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2024 Nissan Pathfinder Stalling at Idle: Known Issues and Fixes
4/21/2025
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Idle Shut-Off Issues in the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder

Reports of Engine Stalling at Idle (Top Trims Included)

Owners of 2024 Nissan Pathfinder (including top trims like Platinum and Rock Creek) have reported incidents where the vehicle’s engine shuts off while idling (e.g. at a stop or in park). These stall events occur when the SUV is stationary – not during acceleration or cruising – and have happened more than once in some vehicles. For example, one Pathfinder Platinum owner described the engine “choking” and dying in traffic when idling with the air conditioning on, then struggling to restart and running roughly once it did​.  Another owner experienced four separate stall episodes: the Pathfinder sputtered and died at low speeds or idle, would not restart immediately, and had to be towed to the dealer multiple times​ In these cases, the dashboard may not give much warning – the engine simply cuts off, leaving the driver without power until the vehicle is restarted or repaired.

Patterns in the complaints suggest the issue is not an isolated fluke. Multiple users on forums and in owner groups have echoed similar problems with their 2024 Pathfinders stalling at idle or during stop-and-go conditions. One frustrated owner on Reddit even sought help escalating the problem within Nissan after “supposed fixes” by the dealer failed – showing how persistent and elusive the idle stalling issue can be​. In general, the scenarios involve stationary or near-idle situations (stop lights, parking lots, heavy traffic) rather than highway cruising. When the engine shuts off, it often will crank but not immediately restart, or it may restart into a very rough idle and potentially stall again​. This creates a safety concern if it happens in traffic, and it’s certainly a source of frustration on a brand-new vehicle with only a few thousand miles.

Potential Causes of the Idle Stall Issue

Several mechanical and electronic causes have been explored in relation to the 2024 Pathfinder’s stalling problem. Based on owner reports, dealer diagnoses, and known patterns, the most likely culprits include:

  • Fuel Pump Failure (Fuel Delivery Issues): A failing fuel pump has emerged as a prime suspect in many idle-stall cases. In one documented case, a 2024 Pathfinder Platinum that repeatedly died at idle was eventually diagnosed with a bad low-pressure fuel pump in the gas tank. After the dealership replaced the pump (under warranty), the vehicle returned to normal operation (“driving like a dream” according to the owner. Another owner who had four stall incidents also had the fuel pump replaced after the third incident. However, in that second case the engine died again even after the new pump, indicating either a recurring fuel pump defect or an additional issue​. Fuel pump problems can cause fuel pressure to drop at idle, starving the engine of fuel and causing it to stall. Nissan appears aware of fuel pump issues – they recently extended the warranty on fuel pumps for some models (though older model years) – and dealers have been quick to swap in new pumps when a 2024 Pathfinder comes in with these symptoms.

  • Idle Stop/Start System Glitches: The 2024 Pathfinder comes standard with an Idle Stop/Start (ISS) systemthat automatically shuts off the engine at idle (for example, when you’re stopped at a red light) to save fuel​. If this system misbehaves, it could theoretically turn the engine off at inappropriate times or fail to smoothly restart it, contributing to a stall. Some owners initially suspected the ISS feature in their stall events. In one case, a driver disabled the auto start-stop (pressed the ISS OFF switch) right after starting the SUV, only to have the Pathfinder stall moments later – however, this incident ultimately was traced to the fuel pump failure described above, not the ISS software​. That said, numerous Pathfinder drivers have complained about the ISS system’s behavior, such as rough or delayed engine restarts and a jerking “lunge” when the engine fires back up​. A 2022 Pathfinder owner noted “it lunges when coming out of the auto engine off at a stop” and can feel abrupt.  Another user said they routinely disable the ISS each drive because it’s intrusive, describing “I used to be afraid it would cause me to rear end someone!” due to the jumpy re-engagement.  This suggests the ISS may not be the root cause of engines stalling (it’s intended to stop the engine only when it’s supposed to), but its calibration could exacerbate the feel of an idle stall or be misinterpreted as one. Notably, Nissan issued a technical bulletin for early-build 2022 Pathfinders (same generation) to fix an “Idle Stop/Start System Fault” message on the dash​.  That bulletin was related to a software bug (triggered by certain seatbelt usage patterns) rather than the engine mechanically stalling, but it shows Nissan has been refining the ISS system’s reliability. In summary, while the auto start-stop itself isn’t usually blamed for killing the engine entirely, any software glitches in the ISS or engine control at idle could contribute to the stalling problem. Owners experiencing stalls often try toggling the ISS feature off as a precaution, though reports indicate the stalls can happen with ISS on or off.

