FaultScore

2013 Nissan Pathfinder body problems

84 of the 1,209 complaints about the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder are about the body and structure — 7% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 45,000 miles.

A

84

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Body 61 72.6%
Structure 8 9.5%
Hood 5 6.0%
Frame AND Members 4 4.8%
Door 3 3.6%
Hatchback/Liftgate 1 1.2%
Tailgate 1 1.2%
Underbody Shields 1 1.2%

Body & Structure across every Nissan Pathfinder year

1993 11 2.7%
1994 23 5.6%
1995 61 14.9%
1996 12 2.9%
1997 17 4.1%
1998 16 3.9%
1999 18 4.4%
2000 29 7.1%
2001 32 7.8%
2002 19 4.6%
2003 12 2.9%
2005 15 3.7%
2013 84 20.5%
2014 48 11.7%
2015 13 3.2%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Lexington, TN

STRUCTURE:BODY

Rear subframe rusted through and unable to be repaired. Contacted Nissan and would not assist even though some VIN # of the same year were recalled and replaced. Having a hard time finding a replacement even with a family friend who is a service advisor looking. Vehicle has not been in an accident that would cause this type of fracture in the frame. Unable to drive the vehicle for obvious safety reasons.

NHTSA complaint #11687997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rochester, MI

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11676092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rochester, MI

STRUCTURE

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11676092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Scarsdale, NY

STRUCTURE:BODY

Rear subframe on the passenger side cracked because of excessive rust making it dangerous to drive so it's now stuck at the repair shop. Repair shop said this is not expected for a vehicle with this mileage and the other sides of the subframe are far from being in the same condition as this one.

NHTSA complaint #11657164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 106,019 miles Rochester, MI

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, on the lift at the independent mechanic, the independent mechanic rust on the subframe. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had previously taken the vehicle to be repaired under an unknown recall for the hood latch. The contact stated that recommendations were made by the dealer; however, a recommendation for the subframe rust was not provided. The subframe rust was not addressed by the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to the independent mechanic, and the independent mechanic noticed the rust on the subframe. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where the contact was informed the vehicle was no longer under an extended warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,019.

NHTSA complaint #11656736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mayfield, KY

STRUCTURE:BODY

Rust only on brackets that hold the arm on the rear sway arm stabilizer

NHTSA complaint #11641125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cumberland, WI

STRUCTURE:BODY

Rear Subframe/under body completely rusted out at cracked. My daughter and I drive a lot for her health condition to appointments. The Nissan Dealership said this could have been catastrophic driving down the freeway had it broke apart while driving. It completely fell apart in the mechanics hand after they removed it and were showing me what actually happened and what I was driving around on. Nissan dealership quoted me $11,000.00 for the part and labor. I had it fixed through an authorized mechanic for $5,000.00 Because it was wearing and I didn't notice because there were no signs or messages, it rubbed my tires almost bald to where the wires were showing. I had to replace those as well. I wash my car regularly and get 2 detail cleans a year, my car has been well maintained since I bought it. I asked the mechanic how this could have happened and the the Nissan mechanic stated that "this happened due to the fact that Nissan didn't powdercoat certain years of the pathfinder and that's why it rusted out. He said that had it been powder coated this wouldn't have happened."

NHTSA complaint #11633348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Newport, KY

STRUCTURE:BODY

When getting a new set of tires found out that drivers side rear subframe assembly rusted away where the control arm attaches after looking at a Nissan fourn there are many with the same problem worried that due to this might be a issue for me and my children traveling to he roads

NHTSA complaint #11627545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Indiana, PA

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal popping sound and the vehicle started to wobble. The contact decelerated and pulled over safely. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact checked the vehicle but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the rear subframe frame and cross member had fractured. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA complaint #11624233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Leesburg, VA

STRUCTURE:BODY

After being notified of NHTSA recall campaign 22V-420 by Nissan North America, Inc. we had the required service repairs performed by a qualified Nissan dealership near us, however Nissan has been unable to clear the open recall notice from their Nissan tracking system, so we continue to receive periodic open recall notices from Nissan for this same issue. The NHTSA website recall system correctly shows no open recalls for our vehicle. Several phone calls placed to the Nissan North America Consumer Affairs Department requesting they fix their recall system notification information has only resulted in being transferred between representatives, and then having Nissan drop the calls during those transfers.

NHTSA complaint #11624020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Muncy, PA

STRUCTURE:BODY

Took my 2013 Pathfinder to Steve Shannon Tires and auto center to fix (what I thought was the issue) a wheel bearing. They called me later in the day informing me they could not replace the wheel bearing because my rear sub frame is rotted.

NHTSA complaint #11615702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 143,000 miles Kansas City, KS

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle swayed to the right. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the rear subframe was extremely corroded, causing the rear driver’s side stabilizer bar to fracture. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 143,000.

NHTSA complaint #11612788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Normal, IL

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the tires were losing air. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the subframe from the front end to the rear had severe corrosion. The mechanic advised the contact not to drive the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11611441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Drexel Hill, PA

STRUCTURE:BODY

Rear subframe rotted out. Car is garage kept.

NHTSA complaint #11605006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 141,000 miles Wellsville, OH

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, she observed a clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that water had intruded into the driver’s side sub frame where it was rusted and fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,000.

