With 7 recalls and 887 complaints, the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder rates as elevated on the safety concern scale. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool before signing.

Recalls

887

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

14V1420002014-26-03

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

Nissan North America (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013 Pathfinder vehicles manufactured April 18, 2012, through October 3, 2012, and equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In the affected vehicles, the internal oil cooler (ITOC) hose may detach from the cooler due to inadequate clamping force, allowing transmission fluid to leak.

The loss of transmission fluid could cause the transmission to function improperly and the vehicle to stop accelerating, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

16V3800002016-31-05

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

15V0330002015-26-01

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles manufactured June 20, 2012, to November 18, 2013, 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid vehicles manufactured July 18, 2013, to November 18, 2013, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles manufactured November 29, 2011, to June 14, 2013, and 2014 QX60 vehicles manufactured May 16, 2013, to November 18, 2013, and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles manufactured July 18, 2013, to November 18, 2013. In the affected vehicles the hood release cable assembly may have been installed incorrectly preventing the latching claw from fully engaging. The secondary latch may remain in the open position when the hood is closed.

If the primary hood latch is released and the secondary latch fails during operation of the vehicle, it could cause the hood to open during vehicle operation impairing the driver's vision, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

View at NHTSA

View all 7 recalls

13V4450002013-17-10

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

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.

The increased stopping distance may increase the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

13V1390002013-12-04

SERVICE BRAKES

Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Pathfinder and Infiniti JX vehicles manufactured December 3, 2012, through January 29, 2013. The front brake torque member was improperly cast resulting in structural weakness. This can lead to premature failure and cracking.

If the brake torque member fails, the brake caliper may move and contact the inside of the road wheel, resulting in reduced braking, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

21V0200002021-20-01

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

22V4200002022-13-06

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.

An unsecured hood could unexpectedly open while driving, obstructing the driver's view, and increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder's biggest weak point? POWER TRAIN. It leads 887 total complaints spanning 1 years. Budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially in that area.

01Power Train249

02Air Bags119

03Unknown Or Other76

04Structure56

05Power Train,engine40

887 total across 1 model years (2013–2013)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Nissan Pathfinder Fuel Economy

21–22mpg combined

19-20city

25hwy

$2,000-$2,100/yr

Fuel economy for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder ranges from 21 to 22 MPG combined across 2 setups. The table below breaks it down by trim so you know exactly what you're signing up for.

By Trim

Pathfinder 2WD - Automatic (variable gear ratios)

22mpg

3.5L 6-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

20 city25 hwy~$2,000/yr5/10 Average

Pathfinder 4WD - Automatic (variable gear ratios)

21mpg

3.5L 6-cyl · 4-Wheel Drive

19 city25 hwy~$2,100/yr5/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2013 Nissan Pathfinder

38States

27%in top 3

The biggest cluster of inventory is in Texas (14%), but the remaining listings are spread across 37 other states nationwide.

TXTexas

1,74914%

FLFlorida

1,0368%

MOMissouri

6075%

TNTennessee

5925%

AZArizona

5775%

PAPennsylvania

5644%

GAGeorgia

5364%

ILIllinois

4904%

CACalifornia

4684%

DEDelaware

4373%

NCNorth Carolina

4263%

DCWashington DC

4033%

MDMaryland

3703%

NYNew York

3303%

OKOklahoma

2852%

OHOhio

2622%

NJNew Jersey

2462%

MNMinnesota

2292%

NHNew Hampshire

2122%

CO212

MA178

MI175

RI172

NV171

LA166

WI141

AR138

WA138

CT128

OR125

IN119

NE104

UT92

AL91

SC91

KY88

NM80

MS67

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2013.

2013 Nissan Pathfinder: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder a good car to buy?

The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder has its strengths and its watch-outs. 7 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report power train as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?

Yes, 7 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?

Depending on configuration, the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder delivers 21–22 MPG combined. Choose wisely. The full comparison shows how engine choice affects your wallet.

What are common problems with the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?

Out of 887 owner complaints, power train issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.

How does the 2013 compare to other Nissan Pathfinder years?

Each Nissan Pathfinder model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Nissan Pathfinder overview page.