  • Engine Management and Sensors (Misfire or Idle Control Faults): Some cases of rough idling and stalling hint at traditional engine control issues such as misfires, sensor failures, or throttle body problems. Owners have described what feels like an “idle misfire” or uneven rumble just before the engine dies​. A misfire at idle (due to a faulty spark plug, ignition coil, or fuel injector) could certainly cause the engine to stumble and shut off. Similarly, a bad crankshaft position sensor or cam sensor could intermittently cut off engine ignition (these sensors tell the ECU the engine’s position; if they glitch, the engine can stall, especially at low RPM). However, one would expect a check-engine light in those scenarios. In the reports so far, some owners did mention the dealer tried replacing the battery or performing software updates, without success​. This suggests the dealerships themselves were troubleshooting and ruling out simpler causes (weak battery, etc.), and the root cause wasn’t immediately obvious. No clear pattern of “it was always coil #X” or a specific sensor has emerged publicly for the 2024 Pathfinders – unlike the fuel pump, which has been a confirmed fix in multiple instances. It’s worth noting the engine in the 2024 Pathfinder is the tried-and-true 3.5L V6; it does not have a known widespread stalling issue in other Nissan models, so if the engine hardware (plugs, coils, etc.) were inherently faulty we’d likely see more universal problems. Instead, the stalling at idle seems to affect certain vehicles in this model year, pointing to either a bad batch of components (like the fuel pumps) or a software/calibration issue that only manifests under specific conditions. In short, aside from fuel pump troubles, the ECM (engine control module) programming and idle air-fuel management might need refinement. Nissan may need to release an update if it pinpoints a software cause for these stalls.

  • Transmission/Drivetrain Factors: Although the issue happens at idle, one mechanical factor to consider is the 9-speed automatic transmission and its connection to the engine. If the torque converter is not releasing at idle or if there’s a transmission seizure, it could stall the engine similar to coming to a stop in a manual car without depressing the clutch. There is at least one report of a transmission-related failure in the 2024 Pathfinder – a driver had an incident where the SUV lost all drive power and had to coast off the road, and the dealership found a broken flexplate (the plate that connects the engine’s output to the torque converter). Nissan technicians were reportedly “aware of the issue” with the flexplate on this model​. A cracked flexplate can cause erratic behavior, noise, or loss of power. However, that particular failure tends to occur under load (during acceleration or highway driving) and results in a complete loss of drive, not an idle-only stall. It’s unlikely to be the common cause of the idle shut-offs, but it’s evidence that drivetrain defects (separate from the engine itself) exist on some 2024 Pathfinders. If a flexplate or transmission problem did cause an engine stall, it would probably be accompanied by loud mechanical sounds or inability to move in gear – which haven’t been the focus of most idle stall complaints. Therefore, while owners and techs have noted transmission issues in this model year, the primary cause of engine stopping at idle points back to engine-side components (fuel or engine management) rather than the gearbox.

    If you take your Pathfinder to get fixed, it can be easily missed by technicians as those stalls do not happen with every drive. 


