Problems · by component
2013 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems
105 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder cite engine, 12% of all 891 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
105
12% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
“The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the vehicle needed an oil change, and that the check engine warning light would be deactivated. The oil change was performed; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”
“The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact about the transmission judder code. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB: 15-015A (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.”
“In September 2020 there was a recall on the CVT transmission for several cars. I was not notified whatsoever, so consequently I had to pay for a replacement at my local dealership in February 2021. I was told that I was receiving a new transmission. In December 2023, I was informed that I would need a whole replacement. I went back to my local dealership and they informed me that they would be willing to fix it with a replacement from the factory if I did the labor. They stated I would have to do a claim with NISSAN USA for the replacement. I called and was informed that I did not qualify because of the mileage and warranty period. I went back to the dealership and explained the issue, they said they could do nothing also. I HAVE DOCUMENTS WITH ALL THE DETAILS I WOULD LIKE TO SEND IN. The link to upload was not working for some reason. I tried several times.”
“Vehicle started to overheat. Informed by mechanic that one of the 2 electric fans that pull air thru the radiator had gone bad. This also caused the A/C compressor to shut off causing the interior of the vehicle to reach over 100 degrees in less than 15 minutes while driving thru town on a 95+ degree day with the windows rolled down.”
“I was driving my vehicle and someone notice fluid leaking from the trans cooler area. After all the fluid leaked out without warning on the dash. The vehicle was not driveable and had to get it towed home. After further inspection I noticed one of the oil cooler lines ruptured and bust resulting in the CVT trans fluid leaking out. There was not warning and this could have been dangerous if driving and lost power. There was again not CVT warning light!.. Nissan has a faulty CVT cooling lines”
Showing 6 of 105 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.