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
1,050 reports, newest first.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 5, 2012
FAULTY FUEL SENSOR GAVE ME IMPRESSION I HAD MORE GAS CAUSING ME RUN OUT OF GAS IN TRAFFIC. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER NISSANS WITH THIS SAME FUEL SYSTEM AND NISSAN NEEDS RECALL THIS SYSTEM. I FILLED THE TANK AND NOW THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT WORKING. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 3, 2012
THE FUEL QUANTITY INDICATOR UPON FILLING UP THE TANK FROZE AT ONE HALF A TANK MARK ON THE INDICATOR. THE NEXT TIME THE FUEL TANK WAS FILLED UP ON 5/3/2012, THE TANK INDICATOR WENT FROM HALF A TANK LEVEL READING TO A EMPTY TANK READING WHEN THE TANK WAS FILLED UP. THE LOW FUEL LIGHT CAME ON, AS DID THE SERVICE THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND HAS STAYED ON EVER SINCE. SINCE THE FUEL QUANTITY INDICATOR NOW SHOWS AN EMPTY TANK, YOU COULD VERY EASILY THINK THAT YOU WERE GOING TO RUN OUT OF FUEL, WHEN IN FACT YOU HAVE A FULL TANK OF FUEL. TO A DRIVER WHO DID NOT FILL UP THE VEHICLE, THIS COULD LEAD TO AN ATTEMPT TO FILL UP A TANK THAT WAS ALREADY FULL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER.WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE RADIATOR TRANSMISSION COOLANT LINE WAS CRACKED. TH VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SERVICED.THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Apr 23, 2012
I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER AND MY TRANSMISSION OIL LEAKED INTO MY RADIATOR CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO TOTALLY REPLACE MY RADIATOR AND I HAD TO HAVE MY TRANSMISSION FLUSHED BUT IT STILL DAMAGED MY TRANSMISSION. THIS WAS A MANUFACTURE ERROR BUT NISSAN REFUSED TO PAY BECAUSE IT HAD OVER 80,000 MILES. I HAVE THREE NISSAN IN OUR FAMILY BUT I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER. I ALSO AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONER CONTROLS IN BOTH MY 2005 AND 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDERS. THE CONTROL QUIT WORKING IN BOTH!!!! SO DISAPPOINTED WITH NISSAN!!!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 23, 2012
I BEGAN TO HAVE TROUBLE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR APPEARED TO STAY IN LOW GEAR. TOOK IT TO NISSAN THEY RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION FOR $5,000! I BOUGHT THIS CAR ON GOOD FAITH KNOWING NISSAN IS A QUALITY PRODUCT AND THIS IS NOW HAPPENING. NISSAN APPARENTLY KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUES WITH A LEAK STARTING IN THE RADIATOR, AND LEAKING FLUIDS INTO THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT. NISSAN EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE RADIATOR TILL 80,000 MILES KNOWING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BUT AFTER DOING RESEARCH EVERYONE HAVING THE PROBLEM IS OVER 80,000 MILES! NISSAN WILL NOT DO A RECALL! THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE. I PAID VERY GOOD MONEY FOR THIS CAR, AND NOW HAVE TO SPEND ANOTHER $5,000 TO REPAIR, WITH A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT NISSAN WILL NOT COVER. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER NISSAN VEHICLE, SINCE THEY DO NOT APPARENTLY CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 20, 2012
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. TOOK OFF OUT OF PARKING GARAGE, CAR LOST POWER (WOULDN'T ACCELERATE) AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK CAR TO INDEPENDENT SHOP WHO ADVISED THAT THE COMPUTER CODE THEY WERE RECEIVING FROM THE CAR WAS A MANUFACTURER CODE AND I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT RADIATOR HAD FAILED AND CAUSED THE COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUIDS TO MIX, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. RECOMMENDED REPAIR WAS REPLACEMENT OF RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION WITH AN ESTIMATE OF $5,200. I BOUGHT CAR AT 48,000 MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP AS A NISSAN-CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE. I'VE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS INCLUDING REPLACING THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AS WELL AS A CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CAR HAD 115,000 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT AND I CONTACTED NISSAN TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE WITH THE COST OF THE REPAIRS BUT WAS DENIED ANY HELP. *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 13, 2012
