2005 Nissan Pathfinder
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 1,050 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 25 Pathfinder model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 14 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 12 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine coolingOct 28, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 ARMADA, TITAN, INFINITI QX56 AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER AND XTERRA VEHICLES. THE INTELLIGENT POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE (IPDM) ASSEMBLY CONTAINS AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) RELAY THAT HAS A DIODE FOR ELECTRICAL CURRENT NOISE REDUCTION. THE ECM RELAY MAY ALLOW SILICON VAPOR TO FORM AND, OVER TIME, THE SILICON EVAPORATES FROM THE DIODE MOLDING WHICH CAUSES SILICON OXIDE TO DEVELOP ON THE ECM RELAY CONTACT DUE TO ARCING.
THIS COULD CAUSE ENGINE STALLING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECM RELAY INSIDE THE IPDM ASSEMBLY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 6, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 10V517000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control arm, lower armMay 20, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.
IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 10E019000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalDec 29, 2008
NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.
THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2009. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY MAIL AND WILL RECEIVE A STICKER TO PLACE IN THEIR WARRANTY BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 08V690000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentJul 3, 2007
CERTAIN HOPKINS AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL CONNECTION HARNESSES SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODELS OF NISSAN VEHICLES WHICH ARE LISTED ABOVE. THE INTERNAL PART NUMBERS WITHIN HOPKINS ARE: 1010476025, 1040376025, 1110476025, 1170376025, 1290376025, 1010476035, 1040376035, 1110476035, 1170376035, AND 1290376035. A WIRE MAY HAVE BEEN PLACED IN AN INCORRECT POSITION IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HOUSING. THIS RESULTS IN AN INCORRECT ROUTING OF WIRES BETWEEN THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER AND THE TOWING VEHICLE WIRING SYSTEM.
THIS HARNESS WOULD RESULT IN POWER FROM THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER GOING TO THE TOWING VEHICLE DASH LIGHT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN THE TRAILER BRAKES. THIS RESULT WOULD BE THE LACK OF TRAILER BRAKING WHEN THE TOWING VEHICLE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. IT WOULD ALSO RESULT IN THE TOWING VEHICLES DASH LIGHTS BEING ACTIVATED WHEN THE VEHICLE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE FAILURE OF THE APPLICATION OF THE TRAILER BRAKE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED ABILITY TO STOP AND CONTRIBUTE TO A POSSIBLE CRASH.
HOPKINS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ORIGINAL HARNESS WITH A REVISED HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT HOPKINS AT 800-835-0129.
Campaign 07E046000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
585 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Nov 17, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY AND THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL SHOP PRIOR TO THE FAILURE WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE DISMANTLED IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE EXACT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 15, 2011
MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER SHUTTERED EXCESSIVELY WHEN DECELERATING FROM THE INTERSTATE AND FROM THAT POINT FORWARD HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING INTO HIGHER GEARS. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION HAD GONE BAD. IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION, THEY DISCOVERED THE RADIATOR LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND THE COMPUTERS IN THE TRANSMISSION AND THE CAR WERE NOT COMMUNICATING. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 15, 2011
