2013 Nissan Pathfinder

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Nissan Pathfinder
Pictured: 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD in Baja Storm Metallic, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
Platinum 4dr SUV, S/Sl 4 X 2 4dr SUV, S/Sv/Sl 4 X 4 4dr SUV
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
22 combined · 20 city / 25 hwy
Length
197.2 in
Curb weight
4,240–4,506 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
11 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints546 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 81 for similar models — most often about the power train.
  • 11 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is a small SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 197 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,506 lb (Platinum 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 25 highway), 4% worse than the 2013 small SUV average of 23 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 11 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 546 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2013

  • New body dimensions: 5.1 in longer, wheelbase +2.0 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engine added: 3.5L 6-cyl
  • Engines dropped: 4.0L 6-cyl and 5.6L 8-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 17 to 22

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Pathfinder →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Platinum 4dr SUV197.2 in77.2 in69.7 in114.2 in65.7 / 65.7 in4,506 lb54/46
S/Sl 4 X 2 4dr SUV197.2 in77.2 in69.7 in114.2 in65.7 / 65.7 in4,240 lb54/46
S/Sv/Sl 4 X 4 4dr SUV197.2 in77.2 in69.7 in114.2 in65.7 / 65.7 in4,381 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Pathfinder 2WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22-4%$3,050406
Pathfinder 4WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 21-2%$3,200416
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23 MPG2013 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder.

Similar 2013 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Nissan Pathfinder (this car)22 MPGNot rated11
2013 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated6
2013 Ford Explorer23 MPGNot rated11
2013 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated3
2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee19 MPGNot rated9
2013 Chevrolet Tahoe21 MPGNot rated5
2013 Volkswagen Touareg23 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (11)

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Jun 13, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V420000 · 322,671 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Pathfinder vehicles. On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed.
Risk
An unsecured hood could unexpectedly open while driving, obstructing the driver's view, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the bell crank assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 26, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are R22A2 R22A3 and R24B7.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Jan 20, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V020000 · 264,431 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. The location of the brake light switch may cause the brake light switch relay to repeatedly open and close. Overtime, this can cause the relay to stick in the "ON" position, with the brake lights remaining illuminated even when the brakes are not applied. Additionally, this may interfere with the brake-shift interlock, allowing the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "Park" position, without depressing the brake pedal.
Risk
Continual illumination of the brake lights can prevent other drivers from realizing the vehicle is actually slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash. With the brake override activated, the driver will not be able to accelerate normally, increasing the risk of a crash. The driver can shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, allowing the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, either re-install the brake light switch or swap positions with the Automatic Speed Control Device (ASCD) switch; depending on the model year vehicle. In addition, the brake light relay will be replaced with a new one. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall PC786. Note: this recall supersedes 16V-380.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · May 31, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V380000 · 79,853 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Pathfinder vehicles manufactured June 20, 2012, to June 13, 2013. The brake light switch may have been installed incorrectly causing the relay to make intermittent contact and repeatedly cycle. This may result in the relay remaining in the "ON" position, causing the brake lights to remain illuminated even when the brakes are not applied. Additionally, the brake light switch may interfere with the brake-shift interlock, allowing the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "Park" position, without depressing the brake pedal.
Risk
If the brake override is activated, the driver will not be accelerate normally, increasing the risk of a crash. If the brake lights remain illuminated, other drivers may fail to stop when the vehicle actually brakes, increasing the risk of a crash. If the driver inadvertently shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, the vehicle may rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake light switch and, as necessary, replace the relay, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Apr 26, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V244000 · 3,296,947 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
Risk
If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Fix
Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Oct 20, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V681000 · 919 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
Risk
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge And Attachments · Jan 26, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V033000 · 170,665 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles manufactured June 20, 2012, to November 18, 2013, 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid vehicles manufactured July 18, 2013, to November 18, 2013, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles manufactured November 29, 2011, to June 14, 2013, and 2014 QX60 vehicles manufactured May 16, 2013, to November 18, 2013, and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles manufactured July 18, 2013, to November 18, 2013. In the affected vehicles the hood release cable assembly may have been installed incorrectly preventing the latching claw from fully engaging. The secondary latch may remain in the open position when the hood is closed.
Risk
If the primary hood latch is released and the secondary latch fails during operation of the vehicle, it could cause the hood to open during vehicle operation impairing the driver's vision, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will modify the angle of the hood release mechanism to provide additional length to the release cable, free of charge. The recall began on March 9, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit And Lines · Mar 26, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V142000 · 3,065 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Software · Mar 25, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V138000 · 989,701 vehicles

Problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.
Risk
If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Electrical System › Software · Oct 17, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V445000 · 151,695 vehicles

Problem
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles manufactured April 18, 2012, through September 20, 2013; model year 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles manufactured September 15, 2011, through January 16, 2013; and model year 2014 Infiniti QX60 vehicles manufactured January 17, 2013, through September 20, 2013. In the affected vehicles, during light braking on rough roads, the antilock brake system (ABS) brake pressure output software may lead to an increase in stopping distance.
Risk
The increased stopping distance may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ABS, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Service Brakes · Apr 12, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V139000 · 19,258 vehicles

Problem
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Pathfinder and Infiniti JX vehicles manufactured December 3, 2012, through January 29, 2013. The front brake torque member was improperly cast resulting in structural weakness. This can lead to premature failure and cracking.
Risk
If the brake torque member fails, the brake caliper may move and contact the inside of the road wheel, resulting in reduced braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the manufacturing date of the torque members and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Air Bags · Mar 1, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V069000 · 82,038 vehicles

Problem
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, Sentra, and Infiniti JX35 vehicles. Sensors within the passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) may have been manufactured out of specification. This may cause the system to malfunction and permanently suppress the passenger airbag.
Risk
If the vehicle is involved in a crash necessitating airbag deployment and the passenger airbag is suppressed, there may be an increased risk of personal injury.
Fix
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ODS sensors and replace them as neccessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

546Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
6Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
10Injuries reported
55,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train160
Unknown Or Other108
Air Bags103
Structure › Body53
Engine51
Visibility/Wiper42
Service Brakes39
Electrical System34
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/06: 124/07: 124/08: 224/09: 324/10: 124/11: 424/12: 325/02: 125/04: 325/05: 325/06: 325/07: 525/08: 425/09: 525/10: 225/11: 125/12: 226/01: 226/03: 126/04: 226/05: 126/06: 126/07: 126/10: 124/0624/0924/1225/0525/0825/1126/0326/06max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Nissan Pathfinder buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 160 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Air Bags — 103 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Structure › Body — 53 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 55,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Pathfinder years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Pathfinder23197.2 inNot rated015
2025 Pathfinder23197.2 in★★★★★156
2024 Pathfinder23197.2 in★★★★★286
2023 Pathfinder23197.2 in★★★★★1107
2022 Pathfinder23197.2 in★★★★★5136
2020 Pathfinder23198.4 in★★★★★048
2019 Pathfinder23198.4 in★★★★★276
2018 Pathfinder23198.4 in★★★★★378
2017 Pathfinder23198.4 inNot rated2188
2016 Pathfinder23197.2 inNot rated2107
2015 Pathfinder26197.2 inNot rated6321
2014 Pathfinder26197.2 inNot rated12531

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →