⸻ 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.
Nissan Pathfinder knocking problems
64 of the 7,333 owner complaints about the Nissan Pathfinder describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 1995 model year.
- owner complaints
- 64
- worst model year
- 1995
- typical repair cost reported
- $5,400
- typical mileage
- 79,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 7Engine failure 5Won't shift 2Overheating 2Hesitation 2ABS 2Won't start 1Whining noise 1
Trouble codes mentioned
U1000 1P0717 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted, and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated while starting the vehicle and pressing the Push to Start button. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that there was sludge in the engine oil. The mechanic stated that sludge was found in the oil due to a lack of regular oil changes. The contact disputed the claim and provided receipts that all oil changes were up to date. The contact had the engine taken apart by the dealer and an independent mechanic, and both discovered metal shavings inside the engine, which had resulted in the engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was repaired by the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
My 202 pathfinder started misfiring with sever knocking, Nissan said there is metal saving in my oil which is caused because of the long block engine failure and timing chain loosening. I had my oil changes done every 4K, and I also had the fluids flushed twice in 5 years because of excessive build up. How does this happen.
My 2018 Nissan Pathfinder started knocking at 75000 miles and it’s getting worse by the day I’ve paid my car payment down to 4000$ and now I’m told my motor is soon to go out.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle while driving over a speed bump. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a fractured rear sub-frame. The contact was informed that the sub-frame was corroded. The contact was informed that the rear sub-frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 262,000.
I was driving my Pathfinder and I experienced engine failure. It is a four year old engine with 170000 miles on it that has been properly maintained. The engine was knocking and would not accelerate on the highway past 40 mph. When I finally stopped the car, it would not restart. I read an article where this type of engine failure was consistent with the Rogue and Altimas that you were already investigating and I was wondering if the Pathfinder had a related investigation going on.
There's been a loss of power when accelerating, engine has made an odd noise during startup and occasionally a knocking noise when driven longer than a 10 mins. Dealership said there's metal in the oil pan. I saw an article today that said only nissan three and four cylinder vehicles have these issues but my pathfinder has the same problems.
Significant knocking from front of vehicle. Took to mechanic and had front transfer case replaced due to metal breaking off assembly. Could have caused failure while driving.
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard as the vehicle failed to stop as needed without warning. The contact stated that her husband was forced to place the vehicle into park(P) to avoid a collision. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle was low on brake fluid. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure returned. The contact also stated that the Back Over Prevention camera had failed to operate as needed. The contact also noticed that an abnormal ticking sound was coming from the vehicle. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150.
Engine pinging/knocking and engine hesitation / surging most obvious in second gear steady throttle around 2k rpm. Doesn't matter what gas is used. Engine hesitation and pinging/knocking is getting worse. NISSAN states its normal operation.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Nissan is recalling certain model year 2011 infiniti fx, model year 2012 infiniti m, model year 2011-2012 nissan frontier, model year 2011-2012 nissan xterra, model year 2011-2012 nissan pathfinder, and model year 2012 nissan nv vehicles. Some of the bolts that connect the engine oil cooler and the engine oil filter to the engine in these vehicles may have been manufactured to below specification strength. As a result, the bolt may break at the oil filter attachment point and can cause an engine oil leak.
- Risk
- If there is an engine oil leak, the engine oil pressure would drop and the engine could seize, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector bolts free of charge. The safety recall began on january 30, 2012. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 11V592000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Nissan is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 armada, titan, infiniti qx56 and model year 2005-2006 frontier, pathfinder and xterra vehicles. The intelligent power distribution module (ipdm) assembly contains an engine control module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction. The ECM relay may allow silicon vapor to form and, over time, the silicon evaporates from the diode molding which causes silicon oxide to develop on the ECM relay contact due to arcing.
- Risk
- This could cause engine stalling increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ECM relay inside the ipdm assembly. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on december 6, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 10V517000 · Recall details
Questions about the Nissan Pathfinder knocking
Which Nissan Pathfinder years have engine knocking or ticking problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1995 (8 complaints), 2015 (8 complaints) and 2006 (7 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine knocking or ticking on the Nissan Pathfinder?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $5,400 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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