2015 Nissan Pathfinder: jerking or lurching

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Engine · TX

While driving at a rate of 20mph +, the pathfinder will start jerking back and forth then turn off. This happened in the middle of a highway lane. Good thing no one was hurt. This was also sudden

Filed Oct 22, 2025 · Transmission · MS

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and vibrated, causing the steering wheel to lock up. The contact used force to maneuver the steering wheel. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. A mobile mechanic arrived at the residence and inspected the vehicle. The contact was informed that the CVT transmission had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred, and the contact parked the vehicle. The vehicle was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 10, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · SC

My car jolts/jerks in park as soon as it’s crunk up. Have been to the shop 9 times since June. Last 4 times has been Nissan Dealership, had $3000+ worth of work/replacement done. My engine is still continuing to do the same thing. Nissan said past 2 times that it was ignition coils, because they replace plug wires, but they’ve been replaced 3 times now and still the same issue ? Sounds more like CVT or timing chain issue. No codes were thrown past 2 times either

Filed Feb 12, 2024 · Acceleration · AL

While driving my Pathfinder, the transmission hesitated, jerked, and spuddered while trying to merge into traffic. Almost caused a severe accident. This was not the first time this has happened and Nissan refuses to do anything about the CVT transmission that apparently has been recalled in the past as well as had lawsuits against it. There are no warning lights or notice at all before this happens.

Filed Apr 27, 2023 · Transmission · 121,320 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving from a complete stop. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the CarMax where the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,320.

Filed Aug 22, 2022 · Engine · VA

When driving, many times while going uphill, the car starts to jerk if I press the gas it jerks more. I have to let go of the gas and then press to go fast for it to stop. At times, it has caused for other cars to rear end or for me to go into another car. The jerkin is becoming a safety hazard for me and I’ve only had the car since July. This is my first Nissan ever and would have never imagined to experience such issues.

Filed Jun 14, 2022 · Transmission · VA

Purchased my vehicle new not long after (less than 200 miles) I started having a jerking (which felt to be in the transmission) at the speed of 20-25 mph. I literally would have to let up off the fuel to make it stop. Give it fuel again making sure I go past the 20-25 mph (which isn't good in school zones) I have had it to the Nissan Dealer 3x for this problem and was told that "Nothing" showed up on the Diagnostic Test. I haven't taken it back since. I was approached by an individual who owned a 2012 Pathfinder and he asked me if I had any problem with my car at the speed of 20-25mph? I said yes and what a conversation we had. My car currently has 27,775 actual miles, I'm to nervous to drive it on a long distance from home! With the jerking and I know it has something to do with the transmission (overhauled motors back in the day) there's No Way I'm going to be left stranded. It's quite a shame really I spent all that money (paid in full) and I'm unable to use my car for a long trip due to fear of becoming stranded because of a Manu. BooBoo

Filed Sep 9, 2021 · TN

We bought our car from Newton Nissan south in 2019 it’s a 2015 and has a CTV transmission well now the CTV transmission will not switch into any other gears it jerks and shakes bucks etc I have read that this is a on going issues with this type of transmission well because the in-service date being 2015 the warranty does not cover the car even thought we didn’t purchase it will 2019 I’m trying to see what can be done about this because it’s not a uncommon issue for this type of transmission

Filed Oct 28, 2020 · Transmission · 71,000 miles · NY

Good day. Since the 1st day of purchasing this vehicle I was experiencing issues with transmission like hesitation, jerking / shuddering / shaking and abnormal whining noise while driving at low speeds. I was not aware about nissan's major CVT issues until recently. Vehicle's braking is affected because of this abnormal transmission's operation as the vehicle does not immediately stop as needed or requested instead often slipping occurs when downshifting to lower gears. Nissan service center was visited once about a year ago or less. I was told that the software for transmission was somehow missing on the vehicle, without explaining how can a vehicle be manufactured without transmission software. After installing the software, the dealership was unable to pin point what is the problem with my vehicle. I was charged about $140 without being provided a clear diagnose, but was told that most likely the car needs a new transmission. Control valve body was replaced since then, however vehicle drives the same exact way. Please, advise how can get assistance from.

Filed Sep 15, 2020 · Acceleration · TX

To whom it may concern; I hope that this email doesn't fall under deaf ears and someone can reach out and assist me with my vehicle problem. This is a safety concern and needs your immediate attention. I have taken the vehicle to my local dealership who has informed me that this is a manufactory problem. I have three lovely kids that depend on their mother to drive them around. As a loyal nissan owner, the brand history and quality is why I have been with you for years and the reason I invested in the purchase of your vehicle (brand new). My entire family has always been nissan loyal customers for years and this has eroded our concerns in the quality and brand. My family and I have never experienced this poor quality on previous vehicles that we purchased in the past so this is why I come to you now that the dealership is unable to assist us. I hope this last effort to reach out to you and address my safety concerns. We expect that you are as loyal to your customers as your customers are loyal to you when there is an issue. My vehicle seems to shudders (jerks and stutters) during acceleration or driving for no apparent reason. It has happened several times and without warning and for no apparent reason. My local dealership inspected the vehicle and informed me that this is a manufactory issue/defect and I needed to contact you. I attached a copy of the dealership inspection. I reviewed the us the federal safety agency website and noticed several similar issues related to my model from various customers seem to have this problem. Please review and informed me what course of action I need to proceed. We wait for your response and hope to see this matter resolved.

Filed Feb 21, 2020 · Transmission · 62,000 miles · FL

The vehicle shakes, jerks and shudders during acceleration at low speeds I.e. 20-40 MPH. It feels like it stalls and then goes again. This happened in traffic on the freeway and on the freeway on ramp, in a roundabout and just turning or going through a light. After some research it appears it is the CVT transmission. The vehicle also has a very loud AC blower inside. It sounds like a jet engine when the fan is turned higher.

Filed Jan 15, 2020 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · WA

This vehicle jerks and stutters at low speeds, like the transmission doesn't know what to do and also doesn't always shift into the gear it should be in. I can also feel that the car seems faintly jittery at highway speeds, even on new pavement. I have researched this and the 2015 pathfinders have a CVT transmission like the 2013-2014 models that were, apparently, recalled there are many complaints and concerns for this model year as well, I wonder why no action has been taken to resolve this consistent defect.