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN THE VEHICLE AND THE CAR STALLED OR WOULDN'T ACCELERATE AFTER THE GAS PEDAL WAS PUSHED. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR AND WERE ADVISED TO HAVE IT REPLACED AND ALSO FLUSH THE TRANSMISSION TO REMOVE ANY RADIATOR FLUID. PAID OVER $1000 FOR THE REPLACEMENT. PICKED UP THE VEHICLE ON 4/11/12. ON THE EVENING OF 4/12/12 THE CAR STALLED AND WOULDN'T ACCELERATE AGAIN WHILE IN DRIVE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND NOW WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION ($4700 REPAIR). HAVE NOT MOVED FORWARD WITH THE REPAIR BUT FOUND THAT OTHER OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. HOPING TO PARTICIPATE IN A LAWSUIT TO AVOID THIS ISSUE FOR OTHER OWNERS IN THE FUTURE. ON MARCH 26 APPROX. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO ADDRESS AN ISSUE WE WERE HAVING WHEN WE STARTED THE CAR. SOMETIMES THE CAR WOULD JUMP AT THE START AS IF IT WERE IN DRIVE. THE ISSUE COULDN'T BE FOUND BY HE SERVICE TECH SO THEY ADVISED US TO GET A TUNE UP. WE PAID OVER $500 THAT WEEK FOR A TUNE UP. THE CAR WAS INSPECTED AT THAT SERVICE VISIT BUT NOTHING WAS MENTIONED OR NOTICED ABOUT THE RADIATOR. WE WONDERED HOW THIS CATASTROPHIC BREAKDOWN COULD APPEAR OUT OF NOWHERE. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED A FEW DAYS AFTER THE CAR WAS SERVICED AND INSPECTED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 5, 2012
MY WIFE NOTICED ACCELERATION DECREASING AND THEN WHEN SHE CHANGE THE GEAR TO DRIVE THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE. THEN, IT FINALLY WENT INTO DRIVE. WE TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO RADIATOR FLUID LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. WE HEARD ABOUT THIS ISSUE HAPPENING FREQUENTLY WITH OTHER NISSAN PATHFINDERS. THEREFORE, WE CONTACTED 1-800-NISSAN1 TO SEE IF WE COULD GET SOME KIND OF HELP. I TALKED TO A REPRESENTATIVE NAMED [XXX] FROM A COMPANY THAT CREATES A CASE WITH THE HOPE THAT NISSAN WILL COVER THE COSTS. AFTER TWO AND HALF WEEKS A DECISION WAS MADE NOT TO COVER THE COST OF REPAIR DUE TO THE CAR WAS BOUGHT USED AND IT IS OVER THE 80,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY. IF IT IS A DEFECT, ISN'T THE MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE. THIS IS NOT CAUSED BY THE CONSUMER AND IS NOT WEAR AND TEAR. I HAVE A NISSAN ALTIMA WITH OVER 230,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION IS STILL PRODUCING. I LOVED NISSAN CARS UP UNTIL THIS VERY MOMENT. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING TO PURCHASE ANOTHER NISSAN, BUT AFTER THIS MY MIND HAS CHANGED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING 40 MPH OR ABOVE, THE ENGINE WOULD FLOOD, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS ADVISED TO THE CONTACT THAT RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE DEALER STATED THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT GOING TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED BY A DEALER FOR ALL MAINTENANCE ISSUES IN THE PAST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 4, 2012
TRANSMISSION GAVE OUT ON ME WHILE TRAVELING WITH FAMILY ON HIGHWAY. THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO FAULTY PARTS NISSAN HAS PLACED ON THE PATHFINDER. MY FINDING TO THE PROBLEMS NOT ONLY INCLUDED TRANSMISSIONS PROBLEMS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT ALSO OTHER DEFECTS IN WHICH THEY ARE UNWILLING TO PAY FOR. I HOPE IT DOESN'T TAKE FOR SOMEONE TO DIE FOR THEM TO GET THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. AMERICANS ARE IN DANGER DUE TO THIS COMPANY AND IT'S CARS! *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 30, 2012
THE FUEL SENSOR READS INACCURATE FUEL LEVELS AND HAS CAUSED ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS WHILE IT WAS DRIVING. I HAD TO WALK IN THE COLD TO THE GAS STATION TO GET A CONTAINER TO FILL MY CAR UP. THE SENSOR READS "-----" AND THE GAUGE SHOWS AN EMPTY TANK. THEIR IS A RECALL FOR THE 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER BUT THEIR IS NO RECALL FOR THE 2005 PATHFINDER WHEN IT COMES TO THE FUEL SENSOR. THIS IS SHAMEFUL CONSIDERING THIS IS AN ALL TOO COMMON PROBLEM THAT PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING AS NOTED BY THE RAVES ONLINE. NISSAN SHOULD BE HELPING THEIR CONSUMERS AND KEEP THE OWNERS SAFE. *JS
