2013 Nissan Pathfinder: hesitation when accelerating

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 Apr 14, 2026 · Transmission · 118,000 miles · LA

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.

Filed Sep 3, 2025 · Transmission · CA

The transmission appears to be failing. When accelerating, the RPM increases but the vehicle speed does not respond immediately, creating a slipping and jerking effect. The vehicle is available for inspection if requested. The vehicle hesitates and jerks when accelerating, especially when merging into traffic or driving at highway speeds, which creates a risk of collision due to the loss of proper acceleration. The front tires also shake unexpectedly, making it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle. The issue is known and widely reported for this model year. Similar symptoms have been documented as transmission failures in 2013 Nissan Pathfinders. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Nissan for this issue. No warning lights appeared. The symptoms started gradually with hesitation when accelerating and have worsened over time to frequent slipping, jerking, and tire shaking while driving.

Filed May 22, 2023 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that she noticed a spot had started to form underneath her vehicle. Additionally, she had noticed that the vehicle was hesitating and jerking into gear while accelerating. The contact also stated that she heard an abnormal whining sound while starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D). The contact stated that while shifting into reverse(R) there was no abnormal sounds. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had become more frequent. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V142000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed May 17, 2023 · Transmission · NY

The contact’s niece owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while his niece was driving at various speeds, the transmission hesitated, and the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle became inoperable and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the continuously variable transmission (CVT) needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware that the warranty had expired, and the vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Apr 22, 2022 · Transmission · 138,397 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate the vehicle would jerk and hesitate while driving and shifting into gear. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a CVT judder. The contact stated that she researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V142000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,397.

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 Jan 30, 2021 · Electrical, Transmission · IL

The pathfinder was recalled due to transmission problems. When I heard about the settlement had been settled. So I called the company directly and found out that the pathfinder had not ever been changed from the previous owner. So no one wanted to help me. So we had taken the pathfinder in before I knew of the recall due to transmission leaking. Had purchased extended warranty they refused to repair the transmission. So last month I had to come up with money to have a transmission put in. Because it was stuck in park and drive. No take in consideration I had contacted nissan directly and they refused to do anything and knew this year had just settled a civil lawsuit. So I need help with being reimbursed by nissan. There was as if, it was stuck in low gear, high pitch sound when started, hesitated when leaving a stop light, difficult time picking up speed, constantly leaking transmission liquid, high pitch noice when was put in reverse and jerking as when it was on the high way trying to shift gears. Had a particular smell at times. Even called CVT about the problem. Everyone refused to replace the transmission. Was unable to attach the second page of the document. I can provide documentation when we first took in the pathfinder with this problem.

Filed May 5, 2020 · Transmission · 170,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated with the 4 wheel drive warning light illuminated. The contact pulled off the roadway and waited approximately 10-15 minutes before resuming driving to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however; the mechanic was unable to provide a cause for the failure. The vehicle was then taken to destination nissan located at 770 central ave, albany, ny 12206, where the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v142000 (power train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed Feb 10, 2020 · Transmission · TX

When accelerating you can feel it vibrate or hesitation . This is the second time I have had this issue with it. The CVT transmission has been replaced once at 15, 000 miles. Now that it is not under warranty, nissan will not fix or replace, even though I have had this problem before.

Filed Mar 12, 2019 · Engine · 13,500 miles · AR

I was at a stop light, when I went to accelerate the car began to shake violently and started jerking. I stopped at a gas station to investigate and the car hesitated to shift out of drive or reverse. I am having to replace the defective CVT transmission and have come to know the following: the transmission defect creates an unreasonably dangerous situation and creates the risk of a crash; it is inevitable that an individual will be injured or killed due to a collision caused by this safety defect. Nissan's cvts experience sudden, unexpected shaking and violent jerking (commonly referred to as 'juddering' or 'shuddering') the vehicles hesitate when trying to accelerate, increasing the risk of injury or death. Case 1:14-cv-24728 -united states district court southern district of florida miami division

Filed May 4, 2017 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 nissan pathfinder. While driving various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The dealer diagnosed that the CVT transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact indicated that the CVT was replaced on two previous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.