Nissan's CVT Transmission Is Out. Is the New Pathfinder Any Good?

Could 2024 Nissan Pathfinder owners take legal action against the automaker? It’s probably too early to tell, but a recent clip from prolific TikTok creator Menjicar (@menjicar) suggests there are some obvious issues with vehicles that haven’t been on the lot for less than a year.

In the video, which has been viewed over 85,000 times, he is seen sitting behind the wheel of a Pathfinder. The “check engine” light is glowing on the dashboard. The mechanic, whose qualifications are unknown beyond the knowledge he shares in his many videos, tells us that the owner brought the Pathfinder in, likely because of the “check engine” light.

“Everyone should be careful when buying this vehicle. This car only has 11,000 miles on it and the check engine light is already on,” he said, moments before hooking up a diagnostic computer to find the problem.

What’s going on with Nissan’s CVT transmission?

We see from the portable player that the problem is likely transmission-related. Other TikTok creators have shared their not-so-positive views on Nissan’s CVT transmission. One important note: While previous years of the Pathfinder used the CVT, the 2024 model has received an upgrade to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

“Yes, we are getting the Torque Management B feedback signal. This car is a 2024. And like I said, with only 11,000 miles on it, it already has issues. Since the car is so new, we will just send it to the dealer for this issue. It is most likely a transmission issue. These cars are known for having very good transmissions. But we will tell the customer to go get their money back.”

We’re going to assume he was being sarcastic about the “good transmissions” line.

Several model years of Pathfinders were included in a recent $277 million settlement with owners of:

Nissan Rogue 2014-2018
Nissan Pathfinder 2015-2018
Infiniti QX60 2015-2018

And, as expected, the main focus of the regulation was the CVT-type transmission used in those models, but not in the 2024 edition.

So, is the new Nissan Pathfinder any good?

Some users found mixed reviews on Reddit in a thread specifically about the 2024 Pathfinder’s transmission. One owner cautioned against rushing to judgment on the new model: “I’ve seen people post comments on PathfinderTalk.com about the new Pathfinders regarding the transmission being different since Nissan finally dropped the CVT on a few of the newer model vehicles. Like others have said, I would take it back to the dealer since there is a warranty involved.”

Comments on the clip took a cautious tone toward Nissans in general.

“After working in the service industry for 2 years and fixing every car at any time, I now tell you the only car you should buy is a Toyota or Honda. Don’t touch anything else,” wrote one mechanic.

@menjicar They said Toyotas are super reliable. But I don’t know anything about that #mechanic #automotive #chevy #shadymechanic #honestmechanic #fyp #nissan #goodmechanics #chevymalibu ♬ original sound – Menjicar

Another said his experience with Nissan was somewhat mixed: “My Nissan transmission went out at 50,000 miles, so nothing surprises me. But I like them, just not the transmission.”

The Daily Dot reached out to Menjicar via direct message and Nissan USA via a web form.

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