repaired · 2026 Q3
Hood: latch
Risk. An unsecured hood could unexpectedly open while driving, obstructing the driver's view, and increasing the risk of a crash.
2013 Nissan PathfinderProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 891 owner complaints about the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, most often about the power train. It is covered by 11 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-420 the manufacturer reports only 26% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 22, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: steve lyon from los angeles, ca, usa, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder has problems
891 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
371Power train2 crash/fire/injury
177Air bags7 crash/fire/injury
105Engine3 crash/fire/injury
83Structure
62Service brakes
50Electrical system
47Vehicle speed control
46Visibility/wiper
29Suspension
12918 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 371 | 2 |
| Air bags | 177 | 7 |
| Engine | 105 | 3 |
| Structure | 83 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 62 | 10 |
| Electrical system | 50 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 47 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 46 | 1 |
| Suspension | 29 | 0 |
| 18 other systems | 129 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
11 recalls
2013 Nissan Pathfinder recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Brake lights: switch
Risk. Continual illumination of the brake lights can prevent other drivers from realizing the vehicle is actually slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Brake lights: switch
Risk. If the brake override is activated, the driver will not be accelerate normally, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. 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.
Show 7 more recalls
repaired · 2017 Q1
Air bags: frontal
Risk. If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Hood: hinge and attachments
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2015 Q3
Automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
Risk. The loss of transmission fluid could cause the transmission to function improperly and the vehicle to stop accelerating, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2015 Q3
Air bags: frontal
Risk. If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated.
repaired · 2015 Q1
Electrical system: software
Risk. The increased stopping distance may increase the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Service brakes
Risk. 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…
no report yet
Air bags
Risk. 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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Nissan.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
5kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 314 power train complaints. 91% were reported before 100,000 miles.
226under 30k miles285under 100k miles29100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other Pathfinder year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Pathfinder median. How we score
1917153839304991170159217149104112230156110671,05083756132837404523891577321105188797648137107876415
'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 Nissan Pathfinder safety ratings
2013 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, and the recalls they led to.
- Occupant Classification System FailureLed to recall 15V-681
- Transmission cooler hose separationLed to recall 14V-142
- Hood Latch/Bell Crank AssemblyLed to recall 22V-420
- Occupant Classification System FailureNo recall
In owners' words
What Pathfinder owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered significantly while idling, and the failure persisted while accelerating from a complete stop and while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the catalytic converter was replaced;…
The vehicle is a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder experiencing a major transmission/CVT failure that creates serious safety concerns. Only 69 days after purchase, the transmission began failing and the vehicle became unsafe and unreliable to operate. The vehicle experiences severe transmission-related…
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, there was a slight jerking or hesitation before the vehicle accelerated. The failure was intermittent. While driving approximately 45 MPH after stopping at a stoplight, the vehicle shuddered and…
Own a 2013 Pathfinder?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.