2021 Nissan Pathfinder

2021 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2021 Nissan Pathfinder is an SUV that seats up to 8 passengers. It is available with a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It is also available with a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 250 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, mated to a CVT.

The Pathfinder is praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive safety features. However, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s reliability and build quality.

Engine

• 3.5L V6
  • Valve Body Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips or fails to engage gears, check engine light illuminates.
    • Solution: Replace the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Chain Guide Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine makes a rattling noise at startup, reduced engine power, check engine light illuminates.
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain guides.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.5L 4-Cylinder (Hybrid)
  • No Issues Found

Transmission

• 9-Speed Automatic
  • Shifting Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitates or jerks while shifting, delayed engagement.
    • Solution: Update transmission software, replace the transmission fluid and filter, or rebuild the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• CVT (Hybrid)
  • Overheating Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission overheats, vehicle goes into limp mode, check engine light illuminates.
    • Solution: Replace the CVT fluid and filter, flush the CVT cooling system, or rebuild the CVT.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery drains quickly, even when the vehicle is not in use.
  • Solution: Replace the battery or diagnose electrical system for parasitic drains.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tailgate Liftgate Issue
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate does not open or close properly, electronic tailgate system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate liftgate motor or repair wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Screen glitches, slow response, connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Update software, replace infotainment module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Ventilation System Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: AC or heater not functioning properly, excessive noise.
  • Solution: Replace AC compressor, blower motor, or diagnose and repair ventilation system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Nissan Pathfinder has several reported issues, including engine and transmission problems, electrical issues, exterior issues, and interior problems. While some issues are minor, such as battery drain or infotainment system glitches, others can be more serious and costly, such as valve body failure or timing chain guide failure. Overall, the severity and cost of the issues reported suggest that the reliability of the Pathfinder may be a concern for some owners.