2019 Nissan Pathfinder: Check engine light came on transmission failure
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2019 Pathfinder report: check engine light came on transmission failure. CarComplaints.com lists 1 owner complaints, average mileage 101,000 miles.
NHTSA has 9 owner complaints for the 2019 Pathfinder in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11752442 (filed 07/23/2026): “Driving at 75 miles per hour on highway. we heard an explosion, and airbags deployed. there was no collision or front end hit, there was no warning lights or sounds, no deceleration. my husband was somehow able to pull to the side, we were not injured, except…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11733471 (filed 04/23/2026): “The car broke on the highway (possibly drive train? waiting for mechanic). despite no impact, the steering wheel airbag deployed.…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replacement (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $7,000 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
- CarComplaints.com: Check engine light came on transmission failure (2019 Pathfinder)
- NHTSA complaints API, 2019 Pathfinder
Estimated repair cost: transmission replacement (automatic or CVT, remanufactured unit)
Average shop cost
$835
Range $400–$1,390 (labor)
4.0–10.0 h × $100–$139/h estimated shop labor rate
Parts not included.
Average mobile mechanic cost
$1,255
Range $600–$2,085 (labor)
Shop labor × 1.5 (mobile convenience premium)
Parts not included.
Estimates only, not a quote. Actual prices vary by vehicle, shop and location. See the estimate for your city → · About this repair and its cost
Same repair on other models: 2013 Chevrolet Cruze: Transmission went out · 2015 Jeep Cherokee: Transmission failure check engine light on · 2015 Nissan Murano: Transmission failure · 2016 Subaru Forester: Transmission failure · 2018 Nissan Sentra: CVT failure · 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: Transmission failure
Page last updated .