Nissan Pathfinder won't shift problems

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 43,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into neutral(N). The check engine, seat belt, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle briefly experienced unintended acceleration without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The transmission failed to shift to drive(D) and remained stuck in neutral(N). The contact drove the vehicle at reduced speeds to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the mass air flow (MAF) sensor had failed and there was carbon buildup in the throttle body. The contact was informed that MAF sensor and throttle body needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

Filed May 12, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Issues with alternator, oil leakage, and currently the transmission. After sitting idle for 10 to 15 minutes transmission will not shift out of first gear. It has become dangerous to drive the vehicle due to not being able to properly accelerate resulting in the possibility of being hit if driver pulls into traffic. The vehicle has been taken to local Nissan dealership several times without the issue being resolved. Currently, the dealership has had the vehicle for over 30 days and still has no solution for fixing the issue. Vehicle has less than 13,000 miles on it. When the transmission problem began the vehicle had less than 8,000 miles on it. Other issues with the vehicle began when vehicle was only a few months old and had less than 4,000 miles.

Filed Feb 20, 2026 · Transmission · AK

While driving at highway speeds, my 2025 Nissan Pathfinder suddenly loses power and enters limp mode with no warning. The dashboard displays: “Engine Malfunction – Power Reduced – Service Now.” When this happens, the vehicle cannot accelerate and struggles to maintain speed, creating a serious safety hazard in traffic. This has occurred multiple times. First time was on January 6th - entered highway and car stalled, was able to pull over and have the car towed to the dealer and they stated, "cannot replicate the issue". Second time February 15th - car stalled on highway and Husband was able to pull over and restart the car. Third time was February 18th - car entered limp mode on the highway, car was towed to the dealer and they have yet again stated, "cannot replicate the issue". During each event, the Pathfinder rapidly decelerates, and I am forced to pull over immediately to avoid being hit from behind. The loss of propulsion happens suddenly and without any driver input. This places me and other drivers in danger, especially at high speeds and on icy Alaska roads. Two of the times was during snowstorms with low visibility. Attempts to Repair: I have taken the vehicle to the Nissan dealership. The dealer states they “cannot replicate the issue” and returns the vehicle without repair. However, the warning message and limp-mode event clearly indicate an engine or powertrain failure. The issue continues to reoccur despite these visits. Safety Concern: Because the vehicle loses power in fast-moving traffic and enters limp mode, it poses a substantial risk of collision or injury. This defect could cause a serious accident, especially at highway speeds or in winter driving conditions.

Filed Dec 21, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · FL

VIN [XXX] Date of Incident: December 21, 2025 Location: I-295 South, merging onto I-95 South, Jacksonville, FL Vehicle: 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, VIN [XXX] Owner: [XXX] Witness: [XXX] Phone Number: [XXX] Email Address: [XXX] Incident Description: While driving on I-295 South, merging onto I-95 South at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The gas pedal became completely stuck to the floor, and I had to keep my foot on the brakes to try to slow the vehicle. Every time I lifted my foot off the brakes, the car would accelerate again. I had to gently pat the brakes repeatedly to slow the vehicle. Once I was finally able to slow the vehicle and bring it to a stop while keeping my foot on the brakes, I tried to shift the car into Park, but it would not go into Park and the gas pedal remained stuck to the floor. I had to turn off the engine completely before the gas pedal released and the car could be shifted into Park. My husband, Alan Moore, was in the car and witnessed all of these events. This incident created a life-threatening situation. The vehicle had previously been taken to the dealership for fuel consumption issues, but no problem was found at that time. Additional Information: The vehicle is unsafe to drive, and I am requesting immediate escalation to Nissan North America for buyback or replacement, as well as a loaner vehicle while this matter is under review. VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 18, 2025 · Driver assistance, Transmission · TX

1. 1st week having car was leaving to go on a trip, I pulled into a gas station. A driver pulled up next to us and told us we had no break lights. ( it was still dark outsid!) I got out of my car and have my wife step on the breaks, and sure enough no break lights. It was set on standard head lights on! We found that putting it into the auto light setting that we then had break lights. (break lights should never be discounted)! 2. 2nd problem my wife & I have had when going into traffic on the interstate, is the car locks into low gear and will not shift!!! Major safty issure!!!! This has happen 6 times in the last 2.5 months. Almost cause a car slaming into us twice.

