact was informed that the CVT transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance could not be provided because the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 10/14/2025

Around 160,000 miles my CVT transmission went out. I almost got into a wreck no warning lights just stopped on me. When I took it to my local dealership in waco, Texas they told me I'll be good to wait over the weekend that they first opening wasn't until Tuesday. I came by on a Thursday. The car was making noises I was concerned and it wasn't accelerating like normal. I slowly drove it to Nissan dealership in Temple tx 30 mins away. The tech there immediately drove it to see if it was apressing concern or not. He immediately stated it wasn't safe and they gave me a loaner. My vehicle was in the shop for three weeks I had to get a $14,000 loan to repair it because my extended warranty didn't cover specifically CVT transmissions because of Nissan history with the other vehicles with that transmission type. I contacted Nissan corporate they said they would give me a warranty but since the Pathfinder wasn't on their recall list they couldn't assist me in that manner. Since the CVT transmission repair I've had engine issues and now my catalytic converter isn't working properly. I've given Nissan money on repairs that normally doesn't happen until the vehicles is over 200,000 miles. I went to some Nissan Pathfinder forums and found out this is to be true that many Pathfinder owners are buying new transmissions or vehicles all together because of this defect in the Nissan CVT transmissions. I hope to get my money back since I'm a disabled Afghanistan Navy veteran on a limited income. If it's happening to me it's happening to others and should be investigated.

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE — Filed 07/21/2025

The rear subframe has completely rusted out from the inside, and is broke off on the right side and almost broken off on the left side. The car is now unsafe to drive. There were no warning lights, messages or problems before this. The car is only 9 years old and is always kept in a garage.

POWER TRAIN,WHEELS — Filed 05/29/2025

VIBRATION AND NOISE WHEN MAKING LOW SPEED TURNS ABNORMAL NOISE, VIBRATION AND BINDING FEELING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/04/2025

There is a recall for replacement of the hood latch. the recall ID is R24B7. I have taken my car to the dealer twice. All they do is inspect and clean the part. They do not replace the part. It was my understanding the hood latch should be replaced. However Gunn NIssan refuses to replace the latch. Can you help me. The hood still vibrates as if it is not closed.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES — Filed 02/08/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while receiving an oil change, the mechanic was unable to securely close the hood of the vehicle. The mechanic lubricated the hood latch and was able to close the hood. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V420000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and the recall repair was performed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the recall repair stated that the latch would be lubricated, and not replaced, and only the same remedy could be provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 173,000.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 01/03/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the cooling fan became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the cooling fan system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 29,400.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/07/2024

Car was functioning fine and then suddenly stopped one day as I was entering expressway, car just stopped and had to tow to Nissan dealer. I was told alternator is not functioning and when doing systems check CVT/transmission alert was noted and said I need new transmission. In my search I see 2016 Pathfinders were included in a lawsuit. This was not brought to my attention and I am wondering if my CVT should be replaced by Nissan at no cost to me. My care has less than 120k miles and is less than 10yrs old. Link to Nissan dealers report: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SEAT BELTS — Filed 09/21/2024

The middle passenger and middle seat seatbelt latch came disconnected from the vehicle. My son who is 9 was sitting behind the passenger seat when his entire seatbelt came off from where it connects to the car. I had him switch to the middle seat and when I got home i investigated it and the middle seat was about to come disconnected also.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 04/10/2024

This vehicle had a cvt transmission recall but I was never notified even though I have own this car for the past 7years please help

STRUCTURE — Filed 02/10/2024

After taking my Nissan Pathfinder to Nissan 112 for a safety recall on February 10, 2024, they improperly completed the recall, leaving the hood stuck closed. Despite multiple appointments and 23 calls with consumer affairs, the issue remains unresolved. The recall I brought my vehicle in for was R22A3, a safety recall having to do with the hood opening during vehicle operation. The procedures state to inspect the lock assembly and secondary latch. If all is well, then clean and lubricate it and your done. If it fails inspection, then replace the Hood Lock Assembly, the Secondary Latch, and the Hood Lock Release Cable. Even in the parts section it states “All three listed parts should be replaced together.” The key here is that it states to replace all three, neither the repair overview or service procedure give you leeway to replace the parts individually. But, that’s what was done. As verified on my receipt from February 10, 2024, and when talking to the service manager on April 4, 2024, they only replaced the hood lock assembly. According to the service manager, this is how they always do it and what he’s always done. Even when reading the recall beside me, he fails to recognize that he has improperly followed the procedures to complete a safety recall. This complaint is less about a new safety issue, and is more related to Nissan 112's improper completion of an existing safety recall. Based on the information I have, this seems like normal business to them, so who knows how often they sign-off recalls without properly executing them.

