# Nissan Pathfinder 2013–2016 Pre-Purchase Checklist

Canonical: https://carcasefile.com/vehicles/nissan-pathfinder-2013-2016/checklist/

> Printable pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2013–2016 Nissan Pathfinder: the generation-specific checks that separate a good one from someone else's problem.

Case file · NISSAN-PATHFINDER-2013-2016 · Field document

# Nissan Pathfinder 2013–2016 · Pre-purchase checklist

Bring this to the inspection. Every check below is specific to this generation's documented failure modes, not generic used-car advice.

[← Full case file](https://carcasefile.com/vehicles/nissan-pathfinder-2013-2016/)

Check 01

Test drive at city speed and accelerate from 15 to 30 mph repeatedly. Feel for shudder, judder, hesitation, or a rubber-band lag. Any of those points at a failing CVT.

Check 02

Have a dealer or shop check CVT fluid level and condition: it should be clean, not burnt-smelling or dark. Burnt fluid means heat damage inside. Nissan's manual gives no owner check for CVT fluid.

Check 03

Ask for CVT fluid-change records. A serviced CVT lasts much longer than a neglected one.

Check 04

Have a Nissan dealer check the VIN for open recalls, any extended CVT coverage, and whether the transmission was ever replaced.

Check 05

On a 2013, confirm recall 14V-142 is done: certain 2013 cars built 04-18-2012 to 10-03-2012, CVT cooler hose. Check by VIN.

Check 06

Check the VIN for recall 22V-420 (secondary hood latch, 2013-2016) and, on a 2014-2015 Hybrid, recall 21V-774 (hybrid control software can shut down the hybrid system and engine, a loss of drive power).

Check 07

On AWD cars, make slow tight turns on dry pavement and listen/feel for binding or judder from the rear coupling.

Check 08

Check the sun visors. A known interior nuisance is visors that won't stay up.

Walk-away signals

2013 (worst CVT complaint volume, earliest design) · 2014 (CVT issues continue) · Hybrid (any year): rare, complex, poor support

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