2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
4/5
Safety Rating
1,201
Owner Complaints
11
Recalls
42
Service Bulletins
1
Investigation
Overview of the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER
The 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER has received a total of 1,201 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 14 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 42 technical service bulletins have been issued by Nissan North America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Train (366 complaints), Air Bags (176 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (109 complaints).
Recalls for the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER
NHTSA has recorded 14 recalls for the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER, potentially affecting up to 6,523,558 vehicles.
Recall 22V420000 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
| 322,671 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An unsecured hood could unexpectedly open while driving, obstructing the driver's view, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 21V020000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
| 264,431 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 16V380000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
| 79,853 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 16V244000 — AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
| 3,296,947 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 15V681000 — AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
| 919 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 15V681000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
| 919 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 15V033000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
| 170,665 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 14V142000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
| 3,065 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: The loss of transmission fluid could cause the transmission to function improperly and the vehicle to stop accelerating, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 14V138000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
| 989,701 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 14V138000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
| 989,701 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 13V445000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
| 151,695 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: The increased stopping distance may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 13V445000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
| 151,695 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: The increased stopping distance may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 13V139000 — SERVICE BRAKES
| 19,258 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 13V069000 — AIR BAGS
| 82,038 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER
1,201 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
transmission started jerking & went out leaving me stranded.
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.
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.
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)
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 ?
Safety Rating for the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER
The 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER
Nissan North America, Inc. has issued 42 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
NTB17-003D — POWER TRAIN
FLUID LEAK CAUSED BY TRANSFER ASSEMBLY RIGHT SIDE DRIVE SHAFT OIL SEAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB12-110d — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
POWER BACK DOOR CALIBRATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB20-008 — SEATS
2013-2019 PATHFINDER; CLIMATE CONTROLLED SEAT INOPERATIVE IF YOU CONFIRM The driver or passenger side climate controlled seat: ï· - Heating and cooling features do not operate And ï· - The harness connector or control unit of the climate controlled seat appears as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 5. ACTION...
NTB16-120c — EQUIPMENT
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013 ? 2014 PATHFINDER; CVT This bulletin has been amended. Changes have been made throughout. It is necessary for you to read this revised procedure to properly perform this action. Please discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB17-039 — POWER TRAIN
2013-2014 PATHFINDER; CVT JUDDER AND DTC P17F0 OR P17F1 STORED IF YOU CONFIRM The customer reports a transmission judder (shake, shudder, single or multiple bumps or vibration) AND One of these DTCs is stored. - P17F0 (CVT_JUDDER (T/M INSPECTION)) - P17F1 (CVT_JUDDER (C/U INSPECTION)) NOTE: - If a transmission judder...
NTB16-120b — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2013 - 2014 PATHFINDER; CVT This bulletin has been amended. A correction was made to the DTC number on page 16. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
PC500 - 2013-14 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CVT Software Update/Warranty Extension Parts Update ***** Parts Update***** Nissan has temporarily placed remanufactured CVT assemblies on parts restriction. All existing orders currently on backorder will be removed from the system, but will be fulfilled as parts become available. Do not submit new orders to replace cancelled orders. The cancelled...
PC500OL — POWER TRAIN
Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to reprogram the Transmission Control Module(TCM) to improve CVT service diagnostics.
PC500 - 2013-14 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
CVT Software Update/Warranty Extension Voluntary Service Campaign ***** Campaign Summary***** Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to reprogram the Transmission Control Module (TCM) to improve CVT service diagnostics. This diagnostic software update will enhance the dealer's ability to diagnose customer concerns regarding Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) operation; it does...
NTB16029 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
IF YOU CONFIRM The MIL is ON with P0116 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT SENSOR) stored, and There are no drivability issues. ACTION 1. Refer to step 6 in the SERVICE PROCEDURE to confirm this bulletin applies to the vehicle you are working on. 2. If this bulletin applies, reprogram the...
Showing 10 of 42 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER.
Investigation PE13029 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES Closed
Opened:
Transmission cooler hose separation
Other Model Years of the NISSAN PATHFINDER
- 2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER — 458 complaints
- 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER — 51 complaints
- 2010 NISSAN PATHFINDER — 61 complaints
- 2011 NISSAN PATHFINDER — 59 complaints
- 2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER — 35 complaints
- 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER (current)
- 2014 NISSAN PATHFINDER — 735 complaints
- 2015 NISSAN PATHFINDER — 427 complaints
- 2016 NISSAN PATHFINDER — 125 complaints
- 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER — 252 complaints
- 2018 NISSAN PATHFINDER — 119 complaints
Other NISSAN Models
- NISSAN ALTIMA — 20,037 total complaints
- NISSAN ROGUE — 9,608 total complaints
- NISSAN MAXIMA — 8,834 total complaints
- NISSAN SENTRA — 8,129 total complaints
- NISSAN MURANO — 7,410 total complaints
- NISSAN VERSA — 4,436 total complaints
- NISSAN FRONTIER — 4,425 total complaints
- NISSAN TITAN — 4,412 total complaints