2013 Nissan Pathfinder Problems: 7 Known Issues

On the 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder, the 2013-2020 Pathfinder uses the Jatco CVT8 HT (JF017E) which suffers from premature failure under the heavier loads of the SUV. The transmission overheats during towing, climbing, or sustained highway driving. Nissan issued NTB15-014 (enhanced diagnostic logic for CVT judder) and, under campaign PC500, extended the CVT warranty on 2013-2014 Pathfinders to 84 months/84,000 miles. A class-action settlement provided additional coverage for some owners.

On the 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder, nissan NTB17-039R applies to 2013-2020 Pathfinder R52 vehicles with a V6 CVT only when the customer reports judder and P17F0 or P17F1 is stored. The bulletin states that it does not apply when judder is absent, neither code is stored, or other DTCs are present. Its repair flow separates control-valve inspection from CVT-chain inspection and may include TCM reprogramming after the exact branch is completed.

On the 2013-2016 Nissan Pathfinder VQ35DE, the 2013-2016 Pathfinder with the 3.5L VQ35DE engine develops timing chain stretch and chain guide wear, typically after 80,000-120,000 miles. The timing chain tensioner, secondary chain tensioners, and plastic chain guides all degrade over time. Stretched chains cause rattling on cold start, timing drift triggering misfire codes, and eventual engine failure if the chain jumps timing. The VQ35DE uses three chains (primary and two secondary), making replacement a complex job requiring 8-12 hours of labor. Infrequent oil changes accelerate chain and guide wear due to inadequate tensioner lubrication.

On the 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder, the 2013-2020 Pathfinder VQ35DE/VQ35DD engine develops coolant leaks from the thermostat housing/water outlet, typically around 60,000-100,000 miles. The plastic housing cracks or the O-ring seal degrades, causing a slow coolant leak that can lead to overheating if not addressed. This is a common issue shared with the Murano and Maxima VQ35 engines.

On the 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder, the 2013-2020 Pathfinder AWD system uses an electromagnetic coupling that fails prematurely, causing the AWD system to malfunction. The transfer assembly can also fail (owners report bearing failure, knocking and fluid leaks), resulting in a 4WD/AWD warning light and loss of AWD capability. In some cases, the coupling can seize, causing drivetrain binding.

On the 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder, the R52 Pathfinder with the VQ35DE (2013-2016) and VQ35DD (2017-2020) engines experiences premature catalytic converter failure, often between 80,000-120,000 miles. The catalytic converters can become clogged or the catalyst substrate breaks down, triggering P0420/P0430 codes. Contributing factors include the CVT issues that can cause rich running conditions, oil consumption, and short trip driving. The Pathfinder uses two catalytic converters (Bank 1 and Bank 2).

On the 2013-2015 Nissan Pathfinder, 2013-2015 Pathfinders (R52), including the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid, suffer a documented no-crank condition in which the starter never engages when the ignition button is pressed and the combination meter displays "I-Key Error." Because the message points at the Intelligent Key system, owners and shops frequently spend money on fobs, fob batteries, key antennas and even BCMs before the real fault is found. The defect is a disagreement between two independent reports of where the transmission actually is. The BCM monitors shift-position status; the TCM reports the transmission range switch state from the switch on top of the CVT. B2603 sets when, with the ignition ON and the selector in P, the BCM sees an implausible shift-position condition persisting for 500 ms or more. Technicians describing this code on the R52 note it sets when the input from the TCM and the CVT shifter are both reading zero volts — an impossible combination if the car is genuinely in Park. With that mismatch present the BCM will not authorize a start, and the generic I-Key fault message is raised because the start-authorization chain failed. The documented cause on this platform is shift control cable misadjustment, covered by Nissan bulletin NTB14-029b (EL14-013b, October 2, 2015). Its applied-vehicle list includes 2013-2015 Pathfinder (R52) and 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid (R52) — all 2013-2014 Pathfinders, and 2015 Pathfinders built before VIN 5N1AR2M(*)(*)FC 674573 / May 19, 2015. The bulletin's confirming code is B2604 (PNP/Clutch Switch) stored past or present, and it states that B2603 (Shift Position Status) and P0705/P0706 (T/M Range Sensor A) may also be stored. A misadjusted cable leaves the manual lever slightly off the Park detent, so the range switch reads an ambiguous position.