Nissan Pathfinder R52
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
280 PS
3.5L Benzin
264 hp family SUV with CVT
Decent280 PS
3.5L Benzin
12 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Nissan Pathfinder R52 is available with one engine variant at 171 hp.
The Nissan Pathfinder (Petrol, 264 PS) has the VQ35DE (3.5L) — rated: "Stay Away!", 12 known weaknesses.
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Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| CVT shudder and belt slip — class action issue The RE0F09B Jatco CVT shudders violently when accelerating from a standstill or between 15–40 mph. TSB 15-015A addresses the issue. A class action covering 2015–2018 models extended the CVT warranty to 84 months/84,000 miles. Symptoms: Violent shaking or judder when pulling away from a stop; sudden hesitation at 15–30 mph; bucking and jerking under light throttle from 30,000 km | Medium | |
| CVT transmission failure — complete loss of drive The RE0F09B CVT can fail completely, requiring a full replacement costing $3,500–$8,000. The 2013 model year logged 353+ powertrain complaints on CarComplaints.com. NHTSA Campaign 14V142000 and multiple class action settlements cover various model year ranges. Symptoms: Loss of acceleration; transmission overheating warning; P0776 or P0965 fault codes; whining noise at startup; vehicle enters limp mode or loses all drive from 90,000 km | High | |
| CVT valve body failure — pressure code P17F0 Metal debris from CVT belt wear accumulates in the valve body and disrupts pressure regulation. Code P17F0 signals early valve body damage. If the cooler is not flushed during CVT replacement, debris re-contaminates the new unit, triggering repeat failure. Symptoms: Jerking from a stop; sudden shift shock; fault code P17F0 (transmission oil pressure); transmission enters limp mode; overheating warning illuminates from 60,000 km | High |
Alternatives
BMW X4 G02
Mid-Size SUV (2018–2026)
Citroën C5 Aircross I
Mid-Size SUV (2018–2026)
Hyundai Santa Fe TM
Mid-Size SUV (2018–2023)
Seat Tarraco KN
Mid-Size SUV (2018–2026)
Alfa Romeo Stelvio 949
Mid-Size SUV (2017–2024)
Audi Q5 FY
Mid-Size SUV (2017–2024)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 26 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Pathfinder R52 (2013–2020) — 18 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: YD25DDTi (2.5L), VQ35DE (3.5L). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Other, HVAC, Interior.
Pathfinder (YD25DDTi, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: Simplex timing chain breaks/stretches, Turbocharger bearing wear, EGR cooler leaking / coolant loss. Power: 190 PS.
Pathfinder (V9X, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Turbocharger bearing wear, Fuel pump failure, DPF blockage from short-trip use. Power: 231 PS.
Pathfinder (VQ35DE, 2013–2020) — Stay Away!: Severe oil consumption from defective piston rings, Con rod bearing wear from oil starvation, Plastic timing chain guides fracture. Power: 264 PS.
What to watch out for with the Nissan Pathfinder? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee