2013 Nissan Pathfinder: complete transmission failure

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 Mar 10, 2026 · FL

The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) assembly failed completely, rendering the vehicle inoperable. The transmission is currently available for inspection at the independent service center where repairs are being performed. The vehicle was purchased in September 2025 with approximately [UNKNOWN/LOW] mileage. Within the first week of ownership, the driver experienced violent shuddering and juddering when attempting to accelerate. This symptom worsened over a few days, eventually progressing to complete transmission failure — the vehicle could no longer accelerate or move under its own power. An independent transmission specialist identified a faulty casting in the CVT torque converter that caused internal belt/chain slippage. Once slippage began, the entire CVT assembly was damaged beyond repair. The specialist confirmed this is a known manufacturing defect in 2013 Nissan Pathfinders, not a result of owner misuse or maintenance neglect. A full CVT replacement was required.The sudden loss of transmission function while the vehicle was in operation created an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle could not accelerate when needed and could not be safely operated on roadways. This defect creates an unreasonably dangerous situation and increases the risk of crash or collision, particularly in traffic situations where acceleration is needed to avoid hazards. YES — The failure was confirmed and diagnosed by an independent transmission service center. The specialist identified the faulty torque converter casting as the root cause and confirmed this is a known defect pattern in 2013 Pathfinder CVT transmissions. The transmission is available for inspection. The vehicle was NOT inspected by a Nissan dealership prior to repair. The owner contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs multiple times (via phone and written correspondence) before taking the vehicle to the independent service center, but did not receive assistance or an inspection appointment.

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 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 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 Jul 6, 2025 · TN

In January I took my car to the dealership to repair my recalls and I complained about my car juddering jerking and stalling they told me I need a new transmission. I paid for transmission and install the car is still serving and stalling and juddeing I looked up transmission problems it shows all nissan pathfinder has a recall on cvt . Is mine included in this recall or am I needing yet another transmission

Filed Apr 27, 2025 · MI

There is a recall on the make, model and year of my vehicle but the vin says that my vehicle is not affected yet that is the only thing wrong with my vehicle. It leaks all of its transmission fluid within 10 mins of driving it. I have contacted the dealer but the dealer is over an hour away and they said that since my vehicle isn't apart of the recall they will not fix the problem even though they said that is exactly what is wrong with my vehicle and I would have to buy an entirely new transmission from them if I was to take it in to get it fixed. This is the recall information that they say is the problem in my vehicle but the VIN states it is not apart of. the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN ID: 14V142000 Report Date: MAR 26, 2014 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.

Filed Jan 6, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

In September 2020 there was a recall on the CVT transmission for several cars. I was not notified whatsoever, so consequently I had to pay for a replacement at my local dealership in February 2021. I was told that I was receiving a new transmission. In December 2023, I was informed that I would need a whole replacement. I went back to my local dealership and they informed me that they would be willing to fix it with a replacement from the factory if I did the labor. They stated I would have to do a claim with NISSAN USA for the replacement. I called and was informed that I did not qualify because of the mileage and warranty period. I went back to the dealership and explained the issue, they said they could do nothing also. I HAVE DOCUMENTS WITH ALL THE DETAILS I WOULD LIKE TO SEND IN. The link to upload was not working for some reason. I tried several times.

Filed Oct 27, 2022 · Transmission · TX

-The transmission failed and yes it is available to inspect -We were driving and all of a sudden we lost acceleration momentarily, we were not far from home so we made it home but is was scary and unsafe. -It was inspected by a local transmission repair shop and then towed to the dealership. -No warning lights came on, no computer messages, there was no warning whatsoever. The transmission was working perfect one moment and then all of the sudden it wasn't.

Filed Aug 26, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · MA

I was driving down the road and the car wouldn’t shift into second gear. The speed limit was 35 mph and my car would only go 20 mph. I couldn’t drive home safely, no warning lights came on or anything. Dealership said my CVT transmission needs to be replaced. This sudden drop in speed became a hazard for me and my passenger.

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 Jan 7, 2021 · Transmission · 83,000 miles · AL

My warranty ended at 80,000 and my transmission went out on me at 83,000. Warranty ended july 2020 but I was not notified of such information. I have purchased two vehicles from nissan and I will not purchase another one due to this matter. B/c nissan will not cover it and wants $6,500 to replace it with a use transmission. They have lost it.