2013 Nissan Pathfinder: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Nissan Pathfinder? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 887 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2013 Nissan Pathfinder Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2013 Nissan Pathfinder trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2013 Nissan Pathfinder Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder has 887 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Pathfinder
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 887
- Crash-related complaints
- 16
- Safety recall campaigns
- 11
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Airbag Malfunctions
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Airbag Malfunctions, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain for any signs of issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, airbag, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain for any signs of issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, airbag, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA data for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, complaints are heavily concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and airbag systems. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, but the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of the data limit definitive conclusions.
- Transmission/Drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Airbag malfunctions are the second most frequently reported component.
- The 2013 model year has 887 total complaints and 11 recalls.
- Transmission / Drivetrain problems are the most common complaint.
- Airbag Malfunctions are a recurring theme in the data.
- Engine Problems and Structural Problems also appear in the top complaints.
All 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 369 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 177 | 6 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 110 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 110 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 83 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 65 | 10 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 50 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 47 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 46 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 28 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 10 | 3 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 con…
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, there was a slight jerking or hesitation before the vehicle accelerated. The failure was intermittent. While driving approximately 45 MPH after stopping at a stoplight, the vehicle …
The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) assembly failed completely, rendering the vehicle inoperable. The transmission is currently available for inspection at the independent service center where repairs are being performed. The vehicle was purchased in September 2025 with …
transmission started jerking & went out leaving me stranded.
My car has been having issues with what seems to be the transmission. This Nissan Pathfinder has CVT, which is continuous variable transmission. Three months ago I had a radiator blowout and had to change that and the thermostat. I believe that it was due to the transmission issu…
I have a 2013 Pathfinder that is experiencing a High pitch whine coming from the transmission. when shifting in lower gears, there is a soft kick. i have only experienced a shutter once and only at lower speeds and rpm. once I'm at a higher speed it seems to get less. I have had …
My name is [XXX] , and I am requesting urgent escalation regarding my 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, which has now gone through four CVT transmissions, including three replacements within the past year. All repairs were performed by a Nissan dealership, yet the same failure continues to…
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 sens…
When I push on break it doesn’t engage to Release car from park.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The issue lies within the CVT. There is violent shuddering when accelerating. It is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk…
Starts with juddering, loss of power. While driving you can experience a total complete loss of power which deceleration quickly which can cause other vehicles to hit you from behind. End result, shifter moves but doesnt engage gears, like you're in neutral. Engine rev's but you'…
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 b…
The transmission shudders. Causes jerking and hard shifts that makes the car move in unwanted ways. Car may shut off if shutter gets too hard. It’s pretty bad , even the repairs do not fix the issue. This definitely needs to be a recall for Nissan to take a look at
Transmission is making a noise after acceleration once the car gets to 40 miles an hour it starts jerking. Just purchased the car and has not even been 30 days. I first noticed this a week after purchasing.
The transmission appears to be failing. When accelerating, the RPM increases but the vehicle speed does not respond immediately, creating a slipping and jerking effect. The vehicle is available for inspection if requested. The vehicle hesitates and jerks when accelerating, espec…
Both of my rear passenger door lock actuators stop working. The doors will not unlock from the inside when a passenger tries to unlock the door to exit the car. My break lights stay on . The ABS light turned on then it stopped turning on. The light bulbs inside the car in the …
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, where a handheld diagnostic machine retrieved DTC: P1750. The vehicle was taken to an ind…
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. Th…
My 2013 Pathfinder keeps shuddering and jerking and swerving while driving
See attached document for complaint.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder.
2013 Nissan Pathfinder Recalls
11 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. 11 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Nissan Pathfinder Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 887 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (369 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (177 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (110 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, NHTSA complaints include 16 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 887 total complaints. 16 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?▾
Yes. 11 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. 11 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Pathfinder reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.