Filed Aug 5, 2025 · Transmission · MA

5x my Suv in drive popped either out of gear or just would not shift into the next gear. My main concern is i was coming up a hill into a 4 land highway (route 6 and my car would not shift the transmission was whining loud?. I had to shut my car off in the middle of 4 lanes with oncoming traffic to put it in park to get it to shift back into drive to get out of harms way. This happened 4 more times where I had to just stop where i was to put car in park and try it again in drive, which usually fixes it except for 1x would not take off at all. When whines its almost as if the car transmission would blow. No one can recreate this issue so i am stuck with the car that does it randomly. Example bought it new Feb 2025 it is now August & happened 5 times. Hoping they do a recall or sometype of fix I do like my Suv & would like to keep it.

Filed Jul 11, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · LA

While driving on the interstate with my family, my 2023 Nissan Pathfinder suddenly began to fail (limp Mode), forcing me to pull onto the shoulder in a dangerous situation.I was in the farthest lane to the left, with no shoulder available. I had to cruise all the way across two lanes with NO acceleration, but my flashers and the grace of god. The issue appears related to the mass airflow sensor, which was already replaced six months ago. I’ve had repeated issues, and neither the dealership nor Nissan has resolved it. The dealership manager even told me rudely that he would unplug the mass air flow sensor and leave it up front for me to come pick it up, because of my attitude. I told him at the beginning of the call that I was frustrated, and it was nothing personally against him. I even asked what did I say to have you make a comment like that. This vehicle is unsafe and unreliable, and I fear for my family's safety the next time I drive it.

Filed Apr 30, 2025 · VA

After my fiance passed from cancer in February. I saved 10g for me and our kids to get to school and work. The Carfax report only showed one recall at that time. I only drove that truck a week and almost died multiple times with my family. The truck just would go into limp mode. I found later that Nissin America had recalled the CVT / Judder/ transmission. It was recalled and never fixed! That was on no report I saw. I thought I found a great vehicle for my family and I bought a death trap. How can a recall of such importance like the transmission needing to be replaced and paid for by Nissan. It's 7 thousand dollars. I would have never bought that vehicle if all the information on that vehicle was on the report. How can you take something so dangerous and allow it to be sold to the public not knowing thst it was never repaired. The previous owners were never notified of the recall which is why is was never fixed. Nissan told me it was covered up to 81,000 miles or you had until 2024 to get it repaired or whichever came first. My family is about to lose everything. I can't even drive to hilltop to get my plates. I still haven't been able to drive it. It is a death trap. This vehicle should not have ever been resold with such a significant issue like the transmission! I feel like i was just robbed ten thousand dollars. I'm disabled and had plans to return to school. My sons wrestling future is now over. Everyone lost their jobs because I can't drive anyone. I can't even go to the store without worrying I'm going to die in that truck. This is so wrong. I am praying that you can help me make this right. The truck had a recall that was removed yet never fixed. A danger to the public and my family.Thank you for your time.

Filed Oct 1, 2024 · Electrical, Transmission · VA

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 3 MPH in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. An Advanced Auto mechanic determined that the battery was drained. The mechanic replaced the battery. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a U-turn, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull into a nearby AAA parking lot, where the vehicle was jumpstarted. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving and turning. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot, where the vehicle was jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with CVT judder. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under TSB Number: NTB17-039N. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 8, 2024 · Suspension · KS

Hello, I've purchased my Nissan pathfinder 2013 2 yrs ago . And fell in love with it. But since June 2014, it has been sitting due to the transmission going out and or stopping mid traffic. Putting my life in danger. It finally wouldn't go into gear anymore. It wouldn't go forward or backwards. I had it towed to house. We're it sits. No shops want to work on it because they are difficult to work on..I'm stuck making payments on something I can't drive. I see it has recalls on my vehicle online but not for my specific vin number..makes no sense to me..why not my vin number when in fact it's my vehicle on recalls? The exact name model and year??