CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2013 has a growing number of transmission complaints at low mileage. The issue is part of a class-action lawsuit that says the transmissions shake violently during acceleration between 15mph and 30mph.

7.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
27,100 miles
Total Complaints:
43 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (24 reports)
  2. replaced cvt transmission (13 reports)
  3. recall on CVT to correct issue (5 reports)
  4. recall (1 reports)
2013 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems

transmission problem

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2013 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #23

Sep 012013

Pathfinder

  • CVT transmission
  • 40 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Were do I begin, purchased the vehicle brand new 0 miles and a month after I had it the jerking started. Nissan was aware of this issue but still sold this over priced vehicle. Took it in, they claim it was reset and was still doing the same thing. Looking for attorney to make them take this garbage back. Never again will I send anyone to that place. The worst is they don't even want the trash back. They sell them for 39k to 40k and you drive off the lot its worth less than 20k. I SUGGEST NO ONE BUY THIS HUNK OF JUNK!!!!

- Shangra F., Cedar Hill, TX, US

problem #22

Sep 132014

Pathfinder Platinum Premium V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 2,000 miles

I want help from NISSAN in ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY for the problems with the transmission and the car itself. $41000 is a lot for a family. I think I am going to get an attorney to help.. NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE IS USELESS.

- Ronald P., Mashpee, MA, US

problem #21

Jun 112015

Pathfinder Platinum 3.5L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 42,326 miles

THE PROBLEM WITH THE SHUDDER AND JERKING ON MY CAR HAS SPANNED SINCE OUR INITIAL PURCHASE 18 MONTHS AGO (NOV 2013) AND SINCE THEN WE CONTINUOUSLY LISTED THE ISSUE. EVERY TIME IT WAS SENT FOR AN UNPLANNED REPAIRS (SEVERAL) OR FOR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PER RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE (~7 TIMES).

EVERY SINGLE VISIT, THE NISSAN SHOP ADVISERS WERE TOTALLY INEPT IN RECOGNIZING THE ISSUE, EVEN STATING IT WAS " A GADGET" FEATURE OF THE TRANSMISSION TO FEEL IT SHIFTING... AND/OR DID KNOWINGLY KEPT THE LID ON EACH TIME STATING THAT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NEVER REPRODUCE OR CAPTURE WHAT WAS VERY OBVIOUS AND EASY TO MIMIC BY ME ON ANY ROAD.

IT WAS VERY ANNOYING THAT THEIR #1 EXCUSE FOR NOT DOING ANYTHING WAS THAT THE CVT HAS A EXTENDED WARRANTY (100K MILES) AND IF IT BREAKS IT WILL BE CHANGED OUT OF COST... YEAH, RIGHT! SO, OUR ONLY HOPE WAS TO KEEP RECORDING, EVEN W/VIDEO AND PICTURES, AND LISTING THE ISSUE UNTIL IT WILL FAILED COMPLETELY, PROBABLY CAUSING A BIG ACCIDENT OR FAILURE OF THE CAR ABILITY TO RESPOND. FOR THAT PURPOSE AND AS A SEASONED CAR ENTHUSIAST AND DRIVER, I WAS DRIVING THE SUV FOR REASONS OF PROTECTING MY FAMILY.

LAST WEEK, AGAIN FOR REPAIRS AND PM, WE WERE TOLD OF THE SERVICE CAMPAIGN FOR BULLETIN PC357, WHICH AFTER DONE DID NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE. NOW NISSAN HAS ACKNOWLEDGE TO REPLACE THE CVT, WHICH DOES NOT OFFERS ANY SAFEGUARD THAT THE ISSUE WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN, AS IS KNOWN FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE GONE THROUGH THIS REPLACEMENT ONCE OR EVEN MORE TIMES. RECOMMENDATION: STAY AWAY FROM NISSAN AND THEIR INNOVATION THAT 'STRIKES OUT' BIG TIME.

- kenepo4u, Hackettstown, NJ, US

problem #20

Feb 252015

Pathfinder

  • CVT transmission
  • 30,701 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Notice a shuttering occurred when car was going 20 to 30 miles. The whole car would shake. Brought into Nissan they said my transmission was bad and that it needed to be replaced. Nobody wants to hear that their 2 year old car that you are still making payments on needs a new transmission.

The next day I was called to say that it only needed to be reprogrammed. Less than a month later noticed gas mileage was down and the shuttering had resumed. Another reprogram. Car was still shuttering.

