Problems · NHTSA complaints
2013 Nissan Pathfinder problems
Owners filed 891 complaints about the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder with NHTSA between Dec 2012 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (371).
Complaints
891
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
16
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
16
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train371
- Air bags177
- Engine105
- Structure83
- Service brakes62
- Electrical system50
- Vehicle speed control47
- Visibility/wiper46
- Suspension29
- Fuel/propulsion system18
- Exterior lighting14
- Steering13
- Seat belts13
- Seats12
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
201
143
83
86
61
57
59
39
37
27
31
28
29
9
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 201 |
| 2014 | 143 |
| 2015 | 83 |
| 2016 | 86 |
| 2017 | 61 |
| 2018 | 57 |
| 2019 | 59 |
| 2020 | 39 |
| 2021 | 37 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 31 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2025 | 29 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Power train
371 reports1 crash1 related recall
“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; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) failed. The check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the stopping distance was extended while depressing the brake pedal, and the brake lights were intermittently inoperable. The contact associated the failure with a recall; however, the VIN was not included in a recall associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
Air bags
177 reports6 crashes3 related recalls
“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 ?”
Engine
105 reports2 crashes1 fire
“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.”
Structure
83 reports1 related recall
“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.”
Service brakes
62 reports10 crashes1 related recall
“Rear sub frame near radial rod on drivers side of vehicle has corroded through without warning. Vehicle is unstable during breaking menuvers and pitches towards on coming traffic. Sudden loss of control or collision could occur without notice during breaking.”
Electrical system
50 reports1 related recall
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 93,653. It was later discovered that the mileage was approximately 209,000. The contact reported the fraud to the Secretary of State and had since found other vehicles to have been included in an odometer fraud ring.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.