2013 Nissan Pathfinder: sudden loss of power

Filed May 9, 2026 · Transmission · PA

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 transmission failure affects the vehicle’s ability to safely accelerate and maintain normal operation. A sudden loss of power or inability to properly accelerate could increase the risk of a crash, rear-end collision, or becoming stranded in traffic. The condition became severe enough that the vehicle is no longer dependable transportation. After the failure, the vehicle was evaluated by Nissan and I was informed the transmission showed signs of serious pre-existing issues. I was also advised there were possible indications that diagnostic trouble codes may have been cleared or hidden before the vehicle was sold, preventing the full condition of the vehicle from being discovered before purchase. The estimated repair cost is approximately $15,000. Due to the severity of the transmission defect, I do not believe the vehicle is safe for normal operation without major repair or replacement of the transmission/CVT system. This defect has created significant safety concerns for myself, my family, and others on the road because of the risk of sudden transmission failure, inability to safely accelerate, or loss of vehicle movement during operation.

Filed Oct 16, 2025 · Transmission · AL

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The issue lies within the CVT. There is violent shuddering when accelerating. It is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - The violent and intense shuddering caused by the failing CVT incapacitates the ability the properly steer and the potential for random loss of power could directly impact traffic conditions. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Not yet; I have been cautious to drive the vehicle since the issue escalated. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - No, the vehicle has remained parked since the issue became much more serious. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No, the shuddering was vague and seemingly only happened upon acceleration and at low RPM’s when it initially began. It has now progressed to violent shuddering consistently occurring regardless of speed, RPM’s, or acceleration.

Filed Sep 22, 2025 · Transmission · OK

Starts with juddering, loss of power. While driving you can experience a total complete loss of power which deceleration quickly which can cause other vehicles to hit you from behind. End result, shifter moves but doesnt engage gears, like you're in neutral. Engine rev's but you're getting nowhere. You're lucky to maneuver off the highway. Requires a tow and a transmission replacement without warning.

Filed Dec 9, 2022 · Electrical · AK

Three times our battery has ruptured. Two separate batteries, the second and third being a Nissan dealership battery because I thought maybe the aftermarket battery was the cause. I have purchased four batteries over the two years I have owned the pathfinder. The first battery that came with the car I did not see the battery condition as the car was towed in after it lost power while driving up hill. They assumed alternator however concluded it was the battery. When looking at the new battery the dealership installed I noticed corrosion from the splash of battery acid all over the engine bay. It wasn’t until I was in the car when the new battery once again ruptured, separating the whole top and bottom casing. That left acid dripping in my engine bay. So battery number three I made sure was an OEM Nissan battery that could handle the Platnium OEM options. Just months replacement the battery ruptured again. This time the dealer covered replacement. Well I brought my pathfinder in for its 60k mile service and sure enough the battery acid has caused the area around terminals to separate and have huge amounts of corrosion. The advisor even mentioned how the battery looks brand new and shiny except for all the corrosion. They got the battery holding a charge but can’t pinpoint the issue. I can not find a lot of info on batteries rupturing like this without being attached to an external power source - Like it someone is over applying voltage to the battery. That was not the case I have been actively driving when it pressurized the battery causing the rupture and spewing battery acid throughout the engine bay.

Filed Jun 28, 2022 · Driver assistance, Engine · TX

I was driving my vehicle and someone notice fluid leaking from the trans cooler area. After all the fluid leaked out without warning on the dash. The vehicle was not driveable and had to get it towed home. After further inspection I noticed one of the oil cooler lines ruptured and bust resulting in the CVT trans fluid leaking out. There was not warning and this could have been dangerous if driving and lost power. There was again not CVT warning light!.. Nissan has a faulty CVT cooling lines

Filed Apr 24, 2022 · Brakes, Driver assistance · TX

My ABS system seems to trigger a warning when using the brakes and the car has a loss of power when accelerating this is especially dangerous on roads merging with traffic. I will restart the car the next day and the ABS light turns off and works fine. This seems to happen intermittently and is a safety concern for my family in the car.

Filed Feb 15, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · FL

Shifter will not move from park. I have to use the hidden bypass push button just above park indicator to move vehicle in & out of gear. I bought this vehicle with about 141,000 miles. I noticed the under carriage was wet at time i bought it on september 16th 2021. Very slow leak. Had mechanic test transmission fluid temp and add Nissan cvt fluid. Didnt need much. Both rear interior doors have boken handles. Cables broke free of internal handle. Transmission starting to hesitate or lose power on mostly heavy acceleration. Acceleration pause for moment. Sometimes a few times within 5-7 seconds when attempt to excelerate at full throttle when heavy acceleration. Getting worse. Happening at slower speeds. Hood shakes on highway. Needs reinforced. So far caused no accidents.

Filed Aug 7, 2021 · NC

In the course of 1.5 yrs I have had issues with my transmission. I had to replace my transmission last June, only for the transmission to go out again in the beginning of Aug. now it’s been less than a year and my car transmission gave out again in July. This will be transmission number 4 with in 1.5 years. This last time I was turning into my friends house and the car would not go into the driveway, instead it lost power and rolled back down the street. Luckily my friend lives on a not so busy road and I avoided getting hit. I had the car towed to a Nissan dealership and they confirmed once again that it was indeed the transmission once again. This can not be normal in any way for a transmission to give out in a car that quickly. This is very dangerous.

Filed Sep 30, 2019 · Acceleration, Brakes · 65,000 miles · OK

Brake lights stay on and vehicle has loss of power when trying to accelerate and the when brake lights go off it goes back to full power. This is a known issue with this model but it appears my VIN number isn't covered although it has the same issues as other 2013 nissan pathfinders. I have less than 61000 miles on the vehical.

Filed Jul 29, 2019 · 150,000 miles · WV

I was driving my 13 nissan pathfinder. I stopped at an intersection. When I went to push on the accelerator it jolted forward and then I lost all power to the accelerator. Had my children in the car and was stuck in the middle of an intersection. My car wouldn't move. I tried to turn it off and it wouldn't turn back on. Thankfully my fianc jumped the car. Although it was jerking in a low gear, I was able to get home which wasn't far.

Filed Jan 25, 2018 · Acceleration · 24,000 miles · CA

Loss of power when accelerating RPM's stay around 1200ish.

Filed Oct 18, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 38,000 miles · GA

Car was purchased new in the second quarter of 2013. In late 2014 with less than $40k, car began "shuddering". Mostly at low speeds and when accelerating. Dealer could not find an issue. Driving back from vacation in late 2014, on the interstate, the car lost power and we limped off the exit after which the car was undriveable. Nissan indicated it was an issue with the CVT and the transmission was replaced under warranty. Looking back at the situation on the highway, given the loss of power, this could have been a lethal situation. Fast forward to oct 2016 and at 88k, the same issue is re-occurring and the dealer indicated today, transmission will (again) need to be replaced.