1986-present
The Nissan Pathfinder is a three-row midsize SUV that returned to body-on-frame roots with the 5th generation (2022+). The 4th generation (2013-2020) moved to a unibody platform with a CVT, which was controversial among fans.
Affects Nissan Pathfinder: 2013-2020
Affects Nissan Pathfinder: 2013-2020
Affects Nissan Pathfinder: 2013-2019
Affects Nissan Pathfinder: 2013-2019
Affects Nissan Pathfinder: 2005-2012
Nissan extended CVT warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on affected models.
Transmission cooler lines can leak at the crimp fittings on 2013-2016 models.
| Service Item | Estimated Cost | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Change (Synthetic) | $55-$85 | Every 5,000 mi |
| Brake Pads (Front) | $175-$325 | Every 45,000 mi |
| CVT/Transmission Fluid | $175-$300 | Every 30,000 mi |
| Spark Plugs (V6) | $175-$300 | Every 60,000 mi |
| AWD Transfer Case Fluid | $75-$125 | Every 30,000 mi |
Costs are estimates and vary by location, shop, and vehicle condition. Dealership pricing may be higher.
Nissan MAF sensors are a common failure point, especially on Altima and Pathfinder. Genuine Hitachi sensors are recommended over cheap aftermarket.
$150 – $400
Nissan CVTs require NS-2 or NS-3 CVT fluid. Generic CVT fluid can cause shuddering and premature failure. Change every 30,000 miles.
$100 – $400
Nissan oxygen sensors are a common failure point. Use Denso or NTK sensors for best results.
$100 – $350 per sensor
The 2022+ Pathfinder returned to a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission — a huge improvement over the CVT. If you need a three-row Nissan SUV, the 2022+ is the one to buy. The 4th-gen (2013-2020) with CVT is risky — the transmission is working hard with the weight and V6 torque. The 3rd gen (2005-2012) body-on-frame models are more rugged but less refined. For a used three-row SUV, the Toyota Highlander is the safer bet.