2013 Nissan Pathfinder SL Review & Transmission Recall

Originally publised in March 2013; updated September 2023.

Gone are the old, boxy days of the gas-guzzling SUVs. And the Pathfinder is no exception. Now, much sleeker and sophisticated for 2013, the Nissan Pathfinder has been around for over 25 years; trimming the fat and keeping with the times, creating arguably one of the best SUVs in its class. The seven-seater, 3rd-row Pathfinder is offered in enough trims to accommodate any family’s needs…whether it’s kids’ soccer practice or traversing mountains.

However, the 2013 Pathfinder’s CVT (continuously variable transmission) led to a recall related to a potential defect in the transmission that could cause the transmission to fail, leading to a loss of power while driving.

Here, we review the 2013 Pathfinder and touch on the transmission recall. The 2022 Pathfinder is completely redesigned, in case you’re shopping new.

New for 2013: less weight, new V6 powertrain, and improved fuel economy

2013 Nissan Pathfinder SL parked outside in the snow rear view — 2013 Nissan Pathfinder SL. Photo: Amee Reehal

A major upgrade for the 2013 Pathfinder is weight reduction: 500 pounds to be exact. An aerodynamic design and a new powertrain with a 26% increase in fuel economy also find their way into Nissan’s well-established SUV.

A couple of best-in-class features include the improved fuel economy figures at 10.5/7.7/9.3 L/100km plus touting while offering the most interior passenger volume and front headroom/legroom when stacked up against the competition. Around View Monitor, remote engine start, and a dual moon roof, all new for 2013 as well.

2013 Nissan Pathfinder SL powered by a 3.5L V6

2013 nissan pathfinder V6 engine — 2013 Nissan Pathfinder’s V6. Photo: Nissan

Engine	3.5L V6 engine
Horsepower	260 horsepower
Torque	240 lb-ft of torque
Transmission	Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Drive Type	Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) available

Powered by a 3.5L V6, the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder SL finds an intuitive, more adaptive 4-wheel-drive system mated to a CVT transmission. This 4WD system is the crown jewel here, with selectable driving modes including all-mode 4×4 or grocery-getting full-time 2WD for maximum efficiency (no other competitor in this class offers this).

On the road, the Pathfinder SL rides smoothly and the Advanced Drive-Assist display front-and-centre provides helpful front and rear axle power figures. Perhaps not for the everyday commuter, but certainly valuable nonetheless. The VDC system – essentially a stability control attribute — helps monitor steering and braking to help maintain a safe ride, allocating power where and when needed, say in slick road conditions. Overall, the 2013 Pathfinder doesn’t feel huge on the open road, and visibility is good.

2013 Nissan Pathfinder SL parked outside in the snow — 2013 Nissan Pathfinder SL. Photo: Amee Reehal

2013 Nissan Pathfinder Price and Trims Available

Nissan’s mid-sized Pathfinder started at under $30,000 both in the US and Canada, which isn’t bad. With four trim levels to choose from, the top-of-line Platinum trim starts at around $40,770 US and $44,398 CAD.

Inevitably, add options and the price shoots up. My SL level Pathfinder tester rang in at $37,698 CAD with notable upgrades including 2nd row heated seats; roof rails painted without cross bars; and XM Satellite radio with the full Nav-Infortainment setup with a 7-inch screen, just to name a few. Here’s a look at trims and original MRSP in 2013:

United States (2013 Nissan Pathfinder Trims and Prices):

Nissan Pathfinder S: approximately $28,650.
Nissan Pathfinder SV: approximately $32,110.
Nissan Pathfinder SL: approximately $35,360.
Nissan Pathfinder Platinum: approximately $40,770.

Canada (2013 Nissan Pathfinder Trims and Prices):

Nissan Pathfinder S: approximately $29,998.
Nissan Pathfinder SV: approximately $34,398.
Nissan Pathfinder SL: approximately $37,998.
Nissan Pathfinder Platinum: approximately $44,398.

2013 Nissan Pathfinder Transmission Recall and Issues

2013 Nissan Pathfinder SL interior. Photo: Amee Reehal

If you’re considering a used 2013 Pathfinder, you shoud know there was a transmission-related recall for some 2013 vehicles. The recall, which was issued by Nissan North America, Inc., affected certain 2013 Pathfinder SUVs equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The CVT chain belt could potentially break

The recall was related to a potential defect in the transmission that could cause the transmission to fail, leading to a loss of power while driving. The specific problem was linked to the CVT chain belt, which could potentially break, causing the transmission to stop delivering power to the wheels and resulting in a loss of forward motion. This issue could pose a hazard, especially when driving at higher speeds or in traffic.

…it’s recommended to contact a Nissan dealership or visit the official Nissan recall website to check the vehicle’s status and obtain any necessary repairs or replacements.

Owners of affected vehicles were notified by Nissan, and the company offered free repairs or replacements of the transmission in order to address the issue. If you own or have owned a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder and are concerned about whether it was affected by this recall, it’s recommended to contact a Nissan dealership or visit the official Nissan recall website to check the vehicle’s status and obtain any necessary repairs or replacements. Recall information can also be obtained through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.