Nissan Pathfinder jerking problems

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Steering · ID

My brand new Pathfinder platinum 2026 is very hard to drive on grooved concrete roads. It tramlines severely and the car sways dangerously back and forth needing constant steering adjustments. I believe it could be the Bridgestone Alenza tires on it but not 100% sure. It is very dangerous and the general manager at Nampa Idaho has told me is is aware of this problem too but there is nothing he can do. I had to exit the freeway when this happened because the car was jerking back and forth so bad. All steering assist was turned off so that is not the issue. This has happened 4 times now on grooved roads. Tires are correctly inflated to manufactures advised weight.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · TX

I leased this 2024 Nissan Pathfinder new, and the issue began almost immediately, at approximately 13 miles. I initially noticed intermittent stuttering and the vehicle jumping or lurching forward following acceleration. Because I trusted the Nissan brand and initially assumed the behavior may have been related to normal vehicle operation or user error, I did not immediately pursue the issue. At approximately 21,000 miles, the problems became significantly more frequent and pronounced. I began experiencing unexpected engine shutoffs, as well as instances where the Auto Hold feature would fail to disengage when I attempted to accelerate. These incidents have occurred in carpool lines, pharmacy drive-through lines, at red lights, and at stop signs. The most concerning incident occurred when the vehicle stalled and shut off while I was stopped at a red light. Because the vehicle was immobile, I had to continuously honk to alert approaching drivers. A truck approaching from behind came dangerously close to rear-ending my vehicle. This incident raised serious concerns about the safety of the vehicle, particularly because I regularly transport my children. The unexpected engine shutoffs, stuttering/lurching, and failure of the vehicle to respond normally when accelerating present an ongoing safety concern. The vehicle has been taken to Nissan dealerships for inspection, and I have also reported these concerns to Nissan Consumer Affairs. Despite multiple service visits and reports, the issues have continued. Nissan has indicated that it has been unable to duplicate the condition. However, the circumstances under which I experience the problem are not necessarily replicated during dealership testing. For example, the vehicle has experienced these issues while sitting for extended periods in pharmacy drive-through lines, carpool pickup lines, and other stop-and-go situations, as well as while stopped at traffic signals and stop signs. I am reporting this vehicle to the federal safety agency

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 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 Jan 18, 2026 · Transmission · AR

transmission started jerking & went out leaving me stranded.

Filed Jan 7, 2026 · Engine, Tires · 100,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot at unknown speeds, the vehicle began jerking and stalled. The battery had become inoperable. The TPMS message was displayed. The failure was linked to Technical Service Bulletin: NTB15-015h. The local dealer was called and informed the contact that the failure was related to the CVT transmission and confirmed there was no coverage for the repair of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Dec 10, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 3,500 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made abnormal sounds, and the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle jerked backwards while shifting from park(P) to drive(D), and the windshield wipers remained stuck in the middle of the windshield for three minutes after activation. The contact stated that the battery was replaced after two months of purchasing the vehicle new. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 3,500.

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 24, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

Car started jerking multiple times and then RPM went down to zero and stopped driving while in traffic.