Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) consists of mobile nodes that interact wirelessly. However, data transmission between nodes can be affected by issues such as poor stability, high energy usage, and frequent network topology changes. To tackle these challenges, cluster-based routing algorithms have been developed. In these algorithms, Cluster Head (CH) nodes play a crucial role in routing data packets to the Base Station (BS) via the shortest path. Conversely, route failure can occur due to high node mobility, disrupting data transfer and requiring CHs to retransfer data packets. This leads to increased energy usage, delay, packet loss, and reduced network lifetime. Additionally, finding a new shortest route after failures was time-consuming due to frequent changes in network topology. Hence, this manuscript proposes a Clustering and Multipath-based Fault-Tolerant AODV (CMFT-AODV) routing algorithm for data transfer in MANETs. The main aim is to improve data throughput, reduce packet loss, minimize delay, and extend the network's lifetime. This new algorithm enhances the route discovery phase by integrating the multipath fault tolerance scheme, which addresses failures in the shortest route between nodes. At first, path-related parameters like reliability, energy usage, and transmission delay are determined to calculate the cost of each route between source and destination nodes. Based on the cost values, each route is sorted to recognize the near-optimal route. Furthermore, a round-robin path selection technique is proposed for multipath routing in each timeslot during transmission. Finally, simulation findings demonstrate that the CMFT-AODV reaches a higher network performance compared to the conventional routing algorithms in MANETs.