ABS light on a 2016 to 2018 Pathfinder?
If the ABS warning light stays on for 10 seconds or longer, park it outside and don't keep using it. Nissan recalled 6,076 of these cars here in 2019: a faulty oil seal can leak brake fluid and, rarely, cause an electrical short and a fire. Contact Nissan Roadside Assistance, and check your VIN for the recall.
Pathfinder problems by generation
| The car | What to watch | |
|---|---|---|
| R51 (to 2014) | 4.0-litre V6, 2.5-litre diesel, and from the 2010 facelift a 3.0-litre V6 diesel | On the 2.5-litre diesel, stretched and failed timing chains and EGR coolers |
| R52 | 3.5-litre V6 with a CVT, plus a hybrid that stayed on sale here | The CVT, and the ABS recall on later cars |
| R53 | 3.5-litre V6 with a 9-speed automatic | No CVT. Nissan announced in 2026 the Pathfinder would be discontinued here |
The 2014 Pathfinder transmission question
The R52 uses a CVT (a continuously variable transmission, which swaps fixed gears for a belt and pulleys). Wikipedia's record of the US cars says early versions proved problematic, and that some 2013 and 2014 models needed a replacement CVT because of a hydraulic line size issue. That's the US story. We can't tell you how many Australian cars were affected, so treat it as a reason to test, not as a verdict on yours.
A full replacement isn't the only possible answer. What the job turns on is what's actually wrong inside: fluid condition, stored fault codes, software, or real internal wear. See our page on transmission repairs for what the mechanic does.
What a written transmission estimate should say
- What was tested, and what the fault codes were.
- Whether the fix is fluid, software, a repair or a whole unit.
- If it's a unit: new, reconditioned or used.
- The fluid going in, and that it's the type Nissan specifies.
- What warranty comes with the work, in writing.
Older diesels and servicing
On the R51's 2.5-litre diesel, CarsGuide's advice is to start by working out how the car's been used and how it's been serviced. Mud tyres and a winch suggest a hard life. A timing chain that's stretching is a job to catch early, so a new rattle needs a listen.
CarsGuide's 2025 schedule lists the Pathfinder at 12 months or 10,000 km, while Nissan's own page for the 3.5-litre automatic says 15,000 km or 12 months. They cover different years, so your book settles it.
Tell us it's a Pathfinder, the year and the engine. A local mechanic who specialises in your car.
Our advice on a Pathfinder
Pay for a proper diagnosis before you pay for a transmission. Ask a mechanic who sees a lot of CVTs to scan it, check the fluid and drive it, then tell you in writing what they found. If the quote is for a whole unit, ask what they ruled out first. On a 2016 to 2018 car, clear the recall before anything else.