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: other or unspecified
110 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2026
The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) assembly failed completely, rendering the vehicle inoperable. The transmission is currently available for inspection at the independent service center where repairs are being performed. The vehicle was purchased in September 2025 with approximately [UNKNOWN/LOW] mileage. Within the first week of ownership, the driver experienced violent shuddering and juddering when attempting to accelerate. This symptom worsened over a few days, eventually progressing to complete transmission failure — the vehicle could no longer accelerate or move under its own power. An independent transmission specialist identified a faulty casting in the CVT torque converter that caused internal belt/chain slippage. Once slippage began, the entire CVT assembly was damaged beyond repair. The specialist confirmed this is a known manufacturing defect in 2013 Nissan Pathfinders, not a result of owner misuse or maintenance neglect. A full CVT replacement was required.The sudden loss of transmission function while the vehicle was in operation created an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle could not accelerate when needed and could not be safely operated on roadways. This defect creates an unreasonably dangerous situation and increases the risk of crash or collision, particularly in traffic situations where acceleration is needed to avoid hazards. YES — The failure was confirmed and diagnosed by an independent transmission service center. The specialist identified the faulty torque converter casting as the root cause and confirmed this is a known defect pattern in 2013 Pathfinder CVT transmissions. The transmission is available for inspection. The vehicle was NOT inspected by a Nissan dealership prior to repair. The owner contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs multiple times (via phone and written correspondence) before taking the vehicle to the independent service center, but did not receive assistance or an inspection appointment.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 22, 2025
When I push on break it doesn’t engage to Release car from park.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2025
The transmission appears to be failing. When accelerating, the RPM increases but the vehicle speed does not respond immediately, creating a slipping and jerking effect. The vehicle is available for inspection if requested. The vehicle hesitates and jerks when accelerating, especially when merging into traffic or driving at highway speeds, which creates a risk of collision due to the loss of proper acceleration. The front tires also shake unexpectedly, making it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle. The issue is known and widely reported for this model year. Similar symptoms have been documented as transmission failures in 2013 Nissan Pathfinders. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Nissan for this issue. No warning lights appeared. The symptoms started gradually with hesitation when accelerating and have worsened over time to frequent slipping, jerking, and tire shaking while driving.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 1, 2025
My 2013 Pathfinder keeps shuddering and jerking and swerving while driving
Other or unspecified, Jul 6, 2025
In January I took my car to the dealership to repair my recalls and I complained about my car juddering jerking and stalling they told me I need a new transmission. I paid for transmission and install the car is still serving and stalling and juddeing I looked up transmission problems it shows all nissan pathfinder has a recall on cvt . Is mine included in this recall or am I needing yet another transmission
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 7, 2025
vehicle does not accelerates properly after a left turn it starts jerking violently and it correct itself after a few minutes or it can jerk repeatedly before correcting. After awhile the brake-shift interlock started not working properly by getting stock in the parking position making it shift to the drive position.
Other or unspecified, Apr 27, 2025
There is a recall on the make, model and year of my vehicle but the vin says that my vehicle is not affected yet that is the only thing wrong with my vehicle. It leaks all of its transmission fluid within 10 mins of driving it. I have contacted the dealer but the dealer is over an hour away and they said that since my vehicle isn't apart of the recall they will not fix the problem even though they said that is exactly what is wrong with my vehicle and I would have to buy an entirely new transmission from them if I was to take it in to get it fixed. This is the recall information that they say is the problem in my vehicle but the VIN states it is not apart of. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 14V142000 Report Date: MAR 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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2024
Interior door handle failure. The handle component of the interior door handle which retains the actuator cable frequently breaks resulting in an inability to open the door from inside the vehicle. I have replaced four of these on my vehicle in the 5 years I have owned it. The drivers door has been repaired twice. The component is plastic and obviously not made sturdy enough or made of appropriate material to withstand normal use. Failure of this component results in the inability to open the door from inside the vehicle, posing a safety concern should a passenger need to exit the vehicle in an emergency situation. Had I only experienced this issue once, I would not be gravely concerned, but this component is failing too frequently to just ignore. Numerous online forums also show this to be a frequent problem in all Nissan vehicles with this type door handle. At this point, I feel Nisan should redesign the door handle with a more sturdy and structurally sound design that can hold up to normal use.and should recall and replace the door handles of all Nissan vehicles that use this particular door handle.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2024
Both the front and back cradles are bad. The back ones snapped in pieces. They should not have gone bad there is no rust on my car.
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 5, 2024
Front subframe rusted through. This is a similar issue across a wide range of Nissan Pathfinders. This is a major safety issue.