Power train, Mar 21, 2012
TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING IN TO RADIATOR. *JS
Power train, Mar 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VIBRATED ABNORMALLY WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS REPLACED AND THE VIBRATION WAS CORRECTED TEMPORARILY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE LOCAL TRANSMISSION MECHANIC AND A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AS THE RADIATOR FLUID LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 20, 2012
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLS AND SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING . VDC OFF AND SLIP LIGHTS COME ON IN DASH BOARD HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIME IN LAST FOUR WEEKS . NISSAN DEALERSHIP HAD VEHICLE FOR NINE DAYS AND COULD NOT RECREATE PROBLEM WHEN PICKED UP FROM DEALERSHIP VEHICLE DIED ON WAY HOME .CONTACTED DEALERSHIP SAID NOTHING THEY CAN DO WITHOUT THEM WITNESS THE PROBLEM. NOW VEHICLE SITS USELESS IN CARPORT. *KB
Power train, Mar 17, 2012
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER TRANSMISSION SEIZED WHILE DRIVING UP A LARGE HILL WITH MY FAMILY HUNDREDS OF MILES FROM HOME ON VACATION. SPENT $250 TO TOW TO THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALER WHERE THE CONFIRMED THE ISSUE STATING IT WAS A FAULTY RADIATOR COMPONENT CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING IT TO BE DESTROYED. THE SERVICE CENTER SUGGESTED A REPAIR BILL OF $5,000 FOR REFURBISHED TRANSMISSION, AND THIS DID THIS WITHIN 30 MINUTES, WHICH I THOUGHT WAS ODD. ONCE I MADE IT HOME I AM FINDING THIS ISSUE IS RUNNING RAMPANT, NO WONDER THEY CONFIRMED THE ISSUE SO FAST! NISSAN NEEDS TO ISSUE A FULL RECALL AND COMPENSATE OWNERS FOR ALL OR AT LEAST A MAJORITY OF THIS REPAIR. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 16, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED, DESPITE THE CONTACT APPLYING THE BRAKES.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,030 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 210,629.
Power train, Mar 13, 2012
OUR TRANSMISSION STARTED SHUTTERING, PULLING, AND LAGGING WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH OR MORE AND EVENTUALLY FAILED. AS A KNOWN FACTORY DEFECT AND DESIGN FLAW, NISSAN FAILED TO NOTIFY CURRENT OWNERS ABOUT TRANSMISSION FAILURES DUE TO RADIATOR FLUID LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. INSTEAD OF SENDING A LETTER OUT TO ALL NISSAN OWNERS ABOUT THIS ISSUE, THEY DECIDED TO OFFER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY UP TO 2013 OR 80,000 MILES. SINCE MOST OF THE CARS WILL HAVE PROBLEMS WELL AFTER 80,000 MILES AND NO OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED OF THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY, CONSUMERS WERE LEFT UNAWARE AS NISSAN EVADED THE PROBLEM. AS OUR ONLY FAMILY CAR, THIS ISSUE COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR INJURY OR DEATH IF THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE TRIED TO GET ANSWERS FROM NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, BUT THEY SAID THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO HELP ME BECAUSE I AM PAST THE 80,000 MILE MARK AND THAT I AM NOT A LOYAL ENOUGH CUSTOMER. I HAVE OWNED THREE NISSANS AND I DON'T KNOW HOW I COULD POSSIBLY BE MORE LOYAL, ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAD MAJOR ISSUES WITH MY NISSAN TITAN A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO WHICH NISSAN DENIED TO FIX EVEN WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER THE FACTORY WARRANTY. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RESOLVED WITH A FACTORY RECALL LONG BEFORE I HAD THIS ISSUE. NOW I AM FACING A REPAIR BILL FROM NISSAN FOR $5,380.00. LEAVING CONSUMERS WITH THIS KIND OF BURDEN AND HAZARD MAKES ME WONDER IF NISSAN IS WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR DIE FROM THIS VERY COMMON AND INEVITABLE OUTCOME FOR MOST NISSAN SUVS AND THEIR OWNERS. THIS PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, IT WILL NOT GO AWAY ON ITS OWN, AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE LIKE ME WITH THE EXACT SAME COMPLAINT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO HOLD NISSAN ACCOUNTABLE REGARDING THIS MATTER. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD NOT PROVIDE AN ACCURATE READING OF FUEL LEVELS. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY BUT OVER TIME, THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V075000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILIARY TANK) THAT BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 03/22/12 *BF PER THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP, WHO PERFORMED THE DIAGNOSTIC, THE FAILED COMPONENT WAS THE EXACT COMPONENT THAT WAS COVERED IN THE CAMPAIGN 10V07500 RECALL FOR THE 2006-2008 MODEL YEARS. THE CLAIM WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS BEYOND THE LEVEL OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. UPDATED 04/13/12
