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.
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, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, when the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed the transmission was needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V142000 (POWER TRAIN), however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
Service brakes, Oct 5, 2021
After changing rear break pads. I started having issues with the ABS. The car goes into anti skid mode with abs decelerating the car. On highway the car vibrates while applying breaks. Upon taking back to the same dealership. The service team said it has nothing to do with the break changes and upon checking C1142 code came up. The pressure switch sensor issue. The service team flushed the break fluid a few times and asked me to use to vehicle and report for any such issues. I am reaching out the NHTSA to check if anyone else has report a faulty pressure switch. This was little scary a we had recently went on a long drive with the kids and the driving was bit rough and tough
Air bags, Sep 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. He also stated that the OCS sensor failed to recognize an occupant seated in the passenger’s side seat, which would cause the air bag to become inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V681000 (Air Bags) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 149,989
Power train, Sep 15, 2021
Aloha, When I’m driving my SUV and it hits 20mph or more my SUV starts to shuttering or jerking motion for like 2 secs after driving over 20mph, I took it in to get it fix but the shuttering came back after a few days. So I figure it was built like that. But now I can’t even drive it due to its too dangerous to drive. I looked up the problem and joined a form online and a lot of people have the same problem as I do. I wanted to voice my concerns. Best regards,
Engine, Sep 14, 2021
I noticed a leak under my car with fresh fluid. It took me months to figure out where it was coming from. I removed the undercover where the bumper is and saw the leaking coming from the transmission oil cooler hose at the elbow connection. I looked online and noticed this exact recall: 2013 PATHFINDER; CVT FLUID LEAK AT COOLER HOSE For some odd reason my VIN was not listed under the recall. Looks like I have to fix Nissan’s issue out of my own pocket
Air bags, Sep 13, 2021
passenger side airbag light is always on (passenger or not) indicating that the passenger side airbag is off. also, when there is no passenger in the seat, the red airbag light flashes. however, when there is a passenger in the seat, the red airbag light is not on.
Air bags, Seats, Sep 9, 2021
I recently purchased a 2013 Pathfinder with 71,000 miles. My 2013 Pathfinder has a faulty OCS. The RED AIRBAG light is illuminated on the dashboard that will not go off. It also has the PASSENGER AIRBAG light illuminated whether a person is sitting in the passenger seat or not. This light does not go off when an adult is sitting in the seat. There is a recall on 2013 Pathfinders for this problem but my VIN is not showing a recall for this problem even though it has the same issue.
Power train, Sep 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated she was starting the ignition but was unable to shift gears out of Park. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V142000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred her to the local dealer to diagnose the vehicle. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced and for several recall repairs to be performed on the vehicle. The contact was informed that NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V142000 (Power Train) was not performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 26, 2021
I was driving down the road and the car wouldn’t shift into second gear. The speed limit was 35 mph and my car would only go 20 mph. I couldn’t drive home safely, no warning lights came on or anything. Dealership said my CVT transmission needs to be replaced. This sudden drop in speed became a hazard for me and my passenger.
Structure, Aug 18, 2021
Inside passengers front door handle broke making it impossible to open the passengers front door from inside the vehicle
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.
Power train, Jul 17, 2021
Was driving around yesterday when the vehicle started acting funny. When you put it into reverse, the vehicle would not recognize the shift immediately, and would instead make a hard jerk when the vehicle did go into gear. Similarly happened putting the vehicle into drive as well. Vehicle also is shuddering on acceleration. Went to a local part store to check it out, and ended up being code P17F0 with no immediate remedy available from Nissan.
Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2021
My hood has popped opened while driving.
Power train, Jun 29, 2021
I have been experiencing the transmission shutter and jitter on the highway going to work and sometimes I lose speed which causes me to slow down to less than posted highway speeds in order to exit off the highway. The shudder judder that occurs happens intermittent and there are times when I feel that when I try to accelerate on the highway, the pedal does not react to my input into the gas. Not sure if it is a safety thing but the dealership visit that I had at Classic Nissan of Texoma in Denison Texas in April I was told that the shudder and judder was supposed to be fixed by an electronic update by Nissan. There continue to be TONS of issues with not just this model year but others based on the CVT transmission in these cars and the manufacturer needs to do something about it now before someone gets seriously hurt. I've had a few close calls which is why I decided to research and report with you because I feel the dealership or the manufacturer are not listening loud and clear to the owners of these cars such as myself.
Power train, Jun 23, 2021
Im one of the couple thousands around the US and Canada having a CVT transmission problems in A Nissan vehicle. Vehicle started having issues around 80k miles. Now still having issues with 120k Vehicle looks brand new still. CVT issues on my 13 Pathfinder are having a very aggressive vibration at low speed to mid speed. Nissan was told at several dealerships about the issue. They said. Nothing they can’t do because of vehicle has no recalls.
Engine, Jun 10, 2021
Electric fan stopped working properly causing the vehicle to overheat.
Power train, Jun 8, 2021
Gear selector will not shift out of Park with the brake pedal depressed requiring the use of the manual override switch to shift the car into gear.