Well, now I am mad. Called Corporate Nissan. It took me about 6 hours on the phone to get a hold of someone to help me. They sent out a specialist to Nissan. I drove around with the specialist and he said that they needed to replace the transmission. It took 5 days. Now a new problem. This car is truly a lemon. Nissan needs to stand behind their cars and do the right thing!

- Cheryl S., Temecula, CA, US

problem #19

May 042015

Pathfinder LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

This car sucks. I had the same issue everyone else is having. I got a great lawyer in Escondido, Ca. My lawyer got Nissan to buy back the car and got all my money I put into it. Everyone should do the same, get a lawyer.

- cisco kid, Escondido, CA, US

problem #18

Dec 312013

Pathfinder SL 3.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 100 miles

Nissan says its CVT transmission and no problem. Shakes, disengages on hill when stopped at street light. Nissan still says no problem.

- James R., Lascassas, TN, US

problem #17

Mar 062015

Pathfinder V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have been reporting the CVT sputtering issue to Weston Nissan in Weston FL and twice who did a computer update as they called it and I recently reported the CVT sputtering issue now to another dealer Auto Nation in Pembroke Pines FL. I was told by my service adviser Chris that the problem could not be duplicated to bring the car back for a test drive with a service associate and maybe because of my driving habits it will happen again. In the meantime they ordered a new motor for my driver window. I brought my car for the driver window to be fixed.

Prior to picking up my vehicle I called the service department and was informed of the work completed by Chris. They fixed the window motor, did the oil change and completed the recall notice. I stated what recall notice????? He stated for the sputtering I reported. How funny...............This will be the third time I have reported the sputtering issue and transmission not engaging properly. Even after the fix which was about 2 weeks ago I can feel the same sh*t starting to happen again. Reference CVT Lawsuit!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Car Complaints for the news regarding the CVT lawsuit or 2013 Pathfinders. Looks like I may be getting a new transmission. Just completely sad these bastards won't listen to the people who drive their defective vehicles. Like always waiting for a death to happen before They (NISSAN) take things serious. Will I ever buy another Nissan product.....NOT !!!!!!! Should have listened to my neighbor :(( who said Nissan is crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- mcannata, Weston, FL, US

problem #16

Nov 012014

Pathfinder V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 40,000 miles

The car would jerk and not engage or slip into gear. They said this was a known issue and replaced the CVT transmission when the car was less than 2 years old. Usually happened at lower speeds.

- Michelle M., McKinney, TX, US

problem #15

Aug 222014

Pathfinder SV V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 19,985 miles

now fast forward a few short months later and our new tranny is doing the same thing as before SHUTTERING, almost loosing power while driving up a hill as me and my family were out to get some pie. once again we call the dealership and drop the vehicle off. they called us back several days later telling us that THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, so they asked if they could take it out for a long test drive, i said ok. They call me again and tell me that they couldn't replicate the problem and if i could go on a test drive with a tech . so i take time off work and drove with the tech maybe 3-5 miles total and he felt the shuttering. that lead the the second trans. replacement . it goes on.......

- Juan B., San Diego, CA, US

problem #14

Oct 042014

Pathfinder SV V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 21,218 miles

Aafter getting the second tranny replaced here we are again the VEHICLE IS DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN, SHUTTERING TRANNY. We take the vehicle back to Nissan and the tech is like, what are you hauling on that thing, insinuating that we are towing something heavy to have that problem; he looks at the back of the vehicle and of course there is no tow hitch. That's why I have a PICKUP TRUCK!!!!! i told him ... bottom line is our vehicle was at the dealership from Oct. 04 - November 22 did not get fixed, we started a case with consumer affairs, they basically forced us to return the rental and told us to get our vehicle or we will start incurring charges. My wife and I don't feel safe driving our kids or friends in. Mr. Z the guy responsible for reviewing the case avoided us like the plague had numerous different people call us never gave us a straight answer, and then basically told my wife that we don't qualify for a buy back. I have owned and purchase several vehicles from Nissan before and never had major problems, but this ONE could be the last . We are now in a second review because I sent an email to Nissans CEO and they told us WE OWE THEM MONEY.. bottom line don't Buy A NISSAN PATHFINDER>

- Juan B., San Diego, CA, US

problem #13

May 162014

Pathfinder SV V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 14,065 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The problem actually started earlier in the life of the car, I reported shuttering to the service reps. at about 9,022 miles to be exact but they told me that the mechanic that was suppose to see it was not in, and for me to re-schedule an appointment at a later date. Well the problem kept getting worst. after several attempts to of me having to take time off out of work to show them the shuttering they finally replaced the tranny. tranny #1(replacement )

- Juan B., San Diego, CA, US

problem #12

Aug 262014

Pathfinder

  • CVT transmission
  • 33,000 miles

I was informed today that the CVT Transmission will be replaced for the second time in 33K miles. The most recent one lasted less than 8K miles. What do I do when the extended warranty expires? I can't afford to put a new transmission in the this thing every 8K miles!