Nissan’s Response: TSBs, Recalls, and Dealer Guidance

Has Nissan acknowledged or addressed this issue officially? As of early 2025, there is no recall specifically for the Pathfinder stalling at idle, and no public Nissan-issued fix solely for this symptom. The 2024 Pathfinder has a couple of recalls on record – for example, one for a seatbelt pretensioner and another for an airbag inflator, both unrelated to engine performance​. Nissan has not announced any campaign about engines stalling. That said, Nissan is clearly aware that some 2024 Pathfinders are having problems, and they’ve been handling them through dealership service channels and technical service bulletins (TSBs):

  • Fuel Pump Replacement Guidance: Nissan dealers appear to have guidance to check the fuel system when a customer comes in with stalling or no-start complaints on these vehicles. In multiple instances, dealerships identified the in-tank fuel pump as the culprit quickly and had replacement pumps on hand. In one owner’s case (Pathfinder Platinum, ~11k miles), the dealer confirmed the low-pressure fuel pump failure, replaced it the same day (indicating the part was in stock), and sent the owner on their way under warranty.It’s telling that the dealer had the part readily available – this could imply Nissan issued a service bulletin or internal memoabout potential fuel pump issues on new Pathfinders, prompting dealers to keep pumps in inventory. Indeed, the pattern of stalling plus immediate no-restart is classic for fuel pump failure, and Nissan experienced fuel pump problems in some previous models (they extended warranties for certain 2013-2017 vehicles’ pumps). For 2024, while not publicly recalled, replacing the fuel pump has been the fix in at least two NHTSA-filed complaints​. Owners who have had this repair report that it solved the stalling, suggesting the original pump was defective. If your Pathfinder exhibits similar symptoms, Nissan service departments may zero in on the fuel pump early in the diagnostic process.

  • Software Updates and Idle Stop/Start TSB: For issues related to the Idle Stop/Start system or engine calibration, Nissan has addressed some bugs via software updates. The earlier-mentioned TSB NTB21-074(issued in August 2021 for the then-new 2022 Pathfinder) is an example – it fixed a glitch where an ISS fault message would appear if the driver’s seatbelt was left buckled for too many consecutive ignition cycles​. That fix was essentially a software patch. By 2024 models, that specific bug was likely resolved in production, but it demonstrates that Nissan’s engineering team has been ironing out ISS logic issues. If there is an underlying ECM software issue contributing to unstable idle, Nissan could release an update or TSB for it. Owners on forums haven’t widely reported receiving a specific reflash for stalling, but it’s a good idea to ask the dealer if any ECM or TCM (transmission control module) updates are available for your Pathfinder’s VIN. Sometimes, a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) won’t be known to owners unless they complain of the issue – at which point the dealer can apply the prescribed fix. In summary, while no universal recall exists, Nissan’s dealership network has been addressing the problem through known fixes (like the fuel pump) and checking that the latest software is installed.

  • Official Statements: Nissan corporate hasn’t made a public statement about a systemic idle-stall issue on the 2024 Pathfinder. When problems are not widespread enough for a recall, they are typically handled case-by-case. Owners who opened cases with Nissan Consumer Affairs report mixed results – one owner complained that their Nissan case agent was not taking the issue seriously after multiple repairs, which led them to explore lemon law options. Nissan’s lack of a formal bulletin to customers means if you’re experiencing this, you need to advocate through your dealer. The good news is that dealers, once they verify the stall condition, have been making repairs under warranty (fuel pumps, etc.) without much hassle. The bad news is that if the first attempted fix doesn’t work, you may have to go back and forth until it’s resolved. Keep all documentation from each visit – not only for your own records but also in case you need to escalate the issue. In some states, repeated failures to fix such a problem could qualify under lemon law (as one Redditor in Illinois mentioned considering)​. Nissan would then potentially buy back or replace the vehicle if it can’t be made reliable. This is a last resort, and most owners aren’t reaching that point, but it underscores that Nissan is under pressure to find a permanent solution for any affected Pathfinders.

Recommended Fixes and Next Steps for Affected Owners

If you are experiencing your 2024 Pathfinder stalling at idle, here are the expert-recommended steps and remedies based on available information:

  • Get the Fuel System Inspected: Promptly take the vehicle to an authorized Nissan service center and report the stalling issue in detail. Mention that you are aware of other 2024 Pathfinders having fuel pump failures. Request that the dealer check fuel pressure and the fuel pump. Many owners had their fuel pumps replaced and this resolved the stalling​. A failing pump may not trigger a warning light, but a technician can often catch it by measuring inadequate fuel pressure or seeing erratic operation. If a faulty pump is confirmed, replacement is covered under the 3yr/36k basic warranty. Ensure the new pump is tested thoroughly before you take the car back.

