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2016 Nissan Pathfinder

Introduction:

The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV that offers three rows of seating. It is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Pathfinder is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

People like the Pathfinder for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency. However, there are some issues that have been reported by owners.

Engine

3.5L V6 CVT

  • Premature engine failure: The engine may fail prematurely due to a faulty oil pump. Symptoms include excessive oil consumption, low oil pressure, and knocking sounds from the engine. The engine may need to be rebuilt or replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+**
  • Intake manifold failure: The intake manifold may crack, causing the engine to lose power and stall. Symptoms include loss of power, rough idling, and stalling. The intake manifold will need to be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+**
  • Timing chain failure: The timing chain may fail prematurely, causing the engine to lose power and stall. Symptoms include loss of power, rough idling, and stalling. The timing chain and related components will need to be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+**

Transmission

CVT Xtronic

  • Slipping: The transmission may slip, causing the vehicle to hesitate or accelerate slowly. Symptoms include hesitation, slipping gears, and loss of power. The transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+**
  • Shuddering: The transmission may shudder when shifting gears. Symptoms include shuddering, vibration, and noise. The transmission may need to be reprogrammed or replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+**
  • Failure: The transmission may fail completely, causing the vehicle to be unable to move. Symptoms include no power, no gears, and a grinding noise. The transmission will need to be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+**

Suspension

  • Strut failure: The front struts may fail prematurely, causing the vehicle to bounce and handle poorly. Symptoms include bouncing, excessive body roll, and poor handling. The struts will need to be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+**
  • Sway bar link failure: The sway bar links may fail prematurely, causing the vehicle to handle poorly and make noise. Symptoms include clunking noises, excessive body roll, and poor handling. The sway bar links will need to be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+*r
  • Rear suspension sag: The rear suspension may sag prematurely, causing the rear of the vehicle to sit lower than the front. Symptoms include uneven ride height, poor handling, and premature tire wear. The rear suspension components may need to be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+**

Electrical

  • Battery failure: The battery may fail prematurely, causing the vehicle to be unable to start. Symptoms include a dead battery, dimming lights, and slow cranking. The battery will need to be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+**
  • Alternator failure: The alternator may fail prematurely, causing the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include a dead battery, dimming lights, and loss of power. The alternator will need to be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+**
  • Starter failure: The starter may fail prematurely, causing the vehicle to be unable to start. Symptoms include a clicking noise when starting, no cranking, and a dead battery. The starter will need to be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+**

Exterior

  • Headlight failure: The headlights may fail prematurely, causing the vehicle to have poor visibility at night. Symptoms include dim headlights, flickering headlights, and no headlights. The headlights will need to be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+**
  • Taillight failure: The taillights may fail prematurely, causing the vehicle to be less visible to other drivers. Symptoms include dim taillights, flickering taillights, and no taillights. The taillights will need to be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+**
  • Rear window defroster failure: The rear window defroster may fail prematurely, causing the rear window to fog up in cold weather. Symptoms include a fogged-up rear window, no heat from the defroster, and a blown fuse. The rear window defroster element or fuse will need to be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+**

Interior

  • Infotainment system failure: The infotainment system may fail prematurely, causing the vehicle to lose access to navigation, audio, and other features. Symptoms include a black screen, no sound, and no response to input. The infotainment system may need to be updated, repaired, or replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+**
  • Power seat failure: The power seats may fail prematurely, causing the seats to move erratically or not at all. Symptoms include seats that move on their own, seats that do not move, and seats that make noise. The power seat motors or switches will need to be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+**
  • Heater/AC failure: The heater or AC system may fail prematurely, causing the vehicle to be too hot or too cold. Symptoms include no heat, no AC, and a loud noise from the HVAC system. The heater core, AC compressor, or other components may need to be replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+**

Summary

The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder is a relatively reliable vehicle, but it has some common issues that can be expensive to fix. The most severe issues include engine failure, transmission failure, and suspension failure. The cost of these issues can range from $4,000 to $8,000 or more. However, it is important to note that most of these issues are not common and that the Pathfinder is still a good choice for a reliable SUV.

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