Other or unspecified, Feb 5, 2024
The front subframe is almost rusted through and could break. This is similar to the 2002-2005 Altima, for which Nissan issued an extended warranty. If the subframe fails, it will cause a massive risk.
Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2023
The subframe on 2013 Nissan Pathfinder was completely broken from rot. I brought it to a shop because it was pulling to the left and making a clanking noise. I was told this is a common problem with 2013 Nissan’s. Car started pulling to the left about a month ago. Car was inspected about 2 weeks ago. After doing research it was learned that the 2013 pathfinders were never sprayed properly with some kind of rust protection. The pathfinder made a newly designed model for 2013 and never properly sprayed it. There are multiple places you can find others with 2013 pathfinder’s that have rusted out in the same area once the car get to about 140000 miles. Mine is just over 140000 miles
Other or unspecified, Nov 20, 2023
The sunroof exploded while the car was in motion. There was a loud boom distracting me while I was driving, in addition to glass falling on me and around my car putting me in danger. Glass also landed in the street, putting the safety of others at risk. There are remnants of shattered glass in my car and where the sunroof used to be. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the issue. The problem has not yet been confirmed or inspected by any of the above. Most of the glass flew out of the car, meaning that the sunroof was not hit by a foreign object.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Nov 10, 2023
When Accelerating from a stop, or increasing speed from a turn, the car sputters, power fluctuates, and sometimes it vibrates and feels like I am driving over a grid. The car sometimes feels like it's going to stall. I have owned this car for 10 years and this problem has been ongoing. It has been happening alot more recently. I have not been in an accident but I feel very unsafe when this happens and afraid it could cause an accident. I have been told it could be a known CVT issue but in the past, Nissan dealers always dismissed my complaints about the issue. No warning lamps or messages have ever appeared regarding this.
Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2023
The transmission causes my car to stutter when accelerating or decelerating at low speeds. It's dangerous as you are trying to merge into traffic or pass other cars. I've taken it to my dealer who said that they see this all the time with Nissans. I have also taken it to a transmission repair shop who said it's a common problem with Nissans and that it will have to be replaced for $5500 to correct it.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 4, 2023
My hatch want go up took it to Andy Mohr Dealer ship and diagnostic were perform and they still couldn't come up a solution to get my hatch to work properly
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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 5, 2023
The gas pedel is not responding. It goes down to the floor and nothing happens. I experienced this pulling out into traffic. I hit it several times to get it going. I made it to the turning lane. It kicked in. I turned out of the turning lane onto my street and it stopped working again. I made it home where it sits. I am terrified. This is danger to everyone around me.
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2022
Hood latch failed. Yes, available for inspection upon request. Hood opened, hit and then shattered windshield while driving on busy road. Received recall notice from Nissan about faulty hood latch. Service tech at window repair company noted good safety latch looked very loose. Was looked at by the window repair/replacement company. No warning at all.
Other or unspecified, Feb 21, 2022
Sun visor problem. Sun visor made within poor quality plastic. Plastic retainer broken now sun visor will not stay up. This is causing a vision problem when visor just drops into line of vision.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 15, 2022
Shifter will not move from park. I have to use the hidden bypass push button just above park indicator to move vehicle in & out of gear. I bought this vehicle with about 141,000 miles. I noticed the under carriage was wet at time i bought it on september 16th 2021. Very slow leak. Had mechanic test transmission fluid temp and add Nissan cvt fluid. Didnt need much. Both rear interior doors have boken handles. Cables broke free of internal handle. Transmission starting to hesitate or lose power on mostly heavy acceleration. Acceleration pause for moment. Sometimes a few times within 5-7 seconds when attempt to excelerate at full throttle when heavy acceleration. Getting worse. Happening at slower speeds. Hood shakes on highway. Needs reinforced. So far caused no accidents.
Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2021
Brake lights will not turn off when engine is off. Sometimes car starts without depressing brake pedal
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 21, 2021
Vehicle gets stuck in park. The gear will not shift into drive, reverse, or neutral. Will not move from park even though the car is on. Brake lights deploy when brake pedal is pushed but car will not move from park position.
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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2021
In the course of 1.5 yrs I have had issues with my transmission. I had to replace my transmission last June, only for the transmission to go out again in the beginning of Aug. now it’s been less than a year and my car transmission gave out again in July. This will be transmission number 4 with in 1.5 years. This last time I was turning into my friends house and the car would not go into the driveway, instead it lost power and rolled back down the street. Luckily my friend lives on a not so busy road and I avoided getting hit. I had the car towed to a Nissan dealership and they confirmed once again that it was indeed the transmission once again. This can not be normal in any way for a transmission to give out in a car that quickly. This is very dangerous.