Problems · by component

2013 Nissan Pathfinder structure problems

83 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder cite structure, 9% of all 891 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
83
9% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the structure

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“Rear subframe on the passenger side cracked because of excessive rust making it dangerous to drive so it's now stuck at the repair shop. Repair shop said this is not expected for a vehicle with this mileage and the other sides of the subframe are far from being in the same condition as this one.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 28, 2025StructureODI 11657164
“The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, on the lift at the independent mechanic, the independent mechanic rust on the subframe. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had previously taken the vehicle to be repaired under an unknown recall for the hood latch. The contact stated that recommendations were made by the dealer; however, a recommendation for the subframe rust was not provided. The subframe rust was not addressed by the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to the independent mechanic, and the independent mechanic noticed the rust on the subframe. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where the contact was informed the vehicle was no longer under an extended warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,019.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 25, 2025StructureODI 11656736
“Rear Subframe/under body completely rusted out at cracked. My daughter and I drive a lot for her health condition to appointments. The Nissan Dealership said this could have been catastrophic driving down the freeway had it broke apart while driving. It completely fell apart in the mechanics hand after they removed it and were showing me what actually happened and what I was driving around on. Nissan dealership quoted me $11,000.00 for the part and labor. I had it fixed through an authorized mechanic for $5,000.00 Because it was wearing and I didn't notice because there were no signs or messages, it rubbed my tires almost bald to where the wires were showing. I had to replace those as well. I wash my car regularly and get 2 detail cleans a year, my car has been well maintained since I bought it. I asked the mechanic how this could have happened and the the Nissan mechanic stated that "this happened due to the fact that Nissan didn't powdercoat certain years of the pathfinder and that's why it rusted out. He said that had it been powder coated this wouldn't have happened."”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 31, 2024StructureODI 11633348
“When getting a new set of tires found out that drivers side rear subframe assembly rusted away where the control arm attaches after looking at a Nissan fourn there are many with the same problem worried that due to this might be a issue for me and my children traveling to he roads”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 26, 2024Suspension, StructureODI 11627545
“The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal popping sound and the vehicle started to wobble. The contact decelerated and pulled over safely. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact checked the vehicle but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the rear subframe frame and cross member had fractured. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The VIN was not available.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 8, 2024Structure, Service brakes, hydraulic, Traction control systemODI 11624233

Showing 6 of 83 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Structure: hinge and attachments

Free remedy

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 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles manufactured July 18, 2013, to November 18, 2013. In the affected vehicles the hood release cable assembly may have been installed incorrectly preventing the latching claw from fully engaging. The secondary latch may remain in the open position when the hood is closed.

StructureReported Jan 26, 2015NHTSA 15V033000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.