Problems · by component

2015 Nissan Pathfinder electrical system problems

27 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder cite electrical system, 8% of all 321 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
27
8% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The vehicle suffered a sudden, complete loss of motive acceleration at highway speeds, followed by a total powertrain breakdown and battery drain linked to an active federal safety recall. While traveling at highway speeds on Highway 169, the vehicle suddenly lost all acceleration, surged, juddered violently back and forth, and then shut down completely in an active traffic lane. The dashboard electrical components remained on, but the vehicle would not crank or restart. This failure trapped the occupants in a highly vulnerable position with oncoming traffic, requiring a dangerous manual jump-start in the middle of a busy highway just to move the vehicle out of the active lanes. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership, where the failure is directly linked to an active, unremedied federal safety campaign: NHTSA Campaign ID 21V020000 / Nissan Recall Campaign PC786 (Stop Lamp Switch Relay Malfunction). This defect causes the brake switch relay to stick, triggering a sudden brake override command that unexpectedly cuts all engine power and aggressively drains the battery while driving. The unprompted engagement of this safety defect while operating at…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11769253
“The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 3 MPH in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. An Advanced Auto mechanic determined that the battery was drained. The mechanic replaced the battery. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a U-turn, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull into a nearby AAA parking lot, where the vehicle was jumpstarted. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving and turning. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot, where the vehicle was jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with CVT judder. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under TSB Number: NTB17-039N. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2024Power train, Electrical systemODI 11617481
“Complete shutdown of the vehicle while driving down the road. Caused me to go into a ditch. The vehicles lights flashed and then it just shut off. Had the alternator replaced twice also the battery replaced twice and now the nissan dealership has said they don't know what's wrong with it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 14, 2024Power train, Electrical system, EngineCrash reportedODI 11594451
“The relay in the drivers seat melted and the wires shorted out. This caused issues with my radio, clock, brakes, and power issues when accelerating. They replaced the relay which cost me $1200 and suddenly all of my systems work correctly. I was told the short was causing feedback into the electrical systems of the car by the service department. The dealer further confirmed there is an advisory on this issue and it has been noted several times. They stated the issue is ongoing but there is no recall.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 17, 2024Electrical system, Seats, Unknown or otherODI 11589324
“The Power Liftgate Switch on the trunk is always having issues due to the chrome plate thats part of the body on the trunk. The chrome panel is easily weathered and rubber seal comes off and when in contact with water, water drains right onto the relay switch and causes burnt out relay, or blown fuses, and does not operate.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 13, 2023Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11538276
“No warning lamps or error codes given on instrument cluster While driving normally the car suddenly would not accelerate almost causing an accident while turning left. The car was driven home on idle. This Happened 2 weeks prior and the battery was replaced to rule out problem and it worked fine for 2 weeks fine . The same problem occurred again and will not accelerate. This is a major safety hazard and I’m looking into legal action for negligence and non helpful Nissan corporation”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 29, 2023Electrical system, EngineODI 11529662

Showing 6 of 27 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.