Nissan Pathfinder Common Problems

The Pathfinder is Nissan's seven-seat family SUV. Most used examples are the R52 (2013 to 2020), a car-based monocoque with front-wheel drive or on-demand AWD, the 3.5 litre VQ35DE V6 (VQ35DD direct-injection V6 from the Series II update in 2017) and a Jatco CVT8 automatic. A 2.5 litre supercharged hybrid with the same CVT was also sold. The older R51 (2005 to 2013) is a body-on-frame 4WD with the 2.5 litre YD25DDTi diesel, the 4.0 litre VQ40DE petrol V6 or, from 2010, the 3.0 litre V9X V6 diesel. The current R53 uses a 3.5 litre V6 with a 9-speed automatic. The R52's reputation rests on its CVT; the R51 diesels share the D40 Navara's weak points.

CVT judder, hesitation and failure (R52 Jatco CVT8, 2013 to 2020)

The chain-driven CVT in the R52 can judder when pulling away or accelerating gently below about 60 km/h, hesitate or lose drive, and in the worst cases fail outright. Nissan issued a string of bulletins for early cars covering software updates, torque converter replacement and full CVT replacement when fault codes such as P17F0 appear. Some owners here report failures at mid to high kilometres, mostly on 2014 to 2016 cars, and a replacement CVT outside warranty is very expensive. Series II cars from 2017 appear to attract fewer complaints, but a CVT with no fluid service history is still a risk.

Cooling fan failure (R52, 2013 to 2020)

A few R52 owners report noisy or failed electric radiator fans, often from worn bearings. The first sign is a rattle or whine when the fans cut in, or the engine running hot in traffic. Some owners report dealer quotes of around $2,000 for the twin fan assembly; aftermarket units are cheaper.

Driveshaft and CV joint wear (R52 AWD, 2013 to 2020)

Some owners report front CV joints and driveshafts wearing out early, and axle seals leaking. One reviewer also noted vibration through the driveline in AWD lock mode. Clicking on full lock or a vibration under load points to a worn joint. A replacement front driveshaft is roughly a few hundred dollars plus fitting.

Auto gearbox damage from the radiator cooler (R51 5-speed auto, 2005 to 2013)

The R51 automatic's fluid cooler is built into the radiator tank. A crack in the divider lets coolant mix with the transmission fluid, which turns pink and milky and can wreck the gearbox and its control unit. Nissan in the US extended radiator and transmission cover on 2005 to 2010 Pathfinders for this; there is no such cover now. Some owners fit a new radiator as a precaution or bypass the internal cooler with an external one. Some R51 autos also shudder at 80 to 110 km/h in top gear, fixed with a new torque converter. A radiator costs a few hundred dollars; a rebuilt auto runs to several thousand.

Timing chain stretch (R51 2.5L YD25DDTi, 2005 to 2013)

The YD25's timing chain can stretch, and the guides, upper tensioner and vacuum pump sprocket can wear. Listen for a rattle on a cold start, rough running and warning lights. A neglected chain can jump and let the valves hit the pistons. Some repairers advise replacing the chain early as a precaution and checking it regularly after that, and upgraded aftermarket kits are sold. Expect roughly $1,500 to $3,000 at an independent workshop.

EGR cooler leaks and limp mode (R51 2.5L YD25DDTi, 2005 to 2013)

The YD25's EGR cooler can corrode or split, letting coolant vanish into the exhaust without a visible leak. Left alone it can overheat the engine and damage the head gasket. On 2012 to 2013 cars the exhaust gas temperature sensor also failed often enough for Nissan to run a service campaign; a failed sensor puts the engine into limp mode at about 2,000 rpm. A replacement EGR cooler is roughly $800 to $1,500 fitted.

Recalls and safety

R52 recalls include an ABS actuator seal that could leak brake fluid and short the actuator on 2016 to 2018 builds (owners were told to park the car if the ABS light stayed on), a thin-walled fuel tank, a bonnet latch on early 2013 builds, stop lamp switches and relays, nudge bar bolts, a towbar bracket weld, and a hybrid control software fault that could stall the engine. R51 recalls covered propeller shaft bolts, the lower steering shaft, a relay fault that could stall early cars and the driver's power seat. Ask a Nissan dealer to check the VIN for open recalls, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Nissan Pathfinder? What to check

• CVT test drive: On an R52, accelerate gently from rest to 60 km/h and up a hill, feeling for judder, surging or a flare in revs, and ask for CVT fluid service records.
• Fault codes: Have a scan tool read stored transmission codes, since a CVT can log P17F0 or P17F1 before it feels bad.
• ABS light: Make sure the ABS warning light goes out after start-up and confirm the ABS actuator recall work has been done.
• Cooling fans: Let the engine idle until the fans run and listen for rattles, grinding or a whine.
• CV joints: Drive slowly on full lock both ways and listen for clicking, and check the axle seals for oil.
• R51 auto fluid: Ask whether the radiator has been replaced or an external cooler fitted, and look for milky transmission fluid.
• R51 diesel chain: Ask for proof of a timing chain replacement and listen for a rattle in the first seconds of a cold start.
• Coolant level: On a YD25 diesel, check the reservoir and ask whether it ever needs topping up.
• Towing history: Ask what it has towed and check the rear for sag, since some R52 owners needed heavier springs for big vans.

Run a PPSR check before you buy, and use our Nissan Pathfinder buying checklist for the inspection.

The verdict

For an R52, a Series II car from 2017 to 2020 with documented CVT fluid changes is the best bet, ideally with the CVT already replaced on earlier cars. Avoid 2013 to 2016 R52s with no service history or any judder on the test drive. For towing and real off-road use, the R51 is the tougher vehicle: the 4.0 litre petrol V6 avoids the YD25's chain and EGR troubles and the V9X diesel is often rated better than the 2.5, but any R51 auto needs a checked radiator. Buy a 2.5 litre R51 only with proof of chain work.