Power train, Jun 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the RPM’s revved up however, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the shoulder of the road and turned off the vehicle. Roadside assistance was contacted the vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the CVT jigger was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, the contact was informed that the warranty repair had expired. A case number was provided. The contact stated that NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V142000 (Power Train) was repaired in Jan 2017. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000
Power train, May 8, 2021
AS I AM IN A COMPLETE STOP OR DRIVING SLOW I PRESS THE PEDAL TO ACCELERATE THE CAR SHAKES AND IT IS THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AND IT SHAKES FOR A GOOD 3 MINUTES ON THE ROAD, WHICH IS DANGEROUS FOR ME BECAUSE I'M AFRAID IT'LL STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD OR THAT I'LL GET HIT BY ANOTHER CAR SINCE IT IS SLIPPING WHEN I'M TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP OR TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A SLOW SPEED
Steering, Apr 19, 2021
THE FRONT PASSENGER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED FREE FROM THE SUBFRAME WHILE SITTING AT A STOP SIGN. I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND HAD NO IDEA WHAT IT WAS UNTIL I STARTED DRIVING AND FELT AN ISSUE IN THE STEERING. WHEN I WENT UNDERNEATH TO LOOK, I REALIZED THAT THE ENTIRE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY WAS COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME. WHEN LOOKING ONLINE FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL, I REALIZED THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHERE SOMETHING SIMILAR HAS HAPPENED. THIS IS CLEARLY NOT A WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE AND NO WAY SHOULD THIS EVER HAPPEN. THIS IS SOMETHING THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO FIX! I HOPE SOMETHING IS DONE SOON BEFORE IT HAPPENS TO SOMEONE ELSE!! OF COURSE MY CAR ISN'T UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE SO NOW I AM STUCK WITH A $3,000 BILL DUE TO NO FAULT OF MY OWN, AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY CAN'T HELP ME EITHER. PLEASE ADD THIS TO YOUR RECALL LIST...THIS IS SO DANGEROUS!!!!!
Other or unspecified, Apr 16, 2021
2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER PASSENGER SUN VISOR WON'T STAY UP. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS OR COULD THIS BE A SAFETY COMPLAINT?
Power train, Apr 14, 2021
FROM TIME TO TIME IT WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK
Power train, Apr 10, 2021
RPM ITS WEN THE CAR ITS IN DRIVE ITS BTV 500 AND 600 AND ONCE WILD WEN IM DRIVEN IT JUMPS LIKE CRAZY I FEEL LIKE THE ENGINE ITS ABOUT TO FALL IN PEACES BUT ITS FROM THE TRANSMISSION I DONT KNOW WHY NHTSA DONT RECALL THIS TRANSMISSION EVERYONE OUT THERE THE ITS SO MANY PROBLEMS SO MANY ISSUES AND PEOPLE STEEL BUYING THIS GARBAGE CARS WITH SO MANY RECALLS OTHER RECALLS AND SO MANY ISSUES THE SHOULD EVERYONE OUT THERE REPORT TO LEMON LAW THIS CARS THERE NOT SAFE DRIVEN 3 TIMES THE RESET MY AIRBAGS AND SAME ISSUES I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR FROM THE DAY I GOT THE CAR FROM DEALER BRAND NEW WAS NOISE IN THE FRONT FOR 2 MOTHS I WAS 6 TIMES IN GREAT NECK NISSAN THE NEVER FINE ANYTHING 3 TIMES BROOKLYN NISSAN THE NEVER FINE THE PROBLEM THE CHANGE OTHER PARTS WHICH WAS NO ISSUES WITH THOSE PARTS AND THEN I WEN TO PRIVATE MECANIC HE FINE OUT THE ISSUE IN 5 MIN I ORDER FROM STATEN ISLAND NISSAN SAME ISSUE NOISE THEM I ORDER AFTER MARKET EVER SINCE NEVER HAVE PROBLEM WITH IT BUT ITS LOT OFF OTHER ISSUES AIRBAGS RADIO SOME TIME GOES OUT FOR 10 TO 20 MIN HAPPEN IT LIST 5 OR 6 TIMES PASSENGERS AIRBAGS SAME ISSUE AFTER 3 TIMES THE PROGRAM THE AIRBAGS BRAKES SOME TIME LOCK IT TAKES FEW SECONDS TO UNLOCK THIS WAS MY EXPERIENCE WITH NISSAN AFTER OWNING 3 OFF THEM THIS WAD MY 3 NISSAN AND MY LAST NISSAN ,NISSAN SHOULD TAKE THERE OWN RESPONSIBILITIES AND RECALLS THE TRANSMISSION EVERYONE KNOW ITS SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH CVT TRANSMISSION HELLO OR NHTSA SHOULD STEP UP AND RECALL OR DUE LEMON LAW BUY BACK THIS GARBAGE ITS SHAME THE WHOLE WORLD SE THIS CRAB WEN I HAVE THE CAR IT NISSAN DEALER WHY THE DINT SAY OR CHAMGE THE TRANY I DID HAVE 100 THOSEN MILES BUMPER TO BUMPER THE SAID WAS OK AND THE CAR ALLWAYS JUMPING ITS OK THATS NOT OK REALLY