Nissan Pathfinder harsh shifting problems

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Suspension · AZ

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, purchased new in June 2025. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced multiple recurring mechanical and safety concerns that remain unresolved despite approximately four dealership repair visits and nine days out of service. The vehicle experiences excessive vibration during startup, while idling, and when placed in reverse. It also makes a noticeable clunking noise when shifting into park and an intermittent metallic grinding noise during cold starts. At times, the vehicle feels as though it may stall, and the engine RPMs fluctuate while the air conditioning begins blowing warm air. Additionally, the vehicle has displayed a collision warning system malfunction, experienced an unexpected battery failure, and required strut replacement. Motor mount concerns have also been identified. Despite repeated dealership visits, several issues remain unresolved. The dealership has repeatedly stated that certain problems could not be duplicated, even though I have video evidence documenting some of the symptoms. I am concerned about the possibility of unexpected power loss, mechanical failure, and malfunctioning collision safety systems, particularly while transporting my children. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate these potential safety defects and determine whether other 2025 Nissan Pathfinder owners are experiencing similar issues.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

My 2025 Nissan Pathfinder has experienced recurring transmission problems, including unexpectedly switching from Automatic Drive into Manual 1st Gear without driver input. During some incidents, the vehicle failed to accelerate as expected while entering traffic, creating a collision risk. XXX: While driving on XXX in [XXX], the transmission hesitated during acceleration at approximately 20 mph. Engine RPM exceeded 3,000 before shifting, with rough or delayed shifting. XXX: While stopped at a traffic light near [XXX], the vehicle unexpectedly shut off. The instrument cluster went blank except for a flashing Neutral indicator. I could not engage Drive until restarting the vehicle. XXX: While driving approximately 10–20 mph in [XXX], the vehicle unexpectedly switched from Automatic into Manual 1st Gear without driver input. I stopped and restored Automatic mode. XXX: While exiting a parking lot and merging into traffic in [XXX], the vehicle unexpectedly switched into Manual 1st Gear. It did not accelerate as expected, creating a near-collision situation. XXX While exiting a gas station driveway onto a main road, the vehicle again unexpectedly entered Manual 1st Gear. I noticed the change only after attempting to accelerate and experiencing inadequate acceleration. Nissan inspected the vehicle at Bellevue Nissan and Younker Nissan in [XXX]. On XXX, Younker could not reproduce the problem, found no stored trouble codes, and documented no repair. On XXX, I brought the vehicle to Lithia Nissan of [XXX], for a third inspection at 11,215 miles. Results are pending. The cause remains unknown. I am concerned about unexpected transmission mode changes, inadequate acceleration, and vehicle shutdown creating a serious collision risk. I request the federal safety agency review this potential safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 15, 2025 · Transmission · NY

The transmission shudders. Causes jerking and hard shifts that makes the car move in unwanted ways. Car may shut off if shutter gets too hard. It’s pretty bad , even the repairs do not fix the issue. This definitely needs to be a recall for Nissan to take a look at

Filed Aug 18, 2025 · Suspension · OH

Heard loud clunk from passenger rear of vehicle, then started hearing binding clunk noise from rear when going over bumps or turning at certain points. Inspection of rear suspension area on rear passenger side revealed a sub-frame that had rusted to the point a suspension part had broken from the frame and was sitting in a hole in the sub frame instead. Surrounding areas of undercarriage not rusted like the sub frame was.... The frame of a vehicle rusting to point of breakage at only 11 years old is a safety hazard suspension wise.....Suspension parts bolted to the sub-frame at multiple points.

Filed Sep 1, 2024 · Steering · MS

There is a loud popping/clunk sound when standing still and turning the wheel either left or right. It’s like metal is catching and then pressure finally pushes a part over another and it pops loud. It does not affect the steering or suspension quality.

Filed May 23, 2024 · Body · 141,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, she observed a clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that water had intruded into the driver’s side sub frame where it was rusted and fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,000.

Filed Jun 26, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · OH

Electrical: Stereo display and infotainment system often freezes, lags, or has performance issues that cause delays in Camera system from functioning, radio functionality, and connected audio sources from functioning. Has already been replaced, and replacement now has severe backlighting issues, sound quality is reduced. Transmission: transmission often jerks or “clunks” when shifting. Issue occurs when at a complete stop to Drive, or Park to Reverse. Severe delay when shifting. Transmission “reprogram” and “patch/update” was performed but only provided slight improvement. Brakes: Upon warming up, brakes sound like grinding, wobble, and sounds like metal against metal. Car has been in repair numerous times since purchase without proper repair.

Filed Nov 30, 2020 · Transmission · 146,000 miles · KS

While driving, from a stop, a loud clunk occurred and the vehicle would not shift out of low gear. Upon arrival at home and inspection, it was noted that the coolant was contaminated with a dark fluid. The vehicle will not engage any gear at this time and is not drivable. Research indicates that suspected cause is cross contamination between coolant and transmission fluid, most likely due to radiator deficiency.

Filed Jun 22, 2020 · Engine · 34,000 miles · NJ

Noticed that a loud clacking/clunking noise was coming from the front of the hood. Noise seemed to only be apparent when A/C is turned on. It seems that the cooling fan is defective.

Filed Jun 10, 2020 · Engine · 61,200 miles · MN

Noticed that a loud clacking/clunking noise was coming from the front of the hood when I pulled into garage. Noise seemed to only be apparent when A/C turned on. Brought car to dealer and it was determined that the cooling fan was defective. Seems like this is a very common problem that nissan refuses to address. The nissan pathfinder needs to be recalled and have the cooling systems replaced.