10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
13 / 0
Average Mileage:
17,949 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #35

Aug 312013

Pathfinder

  • 200 miles
I recently purchased a new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder sl. The first day that I sat in the front passenger seat (day 2 of ownership), while my husband was driving, the front passenger air bag light illuminated stating that the air bag was off and would not deploy in a crash. I called the dealership and they stated that it was a known calibration problem with the Pathfinder's seat sensors and that there was no recall on my car, but that it needed to be recalibrated, which it was. After having the car back for 1 week, the air bag light would come on intermittently while I was sitting in the front passenger seat even though I was seated "properly" as described in the user's manual. The car went back to the dealer and even though there was no recall on my particular car, they replaced the seat sensors because it was a "safety issue." Two weeks after having the car back the light is once again coming on when I sit normal and upright in the passenger seat. The head technician at the dealership is now telling me that the car is acting in my best interest to intermittently turn off the airbag light when I am seated in the front passenger seat because of my size. I am a 5'4, 120 lb female. I feel that if I am sitting upright in the center of the seat, as a normal size adult, the airbag should not be disengaged. If it is calibrated to disengage for a 120lb adult seated properly, then it should consistently do so, not intermittently turn on and off without a change in position. Nissan has told me that it is functioning properly and there is nothing more that can be done.

- Perry Hall, MD, USA

problem #34

Sep 262013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 7,000 miles
I purchased my 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, less than 6 months ago. We currently have 7100 miles on it. We have not even had our 2nd oil change and I have already had it in the shop 4 times and I have to take it in today for the same issue, dealing with the transmission. At roughly 1000 miles, we took it back to the dealership in knoxville tn due to a stuttering when coming to a stop, putting the car in park and when taking off from a stop. We was told this was due to the new transmission in the 2013 and the car was trying to get in the best gear for the most efficient gas mileage. Came time for our 1st oil change at 3500 and we told them to check the stutter again and was told that it was due to the transmission, but the computer would correct itself. We took the car back to the dealer at the beginning of Sept and was given a rental for 2 days and was told the problem was due to the torque converter and they would replace the part. They also said the fixed the airbag recall at this appointment. After 2 days the part came in and the vehicle was returned in 4 days after the repair. On 9/26/13 the vehicle was still stuttering when I came to a red light on a hill. The light turned green and I pressed the gas pedal and the car did not move, but the engine RPM moved. Then the car kicked into gear and moved. I came to another hill and the vehicle was barely able to make it up the hill. I called the dealer and they told me to bring it in on today, 9/27/13 to have it checked again. I am worried about the safety of my family due to these problems in the transmission.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

problem #33

Sep 202013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 13,100 miles
Purchased a new 2013 Pathfinder in November of 2012. We experienced the problem reported per the air bag recall. We had the recall performed. Subsequent to the recall repairs, we have on multiple occasions had the airbag off light illuminate with an adult in the passenger seat. The problem is intermittent. We took the vehicle to a dealer. He was unable to duplicate the problem and unwilling to pursue a repair. He called Nissan tech support and printed information to instruct us on how the system operates and on how to sit correctly in the seat. We have driven for many years and are aware of how seats work. We called Nissan to escalate the issue. Clearly, based on our experience and the multiple complaints on the NHTSA site, Nissan has failed to address this safety issue.

- Vicksburg, MS, USA

problem #32

Aug 082013

Pathfinder

  • 600 miles
Problem 1: we bought the vehicle new in July. After about two weeks the car begin to shudder between 15-20 mph. It feels like we are driving over rumble strips. We took the car to the Nissan dealer where we purchased it. They said there was a campaign for the problem and would order a torque converter. We were told it was on back order. After two and half weeks the part was installed. The day we picked up the car it still had the same issues.we have notified the dealership of the continuing problem. Problem 2: the front passenger side airbag goes on and off randomly, turning off the airbag. We told the dealership when we brought it in for the shuddering. They said it was a weight limit issue and the way we sit. We told them it does it for our son who weighs 90 pounds and that we sit the same way every time. We also told them it does it for me off and on in the same day and that our weight doesn't fluctuate that much in the same day. We were told it tested fine, so it will not need repair. Just this morning I got in the passenger side the light was off, we went into a store and when I got back in the car the light was on. I have told the dealership about this again today.

