TransmissionCritical
CVT overheating, judder and failure.
Head gasket / cooling system repair£900–£2,600
Inspect · Test-drive hard, feel for shudder and check for a transmission cooler / prior replacement.
2013–2020 Nissan Pathfinder · common fault repair costs
What the known faults on this Nissan Pathfinder typically cost to put right at a UK independent garage · use the figures to price risk before you bid, and to justify a reduction when something shows up on inspection.
Cost at a glance
- Most expensive fault
- £900–£2,600
- Top three risks, from
- £2,700
- Worst case, everything
- £12,250
The single priciest documented job on the 2013–2020 Nissan Pathfinder is head gasket / cooling system repair at £900–£2,600. Few cars need every repair listed here · treat £3,690–£12,250 as the full exposure if one arrived with all of them.
Cost per fault
Engine CoolingMedium
Loud grinding, clicking, or excessive vibration from the front end, potentially leading to overheating at idle due to cooling fan bearing failure.
Head gasket / cooling system repair£900–£2,600
Inspect · Start the engine and set the air conditioning to maximum cold to force the radiator fans on. Listen closely at the front grille for bearing rumble or clicking.
EngineMedium
Timing chain tensioner wear on the VQ35.
Timing chain, tensioner & guides£900–£2,400
Inspect · Listen for a rattle on cold start.
SuspensionMedium
Knocking or clunking noises from the front axle when traversing uneven surfaces or braking, caused by torn lower control arm rear bushes.
Suspension refresh (per axle)£250–£1,100
Inspect · With the engine running and footbrake applied firmly, shift the gear selector back and forth between Drive and Reverse. Listen for a distinct metallic clunk from the front wheel arches.
Body ElectricsLow
Power tailgate groans, fails to open completely, or sags under its own weight due to failing spindle drives or weak gas struts.
Suspension refresh (per axle)£250–£1,100
Inspect · Open the boot using the key fob. Observe the lifting motion for shuddering or grinding, and gently pull down on the open tailgate to ensure the struts hold firm.
Safety ElectricsHigh
SRS airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard, or the passenger airbag status light incorrectly showing 'OFF' when occupied, caused by a faulty Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor.
Electrical diagnosis & module repair£120–£900
Inspect · Sit a colleague in the front passenger seat with the engine running. Verify the 'Passenger Airbag OFF' light extinguishes and no red SRS warning lights appear on the instrument cluster.
BodyLow
Sunroof rattles and seal leaks.
Water-ingress trace & seal£150–£800
Inspect · Test the sunroof and check the headliner for stains.
TransmissionHigh
Radiator-to-transmission cooler cross-contamination on some cars.
Cooling component replacement£220–£750
Inspect · Check transmission fluid for coolant contamination.
Ranges are indicative parts-and-labour costs at a UK independent garage, inclusive of VAT. Franchised dealers typically sit 40–80% higher, and prestige or electrified variants sit at the top of each band. Always get a written quote before committing.
Inspecting a Nissan Pathfinder this week?
Build a tickable checklist for the exact car in front of you, record faults with photos, and hand the buyer a report.