NISSAN NEEDS TO STEP UP! THIS IS AN UNBELIEVABLE AMOUNT OF WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WORLD. SINCE HAVING THE MANY OTHER PROBLEMS FIXED ON MY PATHFINDER(2005) I AM NOW FACING AN ISSUE OF IT RUNNING SLUGGISHLY, HIGH RPM'S AND LESS GET UP. THAT WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS WHEN WE PURCHASED THE TRUCK, I THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE. I FELT COMFORTABLE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC WITH MY 4 CHILDREN I KNEW WE HAD POWER ON OUR SIDE. THE TIRE PRESSURE IS CONSTANTLY ( 1X A WEEK) SETTING OFF THE TPMS, THEN THERE IS THE SQUEAKY BRAKES AND OTHER RATTLING, VIBRATING NOISES. THE OTHER THING IS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT RANDOMLY COMES ON FOR SOME REASON THEN WILL MYSTERIOUSLY BE GONE A FEW MILES LATER. WE BOUGHT NISSAN THINKING IT WAS STILL A STABLE RELIABLE COMPANY THAT MADE A STRONG PRODUCT AND STOOD BEHIND IT...WELL WERE WE EVER WRONG! NEVER AGAIN!!! *TR
Power train, Nov 8, 2011
I WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER TRANSMISSION SLIPPING DURING ROUTINE DRIVING. I HAD THE FLUID LEVEL CHECKED AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. ON OCTOBER 3,2011 WHILE DRIVING ON TO A HIGHWAY RAMP, I STARTED TO ACCELERATE TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC AND THE TRANSMISSION JUST MADE A HIGH PITCH SOUND AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. SEVERAL CARS WERE BEHIND ME AND I HAD TO GO OFF THE ROAD ONTO THE EMBANKMENT TO AVOID BEING HIT. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE SHOP, AFTER SEVERAL DAYS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE RADIATOR OF THE NISSAN THE INTERIOR COMPONENTS OF THE RADIATOR ALLOWED COOLANT TO MIX WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CONTAMINATING IT. THE TRANSMISSION AND OTHER DRIVE TRAIN COMPONENTS WERE DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE RADIATOR. WHEN I CONTACTED THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP HERE IN NORTH CAROLINA I WAS TOLD THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FILED REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM BUT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON RECORD TO DATE. THE COST OF MY REPAIRS WAS $2,500. *TR
Power train, Nov 1, 2011
VEHICLE IS SLOW TO ACCELERATE AND RUNS VERY SLUGGISH. MECHANIC CONFIRMED COOLANT HAS LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Oct 17, 2011
ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, I WAS CROSSING A BUSY INTERSECTION BETWEEN TWO MAJOR HIGHWAYS WHEN MY TRANSMISSION FAILED. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO GET IT UP ON TO THE CONCRETE MEDIAN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. I HAD 4 CHILDREN IN MY VEHICLE WHEN THIS OCCURRED, AND LUCKILY A NICE POLICE OFFICER WITNESSED WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND STOPPED TO OFFER ASSISTANCE. LATER THAT NIGHT, MY CAR WAS IMPOUNDED BECAUSE I WASN'T ABLE TO TOW IT THAT DAY. I HAD TO PAY $275 TO GET MY VEHICLE OUT OF THE IMPOUND LOT AND TO THE TRANSMISSION SHOP. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP CALLS AND SAYS MY TRANSMISSION IS COMPLETELY "SHOT" BECAUSE THE COOLANT MIXED WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND I HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RADIATOR. THE EXPENSE ALONE IS MORE THAN I CAN SPARE, NOT TO MENTION THE DANGER THAT MY CHILDREN WERE IN WHEN THE TRUCK DECIDED TO COME TO A DEAD STOP AT THE BUSIEST TIME OF DAY ON A WEEKEND! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Fuel system, Other, Power train, Seat belts, Oct 12, 2011
FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING,RADIATOR FLUID LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION DAMAGING TRANSMISSION,FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT GETTING STUCK. *KB
Power train, Oct 7, 2011
2005 PATHFINDER TRANSMISSION IN OVERDRIVE GEAR THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING OVER A GRATED ROAD. TOOK INTO NISSAN AND AFTER 2 DAYS OF TESTS DETERMINED THAT THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND NOW BOTH THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR HAVE TO BE REPLACED FOR OVER $5,500. NISSAN DID EXTEND THE WARRANTY TO 80,000 MILES BUT SINCE MY CAR HAS 98,000 AND WAS NEVER ROUTINELY SERVICED BY NISSAN THEY WILL NOT OFFER ANY MONETARY HELP. NISSAN KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION. I CALLED UP AN INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION REPAIR FRANCHISE AND AS SOON AS I SAID 2005 PATHFINDER HE KNEW RADIATOR LEAK CAUSED THE PROBLEM. THERE SHOULD BE A NATIONAL RECALL ISSUED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Sep 23, 2011