- Stuart, FL, USA

problem #31

Jul 012013

Pathfinder

  • 1,500 miles
I got a recall paper for the passenger air bag sensor, when I took it in to get it fixed they tested it and said it was fine. The light still comes on with no one in the seat. Then the fuel gauge where it tells you how many miles till empty showed nothing but 3 lines for 2 days and I was told that this in not an issue for this year and nothing was done. Now the brakes will go to the floor more when being pressed and the vehicle will start rolling so you have to push harder on the brakes. Just yesterday the mileage that is suppose to be moving while driving to show how many mpg you are getting went all the way up and stayed there the whole time I drove. There is no way I was getting like 50 miles per gallon going 45mph. I try to get my vehicle in to the Nissan dealer where I got it from in las cruces, nm and I keep not getting answers or more excused of what is not wrong with my vehicle. How do they know they are not driving it? I am very unhappy and will be changing vehicles soon!

- Las Cruces, Nm, NM, USA

problem #30

Nov 162012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 2 miles
I purchased my 2013 Nissan Pathfinder brand new on November 13th, 2012. The day after purchasing the vehicle, the passenger airbag light came on, even though the person sitting in the seat (5'9, 175lbs) was sitting in the seat "properly". I brought the car back to the dealer and was told the person wasn't sitting in the seat correctly. As soon as I left the dealership, not even a mile away, the light came back on without anyone even in the seat. I have been back to my dealer at least 8 times, I have had the scale calibrated, a new seat put in, the recall fixed, and it's still coming on. My dealer recommend that if the light comes on while driving I should just pull over on the side of the road, turn the car off, and then restart it. Most recently I had the car in for repair on July 25th, and on August 22nd, the light came back on. I have been without my brand new car for at least 2 weeks in the time that I have owned it for them to "repair it".

- Plymouth, MA, USA

problem #29

Mar 062013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 250 miles
2013 Nissan Pathfinder: The pabi light stays on while a passenger is sitting in the front passenger seat. The light stays on as the individual sits' in the correct position as the owner manual's states. The light also stays on while no one is sitting in the front passenger seat. The vehicle was purchased on February 18, 2013 (new). The vehicle has been in 7 times for the same repair. The have replaced the sensors, the seat and the problems still occurs.

- Linden, NJ, USA

problem #28

Aug 142013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 50 miles
Purchased a new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder and immediately on the drive home noticed an issue with the passenger side airbag. 1) the passenger side airbag "off" light stays lit when an individual is in the passenger side for the duration of the ride. 2) the supplemental airbag warning light on dashboard stays flashing for the duration of the ride. Took to the dealership in North haven, ct where we purchased. Their diagnosis was that we did not enter the car properly. We needed to both enter the car, fasten our seatbelts, then turn on the car for the passenger side airbag to be functional. Entering the vehicle as advised by the service technician did in fact allow the passenger airbag "off" light to be turned off and the flashing warning on the dashboard to disappear. I view this as a huge safety issue. The purpose of the passenger airbag sensor is for it to be operational when weight is applied to the passenger seat not for it to function only when you fasten your seatbelt before starting the vehicle. I said to the service manager "so you are saying that the passenger airbag will not operate if anyone enters the passenger side while the car is running? what are mothers supposed to do when they pick up their child in an idling vehicle?? his response was ?I guess they will need to pull over to the side of the road, turn the car off, then turn it back on for the airbag to function." The recall on the early 2013 models of the Pathfinder should be expanded. This issue needs to be addressed.

- Middletown, CT, USA

problem #27

Jul 162013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 3,000 miles
The passenger airbag light that indicates the airbag is off for the passenger side has come on over 4 times now with both my wife who is 5'6" ~160lb's and my daughter 5'5" 90lb's in it. It came on randomly all times and went off randomly. I took it to the dealership who has stated that it does not fall within the VIN range of the 2013 Pathfinder recall for this same issue. It seems the problem is more widespread then Nissan is willing to indicate.

- Essex, MD, USA

problem #26

May 312013

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the passenger's side air bag would not activate when the front passenger's seat was occupied. When a 100 pound person occupied the seat, the air bag would not recognize the weight however, the air bag would recognize the weight of a 140 pound person. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for service under NHTSA campaign id number:13V069000(air bags), but the repair did not correct the problem. The contact scheduled an appointment for further inspection. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 4,866. Update 4/7/14 va the consumer believes this vehicle is a lemon in accordance to the Massachusetts consumer protection act (Massachusetts general laws; C.90 sec. 7N1/2). Since the purchase of the vehicle, it has been taken to the dealership for failure a total of 7 times. The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a total of 45 business days. Failures also include rear hatch scraped against the body and spoiler contacts the roof when opening/closing, vehicle shuddered around 16 miles per hour, loss of air from the left front tire, driver's window would not close, vehicle shuddered between 12 and 20 mph, and the climate control on driver's side not working properly. Updated 04/9/2014

- Hingham, MA, USA

problem #25

Jul 022013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 8,761 miles
The airbag sensor indicator has come on with an adult over 150lbs in the passenger seat. This has happened several times and at different speeds. The adult was sitting correctly in the seat. I have taken it to the dealership three times. Told first time that since it can't be duplicated at the dealership, they can't do anything. Next I was given a copy of the owner's manual. Last time, I talked with the dealership manager and he told me that the sensor would be replaced. The day I was to take it in, I received a call that it needed to be inspected by a Nissan certified technician. I let him look at it and was told that nothing showed up wrong and the sensor would not be replaced and given another copy of the owner's manual. This is a safety issue. The airbag should never turn off with a average sized adult in the seat.

- Thorsby, AL, USA

problem #24

Feb 132013

Pathfinder

  • 2,000 miles
I was driving and hit a curb with the 2 passenger side wheels simultaneously as I was coming out of a turn. Only going 15-20 mph. The tires didn't even pop but all 3 side curtain airbags deployed. The vehicle didn't roll either. The car was completely driveable other than the airbag problem. Nissan claims the airbags acted properly after they reviewed the data recorder but to me this is a serious safety concern. Nissan reimbursed me for my $1,000 insurance deductible which tells me they agree something was wrong even though they deny it.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #23

Jan 122013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • miles
Passenger side air bag light does not go off (indicating air bag is not operational) when wife sits in the passenger seat. Her weight and height is ~115lbs and 5'5". taken to dealer 3 times and not able to fix. The dealer checked VIN and this vehicle was not part of the Nissan recall. However, the vehicle was purchased 1/9/2013 and clearly falls within the manufacturing date of the recall. I or the dealer were not informed. First, Nissan should expand the recall to encompass all affected vehicles and second Nissan needs to figure out what is causing the problem after 3 attempts for the dealer to repair. 1st attempt: Zero out sensor and reprogram. 2nd replace sensors. 3rd investigate problem with Nissan tech services and they could not help. This is a safety issue and I don't have a lot of confidence that the air bag would work when the light is out.

- Dothan, AL, USA

problem #22

Jun 062013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 4,000 miles
I have become aware of two different issues with my 2013 Pathfinder. First, and most important, is an issue with the passenger airbag. The light that illuminates to inform you if the passenger airbag is on or off will come on or off intermittently with the same person/object in the passenger seat. This has occurred on 4 separate occasions. It happened twice with myself riding in the passenger seat, once with my son, and once with a backpack. The passenger airbag light would be off, indicating the airbag was on, and then after several miles the light would come on. Or the light would be on and after several miles it would go off. This is a safety issue and could cause death if in an accident! I took the vehicle to my local dealership where it was put on the computer, which showed everything was fine. They also drove the vehicle 20 miles to see if they could get it to happen and it did not. Mine was not one of the models on the recall list for this very same issue. They told me to bring it back if it happens again, but I am afraid to drive it. We are a family of seven, so someone has to sit in the passenger seat. The second issue is a shuddering that occurs when decelerating or accelerating at lower speeds. It has happened several times causing me to take my eyes off the road and look at the instrument panel to see if something is wrong. The vehicle is sluggish when this happens. I am worried that it will happen turning into traffic and cause an accident.

- Lagrange, GA, USA

problem #21

Jun 212013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 1,700 miles
The occupant classification system deactivated the passenger air bag, and activated the warning light, with a 200+ pound person sitting in the passenger seat, centered in the seat and upright, and seatbelt on, for over one hour. Took video showing person in seat @ 55 mph with light on. Dealer and Nissan customer service stated they can not reproduce the problem, therefore, there is nothing to fix, even after showing the dealer the video of the defective passenger airbag warning light. Requested corporate technician to examine car, dealer has not provided this service to date (3 weeks later). Due to the random fault, we can not trust the airbag system to work as designed, and as required by the NHTSA rule fmvss208.

- Knightdale, NC, USA

problem #20

Jun 212013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 2,500 miles
Brakes failed causing accident. Recall received 2 hours later. Nissan says parts were replaced but did not cause the accident. Why should I believe them? the consumer stated he was attempting to park in the driveway when the brakes failed. He tried to stand on the brakes as well as stomped the pedal with one foot, but to no avail. The vehicle continued up the driveway hitting his garage door and the side of his house. The garage door crumbled and his other vehicle, pushing it into the inner portion of the garage hitting it several times. Also prior to the accident, the passenger air bag light illuminated throughout the entire drive. The consumer stated a recall was issued for the air bag, but he was never notified. Also, the air bags failed to deploy when he hit the garage door. Updated 09/11/13

- Savannah, GA, USA

problem #19

Mar 182011

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 300 miles
When my wife who is 5"4' and weighs 110 lbs is in the front passenger seat, the passenger air bag warning light comes on indicating that the air bag is off and will not deploy in an accident. This occurs intermittently. I have taken the car to the dealer three times and they tell me everything is in spec.Nissan also told me that it is in spec and they cannot fix the problem. They tell me that the sensors in the seat are to the extreme left and my wife will have to sit to the left and erect.

- Absecon, NJ, USA

problem #18

Jan 012013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • miles
I brought the car on 6/14/13 to get the faulty air bag sensor done at the Nissan dealership only to waste our time since they told me that "there was no recall on my VIN and that everything was working fine." I explained again that the air bag off light would stay on when kids or my wife would seat on it. They said "it is a known glitch" but that everything works fine and "I should not worry about it." I contacted Nissan immediately. I spoke to Nissan costumer affairs "wesley" who said that would look into this to get the issue resolved. He also stated that he would contact the white plains dealer. Sounded great. He call me on 6/17/13 to tell me that indeed the dealer "did everything, they were supposed to do" and since there was no recall on my VIN - than everything was ok. This is hysterical. I had actually received an email directly from Nissan usa on 6/15/13 stating that "a review of our records indicates that the vehicle with the vehicle serial number listed above is involved in the recall as follows: Occupant classification system (OCS) sensor. Please contact your Nissan dealership for an appointment to have the recall repairs performed on your vehicle. These repairs are free of charge to you." He first sounded confused but then he proceeded to explain (as the dealership) that "if someone between 90 and 120 pounds sit on the passenger side - the light weight might not trigger the sensor." I asked him where I would be able to find this technical information in the owner's manual. He said that it would not be there. And what about the recall letter? I asked him if he could provided an official letter stating that indeed the air bag sensor light off is not an issue and/or a safety concern. Naturally, he replied that he could not provide such a letter. End of story, my lawyer-wife will now send a formal legal letter to file a complain with Nissan.

- New York, NY, USA

problem #17

Mar 222013

Pathfinder

  • 700 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the air bag erroneously deactivated while the front passenger seat was occupied. The contact also stated that when driving at various speeds, the vehicle would vibrate roughly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 700.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #16

Feb 262013

Pathfinder

  • 100 miles
Purchased my new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder in February, 2013. Experienced problems accelerating from a complete stop after the first 100 miles I put on the car. I experienced the problem 4 times in the first 400 miles. Then I experienced a major problem turning left from a complete stop. The car barely coasted through the intersection. I had to pump the gas pedal about 4 times to get the car moving. Luckily I was turning left at a green arrow so the oncoming traffic had a red light and was stopped. I asked the dealer to pick it up as I didn't feel safe driving it. They had it a week and opened a ticket with Nissan. They could not duplicate the issue and hadn't heard of any other similar issues so they asked me to pick up the car. My husband drove it on the highway for work (about 1200 miles) and noticed a little sluggishness from a full stop but not too bad. I drove it for a couple of weeks after that and I noticed some minor sluggishness. When it stalled out as I was turning left through a 4 way stop with no oncoming traffic, I decided to take it back. Had I been turning left at a green light with oncoming traffic, there would have been a high potential for an accident with injuries to my child in the back seat. This time I provided blogs to the dealer describing the same issues.the dealer confirmed today that there is a known problem but no fix so I should pick up the car. If it happens again they told me to press harder on the gas pedal. I told them that was an unacceptable solution. I asked for an upgraded rental since I'm now paying for a Pathfinder but driving a basic rogue that they "rented" to me. I am currently escalating the matter through Nissan. I refuse to take the car back and put my family in danger over an issue they admit to but can't resolve. I have also noticed issues with the airbag light that others have reported. This car needs to be recalled.

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA

Read the next 15 complaints »