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.
Structure, Aug 21, 2023
Subframe completely rusted through and has broken in the back portion of the car.
Suspension, Structure, Aug 9, 2023
The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder that we own just had the subframe rust and collapse. The car only has 120,000 miles. This is not even close to the expectancy of how long a subframe should last.
Structure, Jul 27, 2023
Subframe completely rusted through and has broken in the back portion of the car. This risks catastrophic failure at highway speeds where the loose subframe can cause rear wheels to move outside of safe bounds. No warnings are given on the car and it is so hidden underneath that a normal inspection can miss it. Now car has dramatic clanging noise every bump and risks failure every time we drive.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 20, 2023
The contact's aunt owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, the hood inadvertently popped open without warning while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice, the hood latch was replaced after the first failure and the hood latches were lubricated after the second failure. The contact's aunt then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V420000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 78,062. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
Power train, Jun 7, 2023
Vehicle shakes, jerks, shudders when accelerating quickly.... i.e. merging onto highways, after slowing down or stopping
Suspension, May 30, 2023
Rear cross member corrosion making the vehicle unstable. not sure how can this happen on the vehicle that’s only 10 years old.
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.
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
Electrical system, Apr 23, 2023
Reverse camera is so blurry, reset factory setting on radio and now says infinity and air went to 90f won't go down I reset it and nothing can't update radio at all. Can't even drive long without almost overheating inside car temp fine but inside hot even if windows down airbag lights blinking no crash or accident no passager airbag with passenger in it light indicates off
Suspension, Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH around a curve at night, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the subframe and the vehicle unintendedly veered into another lane, and nearly crashed into the guard rail. The contact pulled to the side of the road but could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact was able to drive to his residence nearby at 40 MPH. The used car dealer where the vehicle was purchased was contacted but provided no assistance. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the corrosion warranty had expired in 2018. The failure mileage was approximately 149,620.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 18, 2023
Sun visors on both driver and passenger side, have problems and keep falling down. It is a known recurring issue with Nissan, and it blocks vision of the road ahead, as well as when they hang down, it causes head injury thrust against the edge of visor. The dealership confirmed that this is a known issue yet Nissan has not issued a recall for this, it is a safety hazard. The visors will not stay up in place, and they fall down just enough to have the hard edge of the visor directly in front of the forehead, causing injury and impeding visibility.
Power train, Apr 17, 2023
Only 78 k and transmission stopped working on the highway
Steering, Suspension, Apr 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was veering to the left and became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated there was a loud banging sound underneath the vehicle when the brake pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe crossmember needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The local dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
Suspension, Feb 27, 2023
The rear subframe of my Nissan Pathfinder had rusted through and needed to be replaced. According to the mechanic, the subframe was not properly primed by NIssan during manufacturing, which led to rusting from the top (which is not visible without removing the piece). A google search shows that THIS IS INCREASINGLY COMMON ON NISSAN PATHFINDERS around this model year. The part was on backorder due to high demand. It was explained to me that if this part were to brake off, it could pull off the brake line which could have been catastrophic. There were no lamps or messages when this part broke. The first sign of an issue was a loud noise from the rear of the car whenever we went over the slightest bump.
Structure, Feb 26, 2023
Major subframe damage in similar places on both sides of car causing car to be unsafe
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.
Steering, Wheels, Jan 14, 2023
Rear sub frame rusted. Front mount rusted. Side trailing is broken away from the frame. This vehicle is not safe to drive
Structure, Dec 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the rear sub frame was completely rusted through. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and the subframe was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,850.
Electrical system, Dec 9, 2022
Three times our battery has ruptured. Two separate batteries, the second and third being a Nissan dealership battery because I thought maybe the aftermarket battery was the cause. I have purchased four batteries over the two years I have owned the pathfinder. The first battery that came with the car I did not see the battery condition as the car was towed in after it lost power while driving up hill. They assumed alternator however concluded it was the battery. When looking at the new battery the dealership installed I noticed corrosion from the splash of battery acid all over the engine bay. It wasn’t until I was in the car when the new battery once again ruptured, separating the whole top and bottom casing. That left acid dripping in my engine bay. So battery number three I made sure was an OEM Nissan battery that could handle the Platnium OEM options. Just months replacement the battery ruptured again. This time the dealer covered replacement. Well I brought my pathfinder in for its 60k mile service and sure enough the battery acid has caused the area around terminals to separate and have huge amounts of corrosion. The advisor even mentioned how the battery looks brand new and shiny except for all the corrosion. They got the battery holding a charge but can’t pinpoint the issue. I can not find a lot of info on batteries rupturing like this without being attached to an external power source - Like it someone is over applying voltage to the battery. That was not the case I have been actively driving when it pressurized the battery causing the rupture and spewing battery acid throughout the engine bay.
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.
Air bags, Oct 12, 2022
While pushing the auto button to slid the passenger front seat to vacuum the floor carpet the airbag sensor broke off. This made the airbag system to be non operational on the front passerenger seat putting any passenger in danger with no airbags. Poor design of such an important safety system that just sliding the seat would break such an important part!