2013 Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder ranks worst of 20 model years with a complaint index of 100 and 890 complaints, earning an Avoid verdict. Transmission & Powertrain problems dominate at 42% of complaints, alongside 11 recall campaigns including brakes, airbags, and CVT issues.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 20 Pathfinder years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 890
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 11
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 16
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 16
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21.5
- 19.5 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 16 / 0
Top 2013 Nissan Pathfinder problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain370 (42%)
- Airbags177 (20%)
- Engine150 (17%)
- Other112 (13%)
- Structure & Body100 (11%)
- Brakes74 (8%)
- Electrical System61 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers54 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires39 (4%)
- Fuel System26 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brake pedal reportedly sinks to the floor or responds abruptly with delayed engagement, sometimes resulting in low-speed collisions.
- Airbags fail to deploy in crashes, or dashboard warning lights indicate airbag system faults before a collision.
- CVT transmission owners describe repeated replacements, sudden deceleration, and hesitation when accelerating uphill or merging onto highways.
- Engine smoke has been reported without warning while driving, with dealers unable to diagnose the cause.
- Sun visors reportedly fail to stay in place and fall into the driver's line of sight, a problem described as recurring even after replacement.
2013 Nissan Pathfinder recalls
11 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V420000Jun 13, 2022Structure & Body322,671 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Pathfinder vehicles. On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed.
Risk: An unsecured hood could unexpectedly open while driving, obstructing the driver's view, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the bell crank assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 26, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are R22A2 R22A3 and R24B7.
- NHTSA 21V020000Jan 20, 2021Electrical System264,431 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. The location of the brake light switch may cause the brake light switch relay to repeatedly open and close. Overtime, this can cause the relay to stick in the "ON" position, with the brake lights remaining illuminated even when the brakes are not applied. Additionally, this may interfere with the brake-shift interlock, allowing the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "Park" position, without depressing the brake pedal.
Risk: Continual illumination of the brake lights can prevent other drivers from realizing the vehicle is actually slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash. With the brake override activated, the driver will not be able to accelerate normally, increasing the risk of a crash. The driver can shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, allowing the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, either re-install the brake light switch or swap positions with the Automatic Speed Control Device (ASCD) switch; depending on the model year vehicle. In addition, the brake light relay will be replaced with a new one. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall PC786. Note: this recall supersedes 16V-380.
- NHTSA 16V380000May 31, 2016Electrical System79,853 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Pathfinder vehicles manufactured June 20, 2012, to June 13, 2013. The brake light switch may have been installed incorrectly causing the relay to make intermittent contact and repeatedly cycle. This may result in the relay remaining in the "ON" position, causing the brake lights to remain illuminated even when the brakes are not applied. Additionally, the brake light switch may interfere with the brake-shift interlock, allowing the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "Park" position, without depressing the brake pedal.
Risk: If the brake override is activated, the driver will not be accelerate normally, increasing the risk of a crash. If the brake lights remain illuminated, other drivers may fail to stop when the vehicle actually brakes, increasing the risk of a crash. If the driver inadvertently shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, the vehicle may rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake light switch and, as necessary, replace the relay, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
2013 Nissan Pathfinder fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19.5 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 21.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,025
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Pathfinder years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2013 Pathfinder has the highest complaint index (100) of any Pathfinder model year and ranks worst overall, with 890 complaints and 11 recall campaigns.
- What are the biggest problems with the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?
- Transmission & Powertrain issues make up 42% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 15,000 miles for the vehicle overall. Airbags (20% of complaints) and Engine (17%) are also significant problem areas.
- Does the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder have a transmission recall?
- Yes. Recall 14V142000 covers 2013 Pathfinders with a CVT oil hose issue, and NHTSA lists 11 total recall campaigns for this model year covering brakes, airbags, structure, and electrical systems.
- What year Nissan Pathfinder should I avoid?
- The 2013 model year is the worst-ranked, followed by 2014 with a complaint index of 95. Other Avoid years include 2005, 2006, and 2007.
- Which Nissan Pathfinder years are the safest to buy?
- Model years 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2020 carry a Best verdict, with 2012 showing the lowest complaint index at 0.