Nissan Pathfinder 2013–2016Common problems, reliability & repair costs

Symptoms: Shaking or juddering on acceleration (classically 15–30 mph), hesitation, surging, a rubber-band feel, whining, and eventually loss of power or refusal to move. CarComplaints data shows transmission as the #1 problem area, with a typical failure around 57k miles.

Fix: Replace the CVT (reman or new). There was a class-action settlement over this CVT, so have a Nissan dealer check the VIN for any extended coverage before paying out of pocket. Regular CVT fluid changes are the best prevention on a healthy unit.

Sources: CarComplaints: 2013 Pathfinder power train, Top Class Actions: Nissan Pathfinder transmission class action, CarComplaints: Jatco CVT8HT reliability lawsuit

Symptoms: On certain early 2013 cars, the internal oil cooler hose can pop off due to inadequate clamping, dumping transmission fluid and causing a sudden loss of acceleration in traffic.

Fix: Recall 14V-142 covers certain 2013 cars built 04-18-2012 to 10-03-2012. Check by VIN that the repair was done. It costs the owner nothing. Separately, Nissan bulletin NTB13-071 (07-19-2013) covers 2013 cars leaking CVT fluid at the transmission-to-radiator cooler hose, at the radiator fitting or from a detached hose.

Sources: RepairPal: Nissan Pathfinder recalls, NHTSA: 2013 Pathfinder vehicle detail / recalls, NHTSA TSB: Nissan NTB13-071, 2013 Pathfinder CVT fluid leak at cooler hose

Symptoms: The plastic pivot inside the sun visor cracks and the visor flops down on its own, blocking the driver's view.

Fix: Replace the affected visor(s). A common, cheap nuisance fix. Aftermarket and used OEM visors are widely available.

Sources: CarComplaints: 2014 Pathfinder sun visors will not stay up

Symptoms: On AWD cars, a vibration or judder felt from the rear when making slow, tight turns on dry pavement, traced to the electronically controlled coupling for the rear final drive.

Fix: A fluid service for the rear coupling resolves many cases per Nissan service guidance; persistent cases may need coupling work. Verify it's not being confused with CVT judder, which feels different and comes from the front.

Sources: Samarins: Nissan Pathfinder 2013–2020 problems

1. Have a Nissan dealer or a shop do it. The owner's manual gives no owner procedure and says: when checking or replacement of CVT fluid is required, we recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.
2. Ask for Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 only. Nissan warns that any other fluid will damage the CVT, which is not covered by the warranty.
3. Ask the shop to note the old fluid's color and smell on the invoice. Burnt or dark fluid points at heat damage inside.

Tools: Trim pry tool, Phillips screwdriver

1. Pop the small trim cap covering the inboard visor mount and remove the screw.
2. Unclip the outboard pivot mount and unplug the visor wiring connector (if equipped with a lighted mirror).
3. Plug in and seat the new visor, install the screw, and re-clip the pivot.
4. Check that it holds position up and down before reinstalling the trim cap.

Tools: Screwdriver (cabin filter cover)

1. Open the glovebox, release the side stops to drop it down, and pull the cabin filter housing cover.
2. Slide out the old cabin filter and insert the new one with the airflow arrow pointing down.
3. Unclip the engine airbox lid, drop in the new panel filter, and re-clip the lid.
4. The engine air filter link is for the 3.5L V6 (Nissan 16546-0Z000). The 2014-2015 Hybrid takes a different filter, Nissan 16546-3KY0A (see the parts desk).