2013 Nissan Pathfinder: engine failure

7 of the 891 complaints about the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 1%
typical mileage: 49,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 22 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2025
1
2024
3
2022
4
2020
3
2019
4
2018
5
2017
10
2015
1
2014
6
2013
7
2012
1
2011
1
2010
1
2008
3
2007
1
2006
8
2005
8
2004
3
2002
3
2000
1
1997
1
1995
1
1994
1
1990
1

What owners say

Filed Aug 1, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 140,000 miles · MS

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. The contact stated that the engine failure had occurred eight months after the transmission was replaced due to an unknown failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Feb 22, 2020 · Suspension · 148,000 miles · ME

Vehicle with no known mechanical issues/never involved in an accident was traveling 50mph on a major state route when suddenly the vehicle seized and began vibrating as if it had a flat tire. As the driver tried to control the vehicle and pull over there was a loud scraping sound. The control arm on the rear passenger side had broken from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a licensed mechanic, where upon inspection it was found that the rear subframe broke apart: the bolt holding the control arm did not break off, a portion of the frame broke from the rest of the subframe. The mechanic found no unusual rust or deterioration anywhere on the underside of the vehicle. The mechanic stated that he had never seen this issue on a vehicle and there was no reasonable explanation why it should of occurred. The mechanic also stated that the driver was extremely fortunate that the vehicle wasn't involved in an accident due to this issue.

Filed Mar 8, 2017 · Engine · LA

Was smoking white and shaking now it needs a new engine. Burned oil fast

Filed Nov 8, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 49,000 miles · MD

Nissan-USA has known about a CVT transmission issue with this vehichle. We purchased it used in february 2016. Leckner had the vehicle in stock when the announcement was made and did nothing to repair the issue. They sold us the vehicle without disclosing the information. Nissan now does not want to make any repairs, though the car id deemed dangerous as the engine makes sudden jerking and shuddering when accelerations. There have been at least two class action lawsuits where nissan has agreed to fix the issue or change a new engine. When calling and dealing with leckner and nissan they keep saying the issue is closed and won't do anything.

Filed Sep 19, 2016 · Body, Brakes · 43,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 nissan pathfinder. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The check engine indicator illuminated and the vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The gear shifter failed to move out of park and the steering wheel seized. The contact waited five minutes and was able to resume driving. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brakes and battery failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The dealer stated that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. In addition, the rear door failed to open. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.

Filed Jul 10, 2014 · Brakes · 11,000 miles · NY · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the brake pedal seized causing a multiple vehicle crash. A police report was filed. The number of injuries was unknown. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The failure mileage was 11,000.

Filed May 28, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 60 miles · TX

********basically we traded in our 2012 pathfinder for the 2013 pathfinder on april 2013.************* we immediately noticed some flaws with the vehicle. My experience with the vehicle began to shudder at low speed every once in a while. Also the hood will shake while driving over 40mph., as if it wanted to fly off. I called nissan dealerships, spoke with service managers and they stated that nissan is aware of the issue and working on issuing a recall. Their advice was to continue driving vehicle as normal, shouldn't result any damage. Oh, were they wrong! It's been about a year with this vehicle and the problem not only continues but, has become worse. I can't drive 5 MPH without the vehicle shuddering recklessly, as if part of the engine wants to fall off. Well, now I have a new issue, on startup my vehicle throws white/gray smoke as if a bomb blew up. This is so embarrassing. I immediately took the vehicle to the dealer, they came back to say they found "sludge" in the engine, that it has to be replaced! Ok, but according to nissan they are not going to cover this, since they assume we are liable. We have maintained this vehicle properly and if this engine failed and covered in sludge, that has to be a recall. At, this point in time nissan has communicated with me one time in a week. I spoke to the service manager, he's not very helpful in trying to resolve this issue. He just advised that we sell the vehicle back to nissan. Unbelievable, this has become a total nightmare, I overheard some workers at the dealers discussing issues about the 2013 pathfinder, they are aware of the issues this vehicles has, but their main goal is to sell. Not inform the consumers about this piece of crap!!!