The 2015 Nissan Pathfinder carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering occupant classification and frontal. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Cooling fan noise and failure.” Nissan owner's manuals split service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1. The biggest preventable failure on Nissan vehicles is CVT transmission damage from extended fluid intervals — owners of Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, and Murano with CVT should not skip it.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Campaign #16V244000 · Apr 26, 2016
Issue: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
Risk: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Campaign #15V681000 · Oct 20, 2015
Issue: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
Risk: If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
SERVICE BRAKES
Campaign #15V012000 · Jan 14, 2015
Issue: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles manufactured August 14, 2014, to November 5, 2014, and 2014-2015 Nissan Rogue vehicles manufactured August 12, 2014, to November 15, 2014. During the assembly process, the front wheel hub assembly fasteners may not have been properly torqued.
Risk: The under-torqued fasteners may result in a brake caliper separating from the wheel assembly causing a reduction in braking performance or reduced steering control. These conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and tighten any loose bolts to the proper specification, free of charge. The recall began February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Campaign #21V020000 · Jan 20, 2021
Issue: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. The location of the brake light switch may cause the brake light switch relay to repeatedly open and close. Overtime, this can cause the relay to stick in the "ON" position, with the brake lights remaining illuminated even when the brakes are not applied. Additionally, this may interfere with the brake-shift interlock, allowing the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "Park" position, without depressing the brake pedal.
Risk: Continual illumination of the brake lights can prevent other drivers from realizing the vehicle is actually slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash. With the brake override activated, the driver will not be able to accelerate normally, increasing the risk of a crash. The driver can shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, allowing the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, either re-install the brake light switch or swap positions with the Automatic Speed Control Device (ASCD) switch; depending on the model year vehicle. In addition, the brake light relay will be replaced with a new one. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall PC786. Note: this recall supersedes 16V-380.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Campaign #22V420000 · Jun 13, 2022
Issue: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Pathfinder vehicles. On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed.
Risk: An unsecured hood could unexpectedly open while driving, obstructing the driver's view, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the bell crank assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 26, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are R22A2 R22A3 and R24B7.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder.
ENGINE
50 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2021-12
“THE ENGINE COOLING FAN PART NUMBER 21481-3JA2E HAS FAILED TWICE IN THIS VEHICLE. FIRST TIME AT 50,529 MILES AND AGAIN AT 106,370”
“RADIATOR FAN MOTOR, SEEMS TO BE COMMON PROBLEM. CAN HEAR BEARINGS RATTLING IN THE FAN MOTOR.”
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
12 NHTSA complaints · 2020-02 → 2025-09
“The hood latch is not secure, while driving on the interstate especially, you can see the hood blowing up..This is dangerous because the hood may lift up while driving.”
“WE WERE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH WHEN THE HOOD OPENED UP AND HIT THE WINDSHIELD. THE SAFETY LATCH DID NOT ENGAGE. IT BENT UP THE HOOD, CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD AND DENTED THE ROOF. THE HOOD WAS DOWN AND LATCHED WHEN WE LEFT…”
VISIBILITY/WIPER
6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-12 → 2021-01
“DRIVER SIDE VISOR INTERFEARS WITH VISION. IT CAN NOT STAY UP. JUST FLOPS DOWN.”
“DRIVER SIDE VISOR KEEP FALLING DOWN WHILE DRIVING”
“DRIVER SIDE VISOR DOES NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY OR STAY IN PLACE WHEN OPENED. WHEN OPENED TO BLOCK SUN, IT DOESN'T STAY IN POSITION AND BLOCKS SOME VISIBILITY OF THE ROAD INFRONT. DOES THIS WEATHER VEHICLE IS ON OR OFF.”
WHEELS
3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2026-06
“LUGNUTS COMPLETELY FELL OFF, STEM BROKE, AND WHEEL FLEW UP INTO WHEEL WELL CAUSING A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ACCIDENT AT 60 MPH ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE WITH NO PULL OFF DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO MOVE CAR AND MAJOR DAMAGE TO CAR…”
POWER TRAIN
50 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2026-04
“CVT judder problems on acceleration”
“Shuttering occurs upon acceleration from a stop and loss of power. Intermittent stalling an extreme loss of power.”
“MY CVT TRANSMISSION IS SO LOUD THAT I WAS ALMOST T BONED BY A FIRE TRUCK BECAUSE I COULD NOT HEAR THE SIRENS. PLEASE HELP!”
SERVICE BRAKES
39 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2026-04
“THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ON WHILE DRIVING AND AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. AT SEVERAL POINTS, THE ACCELERATOR STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING, THIS HAPPENED ON A FOUR-LANE STREET AND ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS.”
“THE BRAKE RELAY IS DEFECTIVE. IT'S CAUSING THE CAR TO THINK THE BRAKE IS ENGAGED AND YOU CANNOT USE THE ACCELERATOR. THE NISSAN TECH NOTES EVEN RECOMMEND BYPASSING PART OF THE SYSTEM WHEN YOU REPAIR…”
“Back brake lights stay on. Seems like brakes are stuck as I can start my car without pressing the brakes and can get it out of the park position without having to push the brakes. I had to disconnect my battery to keep it from being drained…”
AIR BAGS
13 NHTSA complaints · 2019-06 → 2026-07
“AIR BAG LIGHT IS GOING OFF”
“The vehicle had no issues after being stopped for three days the airbag light on the dashboard started to flash and the passenger airbag-off light is on even with a passenger seated on.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.”
Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2: 7,500 miles. VR30DDTT (3.0L twin-turbo): full synthetic only.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Front-wheel-drive Nissans (Altima, Sentra, Versa) wear front tires fast — don't skip rotations.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Nissan officially calls CVT fluid 'lifetime,' but independent technicians and Nissan TSBs recommend replacement every 60,000 miles to prevent CVT failure. Use Nissan NS-3 fluid only — substitutes destroy the belt-and-pulley system.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$360–$500
Shop
~$255–$355
DIY
~$80–$180
CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.
Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Rogue and Pathfinder front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Dark or amber fluid indicates moisture contamination.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$180–$200
Shop
~$125–$140
DIY
~$10–$25
DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner if driving on dusty unpaved roads.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on QR25, MR20, and VQ35 engines. VR30DDTT: 60,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Nissan Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue/green): first change at 105,000 miles, then every 75,000. Do not mix with other coolant chemistries.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Rogue AWD, Murano AWD, Pathfinder 4WD: replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$105–$140
Shop
~$75–$100
DIY
~$15–$40
AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Altima, Rogue, and Sentra.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
39 crashes 2010–2024
FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number
Owner-reported problem signals
Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.
11
complaints mentioning a crash
1
complaints mentioning a fire
Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder reflects Nissan's published service intervals and the Maintenance Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.