Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Nissan Pathfinder owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
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.
Shifter will not move from park. I have to use the hidden bypass push button just above park indicator to move vehicle in & out of gear. I bought this vehicle with about 141,000 miles. I noticed the under carriage was wet at time i bought it on september 16th 2021. Very slow leak. Had mechanic test transmission fluid temp and add Nissan cvt fluid. Didnt need much. Both rear interior doors have boken handles. Cables broke free of internal handle. Transmission starting to hesitate or lose power on mostly heavy acceleration. Acceleration pause for moment. Sometimes a few times within 5-7 seconds when attempt to excelerate at full throttle when heavy acceleration. Getting worse. Happening at slower speeds. Hood shakes on highway. Needs reinforced. So far caused no accidents.
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
I noticed a leak under my car with fresh fluid. It took me months to figure out where it was coming from. I removed the undercover where the bumper is and saw the leaking coming from the transmission oil cooler hose at the elbow connection. I looked online and noticed this exact recall: 2013 PATHFINDER; CVT FLUID LEAK AT COOLER HOSE For some odd reason my VIN was not listed under the recall. Looks like I have to fix Nissan's issue out of my own pocket
Known CVT Judder on my vehicle and service bulletin. They will not assist payment any repairs for an unsafe vehicle due to mileage. They have had many recalls but refuse to recall this vehicle and continue to market and sell without notifying consumers of known faulty transmission that does not create a check engine lite and effects driving. I have not been in an accident but those could cause an accident and is very unsafe.
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 down the road and the car wouldn't shift into second gear. The speed limit was 35 mph and my car would only go 20 mph. I couldn't drive home safely, no warning lights came on or anything. Dealership said my CVT transmission needs to be replaced. This sudden drop in speed became a hazard for me and my passenger.
Engine complaints in other Pathfinder years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?
NHTSA has 110 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, 12% of the model year's 890 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, though it has 11 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 9,000 miles, and 68% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.