2013 Nissan Pathfinder Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 61 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, about 7% of its 890 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 36,400. Three related recalls cover the brake light switch and ABS reprogramming.
- Electrical System complaints
- 61
- 7% of 890
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 36,400 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Brake lights stay illuminated even after the vehicle is parked and the key removed, tied to brake light switch relay issues covered by recalls 16V380000 and 21V020000.
- Rear passenger door lock actuators stop responding, so doors cannot be unlocked from inside.
- Interior second-row light bulbs stop working alongside other electrical faults.
- ABS warning light cycles on and off without a clear trigger.
- Airbag warning indicator illuminates intermittently even after recall repairs (campaign 14V138000) were completed, sometimes with a passenger seated.
- Vehicle stalls at highway speed with RPMs spiking, followed by failure to accelerate, reported alongside electrical symptoms.
When 2013 Nissan Pathfinder electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 20, 2013, latest Apr 16, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
- 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.
- NHTSA 13V445000Oct 17, 2013Electrical System151,695 vehicles
Electrical system:software
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles manufactured April 18, 2012, through September 20, 2013; model year 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles manufactured September 15, 2011, through January 16, 2013; and model year 2014 Infiniti QX60 vehicles manufactured January 17, 2013, through September 20, 2013. In the affected vehicles, during light braking on rough roads, the antilock brake system (ABS) brake pressure output software may lead to an increase in stopping distance.
Risk: The increased stopping distance may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ABS, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Electrical System complaints by Pathfinder model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems in the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?
- NHTSA lists 61 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Pathfinder, which is about 7% of the 890 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?
- Yes. Three recalls touch the Electrical System: campaign 13V445000 for ABS reprogramming, 16V380000 for a brake light switch relay, and 21V020000 for the brake light switch location causing the relay to repeatedly open and close.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2013 Pathfinder is 36,400 miles.
- Do electrical failures on the 2013 Pathfinder cause crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2013 Pathfinder shows 1 crash and 2 injuries reported, with 0 fires.
- What specific electrical symptoms do owners report?
- Owners describe brake lights staying on after parking, door lock actuators failing, interior lights not working, and airbag or ABS warning lights cycling without clear cause.