AT ABOUT 40,000 MILES FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. AND STARTED HAVING INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. HEADLIGHTS GOING ON AND OFF WHEN IN PARK. FAN STARTING WHEN KEY IS TURNED BUT NOT CRANKED. ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM LOCKING ME OUT FROM STARTING THE TRUCK. 70000 MILES VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY NOT START. IT WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START. TOOK IT TO NISSAN AND WAS TOLD NOTHING COULD BE DONE ON THEIR PART. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ECU, BMU,TMU, AND IPDM WERE ALL BAD. I REPLACED THE IPDM AND BMU AND ECU. TRUCK STILL RAN ROUGH. AT 91000 MILES NISSAN NOW SAYS MY TRANSMISSION IS BAD DUE TO THE RADIATOR COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION BUT I AM OUT OF THE 80000 MILE WARRANTY. NISSAN SAID THEY WILL PAY HALF TO FIX IF I PAY HALF OF THE $4600 TRANSMISSION REPAIR. NISSAN CAN NOT EXPLAIN WHY THIS HAPPENED BUT ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS IS A BIG COMPLAINT OF THE 2005 PATHFINDER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Sep 21, 2011
RADIATOR LEAKS FLUID INTO TRANSMISSION, NISSAN KNOWS THIS IS A FLAW AND THEY WILL ONLY FLUSH YOUR TRANSMISSION, JUST TO PUT IT OFF UNTIL YOU ARE OUT OF WARRANTY. I STARTED TAKING MY NISSAN IN AT 52,000MILES FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THEY KEPT TELLING ME THAT THEY ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEMS I WAS EXPERIENCING AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK. NOW I'M OUT OF WARRANTY AND MY TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED. NISSAN ALSO HAS A PROBLEM WITH THEY FUEL GAGE, SOMETIMES IT SHOWS GAS LEVELS, AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. I HAVE RAN OUT OF GAS 3 TIMES NOW, ON THE HIGHWAY! AGAIN, NISSAN KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM, THEY EVEN SENT AN "EXTENDED WARRANTY" TO COVER THIS PROBLEM SPECIFICALLY. BUT, ONLY IF YOU ARE UNDER A CERTAIN MILEAGE. AND THEY DIDN'T SEND ME THE NOTICE UNTIL I WAS UNDER THE MILEAGE LIMIT BY 300 MILES! PLEASE HELP!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Sep 19, 2011
FIRST TIME- TRANSMISSION FAILED- NEW ONE INSTALLED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY- HAS GONE BAD AGAIN LAST WEEK- THEY TELL ME THE COOLANT IS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND HAS RUINED IT, THE GAS TANK NEEDS REPLACING, NEW RADIATOR, NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER, NEW U-JOINTS FOR THE SECOND TIME. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED- THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT I NEED $8000.00 WORTH OF REPAIRS TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. THAT IS MORE THAN THE VEHICLE IS WORTH WITH 155,000 MILES ON IT!!! PLEASE HELP. *KB
Power train, Sep 7, 2011
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS FAILED DUE TO AN APPARENT LEAK IN THE COOLING SYSTEM THAT ALLOWS RADIATOR FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AS IT BEGAN TO MAKE LOUD NOISES WHILE DRIVING, APPARENTLY STRUGGLING TO SHIFT GEARS, AND SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS ABOUT TO FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP PRETENDED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL I BROUGHT THEM THE RESEARCH I HAD FOUND ONLINE (WHICH THERE IS PLENTY PERTAINING TO THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH THIS SAME EXACT MAKE, MODEL, & YEAR VEHICLE). THEN THEY FINALLY ADMITTED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE THIS WIDESPREAD PROBLEM BUT THAT UNFORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT I WILL NOW HAVE TO EAT THE $6,000 REPAIR BILL THAT THEY'VE GIVEN ME. BASED ON THE RESEARCH I'VE DONE, NISSAN CORP. HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR SOME TIME AND HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS IT. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WOULD NOT BLOW COLD AIR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IDLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK WITHIN THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD EXPERIENCE TROUBLE SHIFTING INTO FIRST OR SECOND GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Sep 6, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD DRAG OR HESITATE WHILE SHIFTING INTO THE NEXT GEAR. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING IT TO FAIL. THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR WERE BOTH REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ASSISTED WITH THE INITIAL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Power train, Sep 3, 2011
