One problem related to engine grinding noise has been reported for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder based on all problems reported for the 2013 Pathfinder.
I was driving on the highway at approximately 60 mph when my 2013 Nissan Pathfinder started to act strange. The rpm's would be erratic going from 3000 - 5000 if I touched the accelerator. Then it would stop if I did not touch the accelerator. Then 4000 - 6000 rpms. It seemed very unsafe and obviously something was wrong. I decided to get off the highway and on the exit ramp when I heard a large grinding noise and the car stopped. There was an awful burning smell and the cabin filled with smoke in addition to the smoke coming out of the hood. I turned the car off, turned it back on and it would not start. It also stopped in a very unsafe location and eventually the state police came to push me out of the way. Called my Nissan dealer, they sent a tow truck and I went to the dealership. Later that day I found out that the recommendation was for a new transmission. I could not believe this, I was driving a $40,000 brand new SUV and that was the only option. How could a new transmission help, if there is a design defect in Nissan's Pathfinder transmissions? my new car would never be the same.