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
890 reports, newest first.
Power train, Engine, Jul 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the vehicle needed an oil change, and that the check engine warning light would be deactivated. The oil change was performed; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
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
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 18, 2025
My car powers off as I am driving it. The brakes work but nothing else. The dials go crazy and all the warning lights on my car turn on with all the other lights remaining off. I’m not sure what component stopped working when it shuts off but I would be okay with it being inspected. My safety was put at risk because I could no longer drive the car and the gas pedal doesn’t work so I don’t gain any speed leaving me stranded on the street having to pull over which could lead to an accident. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service dealer. The first sign I know the problem is gonna happen when driving is when I turn on the car and the emergency brake light turns on and the battery light.
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.
Suspension, Jun 5, 2025
My wife's car is a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. We heard what appeared a noise coming from rear undercarriage of the car. took the vehicle to our mechanic and he told us the "cradle" was rusted thru and the car was unsafe to operate. The car has ~103000 miles, was well maintained and garage kept. I questioned this with the mechanic, I'm [XXX] and have had several vehicles, never had an issue with the degree of rust on the suspension on this car. The mechanic said this is not an unusual problem for Nissans. The cars interior and exterior is in great condition, now it's not drivable and Nissan is not offering any help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension, May 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving and making a turn, the steering wheel became significantly loose. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact noticed that the front passenger's side wheel had moved closer into the front fender, and the control arm had detached from the frame due to significant corrosion. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
Tires, May 19, 2025
Left rear passenger tire failed has a Bubble. 235/50R20. Tire have a manufacturing problem all tires on the vehicle need to be replaced. Costco declined!
Tires, May 18, 2025
235/55R20 102H Tires are Defective Have Bubbles. This is 2nd tire which has a bubble. Costco will not stand behind warranty and replace all the tires!
Structure, Apr 28, 2025
Rear subframe on the passenger side cracked because of excessive rust making it dangerous to drive so it's now stuck at the repair shop. Repair shop said this is not expected for a vehicle with this mileage and the other sides of the subframe are far from being in the same condition as this one.
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.
Structure, Apr 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, on the lift at the independent mechanic, the independent mechanic rust on the subframe. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had previously taken the vehicle to be repaired under an unknown recall for the hood latch. The contact stated that recommendations were made by the dealer; however, a recommendation for the subframe rust was not provided. The subframe rust was not addressed by the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to the independent mechanic, and the independent mechanic noticed the rust on the subframe. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where the contact was informed the vehicle was no longer under an extended warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,019.
Suspension, Structure, Feb 6, 2025
Rust only on brackets that hold the arm on the rear sway arm stabilizer
Structure, Dec 31, 2024
Rear Subframe/under body completely rusted out at cracked. My daughter and I drive a lot for her health condition to appointments. The Nissan Dealership said this could have been catastrophic driving down the freeway had it broke apart while driving. It completely fell apart in the mechanics hand after they removed it and were showing me what actually happened and what I was driving around on. Nissan dealership quoted me $11,000.00 for the part and labor. I had it fixed through an authorized mechanic for $5,000.00 Because it was wearing and I didn't notice because there were no signs or messages, it rubbed my tires almost bald to where the wires were showing. I had to replace those as well. I wash my car regularly and get 2 detail cleans a year, my car has been well maintained since I bought it. I asked the mechanic how this could have happened and the the Nissan mechanic stated that "this happened due to the fact that Nissan didn't powdercoat certain years of the pathfinder and that's why it rusted out. He said that had it been powder coated this wouldn't have happened."
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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 23, 2024
The contact owned a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the hood unintendedly opened and shattered the windshield. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the vehicle was a total loss. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Suspension, Structure, Nov 26, 2024
When getting a new set of tires found out that drivers side rear subframe assembly rusted away where the control arm attaches after looking at a Nissan fourn there are many with the same problem worried that due to this might be a issue for me and my children traveling to he roads
Structure, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Traction control system, Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal popping sound and the vehicle started to wobble. The contact decelerated and pulled over safely. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact checked the vehicle but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the rear subframe frame and cross member had fractured. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The VIN was not available.
Structure, Nov 7, 2024
After being notified of NHTSA recall campaign 22V-420 by Nissan North America, Inc. we had the required service repairs performed by a qualified Nissan dealership near us, however Nissan has been unable to clear the open recall notice from their Nissan tracking system, so we continue to receive periodic open recall notices from Nissan for this same issue. The NHTSA website recall system correctly shows no open recalls for our vehicle. Several phone calls placed to the Nissan North America Consumer Affairs Department requesting they fix their recall system notification information has only resulted in being transferred between representatives, and then having Nissan drop the calls during those transfers.
Power train, Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering and shaking abnormally while attempting to turn left or right. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
Power train, Oct 17, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Structure, Sep 20, 2024
Took my 2013 Pathfinder to Steve Shannon Tires and auto center to fix (what I thought was the issue) a wheel bearing. They called me later in the day informing me they could not replace the wheel bearing because my rear sub frame is rotted.
Suspension, Sep 8, 2024
Hello, I've purchased my Nissan pathfinder 2013 2 yrs ago . And fell in love with it. But since June 2014, it has been sitting due to the transmission going out and or stopping mid traffic. Putting my life in danger. It finally wouldn't go into gear anymore. It wouldn't go forward or backwards. I had it towed to house. We're it sits. No shops want to work on it because they are difficult to work on..I'm stuck making payments on something I can't drive. I see it has recalls on my vehicle online but not for my specific vin number..makes no sense to me..why not my vin number when in fact it's my vehicle on recalls? The exact name model and year??
Structure, Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle swayed to the right. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the rear subframe was extremely corroded, causing the rear driver’s side stabilizer bar to fracture. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 143,000.
Structure, Aug 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the tires were losing air. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the subframe from the front end to the rear had severe corrosion. The mechanic advised the contact not to drive the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to Nissan Campaign Number: PC500 (Re-program TCM). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.