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Nissan Pathfinder Engine Replacement in Phoenix

The engine is often not the component that has actually failed, and the CVT deserves checking first.

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The third-generation Nissan Pathfinder (2005–2012) used the VQ35DE 3.5-litre V6, the same engine found in the Altima, Murano and 350Z, but in a different application. The Pathfinder application has its own accessory layout, sump configuration and mounting, which means a VQ35DE from another Nissan model is not a direct swap without addressing those differences.

The fourth-generation Pathfinder (2013–2020) made a significant change: it moved to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard equipment across all trims. That CVT is the component most worth evaluating before committing to an engine replacement, because its failure symptoms can mimic engine trouble and a fresh engine behind a failing transmission is money spent twice.

Pathfinders were sold in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive form, and that affects the supporting hardware around the engine. Always confirm which drivetrain your vehicle has before ordering.

Rule out the transmission before you order the engine

The CVT on fourth-generation Pathfinders has been a common point of concern. Its symptoms, hesitation, slipping, shuddering and loss of power, can read as engine trouble to an owner. A replacement engine fitted behind a failing CVT does not fix the car, and the money is not recoverable.

Pathfinders were sold in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive form, and that affects the supporting hardware around the engine rather than the engine itself. Always confirm which drivetrain you have before ordering, because it is the piece of information most often left out of a request.

Nissan Pathfinder engines by generation

Two generations, with the VQ35DE on the third generation and a V6 on the fourth.

Nissan Pathfinder engine codes by generation, model years and trim
GenerationYearsTrimEngine
Third generation (R51)2005–2012All trimsVQ35DE
Fourth generation (R52)2013–2020All trimsVQ35DE / V6

Where Nissan Pathfinder orders go wrong

  • Confirm whether your Pathfinder uses the VQ35DE (third generation) or a later engine variant. The generation decides the engine family.
  • CVT failure is common enough on fourth-generation Pathfinders that it should be ruled out before ordering an engine. The symptoms overlap with engine trouble.
  • Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive Pathfinders differ in supporting hardware around the engine. Specify your drivetrain.

None of this needs to be worked out on your own. The Engine Finder asks for the year, model and trim and does the identification from there. The engine code field is optional precisely because most people do not have it.

Check availability for your Nissan Pathfinder

Year, trim and ZIP is enough to start. If you have the VIN it removes the guesswork entirely.

Step 1 of 3 · Vehicle33%

Step 1 of 3: Vehicle

Which vehicle is the engine for?

Year, make and model get us most of the way. Trim matters more than people expect. A 2008 Civic is a different engine depending on whether it is an Si.

LX, EX, Si, Type-S, V6. Whatever is on the badge.

Know your engine code? Add it here.

If you do not, leave these blank. That is genuinely fine. Working out which engine a vehicle takes is the part we do. Here is where the code is stamped if you want to look.

The single most useful thing you can give us. 17 characters.

We do not confirm that an engine fits your vehicle until it has been checked against it.

Common questions

Which engine does my Pathfinder have?

The third-generation Pathfinder (2005–2012) uses the VQ35DE 3.5-litre V6. The fourth generation (2013–2020) uses a V6 but with a different configuration. Check the stamped code on the engine or supply your VIN to confirm exactly which engine your Pathfinder was built with.

Is the Pathfinder CVT reliable?

The CVT on fourth-generation Pathfinders has been a common point of concern. Symptoms include hesitation, slipping, shuddering and loss of power, which can read as engine trouble to an owner. Have the transmission professionally diagnosed before ordering an engine, because a replacement engine behind a failing CVT does not fix the car.

Related pages

Find the right engine for your vehicle

Tell us the year, model and trim. We identify the engine your vehicle takes and come back with current availability and pricing.

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