Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Nissan Pathfinder owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V774000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Hybrid Propulsion System) however, shortly after the repair, the vehicle would stall right after start-up. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving or while the vehicle was idle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that they were not obligated to repair any additional damages during the recall repair. The contact was informed that the vehicle had no extended warranty service plan. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at a slow speed, the vehicle started to jerk forward. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the continuously variable transmission (CVT) to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the result was not yet provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while shifting gears from PARK to DRIVE and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle inadvertently started shuddering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle failed to shift into gear, and the vehicle was stuck in traffic. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the transmission fluid was black, and there were metal shavings inside the transmission fluid. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and slowing down, the vehicle was vibrating and shaking while downshifting to a lower gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was also hesitating and jerking into gear while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the CVT transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,215.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator after a complete stop. Additionally, the vehicle would shake as the engine would rev while idle without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate after a stop, the vehicle jolted while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact's husband owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration. Additionally, the steering wheel vibrated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with CVT failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH the vehicle was not shifting correctly and the vehicle stated jerking and shaking without any warning. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle tow to the dealer. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was file and advised to contact NHTSA. The failure mileage was 110,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from being stationary, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The failure also occurred while decelerating and turning before attempting to accelerate. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted regarding the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Transmission complaints in other Pathfinder years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder?
NHTSA has 214 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder, 37% of the model year's 575 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder, though it has 11 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 40% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.