RoadVitals

2013 Nissan Pathfinder Steering Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the steering system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Steering reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
13
Latest Jun 22, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
1%
of 890 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 13 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming steering

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

BrakesSteeringSuspension
Filed Jun 22, 2026

Rear sub frame near radial rod on drivers side of vehicle has corroded through without warning. Vehicle is unstable during breaking menuvers and pitches towards on coming traffic. Sudden loss of control or collision could occur without notice during breaking.

NHTSA ID
11745784
Incident
Jun 20, 2026
Driver assistanceSteeringSuspension
Filed May 14, 2024

I started having issues with my brakes. I had recently had the front rotors and pads replaced, but I still heard squeeking, and a little fishtailing on my back end. I figured I needed my brakes in the rear checked, so I took it to Pep Boys for a free inspection. The mechanic showed me that my rear control arm on the left was very loose, and the compartment that connected to it was severely rusted thru. He told me this was across the whole back end and it was actually part of my FRAME. He said it is called a K-Frame and it should not be rusted through with my car being barely 11 years old. There are massive holes all the way across. He said that is why I thought that I might need my struts replaced because of a thunk sound when pulling off. There was no connection at all. He says I should not drive it AT ALL because my whole back end could fall off literally!

NHTSA ID
11588772
Incident
May 14, 2024
SteeringSuspension
Filed Apr 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was veering to the left and became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated there was a loud banging sound underneath the vehicle when the brake pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe crossmember needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The local dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.

NHTSA ID
11516692
Incident
Apr 11, 2023
Mileage
117,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Jan 14, 2023

Rear sub frame rusted. Front mount rusted. Side trailing is broken away from the frame. This vehicle is not safe to drive

NHTSA ID
11501765
Incident
Jan 1, 2023
Steering
Filed Apr 19, 2021

THE FRONT PASSENGER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED FREE FROM THE SUBFRAME WHILE SITTING AT A STOP SIGN. I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND HAD NO IDEA WHAT IT WAS UNTIL I STARTED DRIVING AND FELT AN ISSUE IN THE STEERING. WHEN I WENT UNDERNEATH TO LOOK, I REALIZED THAT THE ENTIRE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY WAS COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE SUBFRAME. WHEN LOOKING ONLINE FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL, I REALIZED THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHERE SOMETHING SIMILAR HAS HAPPENED. THIS IS CLEARLY NOT A WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE AND NO WAY SHOULD THIS EVER HAPPEN. THIS IS SOMETHING THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO FIX! I HOPE SOMETHING IS DONE SOON BEFORE IT HAPPENS TO SOMEONE ELSE!! OF COURSE MY CAR ISN'T UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE SO NOW I AM STUCK WITH A $3,000 BILL DUE TO NO FAULT OF MY OWN, AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY CAN'T HELP ME EITHER. PLEASE ADD THIS TO YOUR RECALL LIST...THIS IS SO DANGEROUS!!!!!

NHTSA ID
11412873
Incident
Apr 18, 2021
Mileage
61,000 mi
Body & structureBrakesElectrical+2 more
Filed Sep 19, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO MOVE OUT OF PARK AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAITED FIVE MINUTES AND WAS ABLE TO RESUME DRIVING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES AND BATTERY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE REAR DOOR FAILED TO OPEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

NHTSA ID
10908023
Incident
Jul 5, 2016
Mileage
43,000 mi
EngineSteering
Filed Mar 6, 2015

2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER ELECTRIC POWER WHEELS MAKES HIGH PITCH NOISE. IT IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE TO ME CAUSING HEADACHES. THE NOISE IS VERY LOUD, I HAVE TO TURN ON THE CD OR RADIO. AND MAKE ME CANNOT FOCUS ON MY DRIVING. I WENT TO THREE NISSAN DEALERS, BUT THEY ALL TOLD ME THAT IT IS NORMAL. BUT THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NOT NORMAL. AND OTHER CARS DO NOT MAKE THIS NOISE. THIS HIGH PITCH NOISE STARTS WHEN WEATHER GOT COLD. NISSAN DEALER TOLD ME THAT WHEN WEATHER GETS WARM, THE NOISE WILL GONE. BUT WE LIVE IN THE MA 01824, IT IS LONG WINTER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10692487
Incident
Dec 1, 2014
Mileage
30,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteeringSuspension
Filed Aug 12, 2014

