Nissan Pathfinder engine failure problems

Filed Aug 13, 2026 · Engine · VA

SLUDGE IN ENGINE- UNDER 100,000 MILES We had been keeping up with all recommended services, and it is cosmetically perfect, but the car is now a total loss. A Check Engine light came on, and we began to notice a tremor/shake and took it to Southern Team Nissan. The Nissan dealer diagnosed sludge in the engine and said it would need a total engine replacement. The Nissan dealer advised that the cost of that would be more than the car was worth. After they pulled the pan to check if there was definitely sludge, the car then shook so badly that it felt unsafe to drive. Research shows that this is a known issue, with many cases of documented VQ35DD sludge problems. We see many listed cases on this website under complaints for 2017 Nissan Pathfinders.

Filed May 28, 2026 · Engine · LA

The vehicle has developed a persistent and progressively worsening rattling noise from the engine during cold starts, along with intermittent rough operation. The symptoms are consistent with a malfunction or defect in the engine timing chain system, including possible timing chain stretch, timing chain tensioner failure, or related internal engine components. This condition presents a serious safety concern because the timing chain controls engine valve timing. A failure or severe degradation of this system could result in sudden engine stalling or complete engine failure while driving, increasing the risk of a crash without warning, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds. The issue began as an intermittent startup rattle and has steadily progressed in frequency and severity. No consistent warning lights were present in the early stages, which may delay driver awareness of an impending failure condition. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealership service department, and the concern was acknowledged, but no repair or corrective action has been performed. The condition remains unresolved and continues to progress. Based on owner reports and service feedback for similar vehicles equipped with this engine, this issue appears to reflect a potential widespread defect pattern affecting the timing chain and/or tensioner system in this engine family, rather than an isolated incident. Multiple reports describe similar symptoms occurring around similar mileage ranges, suggesting a possible systemic reliability defect. The vehicle is currently still operable but is operating with a known and worsening engine defect that could result in catastrophic engine failure without warning.

Filed Mar 14, 2026 · Engine · FL

⸻ My 2022 Nissan Pathfinder experienced a catastrophic engine failure at approximately 70,000 miles. The vehicle suddenly developed severe engine knocking and required a complete engine replacement. There were no engine warning lights or oil pressure warning lights prior to the failure. The vehicle had been maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals, including oil changes using full synthetic oil. The Nissan maintenance system indicates oil changes at approximately 10,000 mile intervals. Because there were no warning indicators prior to the failure, the issue occurred without any notice to the driver. A sudden engine failure without warning could present a potential safety risk if it occurred while driving in traffic or at highway speeds. The repair required a full engine replacement at a cost exceeding $8,000. The vehicle was just slightly outside the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty at the time of failure. Given the relatively low mileage and lack of warning indicators before the engine failure, I am submitting this complaint so the issue can be documented and evaluated for potential safety concerns or patterns of engine failure in this vehicle model.

Filed Jan 25, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · NY

Vehicle stalled on highway during extremely low outside temperatures and snow covered roadway. Engine malfuction, reduced power error code briefly appeared followed by a complete engine stall. Vechicle had no power and immediately needed to be steered to safety. Near whiteout conditions lead to an extremely dangerous situation, nearly causing a nearly collision. Prior to this incident, the vehicle had been at the dealership for a similar issue without complete engine stall. Dealer could not diagnose issue as no OBD codes remain after engine failure. This is an extremely dangerous vehicle. Immediate action is required.

Filed Dec 4, 2025 · Engine · 93,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted, and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated while starting the vehicle and pressing the Push to Start button. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that there was sludge in the engine oil. The mechanic stated that sludge was found in the oil due to a lack of regular oil changes. The contact disputed the claim and provided receipts that all oil changes were up to date. The contact had the engine taken apart by the dealer and an independent mechanic, and both discovered metal shavings inside the engine, which had resulted in the engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was repaired by the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Engine · NE

My 202 pathfinder started misfiring with sever knocking, Nissan said there is metal saving in my oil which is caused because of the long block engine failure and timing chain loosening. I had my oil changes done every 4K, and I also had the fluids flushed twice in 5 years because of excessive build up. How does this happen.

Filed Nov 29, 2025 · Engine · KY

Check engine light came in. Took into repair shop to change oil and diagnose issue. It was about 7,000 miles since previous oil change with full synthetic oil. Drained oil was full of metal shavings. Refilled oil and ran engine. Metal shavings was again observed in oil immediately. Mechanic stated vehicle needed a new engine. Noticed another complaint (#11674909) built around same time with exact same issue. Vehicle has ~160k miles with regular maintenace and only synthetic oil. There should not be engine damage at this point that would lead to a failure as this. Cost of repair is currently being worked up by repair shop but likely in $3-7k range.

Filed Nov 11, 2025 · Driver assistance · GA

Engine, ABS, Collison, Traction Control malfunction lights came on. I took it to the dealership and it was determined that the right wheel sensor was reading at 407 mph. After replacing the sensor, the lights came on within minutes of me leaving the dealership. The vehicle is at the dealership currently. With the recent engine replacement and returning within five days for the second issue twice is a safety risk given that the vehicle can brake at any minute while driving which can cause catatrophic danger to me and/or others. The service techs are not sure what is going on with the vehicle. No other issues occured prior to the engine replacement (October 9, 2025 - November 3, 2025 at the dealership) and now the malfunction of the sensors (November 7 - current) twice within days. Dominos effect of safety issues and defects.

Filed Nov 2, 2025 · Engine · GA

The engine failed due to coolant infiltration, which caused catastrophic damage and required a full engine replacement. The failed engine remains at Conyers Nissan and is available for inspection upon request. When the vehicle finally started, thick white smoke poured from the exhaust while it was in my garage with the garage door raised. I immediately removed my child from the vehicle and moved it outside to avoid potential fire or toxic fume exposure. The sudden failure created a serious safety risk to both myself and my child. . After failed multiple phone check-ins then finally going to Conyers Nissan, the shop foreman confirmed the problem on October 13, 2025, and determined that the engine must be replaced. To my knowledge, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by Nissan Corporate, insurance representatives, or law enforcement. There were no dashboard warning lamps, error messages, or prior symptoms before the failure. The vehicle had been operating normally until October 9, 2025, when it suddenly became difficult to start and then emitted smoke. All maintenance has been completed according to Nissan guidelines. The incident occurred on October 9, 2025, when the vehicle had 35,855 miles. It has remained at the dealership since that date. Despite the proposed engine replacement and any other associated component, I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle, particularly with my child onboard, due to the severity and suddenness of the failure. I sent an email to Nissan Consumer Affairs (case# 55923865) requesting that Nissan repurchase the vehicle due to this serious safety concern. The dealership stated they cannot give me an inspection report until the repairs are done. However on the status link that is sent via text to check on the vehicle, the inspection shows complete.

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · Engine · MO

Engine failure in my vehicle equipped with the VQ35DD engine, which I believe is the result of a widespread and well-documented design defect involving internal sludge buildup. I have owned this vehicle for over five years and have followed the recommended routine maintenance schedule, including on-time oil changes using high-quality oil. At no point during any inspection, service, or maintenance appointment was I informed of any sludge buildup or concerns with the engine. Only after a serious mechanical failure did the Nissan servicing dealership claim the engine was full of sludge, subsequently recommending an engine replacement. Despite my diligence in maintaining the vehicle, I am now facing an engine replacement that was entirely unexpected and has created a safety risk due to loss of motive power. This could have resulted in a serious accident, and I believe this issue merits urgent and transparent attention. Upon researching this issue, I found dozens of similar complaints from other owners with VQ35DD engines, many of whom reported premature engine failure, sludge accumulation, and PCV system defects—despite maintaining their vehicles properly. This issue is being widely discussed on forums, including: [XXX] [XXX] It is unacceptable that Nissan has not issued a technical service bulletin, recall, or extended warranty to address this problem, particularly when it may stem from a known defect in the PCV system or engine design (such as poor oil flow, crankcase ventilation failure, or GDI-related contamination). Given the facts outlined above and the potential safety hazard, a full investigation should be taken to help Nissan customers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)