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 failure with a recall; however, the VIN was not included in a recall associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
2013 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems
371 complaints (42% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 5,200. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 371
- of this car's complaints
- 42%
- typical mileage
- 5,200
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission: internal: CVT1
- Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)1
- Automatic transmission1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Shudder 153CVT failure 76Jerking 74Transmission failure 72Hesitation 36Slipping 23Won't shift 17
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The loss of transmission fluid could cause the transmission to function improperly and the vehicle to stop accelerating, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install an oil hose repair kit, free of charge. The recall began on May 12, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 14V142000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Transmission cooler hose separation
On March 25, 2014, Nissan North America (Nissan) submitted a Defect Information Report to the federal safety agency describing a defect of inadequate hose clamping force that may result in the internal transmission oil cooler (ITOC) hose detaching from the cooler.According to Nissan, transmission fluid leakage from a detached ITOC hose results in a progressive series of symptoms beginning with malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illumination, followed by noise and vibration and culminating in loss of power due to transmission failure.Many of the incident vehicle drivers interviewed by ODI indicated that the loss of power occurred soon after the first symptoms were observed.The recall covers approximately 3,065 Pathfinder vehicles built from the start of MY 2013 production on April 18, 2012, through October 3, 2012, when Nissan implemented several production improvements to address concerns with ITOC hose detachment.Infiniti JX vehicles investigated in PE13-029 are not included in the recall as they are equipped with a different CVT transmission with a lower operating pressure.Owners of all potentially affected vehicles will be notified within 60 days to take their vehicles to a Nissan dealer.The dealer will install an oil hose repair kit at no charge to owners.ODI's analysis of failure data for the 3,065 Pathfinder vehicles that are included in Nissan's recall identified 12 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs), 134 Nissan complaints and field reports and 259 warranty claims.This equates to a complaint/field report rate of 47.6 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV) and a warranty claim rate of 8.5 percent.The failure rates for the 120,474 subject vehicles that are not included in the recall are much lower, with complaint rates of 0.4 and 0.8 IPTV and warranty claim rates of 0.1 and 0.2 percent for the remaining MY 2013 Pathfinder and JX vehicles, respectively.This investigation is closed.The VOQ numbers associated with this closing are: 10558389, 10556011, 10546402, 10545032, , 10531793, 10509314, 10507077, 10503884, 10500834, 10499362, 10497685, 10496606, 10494583, 10493759, 10493701, 10490959.
PE13029
What 2013 Nissan Pathfinder owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, there was a slight jerking or hesitation before the vehicle accelerated. The failure was intermittent. While driving approximately 45 MPH after stopping at a stoplight, the vehicle shuddered and pulled to the left. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel to the right to avoid a crash. The vehicle was pulled over and parked. The vehicle was turned off until a friend arrived at the scene to assist. The friend started the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to respond in drive or in reverse. The vehicle was towed to the residence. Several days later, when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle failed to operate. The vehicle was inspected by two persons with automotive knowledge, and the contact was informed that the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) had failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
transmission started jerking & went out leaving me stranded.
My car has been having issues with what seems to be the transmission. This Nissan Pathfinder has CVT, which is continuous variable transmission. Three months ago I had a radiator blowout and had to change that and the thermostat. I believe that it was due to the transmission issues. currently I have an oil leak and I believe it’s due to your issues with the transmission.
I have a 2013 Pathfinder that is experiencing a High pitch whine coming from the transmission. when shifting in lower gears, there is a soft kick. i have only experienced a shutter once and only at lower speeds and rpm. once I'm at a higher speed it seems to get less. I have had the vehicle for 8 months. just started in the the last week. It has 157k miles.
My name is [XXX] , and I am requesting urgent escalation regarding my 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, which has now gone through four CVT transmissions, including three replacements within the past year. All repairs were performed by a Nissan dealership, yet the same failure continues to occur. I have maintained my vehicle properly. This situation is becoming unsafe and financially damaging, and I am asking for Nissan’s support in resolving it fairly and promptly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
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.
The transmission shudders. Causes jerking and hard shifts that makes the car move in unwanted ways. Car may shut off if shutter gets too hard. It’s pretty bad , even the repairs do not fix the issue. This definitely needs to be a recall for Nissan to take a look at
Questions about the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder transmission
Does the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 371 complaints about the transmission of the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, 42% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2013 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 5,200 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder transmission?
Yes, 1 recall: 14V142000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Nissan Pathfinder have bad transmission?
The Nissan Pathfinder model years with the most transmission complaints are 2005 (585 complaints), 2006 (450 complaints) and 2013 (371 complaints).
Other 2013 Nissan Pathfinder problems
Airbags 177Engine 110Body 83Brakes 67Visibility 54Electrical 50Acceleration 47Suspension 29Fuel system 26Lights 14Driver assistance 13Seat belts 13Steering 13Seats 12Wheels 8Locks 5Tires 3
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