- Allan R., Sand Springs, OK, Pacific Islands (US)

problem #11

May 152014

Pathfinder SL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles

A PIECE of CRAAAAP....very disappointed. Won't recommend to anybody.

- Ernesto L., Edmonton, Alberta, canada

problem #10

Mar 032014

Pathfinder

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,300 miles

Complained several times about the problem of jerking and slow take off, first was told it was ok, no problem with my vehicle. It was driven 1.1 miles to test drive and then said no codes were found and all ok. I returned today for recalls on my Pathfinder and come to find out the TCM Module was reprogrammed and then was told it may have to have new TCM or Transmission. It has 14,947 miles on it, NOT a very good option to me.

- hannahpaula, Jonesboro, AR, US

problem #9

Sep 012013

Pathfinder

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,000 miles

I've owned my Nissan Pathfinder for about 3 months. Noticed it is jerking then starts shaking the entire vehicle it feels as if you are driving on a horrible washed out road. Talk to Nissan they do an excellent job getting it fixed although I hounded them on the phone for days to find a solution. Nissan did get my vehicle fixed at no cost to me, however this is a brand new vehicle, they knew there were issues when this car was bought, yet still sold them. I no longer would consider buying another Nissan again.

- Ashley B., Riverton, WY, US

problem #8

Apr 102013

Pathfinder ES 3.2L

  • CVT transmission
  • 1,700 miles

brought car to shop numerous times, they could not find the problem. We filed a claim with New York, under the Lemon Law and won. Nissan has not bought the car back.

- angelobracco, Selkirk, NY, US

problem #7

Mar 212014

Pathfinder

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

What the hell? The first time I purchased a car by myself and 8 months later we are jerking at stop lights and pulling and picking to get started before we get hit from behind. Made it to the dealer with a call from the service department after 8 hours to just to tell me that my transmission is shot. I only had the car for 8 months. They order my a new transmission which the service guy.said " its a better one" . I don't want this car back. I think it's going to give me problem for the next four years. Call the Nissan consumers advice department today to see if they will declare it as a lemon. We will only hope an pray they take that crap back with only 10,000.00 miles on it

- Marie J., Bulerson, TX, US

problem #6

Mar 042014

Pathfinder SL/AWD 3.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 400 miles

Purchased this car for my wife because we're expecting our third child and needed the room. Needles to say we spent alot of money on this vehicle and before it even got 400 miles on it I noticed something strange with it when I turned at low speed. Well after driving it a couple of more times I noticed the transmission jerking and the vehicle bucking as if it wanted to stall out. This is really disappointing because she really likes this car, I thought nissan would be a good car to put a lot of miles on but I guess I was wrong. Considering we traded in an Acura RDX with 47k on the clock and never had not one sigle issue. Taking it in tomorrow hopefully the stealership can give me some confidence in the brand again. If not they'll be getting it back and I'll be going back to Acura.

- Kendrick H., Gainesville, FL, US

problem #5

Nov 012013

Pathfinder LX V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 10,000 miles

We took our 2013 Pathfinder in because of jerking and shuddering problems after only having it for a couple of months. They replaced the transmission and it drove just fine for a little while. We just returned from a trip to Florida and experienced the same problems and more. We are taking it back to the dealership this week to let them know we are still experiencing problems. We had planned this vehicle for at least 10 years but now we have our reservations.

- memecee, Decatur, IL, US

problem #4

Sep 012013

Pathfinder Platinum V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 2,500 miles

In January of 2013 I purchased a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. Shortly after, I noticed a shuddering in my transmission. I talked to the service manager about it and he said it was normal. As time went on, the problem worsened. I took it back to the dealer and "they couldn't feel any problem." I took them for a ride, and yes, there was a problem. They replaced the transmission without any cost to me. NOW, the new transmission is doing the same thing. DO NOT BUY A NISSAN PATHFINDER! I am highly disappointed and want my money back!!! I spent a lot of money on this vehicle!

- dkh, Mountain Home, AR, US

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