2013 Nissan Pathfinder Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

11 safety recalls on file

The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder has 11 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 891 complaints with NHTSA, including 16 crashes, 1 fire, 16 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Power Train (372 reports).

NHTSA rates it up to 4 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.

11Recalls
891Owner complaints
16Crashes reported
4/5NHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Pathfinder?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2013 Nissan Pathfinder recalls

Hood May Stay Unlatched and Pop Open While Driving

Recall 22V420Jun 13, 2022322,671 vehicles affected

Certain Pathfinder vehicles have a secondary hood latch that can malfunction and stay in the unlatched, unsecured position even when the hood appears closed.

Brake lights may stay on or shifting may be possible without the brake

Recall 21V020Jan 20, 2021264,431 vehicles affected

The brake light switch on certain vehicles may be mounted in a position that causes the brake light switch relay to repeatedly open and close.

Brake Lights May Stay On or Shifter May Release Without Brake

Recall 16V380May 31, 201679,853 vehicles affected

Some 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinders built between June 2012 and June 2013 may have a brake light switch installed incorrectly.

Passenger airbag may stay off in a crash

Recall 16V244Apr 26, 20163,296,947 vehicles affected

The front passenger occupant classification system can wrongly read an adult as a child, or read an occupied seat as empty.

Passenger Airbag May Stay Off With an Adult Seated

Recall 15V681Oct 20, 2015919 vehicles affected

The occupant classification system in these vehicles may have been fitted with an incorrect control unit during a prior repair.

Hood May Open While Driving, Blocking Driver's View

Recall 15V033Jan 26, 2015170,665 vehicles affected

The hood release cable on these vehicles may have been installed incorrectly, so the latching claw does not fully engage.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Cooling Unit And Lines

Recall 14V142Mar 26, 20143,065 vehicles affected

Air Bags:Frontal; Electrical System:Software

Recall 14V138Mar 25, 2014989,701 vehicles affected

Service Brakes

Recall 13V139Apr 12, 201319,258 vehicles affected

Air Bags

Recall 13V069Mar 1, 201382,038 vehicles affected

Most common 2013 Nissan Pathfinder problems

Problem areas named in the 891 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Power Train372
Air Bags178
Unknown Or Other110
Engine105
Structure84
Service Brakes62
Electrical System50
Vehicle Speed Control47
Visibility/Wiper46
Suspension29

What owners report

2026-10-22, Power Train
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered significantly while idling, and the failure persisted while accelerating from a complete stop and while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) failed. The check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the stopping distance was extended while depressing the brake pedal, and the brake lights were intermittently inoperable. The contact associated the failu
2026-07-10, Latches/Locks/Linkages
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V420000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the recall repair failed to prevent a failure from occurring. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood unlatched and opened independently. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was advised to return the vehicle to the initial dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
2026-06-22, Service Brakes
Rear sub frame near radial rod on drivers side of vehicle has corroded through without warning. Vehicle is unstable during breaking menuvers and pitches towards on coming traffic. Sudden loss of control or collision could occur without notice during breaking.
2026-05-09, Power Train
The vehicle is a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder experiencing a major transmission/CVT failure that creates serious safety concerns. Only 69 days after purchase, the transmission began failing and the vehicle became unsafe and unreliable to operate. The vehicle experiences severe transmission-related drivability problems, including hesitation, loss of proper acceleration, delayed response when attempting to move, jerking/shifting issues, and concern that the vehicle may suddenly lose the ability to move or maintain speed while driving. These issues create a dangerous situation, especially while driving in traffic, entering highways, crossing intersections, or transporting passengers. The transmissi
2026-04-16, Electrical System
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 contact reported the fraud to the Secretary of State and had since found other vehicles to have been included in an odometer fraud ring.

2013 Nissan Pathfinder safety rating

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2013 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD★★★★ 4-star454 (16.9% rollover risk)
2013 Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD★★★★ 4-star454 (19.1% rollover risk)

2013 Nissan Pathfinder questions

Does the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder: Hood May Stay Unlatched and Pop Open While Driving; Brake lights may stay on or shifting may be possible without the brake; Brake Lights May Stay On or Shifter May Release Without Brake; Passenger airbag may stay off in a crash; Passenger Airbag May Stay Off With an Adult Seated. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?

Based on 891 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (372), Air Bags (178), Unknown Or Other (110).

How safe is the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder up to 4 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.

How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Nissan Pathfinder has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Nissan Pathfinder years

Other 2013 Nissan models