SINCE I PURCHASE THE SUV #1 I HEARD LITTLE NOISE I WHEN BACK TO DEALER AT LIST 5 TIMES AND THEY DON'T FIND ANYTHING FOR LAST COUPLE MONTHS I START TO HEAR NOISE BUT I THINK IT'S THE BEARING BECAUSE THE WHOLE WELL MOVE #2 WHEN U GAS UP THE CAR NEVER GIVE U THE SAME MILEAGE ALWAYS DIFFERENT #3 WATER FOR WINDSHIELD WIPES SAME TIME IT WORKS SAME TIME DON'T SAME ISSUE SINCE I GOT THE SUV THIS SUV IT'S TO MANY ISSUE SINCE I GOT IT !I WILL NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE TO GET ONE OF THIS SUV IT'S NOT WORTH IT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10621594
Incident
Jul 2, 2014
Mileage
33,545 mi
Steering
Filed Apr 27, 2014

AT SLOW SPEED DURING A TURN, THE POWER STEERING FAILED (ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING). IT TAKES A LOT OF FORCE ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO TURN THE CAR WITH THE POWER STEERING OFF. MY WIFE COULD NEVER EXERT THIS MUCH FORCE ON THE WHEEL IF SHE WAS DRIVING WHILE THIS HAPPENED. IN ABOUT A MILE, THE POWER STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL, THEN ANOTHER MILE DOWN THE ROAD IT FAILED AGAIN, AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ID
10585142
Incident
Apr 26, 2014
Mileage
13,000 mi
Powertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jun 5, 2013

WHILE DRIVING THE 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER THE VEHICLE WILL SHUDDER DURING ACCELERATION FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. IT IS INTERMITTENT AND MAKES A DRIVER THINK THEY HAVE GONE OFF THE ROAD AND YOU ARE RIDING ON A RUMBLE STRIP WHEN YOU ARE NOT ON A RUMBLE STRIP. THE EVENT IS VERY UNPREDICTABLE. IT FRIGHTENS THE DRIVER WHEN IT OCCURS AND IS VERY DISTRACTING WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10515142
Incident
Jun 4, 2013
Mileage
1,650 mi
Steering
Filed Jun 3, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500. *TR

NHTSA ID
10514808
Incident
Apr 15, 2013
Mileage
1,500 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)Steering
Filed May 23, 2013

TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A LOW SPEED OF APPROX 25-30 MPH. ENTIRE VEHICLE SHAKES LIKE YOU ARE DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS. OCCURS EVERYDAY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10513296
Incident
Mar 28, 2013
Mileage
500 mi
Powertrain (other)Steering
Filed Feb 26, 2013

I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER ON 02/16/2013 AND STEERING WHEEL OFF BALANCE. 2 DAYS LATER, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO HENDERSON NISSAN BUT IT WAS JUST A PATCH UP TO THE PROBLEM. TODAY 02/26/2013 A NEW PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN I DRIVE AT 15MPH THE TRANSMISSION JERK CAUSE A BIG VIBRATION TO THE CAR AND I'M AFRAID THIS WILL LEAD TO A MAJOR PROBLEM. I PURCHASE THIS CAR TO TRANSPORT MY 4 YEARS DAUGHTER AND I DON'T WANT THIS CAR TRANSMISSION TO BREAK DOWN ON FREEWAY WHICH COULD CAUSE A MAJOR PILE UP. PLEASE CONSIDER A SAFETY TO OUR FAMILY AND MANY OTHERS FAMILY OWN THIS NISSAN PATHFINDER BY INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER. SINCERELY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10500566
Incident
Feb 18, 2013
Mileage
200 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .