TransmissionCritical
CVT overheating, judder and failure.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Test-drive hard, feel for shudder and check for a transmission cooler / prior replacement.
2013 Nissan Pathfinder problems
A 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is now 13 years old, so an average example has covered around 175,500 miles. This is the first model year of the generation · early-build cars carry the highest share of teething faults and the most recall activity, so check the service history for completed recall work. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2013 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is 13 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 175,500 miles. At that mileage 2 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
Faults a 2013 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~176k miles an average 2013 car has covered.
EngineMedium
Timing chain tensioner wear on the VQ35.
- Typically appears
- 100,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for a rattle on cold start.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
TransmissionHigh
Radiator-to-transmission cooler cross-contamination on some cars.
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Check transmission fluid for coolant contamination.
BodyLow
Sunroof rattles and seal leaks.
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Test the sunroof and check the headliner for stains.
Inspecting a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?
Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.
Check this exact carNissan Pathfinder · frequently asked questions
Is the Pathfinder reliable?
The CVT is the big risk — test it thoroughly and check for cooler upgrades or replacement.
Do Pathfinder CVTs fail?
Yes, overheating-related failures are common; extended warranties existed for a reason.
What's the 'strawberry milkshake' issue?
Coolant mixing into transmission fluid via a failed cooler — check the fluid colour.