NHTSA complaint #11590413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Westerville, OH

STRUCTURE:BODY

Front subframe rusted through. This is a similar issue across a wide range of Nissan Pathfinders. This is a major safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11570006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Port Monmouth, NJ

STRUCTURE:BODY

The vehicle was pulling to the right when driving or breaking. Brought to the mechanic and he discovered that the rear passenger side subframe is totally rotted. Appears to be a common problem with Nissan from my understanding now. He suggested I just trade it in. I don't have that luxury so will attempt to have it repaired. I have looked for a recall and so not see one but I do see numerous complaints regarding this issue on various Nissan boards. Some have said they registered a complaint as well. Since this appears to be a common Nissan problem, their corporation should be responsible for the repair. I'm told not to drive unless necessary.

NHTSA complaint #11566442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 145,000 miles Troy, NY

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving 40-44 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that there was play in the rear wheels and the rear wheels seemed misaligned. The contact also stated that while coming to a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the rear wheels and the trailing arm seemed to move forward, then backward. The contact stated that the failure recurred while making a left turn. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear subframe was corroded. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist due to the manufactured date of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

NHTSA complaint #11555215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grafton, WV

STRUCTURE:BODY

The Subframe has rusted out and it’s causing my arm to move. It appears this is a common issue with Nissan vehicles in general. My mechanic stated that it should not have rusted out like that.

NHTSA complaint #11540348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Branchburg, NJ

STRUCTURE:BODY

Subframe completely rusted through and has broken in the back portion of the car.

NHTSA complaint #11539708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pocono Summit, PA

STRUCTURE:BODY

The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder that we own just had the subframe rust and collapse. The car only has 120,000 miles. This is not even close to the expectancy of how long a subframe should last.

NHTSA complaint #11537518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Woodstock, GA

STRUCTURE:BODY

Subframe completely rusted through and has broken in the back portion of the car. This risks catastrophic failure at highway speeds where the loose subframe can cause rear wheels to move outside of safe bounds. No warnings are given on the car and it is so hidden underneath that a normal inspection can miss it. Now car has dramatic clanging noise every bump and risks failure every time we drive.

NHTSA complaint #11534810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Guilford, CT

STRUCTURE:BODY

Major subframe damage in similar places on both sides of car causing car to be unsafe

NHTSA complaint #11509175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,850 miles Coatesville, PA

STRUCTURE:BODY

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the rear sub frame was completely rusted through. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and the subframe was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,850.

NHTSA complaint #11499168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carson City, NV

STRUCTURE:BODY

on 3 separate occasions 3 separate door handles have failed to work from the inside of the vehicle. We had to replace the front passenger side door handle twice and the rear left side once and now the rear right side door handle has stopped working. No warnings whatsoever ever they just stop latching and we are unable to exit the vehicle which is very unsafe. We took it to the Nissan Dealership in Carson City Nevada where we paid to get it replaced on 03/07/2022.

NHTSA complaint #11462820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bennington, NE

STRUCTURE:BODY

Inside passengers front door handle broke making it impossible to open the passengers front door from inside the vehicle

NHTSA complaint #11429534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Taunton, MA

STRUCTURE:BODY

LAI T ON MY HOOD IS PEELING OFF AND IM GETTI G NO HELP FROM NKSSAN. I WAS TOLD BY A BODY SHOP TO TAKE IT IN BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE IT LO G AND ITS A NISSAN ISSUE. I TRIED TO USE TOUCH UP PAINT BUT ITS STILL PEELING ALONG THE FEONT OF THE HOOD I HAVE ATTACHED PICTURES AS WELL.

NHTSA complaint #11366200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 145,000 miles Oakland, MD

STRUCTURE:BODY

THIS HAPPENED TO ME YESTERDAY 09/07/2020 ON MY 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 45 MILES AN HOUR ON A RURAL EMPTY ROAD WHEN THE SUNROOF MADE A POP SOUND AND EXPLODED. I LOOKED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SAW A LARGE SHEET OF GLASS HIT THE ROAD AND DISINTEGRATE. WHEN I OPENED THE COVER FOR THE SUNROOF MOST OF THE GLASS WAS GONE. THE PIECES AROUND THE FRAME THAT REMAINED WERE SHATTERED. DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO JOIN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT?

NHTSA complaint #11353724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 147,000 miles Brandon, FL

STRUCTURE:BODY

HOOD FLUTTERS GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY ADJUSTED UNDER SAFETY RECALL. NOT REPAIRED COMPLETELY BY DEALERSHIP. CVT TRANSMISSION JUDDER. HAS BEEN REPROGRAMMED BY DEALERSHIP, DID NOT REPAIR PROBLEM. BANDS NOW SLIPPING AND OUT OF MILEAGE WARRANTY. OCCUPANT SENSOR FOR AIRBAG PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED BY DEALERSHIP. STILL DOES NOT WORK. REPLACED CUSHION. STILL NOT REPAIRED. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO REPAIR. LIFTGATE SCRATCHES ROOF WHEN OPENING. DEALERSHIP SAID THE LIFTGATE HAS A CODE. BRANDON NISSAN IN BRANDON FLORIDA. WILL NOT REPAIR ANY OF THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11352480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,396 miles Port Monmouth, NJ

STRUCTURE:BODY

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A ROAD, THE HOOD FLEW UP AND HIT THE WINDSHIELD. I COULD NOT SEE IN FRONT OF ME AT ALL. THE HOOD RIPPED THROUGH THE FENDERS BY THE WINDSHIELD. I WAS DRIVING APPROX. 35 MILES PER HOUR AT THE TIME THIS HAPPENED.

NHTSA complaint #11349105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2013 Nissan Pathfinder problems

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