Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder has several notable issues with recalls involving the hood latch, brake light switch, and airbag system. Additionally, there's a high number of owner complaints particularly about the power train. Given these concerns, potential buyers should inspect thoroughly and ask for comprehensive service history. Although these issues do raise concerns, the data only reflects problems for a subset of the total manufactured vehicles.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns and 575 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #22V420000 Malfunctioning Hood Latch NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V020000 Brake Light Switch Relay may Stick NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V380000 Brake Light Switch Malfunction NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V244000 Passenger Air Bag may not Deploy due to OCS Error NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V681000 Air Bag may not Detect Passenger in Seat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V033000 Hood Release Cable Assembly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V012000 Front Hub Assembly Bolts May Loosen and Fall Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V229000 One Lug Nut per Right Side Wheel may be Loose NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V138000 Air Bag may not Detect Passenger in Seat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V445000 Increased Stopping Distance when using ABS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V456000 Frontal Passenger Air Bag may not Deploy Properly NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 214 complaints
- Air Bags 92 complaints
- Unknown or Other 87 complaints
- Engine 62 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 54 complaints
- Structure 48 complaints
Of the 575 complaints on file, 19 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 575 complaints, owners report 32 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Power train failures
How to check: Look for hesitation or strange noises during acceleration.
Airbag system malfunctions
How to check: Inspect if airbag warning lights stay on.
Hood latch failure
How to check: Verify hood closes and latches securely.
Brake lights staying on
How to check: Check brake lights when not pressing pedal.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for abnormal engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Persistent knocking noises.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard warning lights disappear.
Red flag: Airbag or check engine lights persist.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Notice any hesitation during acceleration.
Red flag: Lurching or slow response to the throttle.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor for smooth transmission shifts.
Red flag: Delayed shifting or grinding noises.
- 05
Braking from speed
What to check: Evaluate brakes for smooth engagement.
Red flag: Grinding or poor stopping power.
- 06
Parking
What to check: Test for secure steering without vibrations.
Red flag: Excessive steering wheel vibrations.
- 07
Turn off the engine
What to check: Listen for unusual noises when shutting off.
Red flag: Clunking or unusual shutdown noises.
- 08
Inspect under-hood
What to check: Look for signs of leaks or corrosion.
Red flag: Obvious leaks or battery corrosion.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have any recall repairs been addressed?
- Are there any current warning lights on?
- Can you provide service repair records?
- Have you experienced transmission issues?
- Why are you selling the car?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance and service records
- Past recall repairs documentation
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration papers
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2014 Nissan Pathfinder? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.