IF YOU CONFIRM All "hands free" functions of the Intelligent Key (I-Key) do not work. For example, the doors will not lock or unlock when pressing either front door request switch. NOTE: - The issue of all I-Key "hands free" functions not working may occur intermittently or all the time. - The message "No Key Detected" or similar may show on the Vehicle Information Display (located in the combination meter). - All I-Key remote button functions (door lock/unlock, etc.) WILL work normally when all I-Key "hands free" functions are NOT working. ACTION 1. Inspect the I-Key?s battery on its negative contact side. 2. If excessive scratching is found, replace the battery. 3. Verify all I-Key functio
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Nissan Pathfinder cruise control problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder have filed 15 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 35,000 miles at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Pathfinder (this page) | 15 |
| 2014 Pathfinder | 9 |
| 2015 Pathfinder | 12 |
What stands out
Of the 10 model years of Nissan Pathfinder we track for cruise control problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 15.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall Campaign on certain specific Model Year 2013 - 2014 Nissan Pathfinders to adjust the lever stop for the secondary hood latch lever at no charge for parts or labor. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER Nissan has assigned identification number PC343 to this campaign. This number must appear on all communications and documentation of any nature dealing with this campaign. RETAILER RESPONSIBILITY It is the retailer?s responsibility to check Service COMM for the campaign status on each vehicle falling within the range of this voluntary safety recall which for any reason enters the service department. This includes vehicles purchased from private parti
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗IF YOU CONFIRM: * The leading edge of the Rear Spoiler contacts the trailing edge of the roof when the back door is opened or closed. * Scuff marks are present on the trailing edge of the roof. ACTION: * Remove the Rear Spoiler and add three foam spacers to the underside of the spoiler leading edge to provide additional clearance to the trailing edge of the roof when the back door is opened. > Refer to the SERVICE PROCEDURE to remove the Rear spoiler and install foam spacers. Please see this bulletin for further details.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NISSAN: CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT SET AND DTC P0605 IS STORED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION The "Lock / Unlock request buttons" that are located on the outside door handles of vehicles with Intelligent Key can be disabled (or enabled) through either the "Comfort & Conv." settings of the Audio/Visual/Navigation system, orthrough the "Combination Meter settings" depending on the vehicle model, year and trim level. NOTE: In some instances this feature may be unintentionally disabled. Please verify the status of this feature before any further diagnostic is performed. Please see this bulletin for further details.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2013 Nissan Pathfinders describe two related electrical and drivability problems.
Acceleration loss is the primary complaint. Drivers report the vehicle stops responding to throttle input without warning—at lights, during highway merges, through turns, and at roundabouts. Some owners say the car jerks or hesitates before power cuts out entirely. One owner with 30,000 miles reported the vehicle would not exceed 25 mph during a turn until the brake pedal was depressed first. Restarting, parking and restarting, or applying brakes temporarily restores power. The failure happens intermittently, making dealer diagnosis difficult. Nissan technicians often cannot replicate the issue on the first visit. Diagnostic codes are rare; one owner received P0603 (control module memory error). Dealers have replaced transmissions, TCMs with software updates, and brake switches—but in multiple cases the problem recurred even after these repairs. No recalls address this failure.
Brake lights staying on when the vehicle is parked and shut off drains the battery. Owners report needing to restart and move the vehicle multiple times before the lights finally extinguish. One owner mentions an existing brake light relay recall but states their VIN is not covered, despite matching symptoms reported by other Pathfinder owners. No repair solutions appear in the narratives.
Same Nissan Pathfinder cruise control reports on nearby years: 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of acceleration response
Engine fails to respond to accelerator pedal input, requiring brake application or vehicle restart to restore power. Occurs during takeoff from stops, at traffic lights, on highways, and during turns. Vehicle may jerk or hesitate before losing power entirely.
When: Occurs from 2,711 miles to 130,000 miles; some reports within first year of ownership; happens intermittently without predictable pattern
Symptoms owners cite: No response when pressing accelerator pedal; Jerking or hesitation before power loss; Power loss at 20 mph during turns or roundabouts; Power loss at 40 mph during cruise; Loss of acceleration from complete stop at lights; Shuddering or shaking on acceleration; Vehicle will not shift into or maintain higher gears
Codes mentioned: P0603: Internal Control Module Keep Alive Memory (KAM) Error
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacements include: TCM (transmission control module) software, TCM unit replacement, transmission replacement (at least one case), brake switch replacement. Repairs frequently unsuccessful—failures recurred after transmission and brake switch replacement in multiple cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued for this failure. Dealers report inability to diagnose or replicate issue; symptom appears intermittently making diagnosis difficult. One owner noted existing brake light relay modulator recall but states no warning indicator protects driver when accelerating through uncontrolled intersections.
Brake lights stay on when vehicle is off
Brake lights remain illuminated even after vehicle is shut off, draining battery. Owner must move and restart vehicle multiple times before lights extinguish.
When: Occurs early in ownership and appears to be persistent issue; one owner reported less than 61,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights illuminate and remain on after engine shut off; Lights do not extinguish without moving vehicle and restarting; Battery drain from continuous light operation; Requires multiple restart cycles to turn lights off
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided in narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner mentioned existing brake light relay modulator recall but states their VIN not covered despite having same symptoms as other affected 2013 Pathfinders
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had cruise control trouble with your 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 15 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 24,000 and 49,200 miles, with the median around 35,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 24,000; a quarter make it past 49,200. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Nissan/Pathfinder.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.