2013 Nissan Pathfinder
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 890 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 25 Pathfinder model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 16 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Latches/locks/linkages, hood, latchJun 13, 2022
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Pathfinder vehicles. On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed.
An unsecured hood could unexpectedly open while driving, obstructing the driver's view, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the bell crank assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 26, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are R22A2 R22A3 and R24B7.
Campaign 22V420000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchJan 20, 2021
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. The location of the brake light switch may cause the brake light switch relay to repeatedly open and close. Overtime, this can cause the relay to stick in the "ON" position, with the brake lights remaining illuminated even when the brakes are not applied. Additionally, this may interfere with the brake-shift interlock, allowing the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "Park" position, without depressing the brake pedal.
Continual illumination of the brake lights can prevent other drivers from realizing the vehicle is actually slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash. With the brake override activated, the driver will not be able to accelerate normally, increasing the risk of a crash. The driver can shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, allowing the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, either re-install the brake light switch or swap positions with the Automatic Speed Control Device (ASCD) switch; depending on the model year vehicle. In addition, the brake light relay will be replaced with a new one. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall PC786. Note: this recall supersedes 16V-380.
Campaign 21V020000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchMay 31, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Pathfinder vehicles manufactured June 20, 2012, to June 13, 2013. The brake light switch may have been installed incorrectly causing the relay to make intermittent contact and repeatedly cycle. This may result in the relay remaining in the "ON" position, causing the brake lights to remain illuminated even when the brakes are not applied. Additionally, the brake light switch may interfere with the brake-shift interlock, allowing the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "Park" position, without depressing the brake pedal.
If the brake override is activated, the driver will not be accelerate normally, increasing the risk of a crash. If the brake lights remain illuminated, other drivers may fail to stop when the vehicle actually brakes, increasing the risk of a crash. If the driver inadvertently shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, the vehicle may rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake light switch and, as necessary, replace the relay, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 16V380000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationApr 26, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Campaign 16V244000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalOct 20, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 15V681000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hood, hinge and attachmentsJan 26, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles manufactured June 20, 2012, to November 18, 2013, 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid vehicles manufactured July 18, 2013, to November 18, 2013, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles manufactured November 29, 2011, to June 14, 2013, and 2014 QX60 vehicles manufactured May 16, 2013, to November 18, 2013, and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles manufactured July 18, 2013, to November 18, 2013. In the affected vehicles the hood release cable assembly may have been installed incorrectly preventing the latching claw from fully engaging. The secondary latch may remain in the open position when the hood is closed.
If the primary hood latch is released and the secondary latch fails during operation of the vehicle, it could cause the hood to open during vehicle operation impairing the driver's vision, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will modify the angle of the hood release mechanism to provide additional length to the release cable, free of charge. The recall began on March 9, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 15V033000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, cooling unit and linesMar 26, 2014
Nissan North America (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013 Pathfinder vehicles manufactured April 18, 2012, through October 3, 2012, and equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In the affected vehicles, the internal oil cooler (ITOC) hose may detach from the cooler due to inadequate clamping force, allowing transmission fluid to leak.
The loss of transmission fluid could cause the transmission to function improperly and the vehicle to stop accelerating, increasing the risk of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install an oil hose repair kit, free of charge. The recall began on May 12, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 14V142000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareMar 25, 2014
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 14V138000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipOct 17, 2013
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles manufactured April 18, 2012, through September 20, 2013; model year 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles manufactured September 15, 2011, through January 16, 2013; and model year 2014 Infiniti QX60 vehicles manufactured January 17, 2013, through September 20, 2013. In the affected vehicles, during light braking on rough roads, the antilock brake system (ABS) brake pressure output software may lead to an increase in stopping distance.
The increased stopping distance may increase the risk of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ABS, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 13V445000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakesApr 12, 2013
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Pathfinder and Infiniti JX vehicles manufactured December 3, 2012, through January 29, 2013. The front brake torque member was improperly cast resulting in structural weakness. This can lead to premature failure and cracking.
If the brake torque member fails, the brake caliper may move and contact the inside of the road wheel, resulting in reduced braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the manufacturing date of the torque members and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 13V139000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMar 1, 2013
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, Sentra, and Infiniti JX35 vehicles. Sensors within the passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) may have been manufactured out of specification. This may cause the system to malfunction and permanently suppress the passenger airbag.
If the vehicle is involved in a crash necessitating airbag deployment and the passenger airbag is suppressed, there may be an increased risk of personal injury.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ODS sensors and replace them as neccessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 13V069000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
370 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Sep 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shook violently and stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Jun 7, 2023
Vehicle shakes, jerks, shudders when accelerating quickly.... i.e. merging onto highways, after slowing down or stopping
Power train, May 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that she noticed a spot had started to form underneath her vehicle. Additionally, she had noticed that the vehicle was hesitating and jerking into gear while accelerating. The contact also stated that she heard an abnormal whining sound while starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D). The contact stated that while shifting into reverse(R) there was no abnormal sounds. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had become more frequent. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V142000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Power train, May 17, 2023
The contact’s niece owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while his niece was driving at various speeds, the transmission hesitated, and the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle became inoperable and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the continuously variable transmission (CVT) needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware that the warranty had expired, and the vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Apr 19, 2023
The transmission won't go into gear and when it does go into gear it shudders. The trans is a CVT . The original trans was replaced at or around 100,000 miles
Suspension, Power train, Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2023
My daugther and myself were sitting at a stop light and the car would not move forward or backward. All of the transmission fluid was on the ground. I had to call the police for safety from being hit. I had the truck towed home.