  • Ensure All Software Updates/TSBs are Applied: Ask the dealer to verify that your Pathfinder has the latest ECU software. Nissan periodically issues updates for drivability. Even if there isn’t a known “stalling fix” update, reflashing the engine control module or resetting the adaptive learning can sometimes smooth out idle issues. Likewise, have them check for any TSBs related to the idle stop-start system or engine performance and apply those. (For instance, if your vehicle was built early in the model year, it might benefit from any software revisions made later on.) This step is especially relevant if no obvious mechanical fault is found; it addresses the possibility of a programming glitch.

  • Document and Monitor: Keep a log of each stall incident. Note the circumstances (engine cold or warm, idling in Drive or Park, AC on, any dashboard lights, etc.). This information can help the technician reproduce the issue. After any fix (pump replacement, etc.), monitor if the stalling reoccurs. If it does, return to the dealer and update them that the problem persists. Each visit and repair attempt should be recorded on your service invoice – not only to build a history, but if it comes to a buyback or further escalation, this record is your evidence of the issue.

  • Use Idle Stop/Start Judiciously: While the investigation is ongoing, you might choose to disable the Auto Start/Stop (ISS) feature during city driving as a precaution. Many owners do this by habit because they dislike the restart behavior​. Turning it off (via the button on the dash) ensures the engine keeps running at stops, which could reduce the chance of an already-weak engine stalling. However, remember that one owner’s Pathfinder stalled even with ISS turned off, so this is not a guaranteed preventive measure​r. If your engine is stalling due to a failing pump or sensor, it will stall regardless of the auto-stop setting. Use this mainly for peace of mind and to eliminate one variable while troubleshooting.

  • Consult Technical Forums/Resources: Keep an eye on owner forums, Nissan TSB releases, or NHTSA postings for any emerging fixes. Sometimes other owners or Nissan technicians share insights on forums (for example, awareness of a flexplate issue was shared by a tech in one case). Being informed can help you guide the conversation with your service advisor. You might even reference the NHTSA complaint cases of stalling so the dealer knows this isn’t an isolated incident​.

  • Escalate if Necessary: If you’ve been to the dealer multiple times and the Pathfinder still shuts off while idling, it’s time to escalate. You can open a case with Nissan Consumer Affairs to get a regional specialist involved. Provide them all your service records and the timeline of failures. Nissan may dispatch a field engineer or advise the dealer on next steps. If after a reasonable number of attempts the issue remains unresolved, research your state’s lemon law provisions. Typically if a new vehicle has a serious safety defect or cannot be fixed in several attempts, you may be entitled to a replacement or refund. One owner in a similar situation did initiate contact with a lemon law attorney after feeling the issue was not taken seriously​. While one hopes it doesn’t come to that, knowing your rights can be a useful leverage to get Nissan to focus on a solution.

At the end of the day, the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder’s idle stalling problem appears to be mechanical in nature with a strong link to fuel delivery issues in many cases. Owners of the top-trim Platinum and Rock Creek (as well as other trims) have reported engines dying at stoplights or in park, which has often been traced to a bad fuel pump or an unresolved engine control issue. Nissan has not issued a blanket recall, but dealerships are addressing complaints on a case-by-case basis – notably by replacing fuel pumps, checking the Idle Stop/Start system, and updating software. If you encounter this issue, pursue it vigorously through your warranty: have the dealer verify the fuel pump and related components, apply any software fixes, and don’t hesitate to escalate through Nissan’s support channels. Safety is paramount, so a vehicle that randomly shuts off at idle should be inspected and repaired without delay. With proper diagnosis – and in many cases, a warranty fuel pump replacement – most owners have gotten their Pathfinders back to normal operation. Keep communication open with Nissan and fellow owners, and rest assured that this is a known issue that can be remedied with the right approach, even if it may require some persistence to fully resolve.

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