Talk > Automotive Social > [rant] 2013 pathfinder

[rant] 2013 pathfinder

Hey Dodge, you should have got a Dodge.

reply to Dodge
CVT would be the greatest transmission if it worked. Unfortunately the truth is it doesn't, not by any manufacturer.
The idea is the greatest but as a mechanic I can tell you that it may never be a reliable choice.
My advice, avoid CVT like the plague.
But hey, maybe someday.
> EDIT to add- in automotive marketing talk "all new and improved " means Okay it didn't work but we are hoping this one will.
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Morality is doing what is right no matter what you're told. Religion is doing what you're told no matter what is right.

CVT works very well in small engine applications, like ATVs and snowmobiles. But I've never seen a good review for them on cars. Of course they have significant design difference.

Yep, me too. It's pretty much how snowmobiles all work.
But cars, not today not tomorrow. Maybe someday if we can find a way around the laws of physics.
Meanwhile conventional transmissions are getting better everyday.

reply to Dodge
One of my moms friends bought a top of the line brand new pathfinder about 4-5 years ago and it was a complete lemon. She ended up getting rid of it after about a year because of all of the problems.

reply to Techless

reply to Dodge
The dealership notified me that transmission is fine. Some tube that's supposed to carry transmission fluid fell out (big thumbs up to Nissan's factory quality control /sarcasm) and transmission went into fail-safe mode. The fix was very quick, however it took them over a day to get proper transmission fluid from Nissan as apparently this CVT is using some new version of the fluid that they just didn't anticipate needing yet. Getting the car back tomorrow. Hopefully this is the last problem I have to deal with during this lease.

reply to Dodge
So the car broke down again in exactly the same way, hose fell off the cooler. Towed back to the dealership.

After the dealership spoke with their tech line support it turns out that so far Nissan has over 500 reported cases of this happening, which for a 2013 car that was released in november is kind of sad.

After further investigation, tech line advised the dealership that the spigot (or whatever that connector is called) that the hose connects to is the wrong size and positioned at an idiotic angle (their words not mine). Under certain temperatures, the hose falls off, fluid drains all over the place and transmission goes into failsafe. There is a replacement assembly available already (radiator, transmission cooler, etc) and most likely there will be a recall on the car. They are overnighting the parts to the dealership and I should have the car back in a few days.

So here is to hoping that this is the last time since I really enjoy the car in general, but these issues are getting on my nerves.

You think something simple as a hose would be easy to get right? I will say in defense of Nissan I have 2012 Juke and it has been a great little cross-over. Perfect feel of a car with some SUV use with the AWD.

reply to Dodge
Strike two. Time to pull out that trifold about lemon laws that's supposed to be provided in every new car...
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Sarcasm is the Body's Natural Defense Against Stupidity

reply to Dodge
So a quick update for anyone who's following this little saga

Nissan sent an engineer to the dealership to make sure the vehicle is repaired correctly. They replaced the radiator (supposedly updated model), transmission cooler (which I am pretty sure is part of the radiator) and the hoses. Picked up the car on Saturday, drove ok for a few days.

On Monday I thought I smelled transmission fluid burning again. Opened the hood to check transmission fluid levels, but didn't find a dipstick (if it's there I can't find it). Decided screw it, I want to get home, HA - can't close the hood! Out of 2 latches, only one catches, the second one doesn't hold. Great, can't really get back on the highway like that. Last thing I need is my hood to fly off at highway speeds. At this point I am pissed, open the hood again to see if there is anything shifted / broken / etc. Since I couldn't find anything, I just slammed the hood in frustration, and behold, it closed! Except it's sitting about 1/4 of an inch forward of where it's supposed to be and seems raised where the hinges are!

Ok, screw it, I am going home, will figure it out later as the dealership is now closed for the holiday anyways. Today in the morning, wait for it......drops of transmission fluid on the ground in the garage!

Nissan corporate wants me to take it back to the dealership one more time to see what's wrong with it. Even though I am beyond pissed with this whole situation, I am going to take it back one more time this weekend (assuming it lasts till the weekend:().

Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion (hopefully) next week.

Sounds like lemon law to me.

Research your state's requirements before returning to the dealer.
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The talented hawk speaks French.

4 major breakdowns or 30 calendar days out of commission before 18K miles seems to be the NY rule.

reply to Dodge
Go American!

True.

I'll always consider the Fords, Chevys, etc American cars. But I see your point.
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Romney - Ryan 2012
Christie 2016