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Nissan Pathfinder cvt failure problems

200 of the 7,336 owner complaints about the Nissan Pathfinder describe cVT failure, most of them for the 2014 model year.

owner complaints
200
worst model year
2014
typical repair cost reported
$6,000
typical mileage
25,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Shudder 86Jerking 41Transmission failure 40Hesitation 26Check engine light 23Loss of power 22Stalling 18Slipping 9

Trouble codes mentioned

P17F1 3P17F0 3P2813 1P0776 1P0420 1B2603 1

What owners say

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Brakes, Lights · 100,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered significantly while idling, and the failure persisted while accelerating from a complete stop and while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) failed. The check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the stopping distance was extended while depressing the brake pedal, and the brake lights were intermittently inoperable. The contact associated the failure with a recall; however, the VIN was not included in a recall associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jul 14, 2026 · Engine, Suspension · LA

2014 Nissan Parhfinder FWD Premium: this vehicles CVT joint failed that shirt the engine down to about 10 miles an hour immediately. Which caused me the driver to find a place to pull it off the road quickly. If a person or myself could not have a point to pull off the road or someone was behind then could have been rear ended the vehicle and major damage to the vehicle or person driving. Which there was and they were about to go around the pathfinder. The vehicle also may have blown the transmission. Unknown damage right now. But the pathfinder stalled out two times while driving it before it shut totally down on the hwy. I had contacted Nissan and we never got together on a date and time for a phone call with an Arbitration specialist. I had called them back several times and never could connect with them.

Filed May 19, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

Vehicle has known CVT judder issue. Now they (Nissan) claim the only way to remedy is a complete transmission replacement. The car is my wife’s vehicle and can be very touchy often causing distracted driving in reality. Occuring nearly since purchase in Oct. 2013.

Filed May 9, 2026 · Transmission · PA

The vehicle is a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder experiencing a major transmission/CVT failure that creates serious safety concerns. Only 69 days after purchase, the transmission began failing and the vehicle became unsafe and unreliable to operate. The vehicle experiences severe transmission-related drivability problems, including hesitation, loss of proper acceleration, delayed response when attempting to move, jerking/shifting issues, and concern that the vehicle may suddenly lose the ability to move or maintain speed while driving. These issues create a dangerous situation, especially while driving in traffic, entering highways, crossing intersections, or transporting passengers. The transmission failure affects the vehicle’s ability to safely accelerate and maintain normal operation. A sudden loss of power or inability to properly accelerate could increase the risk of a crash, rear-end collision, or becoming stranded in traffic. The condition became severe enough that the vehicle is no longer dependable transportation. After the failure, the vehicle was evaluated by Nissan and I was informed the transmission showed signs of serious pre-existing issues. I was also advised there were possible indications that diagnostic trouble codes may have been cleared or hidden before the vehicle was sold, preventing the full condition of the vehicle from being discovered before purchase. The estimated repair cost is approximately $15,000. Due to the severity of the transmission defect, I do not believe the vehicle is safe for normal operation without major repair or replacement of the transmission/CVT system. This defect has created significant safety concerns for myself, my family, and others on the road because of the risk of sudden transmission failure, inability to safely accelerate, or loss of vehicle movement during operation.

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Transmission · 118,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, there was a slight jerking or hesitation before the vehicle accelerated. The failure was intermittent. While driving approximately 45 MPH after stopping at a stoplight, the vehicle shuddered and pulled to the left. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel to the right to avoid a crash. The vehicle was pulled over and parked. The vehicle was turned off until a friend arrived at the scene to assist. The friend started the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to respond in drive or in reverse. The vehicle was towed to the residence. Several days later, when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle failed to operate. The vehicle was inspected by two persons with automotive knowledge, and the contact was informed that the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) had failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Transmission · FL

CVT judder problems on acceleration

Filed Mar 10, 2026 · FL

The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) assembly failed completely, rendering the vehicle inoperable. The transmission is currently available for inspection at the independent service center where repairs are being performed. The vehicle was purchased in September 2025 with approximately [UNKNOWN/LOW] mileage. Within the first week of ownership, the driver experienced violent shuddering and juddering when attempting to accelerate. This symptom worsened over a few days, eventually progressing to complete transmission failure — the vehicle could no longer accelerate or move under its own power. An independent transmission specialist identified a faulty casting in the CVT torque converter that caused internal belt/chain slippage. Once slippage began, the entire CVT assembly was damaged beyond repair. The specialist confirmed this is a known manufacturing defect in 2013 Nissan Pathfinders, not a result of owner misuse or maintenance neglect. A full CVT replacement was required.The sudden loss of transmission function while the vehicle was in operation created an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle could not accelerate when needed and could not be safely operated on roadways. This defect creates an unreasonably dangerous situation and increases the risk of crash or collision, particularly in traffic situations where acceleration is needed to avoid hazards. YES — The failure was confirmed and diagnosed by an independent transmission service center. The specialist identified the faulty torque converter casting as the root cause and confirmed this is a known defect pattern in 2013 Pathfinder CVT transmissions. The transmission is available for inspection. The vehicle was NOT inspected by a Nissan dealership prior to repair. The owner contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs multiple times (via phone and written correspondence) before taking the vehicle to the independent service center, but did not receive assistance or an inspection appointment.

Filed Feb 7, 2026 · Transmission · NC

I was traveling posted speed limit of 65 suddenly the tac was rising and speed was decreasing i stopped on shoulder and the car would not move in drive or reverse then after I stopped the check engine light came on no issues prior to this purchased car 4 days prior to this incident the codes that auto zone pulled were po776 po965 p2813 p0841all related to the cvt transmission which I have now seen this has been a reoccurring problem I see they did a recall for 2013 models and also where they replaced 67 that were still on dealership property looks like their needed to be a recall in 2014 as well guess they didn't want to have a loss two years back to back let the consumers pay the price for them not to look bad

Filed Jan 24, 2026 · Engine · FL

I purchased a 2014 Nissan PathFinder SUV from Dominguez Pro Advisory LLC located at 19200 SW 106th Avenue, Miami, Fl. 33157-Bay- # 22-23 on [XXX] and the transmission is bad. I replace two parts one called motor mount and the other air intake. I called and spoke with the owner Ceaser Dominguez on January 24, 2026 at 3:03 pm and he stated that he could not do anything when this vehicle only has 12 days of purchase. I took the vehicle to a transmission place called American INT Transmission and spoke with Carlos Martinez and he ran the computer and the code that came up was P17F0 which is CVT Judder (T/M INSPECTION ) TRANSMISSION PROBLEM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 11, 2026 · Transmission · TX

My car has been having issues with what seems to be the transmission. This Nissan Pathfinder has CVT, which is continuous variable transmission. Three months ago I had a radiator blowout and had to change that and the thermostat. I believe that it was due to the transmission issues. currently I have an oil leak and I believe it’s due to your issues with the transmission.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and linesReported March 26, 2014 · 3,065 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan North America (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013 Pathfinder vehicles manufactured April 18, 2012, through October 3, 2012, and equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In the affected vehicles, the internal oil cooler (ITOC) hose may detach from the cooler due to inadequate clamping force, allowing transmission fluid to leak.
Risk
The loss of transmission fluid could cause the transmission to function improperly and the vehicle to stop accelerating, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install an oil hose repair kit, free of charge. The recall began on May 12, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 14V142000 · Recall details

Questions about the Nissan Pathfinder cvt failure

Which Nissan Pathfinder years have cVT failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2014 (79 complaints), 2013 (76 complaints) and 2015 (27 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix CVT failure on the Nissan Pathfinder?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $6,000 (median of 24 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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