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.
Air bags, Aug 19, 2022
The air bag light indicating that the passenger air bag is disabled does not go off when someone sits in the passenger seat. This matches NHTSA Campaign Number 15V681000 from October 20, 2015 with the description Air Bag may not Detect Passenger in Seat. However, Nissan says that my VIN is not part of the recall. This makes no sense to me since my vehicle has this issue. I do not know exactly when this started as I don't often carry passengers. The date I put in was around the last time I took this vehicle in for what I believe was to address a recall issue. I'm also concerned that my vehicle could have the issue from April 26, 2016, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V244000, Passenger Air Bag may not Deploy due to OCS Error.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the sun visor failed to operate. The contact stated that the sun visor blocked her vision. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000. The consumer stated the sun visor was repaired at owners expense due to safety reasons.
Engine, Aug 11, 2022
Vehicle started to overheat. Informed by mechanic that one of the 2 electric fans that pull air thru the radiator had gone bad. This also caused the A/C compressor to shut off causing the interior of the vehicle to reach over 100 degrees in less than 15 minutes while driving thru town on a 95+ degree day with the windows rolled down.
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.
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.
Air bags, Jul 28, 2022
Passenger side airbag does not show as engage due to a faulty (OCS) sensor per inspection by Nissan dealership names #1 Cochran. This is a known problem covered under Nissan's recall PC216. This recall was performed on the vehicle in 2017. The sensor is faulty again. The fix that Nissan proposed is not a long term correction of the problem. Obviously, if the vehicle is involved in an accident with my wife in the passenger seat the airbag would not work due to a faulty sensor that registers no one being present in the passenger seat.
Suspension, Jul 27, 2022
Rear crossmember (K-frame) rusted through where dogbone links connect to rear control arms. Rest of vehicle is in excellent condition with little to no rust (surface at best), but rear cross member is completely rusted through at front right and left. This then lets the rear wheels loose toe and adjustment and causes skipping and alignment issues, potentially leading to a crash.
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
Air bags, Jun 19, 2022
Passenger airbag sensor indicates seat is empty even though someone is sitting in it. Have not had it checked yet. Going this week.
Electrical system, Jun 16, 2022
Traction control light appears and car goes into stall mode and will not drive/pressing the gas the car will not gain traction.
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??
Structure, Apr 29, 2022
on 3 separate occasions 3 separate door handles have failed to work from the inside of the vehicle. We had to replace the front passenger side door handle twice and the rear left side once and now the rear right side door handle has stopped working. No warnings whatsoever ever they just stop latching and we are unable to exit the vehicle which is very unsafe. We took it to the Nissan Dealership in Carson City Nevada where we paid to get it replaced on 03/07/2022.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 24, 2022
My ABS system seems to trigger a warning when using the brakes and the car has a loss of power when accelerating this is especially dangerous on roads merging with traffic. I will restart the car the next day and the ABS light turns off and works fine. This seems to happen intermittently and is a safety concern for my family in the car.
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.
Engine, Mar 31, 2022
Known CVT Judder on my vehicle and service bulletin. They will not assist payment any repairs for an unsafe vehicle due to mileage. They have had many recalls but refuse to recall this vehicle and continue to market and sell without notifying consumers of known faulty transmission that does not create a check engine lite and effects driving. I have not been in an accident but those could cause an accident and is very unsafe.
Engine, Mar 13, 2022
Severe jumping, shaking, shuddering when accelerating after a stop - between 10 - 25 mph. Now it's in the shop, will not drive due to transmission issue.
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.
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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2021
Brake lights will not turn off when engine is off. Sometimes car starts without depressing brake pedal
Air bags, Nov 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the front passenger’s side air bag and the "solid air bag #2" warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the air bag sensor to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V069000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000. Consumer has not stated when the incident occured.*JB