Power train, Apr 17, 2023
Only 78 k and transmission stopped working on the highway
Power train, Oct 27, 2022
-The transmission failed and yes it is available to inspect -We were driving and all of a sudden we lost acceleration momentarily, we were not far from home so we made it home but is was scary and unsafe. -It was inspected by a local transmission repair shop and then towed to the dealership. -No warning lights came on, no computer messages, there was no warning whatsoever. The transmission was working perfect one moment and then all of the sudden it wasn't.
Power train, Aug 2, 2022
The transmission is shuddering and bucking. After numerous research it appears this is a common issue and should be made a recall by Nissan. To repair this issue it will cost more than what the vehicle is worth.
Power train, Jul 8, 2022
This issues started about a year ago. The vehicle jerks and shudders at low RPM's. When the vehicle transmission is in "Drive" and I press the gas pedal, the vehicle jerks and the whole body shudders badly. The only way to stop it is to move the selector to "Low" and lightly press the gas until the RPM's increase. This is dangerous because it causes me to have to drive at lower speeds and take off at lower speeds to avoid the jerking/shuddering. Recently the vehicle seemed like it didn't want to move. I was at a red light and followed the low take off speed procedure I have developed but the vehicle lurched forward then stopped then lurched forward then stopped again. The car behind me almost rear ended me because of it.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Jul 7, 2022
My vehicle has a CVT transmission problem, It would shake when driving the car, when I made turns or went down hills. On the interstate it shook so bad a had to pull over. I got stuck in the parking a lot one day, the gears were stuck. I tried to go in reverse and the vehicle was moving forward. Then I tried to put the car back into park and try to put it in drive it was still stuck. SO I cut my vehicle off and cut it back on just to move. My vehicle would stall out in traffic, there would be no acceleration of the vehicle and the vehicle would jerk, shudder and pull. It felt like its going to cut off. The shaking of the vehicle terrified me the most because it felt like my tires would fly off on the interstate or any road I was driving on.
Power train, Jul 7, 2022
Cvt transmission is having issues. When I put the car into gear it jerks and makes loud noises. The dealership wont help.
Power train, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 28, 2022
I was driving my vehicle and someone notice fluid leaking from the trans cooler area. After all the fluid leaked out without warning on the dash. The vehicle was not driveable and had to get it towed home. After further inspection I noticed one of the oil cooler lines ruptured and bust resulting in the CVT trans fluid leaking out. There was not warning and this could have been dangerous if driving and lost power. There was again not CVT warning light!.. Nissan has a faulty CVT cooling lines
Power train, May 4, 2022
When I slow down and speed up from a stop or when I drive into curves it makes a shuddering jerking motion.. the engine light comes on saying it's the CVT transmission.. how do I get it fixed since there is so many others with the same complaint??
Power train, Apr 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate the vehicle would jerk and hesitate while driving and shifting into gear. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a CVT judder. The contact stated that she researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V142000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,397.
Power train, Feb 5, 2022
When accelerating there is a judder. It only happens when accelerating.
Power train, Jan 3, 2022
Car starts high Rev and barely wants to move. Then check engine light comes on diagnoses code CVT solenoids stuck.
Power train, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, when the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed the transmission was needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V142000 (POWER TRAIN), however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
Power train, Sep 15, 2021
Aloha, When I’m driving my SUV and it hits 20mph or more my SUV starts to shuttering or jerking motion for like 2 secs after driving over 20mph, I took it in to get it fix but the shuttering came back after a few days. So I figure it was built like that. But now I can’t even drive it due to its too dangerous to drive. I looked up the problem and joined a form online and a lot of people have the same problem as I do. I wanted to voice my concerns. Best regards,
Power train, Sep 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated she was starting the ignition but was unable to shift gears out of Park. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V142000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred her to the local dealer to diagnose the vehicle. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced and for several recall repairs to be performed on the vehicle. The contact was informed that NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V142000 (Power Train) was not performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 13, 2021
defects shifter assembly, cvt Transmission, brakes, Kraft Nissan invoice 317628 12-13-2019. AAMCO Blu steel Automotive repair order J004629 Transmission CVT, DTC P1 CVT Judder, B2603 Shift position, HVAC sun load sensor.
Power train, Jul 17, 2021
Was driving around yesterday when the vehicle started acting funny. When you put it into reverse, the vehicle would not recognize the shift immediately, and would instead make a hard jerk when the vehicle did go into gear. Similarly happened putting the vehicle into drive as well. Vehicle also is shuddering on acceleration. Went to a local part store to check it out, and ended up being code P17F0 with no immediate remedy available from Nissan.
Power train, Jun 29, 2021
I have been experiencing the transmission shutter and jitter on the highway going to work and sometimes I lose speed which causes me to slow down to less than posted highway speeds in order to exit off the highway. The shudder judder that occurs happens intermittent and there are times when I feel that when I try to accelerate on the highway, the pedal does not react to my input into the gas. Not sure if it is a safety thing but the dealership visit that I had at Classic Nissan of Texoma in Denison Texas in April I was told that the shudder and judder was supposed to be fixed by an electronic update by Nissan. There continue to be TONS of issues with not just this model year but others based on the CVT transmission in these cars and the manufacturer needs to do something about it now before someone gets seriously hurt. I've had a few close calls which is why I decided to research and report with you because I feel the dealership or the manufacturer are not listening loud and clear to the owners of these cars such as myself.
Power train, Jun 23, 2021
Im one of the couple thousands around the US and Canada having a CVT transmission problems in A Nissan vehicle. Vehicle started having issues around 80k miles. Now still having issues with 120k Vehicle looks brand new still. CVT issues on my 13 Pathfinder are having a very aggressive vibration at low speed to mid speed. Nissan was told at several dealerships about the issue. They said. Nothing they can’t do because of vehicle has no recalls.
Power train, Jun 8, 2021
Gear selector will not shift out of Park with the brake pedal depressed requiring the use of the manual override switch to shift the car into gear.