AIR BAGS — Filed 04/13/2024

Occupant Air bag sensor is on constantly and Air bag light on dashboard. My vehicle has never been in an accident. There was a recall issued for my vehicle in 2016. I purchased my car in 2017 new and it was overstock vehicle. The recall was cleared in August 2016 by dealer and I just found this out when vehicle was taken to Nissan dealership for different recall on 4/6/24. Since the vehicle is out of warranty now dealership will not clear recall again but state it is the exact same code. Advised me to contact Nissan USA but they denied my claim for repair. This is an extreme safety hazard and Nissan should honor there safety recall repairs in and out of warranty. Please review my claim because I have seen more complaints online.

AIR BAGS — Filed 12/21/2020

ON 21 DEC 2020 WE WERE IN A ACCIDENT WITH A DEER WE WEAR GOING ABOUT 80MPH WHEN THE DEAR CAME OUT OF NO WEAR AND WE HIT IT HEAD ON AND NEITHER ONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED MY HUSBAND HIT HIS HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL AND NEITHER ONE THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED I WAS SITTING IN PASSENGER SEAT AND NOTHING EITHER THIS WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT TIME

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 10/02/2020

VEHICLE WAS ENTERING THE DRIVE WAY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDDLE WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A PATIO AND STRUCK AN ABOVE GROUND POOL. THE POOL WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER HITTING THE POOL AND CAME TO REST WITH THE FRONT TIRES OFF THE WALL OF THE PATIO.THE FRONT RIGHT OF THE VEHICLE WAS RESTING ON THE UNI-BODY FRAME JUST BEHIND THE FRONT TIRES.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 10/01/2020

BRAKE FADE. COMING TO A STOP BRAKE PEDAL WILL FADE CAUSING THE PEDAL TO TOUCH FLOOR FORCING YOU TO LET OFF AND REAPPLY THE BRAKES. WHEN STOPPED AT INTERSECTION BRAKE PEDAL SLOWLY GOES TO FLOOR CAUSING VEHICLE TO START MOVING RESULTING IN COLLISION WITH VEHICLE IN FRONT

WHEELS — Filed 01/03/2019

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY CAR STARTED VIBRATING (MUCH LIKE THE FEELING OF WHEN A CAR NEEDS TO GET THE WHEELS ALIGNED). I GOT OFF OF THE HIGHWAY TO TAKE IT TO A NEARBY NISSAN DEALERSHIP SERVICE PARTS SHOP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. ABOUT A BLOCK AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP, WHEN I WAS DRIVING, MY FRONT RIGHT WHEEL FLEW OFF OF MY VEHICLE. MY CAR WAS THEN LYING ON THE END OF THE AXLE AND WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND STUCK IN THE ROAD. I WAS AT THE VERY LEFT SIDE OF THE STREET AND LUCKILY THE WHEEL DID NOT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE OR PERSON AND CAUSE ANY INJURIES. THIS PATHFINDER IS A 2016 AND I HAVE HAD IT FOR 2 YEARS. IT HAS 17,000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE CAR SINCE I HAVE HAD IT UNTIL NOW. I HAVE NOT NEEDED TO HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED YET BECAUSE THE TREAD ON THE TIRES LOOK GOOD AND NOT WORN DOWN. I HAVE NOT NEEDED TO HAVE THE WHEELS ALIGNED EITHER. SO, THE TIRES HAVE NEVER BEEN TAKEN OFF OF THIS VEHICLE. NISSAN CLAIMS THAT THEY THINK THIS ISSUE IS RELATED TO LOOSE LUG NUTS. I CLAIM THAT THIS ISSUE DID NOT START UNTIL I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY HALFWAY HOME. I CLAIM THAT THIS ISSUE WAS FROM DEFECTIVE LUG NUTS. JUST 2 YEARS BEFORE, IN 2014, THERE WAS A RECALL NISSAN HAD RELATED TO LUG NUTS FOR PATHFINDERS AND THAT WAS RESOLVED, HOWEVER, IT IS REASONABLE TO THINK THAT THIS COULD BE ANOTHER POTENTIAL RECALL ISSUE. MY ADVICE FOR ANY ONE HAVING A 2016 PATHFINDER IS TO CHECK AND MAKE SURE THEIR LUG NUTS ARE NOT DEFECTIVE. I HAVE MUCH MORE DETAILS REGARDING THIS ISSUE THAT I CAN PROVIDE THAT SUPPORTS MY CASE. I FEAR THAT IF THIS HAPPENS TO SOMEONE ELSE, THERE IS A STRONG CHANCE THIS COULD END UP CAUSING A CRASH AND/OR GETTING OTHER PEOPLE KILLED. THE PAST RECALL IN 05/02/2014 THAT I MENTIONED IS RECALL NUMBER 14V229000, COMPONENT: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS. ALSO, I CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY WERE NOT HELPFUL.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/26/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR BODY REPAIRS. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO SHEEHY NISSAN OF GLEN BURNIE (LOCATED AT 7232 RITCHIE HWY, GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061, (410) 754-1777), BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 32615475. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

