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
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train371
  2. Air bags177
  3. Engine105
  4. Structure83
  5. Service brakes62
  6. Electrical system50
  7. Vehicle speed control47
  8. Visibility/wiper46
  9. Suspension29
  10. Fuel/propulsion system18
  11. Exterior lighting14
  12. Steering13
  13. Seat belts13
  14. 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
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20121
2013201
2014143
201583
201686
201761
201857
201959
202039
202137
202227
202331
202428
202529
20269

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.

03 —Owner reports

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic, Power train, Exterior lightingODI 11773061

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 ?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 11, 2025Air bagsODI 11698762

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 1, 2025Power train, EngineODI 11677748

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 17, 2025StructureODI 11687997

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 22, 2026Steering, Suspension, Service brakesODI 11745784

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 16, 2026Electrical systemODI 11731621
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.