THE VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTY CHANGING GEARS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ON 8/22/11 I TOOK THE CAR INTO A NISSAN REPAIR SHOP AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT DUE TO A FAULTY RADIATOR, COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING CORROSION. I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD NEED A NEW RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF APPROX. $6000. I CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND SPOKE TO 2 REPRESENTATIVES AND A SUPERVISOR WHO STATED THAT DUE TO THE MILAGE ON MY CAR, THEY WOULD OFFER NO ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS. I POINTED OUT THAT THIS IS A RESULT OF WELL DOCUMENTED DEFECTS WITH THE RADIATOR HOWEVER THEY STATED THAT NISSAN HAS NO OBLIGATION TO ASSIST ME AS THE PRODUCT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 30, 2011
MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER WAS LOSING SPEED ESPECIALLY WHEN PASSING VEHICLES ON THE HIGHWAY, THE 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING PROPERLY FOR OVER 3 WEEKS. I TOOK THE PATHFINDER TO A TRANSMISSION EXPERT AND THEY DID DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND THE EXPERT SAID THAT THE RADIATOR HAD A HOLE IN IT AND RADIATOR FLUID WENT INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS GONE. HE SHOWED ME THE TRANSMISSION STICK THAT SHOWED ME THAT RADIATOR FLUID MIXED IN WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE TRANSMISSION EXPERT SAID THAT THEY HAVE SEEN A NUMBER OF NISSAN PATHFINDERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. A WEEK LATER, I TOOK MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER TO ANOTHER TRANSMISSION EXPERT FOR A SECOND OPINION, THIS EXPERT DID THE DIAGNOSTICS AND CONFIRMED THAT THE RADIATOR HAD A HOLE IN IT THAT ALLOWED FOR RADIATOR FLUID TO GO INTO THE TRANSMISSION. HE ALSO STATED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN A NUMBER OF 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND HE RECOMMENDED THAT I GO TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP TO SEE WHAT THEY SAY. I WENT SHEEHY NISSAN IN GLEN BURNIE, MD IN WHICH THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND FOUND THAT COOLANT MIXING WITH THE TRANS FLUID CAUSING IMPROPER SHIFTING. THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE TO REPLACE THE TRANS ASSEMBLY, RADIATOR, AND TRANS COOLER. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT NISSAN HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE RADIATOR FOR 80, 000 MILES OR UP TO 2013. I HAD 85,000 MILES ON MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. I CALLED NISSAN USA AND TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM AND FAXED THE DIAGNOSTIC INVOICE TO THEM. TWO WEEKS LATER THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD PAY FOR THE PARTS AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE LABOR. LUCKILY, MY INSURANCE COMPANY PAID FOR THE RADIATOR, TRANS, AND TRANS COOLER. NISSAN HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR AND REFUSES TO DO A RECALL ON THE RADIATOR AND THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! THIS AFFECTS 2005-2007 NISSAN PATHFINDERS AND THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD IF THE VEHICLE TRANS STALLS OR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS AND ROADS. A RECALL IS NEEDED! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 29, 2011
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER RADIATOR ASSEMBLY & TRANSMISSION DEFECT MY 2005 PATHFINDER WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE NISSAN NOTED RADIATOR ASSEMBLY DEFECT. RADIATOR COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID ARE MIXING. *TR
Power train, Aug 26, 2011
THE PROBLEM FIRST BEGAN WITH MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER ON MARCH 27, 2011, WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THERE WAS NO HEAT IN THE CABIN. THEN ON APRIL 29, 2011, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE IN EXCESS OF 45 MPH. IT SEEMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. AS THE NISSAN WAS PARKED IN OUR GARAGE, WE NOTICED FLUID LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND. THE FLUID HAD A MILKY WHITE SUBSTANCE IN IT. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, WE REALIZED THAT WITH THIS PARTICULAR MODEL, THERE WERE KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. WE HAD THE PATHFINDER DIAGNOSED ON JUNE 3, 2011 BY BILLINGS NISSAN. WE HAD INFORMED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT NISSAN THAT WE WERE SUSPECTING THE TRANSMISSION WAS CONTAMINATED WITH COOLANT. NISSAN INFORMED US THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE THEY ARE SEPARATE UNITS AND THAT THE MILKY WHITE SUBSTANCE IN THE TRANSMISSION WAS A RESULT OF AIR ENTERING THE TRANSMISSION. AFTER MUCH DISPAIR, WE DECIDED TO TRADE IN OUR VEHICLE AND TOOK A HUGE LOSS ON THE TRADE-IN VALUE. WE FELT THAT IF WE DECIDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, AND THAT THE RADIATOR WAS IN FACT DAMAGED AND ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THAT WE WOULD ONLY BE FACED WITH THE SAME ISSUE DOWN THE ROAD AND WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION A 2ND TIME. ON JUNE 28, 2011, WE RECEIVED A REPORT FROM THE DEALERSHIP THAT WE TRADED THE PATHFINDER AT STATING THE TRANSMISSION WAS INDEED CONTAMINATED WITH COOLANT AND THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION BOTH NEEDED REPLACING. IF ONLY WE HAD RECEIVED PROPER DIAGNOSIS FROM NISSAN INITIALLY, OUR COURSE OF ACTION MAY HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT AND WOULD HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT FIXING THE PATHFINDER VERSUS TRADING IT IN. AS A RESULT, WE HAVE LOST MONEY ON THE TRADE IN VALUE, AND HAVE INCURRED AN UNEXPECTED EXPENSE OF A NEW VEHICLE (PAYMENTS, REGISTRATION, INSURANCE). DEALER LIED TO US. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT
Power train, Aug 19, 2011
I AM A CAR DEALER IN MONTANA, PURCHASED A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER AT THE AUCTION WITH 85,000 MILES FOR RE-SALE. SHOWED IT ONCE TO A CUSTOMER, IT RAN FINE, I DROVE IT HOME 8-6-11. 78 MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL ON THE INTERSTATE. THE TRANSMISSION DIS-ENGAGED, I BARELY RECOVERED FROM HITTING THE MEDIUM AT THAT SPEED. TURNS OUT THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LEAKS FLUID INTO THE TRANS ON 90% OF THIS MODEL YEAR. EVEN THOUGH I AM A DEALER...THIS IS NOT RIGHT. $4500.00 REPAIR. THANKFULLY IT WAS NOT ONE OF MY CUSTOMERS. NISSAN SHOULD RE-CALL EVERY ONE OF THESE AND MAKE IT RIGHT. I CANNOT BELIEVE THERE HAS NOT BEEN A DEATH FROM THIS FAILURE. I AM SURE THERE HAS BEEN MANY STRANDED TRAVELERS THAT MAY HAVE DIED AS A RESULT. *TR
Power train, Aug 17, 2011
I WAS DRIVING ALONG AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WHEN THE PATHFINDER SEEMED TO BE LOOSING POWER AND IT APPEARED THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. I PULLED OFF THE 4-LANE; PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK; TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF; RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUED ON MY TRIP. IT INITIALLY SEEMED AS THOUGH IT WAS CORRECTED; HOWEVER, WHEN I STOPPED FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE VEHICLE WOULD REV BUT WAS SLOW TO PULL OUT. I WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP. LATER THAT EVENING I RECEIVED A CALL THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID APPEARED BURNT AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF APPROXIMATELY $6,900. THE SERVICE REP TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS RADIATOR FLUID MIXED IN WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IN THE TRANSMISSION. I ALSO HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO NISSAN THROUGH ITS WEBSITE. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 149,000 MILES. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH IF ONE WAS PULLING INTO OR OUT OF TRAFFIC WHEN THIS PROBLEM IS ENCOUNTERED. A RECALL MUST BE MADE FOR THE SAFETY OF NISSAN OWNERS AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE WHO ALSO MAY BE IMPACTED BY THIS PROBLEM.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 17, 2011
CRACK IN THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY OCCURRED LEADING TO INTERNAL LEAKAGE OF THE ENGINE COOLANT. 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BEGAN HARD SHIFTING IN THE FALL OF 2010. THIS WAS A CONSTANT DAILY OCCURRENCE IF THE DRIVER FORGOT TO TAKE THE PATHFINDER OUT OF OVERDRIVE. IT SOUNDED LIKE THE OLD 1970S FORD UNIVERSAL JOINT AS IT SHIFTED INTO GEAR. AT TIMES THE CAR FELT LIKE THE BACK-END WAS BEING PULLED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. AT CRUISING SPEED, THE BACK WHEELS WOULD SOUND LIKE THEY WERE RUNNING OVER THE CORRUGATED CONCRETE NEAR A TOLL BOOTH OR LANE DIVIDERS ON A HIGHWAY AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO SHUDDER. IT WOULD SEEM TO FALL OUT OF GEAR WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING AT SPEED. GOING UPHILL, THE PATHFINDER WOULD HARD SHIFT AND HESITATE TO ENGAGE INTO GEAR. ACCELERATING ON TO THE FREEWAY WAS NEVER AN ISSUE, BUT IT WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY SHIFT INTO THE APPROPRIATE GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, IT WOULD STAY IN NEUTRAL WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOM WAS THE SHUDDERING NOISES AT 30 MPH. IF THE OVERDRIVE WAS TURNED OFF, ALL SYMPTOMS WOULD DIMINISH OR DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER IN DECEMBER AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER IN MAY AND THEY COULD DUPLICATE, BUT NOT CONSISTENTLY AND SAW NO MIXING OF COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID. TOWED IT IN TO THE DEALER IN AUGUST, THE DAMAGE IS DONE, THE FLUIDS HAVE MIXED AND THE TRANSMISSION COMPUTER HAS SHORTED OUT. REPAIR RECOMMENDED IS TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION (INCLUDING COMPUTER) AND RADIATOR AND HOSES. CUSTOMER CANNOT AFFORD THE $6,000 PRICE TAG ON THE REPAIR. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA WILL NOT ASSIST AS PATHFINDER IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *KB