STEERING,WHEELS — Filed 03/29/2018

STEERING WHEEL GOT STUCK AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT

ENGINE,Other/Unknown — Filed 04/02/2018

I DROVE UP TO 16,000 MILES AND THEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY MADE A WEIRD SOUND. I WENT TO 2 NISSAN DEALERSHIPS TO CHECK IT OUT AND IT SAID IT WAS NORMAL FOR 2016 PATHFINDER.BUT WHILE DRIVING SOMETIMES IT WILL CAUSE A HUMMING NOISE LIKE A BEE AND ITS REALLY ANNOYING, I WENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND IT SAID IT WAS NORMAL, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 02/26/2018

ELECTRICAL PROBLEM RESULTED IN LOSS OF RPM AND BRAKES. COULD NOT SHUT OFF.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,WHEELS — Filed 01/21/2017

WHILE DRIVING OUR 2016 NISSAN PATHFINDER VEHICLE, WE FELT A SUDDEN VIBRATION AND THEN THE NEXT THING WE KNEW, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL (TIRE AND RIM) FELL OFF THE CAR. THE VEHICLE CAME DOWN ON WHAT REMAINED OF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY. I MANAGED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE ON THE ROAD UNTIL WE HAD ENOUGH SPEED TO THEN COAST TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE WHEEL THAT CAME OFF CONTINUED THROUGH AN OPEN FIELD AND COLLIDED WITH A PRIVATE PROPERTY FENCE, DAMAGING THE FENCE IN THE PROCESS. THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 6 OF US IN THE VEHICLE AND THANKFULLY, EVERYONE WAS WEARING THEIR SEAT BELTS. ONCE I CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO INJURIES, I CONTACTED A NEARBY TOWING COMPANY WHICH THEN TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FROM WHICH WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT HAD ANY WORK DONE THAT INVOLVES THE TIRES SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS AND NO DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE TO THE WHEELS OR THE VEHICLE AS A WHOLE SINCE THE TIME OF PURCHASE WHICH WAS AUGUST OF 2016. WE HAVE DROPPED OFF THE VEHICLE WITH THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP FROM WHERE WE PURCHASED IT AND AS OF THIS REPORT, ARE WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM THE COMPANY AS TO HOW THEY PLAN TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF THIS MISHAP IS NOT FULLY KNOWN AT THIS POINT. AT A MINIMUM, THE FENDER AND FENDER WELL, ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY, RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION, BRAKE SYSTEM, RIGHT FRONT TIRE ALL APPEAR TO HAVE SUSTAINED DAMAGE. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THERE HAS BEEN ANY COMPROMISE TO THE DRIVE TRAIN OR FRAME/CHASSIS COMPONENTS AS A RESULT OF THIS INCIDENT. THIS HAS CAUSED US GREAT CONCERN GIVEN THAT THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A LOSS OF LIFE OR SERIOUS INJURY DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION AND TYPE OF ROAD THAT IT MAY HAVE OCCURRED ON. WE WERE FORTUNATE THAT THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON A STRAIGHT AND LEVEL PORTION OF THE ROAD WITH VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC IN THE VICINITY. ...UPDATED 02/15/17 *BF

SEATS — Filed 09/23/2016

I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT AND WAS REAR ENDED AND MY TWO FRONT SEATS COLLAPSED. IF I WOULD HAVE HAD ANYONE IN THE BACKSEATS THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN BADLY INJURED OR DIED. *TR...UPDATED 12/22/16 *BF..UPDATED 04/11/17 *BF UPDATED 09/07/2017*JS