NISSAN PATHFINDER · model year

2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER

1201 NHTSA complaints, 26 crash reports, and 11 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2013NISSANPATHFINDER carries 1201 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 26 crashes, 1 fire, 30 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2013 PATHFINDER is power train with 366 filings, followed by air bags (176) and unknown or other (109). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 11 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 4 investigation files overlapping the 2013 PATHFINDER. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

1201
Complaints
26
Crashes
1
Fires
30
Injuries
0
Deaths
2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

1201 filings

Crashes Reported

26 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN366
AIR BAGS176
UNKNOWN OR OTHER109
ENGINE105
SERVICE BRAKES61
STRUCTURE:BODY61
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL47
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM47
VISIBILITY/WIPER46
SUSPENSION27
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM18
SEAT BELTS13
SEATS12
STEERING12
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)10

Recalls (11)

16V38000031/05/2016

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

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 rel

16V24400026/04/2016

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

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

14V14200026/03/2014

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

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

15V03300026/01/2015

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

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, 20

14V13800025/03/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

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

15V68100020/10/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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

21V02000020/01/2021

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

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 remaini

13V44500017/10/2013

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

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, 2

22V42000013/06/2022

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

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.

13V13900012/04/2013

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

13V06900001/03/2013

AIR BAGS

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 ai

Recent Complaints

20260118POWER TRAIN

transmission started jerking & went out leaving me stranded.

20260111POWER TRAIN

My car has been having issues with what seems to be the transmission. This Nissan Pathfinder has CVT, which is continuous variable transmission. Three months ago I had a radiator blowout and had to change that and the thermostat. I believe that it was due to the transmission issues. currently I have an oil leak and I believe it’s due to your issues with the transmission.

20251222POWER TRAIN

I have a 2013 Pathfinder that is experiencing a High pitch whine coming from the transmission. when shifting in lower gears, there is a soft kick. i have only experienced a shutter once and only at lower speeds and rpm. once I'm at a higher speed it seems to get less. I have had the vehicle for 8 months. just started in the the last week. It has 157k miles.

20251218POWER TRAIN

My name is [XXX] , and I am requesting urgent escalation regarding my 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, which has now gone through four CVT transmissions, including three replacements within the past year. All repairs were performed by a Nissan dealership, yet the same failure continues to occur. I have maintained my vehicle properly. This situation is becoming unsafe and financially damaging, and I am asking for Nissan’s support in resolving it fairly and promptly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20251111AIR BAGS

Brought our 2013 Nissan Pathfinder to Naples Nissan because of a flashing airbag warning light and a Warning light that passenger airbag was not working . Dealer fixed other recalls and charged us $179 to tell us we needed 2 new OCS sensors for $1050. We provided copy of OCS sensor recall for 2013 pathfinder (PC216 13V -069. NYB13-035a) which states dealer is responsible to remove OCS sensors and check the lot codes for campaign eligibility . Dealer has ignored the request and simply repeated that the all outstanding recalls have been taken care of and we would need to pay $1050 to repair this important safety problem . Please help us ?

20251022SERVICE BRAKES

When I push on break it doesn’t engage to Release car from park.

20251022UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When I push on break it doesn’t engage to Release car from park.

20251016POWER TRAIN

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The issue lies within the CVT. There is violent shuddering when accelerating. It is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - The violent and intense shuddering caused by the failing CVT incapacitates the ability the properly steer and the potential for random loss of power could directly impact traffic conditions. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Not yet; I have been cautious to drive the vehicle since the issue escalated. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - No, the vehicle has remained parked since the issue became much more serious. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No, the shuddering was vague and see

20250922POWER TRAIN

Starts with juddering, loss of power. While driving you can experience a total complete loss of power which deceleration quickly which can cause other vehicles to hit you from behind. End result, shifter moves but doesnt engage gears, like you're in neutral. Engine rev's but you're getting nowhere. You're lucky to maneuver off the highway. Requires a tow and a transmission replacement without warning.

20250917STRUCTURE:BODY

Rear subframe rusted through and unable to be repaired. Contacted Nissan and would not assist even though some VIN # of the same year were recalled and replaced. Having a hard time finding a replacement even with a family friend who is a service advisor looking. Vehicle has not been in an accident that would cause this type of fracture in the frame. Unable to drive the vehicle for obvious safety reasons.

20250915POWER TRAIN

The transmission shudders. Causes jerking and hard shifts that makes the car move in unwanted ways. Car may shut off if shutter gets too hard. It’s pretty bad , even the repairs do not fix the issue. This definitely needs to be a recall for Nissan to take a look at

20250911POWER TRAIN

Transmission is making a noise after acceleration once the car gets to 40 miles an hour it starts jerking. Just purchased the car and has not even been 30 days. I first noticed this a week after purchasing.

20250903POWER TRAIN

The transmission appears to be failing. When accelerating, the RPM increases but the vehicle speed does not respond immediately, creating a slipping and jerking effect. The vehicle is available for inspection if requested. The vehicle hesitates and jerks when accelerating, especially when merging into traffic or driving at highway speeds, which creates a risk of collision due to the loss of proper acceleration. The front tires also shake unexpectedly, making it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle. The issue is known and widely reported for this model year. Similar symptoms have been documented as transmission failures in 2013 Nissan Pathfinders. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Nissan for this issue. No warning lights appeared. The symptoms started gradually with hesitation when accelerating and have worsened over time to frequent slipping, jerking, and tire shaking while driving.

20250903UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The transmission appears to be failing. When accelerating, the RPM increases but the vehicle speed does not respond immediately, creating a slipping and jerking effect. The vehicle is available for inspection if requested. The vehicle hesitates and jerks when accelerating, especially when merging into traffic or driving at highway speeds, which creates a risk of collision due to the loss of proper acceleration. The front tires also shake unexpectedly, making it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle. The issue is known and widely reported for this model year. Similar symptoms have been documented as transmission failures in 2013 Nissan Pathfinders. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Nissan for this issue. No warning lights appeared. The symptoms started gradually with hesitation when accelerating and have worsened over time to frequent slipping, jerking, and tire shaking while driving.

20250818ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Both of my rear passenger door lock actuators stop working. The doors will not unlock from the inside when a passenger tries to unlock the door to exit the car. My break lights stay on . The ABS light turned on then it stopped turning on. The light bulbs inside the car in the second row stopped turning on .

20250818EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Both of my rear passenger door lock actuators stop working. The doors will not unlock from the inside when a passenger tries to unlock the door to exit the car. My break lights stay on . The ABS light turned on then it stopped turning on. The light bulbs inside the car in the second row stopped turning on .

20250811POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, where a handheld diagnostic machine retrieved DTC: P1750. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the same code was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.

Mileage: 106,000

20250801POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer for a tune-up, and the dealer diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the engine failure had occurred eight months after the transmission was replaced due to an unknown failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

20250801ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer for a tune-up, and the dealer diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the engine failure had occurred eight months after the transmission was replaced due to an unknown failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

20250801ENGINE

My 2013 Pathfinder keeps shuddering and jerking and swerving while driving

Compare 2013NISSANPATHFINDER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER have?
The 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER has 1201 NHTSA complaints, 26 crashes, 1 fires, 30 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER?
The 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER?
Yes, the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER has 11 recall(s). The most common affected component is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER?
The most-complained component for the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER is POWER TRAIN with 366 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.