Power train, Aug 4, 2011
STARTED EXPERIENCING SHUDDER WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MOVED BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR. SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT AT DEALER TO INVESTIGATE AND MINIMIZED DRIVING IN THE MEANTIME. SYMPTOM DID NOT OCCUR OVER TWO DAY PERIOD UNTIL DRIVING ON THIRD DAY WHERE THE ISSUE WORSENED RAPIDLY UNTIL TRANSMISSION BECAME INOPERABLE ABOVE 10 MPH. I INVESTIGATED THE ISSUE AND LEARNED THAT THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE PATHFINDER WHERE THE RADIATOR FLUID FAILS INTO THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING BOTH THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. I INSPECTED THE ANTIFREEZE TO OBSERVE TRACES OF TRANSMISSION FLUID. CHECKING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, THE FLUID WAS DARKEN AND ABOVE THE HIGH-LEVEL MARK FOR THE FLUID LEVEL. I HAD DEALER INVESTIGATE AND THIS IS IN FACT WHAT HAD FAILED. NISSAN HAD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 80K MILES SPECIFICALLY BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. MY CAR CURRENTLY HAS 89K MILES AND I AM LOOKING AT A $6000 REPAIR BILL THAT I REFUSE TO REPAIR. NISSAN IS OFFERING ZERO ASSISTANCE TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH NISSAN PATHFINDERS. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE ISSUE WITH NISSAN AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACTIONS OTHER THAN RAISING THE WARRANTY TO 80K MILES. THIS IS GROSS ERROR IN THE DESIGN OF THE PRODUCT AND CAN CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURY DEPENDING ON THE TIMING OF THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. DO PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE TO GET NISSAN TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR POOR DESIGN? I AM DONE WITH NISSAN AS A BRAND AND SUGGEST THAT THE FED INVESTIGATE THEIR INACTION IN ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Aug 2, 2011
SINCE APRIL 2011 MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER STARTED TO RATTLING AND VIBRATION UNDER THE VEHICLE. AFTER HAVING IT CHECKED BY A MECHANIC IN MAY 2011 HE STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND COOLANT IS MISSING TOGETHER. THE FLUID WAS CHANGED ON JUNE 26, 2011, THAT CAME OUT LOOKING LIKE CHOCOLATE MILK AND IT IS STILL VIBRATING AT 45 AND 64 MILES PER HOUR. I UNDER STAND THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM FOR THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED AND SHOULD BE FIXED BY THE CAR DEALERS AND NOT THE CONSUMER. THE SOLENOID IN THE TRANSMISSION JUMPS OFFLINE AND ONCE THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON IT RESETS AND THE VIBRATION CONTINUE AS YOU DRIVE. THE CHANGING OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID DID NOT HELP THE PROBLEM. *KB
Power train, Aug 2, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE WHEN SHIFTING GEARS AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. AND THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNG FORWARD AT ANY TIME. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD ABNORMALLY AT ANY TIME WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ASSISTED THE CONTACT WITH THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,900 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Power train, Jul 30, 2011
THE FAMILY AND I ALL GOT INTO THE CAR AFTER GROCERY SHOPPING, IT SEEMED TO BE A NORMAL NIGHT EXCEPT WHEN MY MOTHER WENT IN FOR REVERSE TO GET OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT THE CAR ACCELERATED BACKWARDS AND THE CAR TOOK OVER, OUR MOTHER WAS YELLING SAYING ' THE BRAKES WONT WORK ' EVERYBODY WAS IN SUCH A PANIC THE CAR HIT TWO CIRCLES IN THE STORE PARKING LOT. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS THERE. WE RAN INTO THE STORE GATE WHICH WAS THERE JUST IN CASE THOSE SORT OF THINGS HAPPEN BUT MY BROTHER WHO WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT STOP THE CAR BY PUTTING IT IN PARKING. *TR