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Mar 8, 2012
TUESDAY MORNING AFTER DROPPING MY CHILDREN OFF AT SCHOOL, I HAD JUST MADE A LEFT HAND TURN THROUGH AN INTERSECTION IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 45 MPH WHEN BAM!....MY CAR ALL BUT STALLED AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME, I COULD BARELY GET THE CAR TO STEER AND HAD TROUBLE GETTING ENOUGH JUICE TO PULL IT OVER SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, I SEE THAT NISSAN RADIATORS ARE DEFECTIVE; THEY RUPTURE AND ALLOW THE COOLANT TO SPILL OVER INTO THE COOLANT SYSTEM IN TRANSMISSION, CONTAMINATING BOTH AND RUINING BOTH RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. THERE ARE COUNTLESS STORIES OF PEOPLE STALLING IN TRAFFIC OR COMPLETELY LOSING ENOUGH ACCELERATION POWER IN A VERY ABRUPT MANNER THAT SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET VERY HURT, IF NOT DIE. WHAT IF MY KIDS HAD BEEN IN THE CAR WITH ME? WHAT IF WE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN HEAVIER TRAFFIC IN DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES? THE THOUGHT OF THIS MAKES ME SICK TO MY STOMACH. I WAS VERY LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN HURT OR HURT SOMEONE ELSE AFTER WHAT HAPPENED. NISSAN AND YOU ALL NEED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT A REAL SAFETY RISK EXISTS HERE. A RECALL MUST BE DONE! SICKENS ME TO THINK OF THOSE WHO WILL EVENTUALLY LOSE THEIR LIVES. HOW CAN GOING FROM A FULL FUNCTIONING SPEED TO NO SPEED AT ALL IN THE MOST ABRUPT, NERVE-JARRING MANNER POSSIBLE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND NOT BEING ABLE TO MANEUVER YOUR VEHICLE NOT BE A SAFETY ISSUE? PLEASE EXPLAIN THIS TO ME. OH, AND AS IF IT ISN'T ENOUGH THAT NISSAN OBVIOUSLY HAS NO REGARD FOR THEIR CONSUMER'S SAFETY, THEY ARE LIMITING THE WARRANTIES IN SUCH AN UNREALISTIC MANNER THAT THE CONSUMER IS FORCED TO FOOT $6,000-$8,000 TO FIX THE ISSUE THAT THEY CLEARLY KNEW ABOUT AND COULD HAVE PREVENTED FROM THE GET-GO. *TR
Power train, Mar 6, 2012
WITHIN A WEEK HAD CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE AND TRANSMISSION STARTING SKIPPING. FOUND FLUID TO BE STRAWBERRY COLORED IN TRANSMISSION. STOPPED AT A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE RADIATOR HAD FAILED AND LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS HAS CAUSED PERMANENT DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. BASICALLY HAVING TO BUY THE CAR ALL OVER AGAIN OR CUT MY LOSSES AND SEND IT TO THE SCRAP YARD. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN PRODUCT. THEY KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM AND REFUSE TO CORRECT THEIR MISTAKES. *TR
Power train, Mar 3, 2012
WHILE DRIVING THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON THE CAR STOPPED SHIFTING UP OR DOWN. THE NEAREST DIAGNOSTIC CENTER OBVIOUSLY POINTED TO THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY SAID TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER. I DID THIS ON 29 FEBRUARY 2012. THEIR ANALYSIS WAS THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND COOLANT HAD INTERMIXED DUE TO A LEAK IN THE SYSTEM AND THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED, THEIR ESTIMATE IS $5000. THEY ARE AWAITING DELIVERY OF A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. I HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN AND BEEN GIVEN A FILE NUMBER, 7392063, WITH NO FURTHER FOLLOW UP AS OF TODAY, 4 MARCH 2012. APPROXIMATELY 1.5 YEARS AGO, MY SON HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH AN IDENTICAL PATHFINDER. HE DRIVES MORE THAN I DO AND REACHED THE 90000 MILEAGE SOONER. HE REPLACED HIS TRANSMISSION FOR A SIMILAR COST. BASED ON SIMILAR COMPLAINTS I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING, NISSAN IS AWARE OF THIS DESIGN FLAW BUT HAS NOT SATISFACTORILY ADDRESSED IT. IN VIRTUALLY EVERY COMPLAINT I HAVE EXAMINED, THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO THIS LEAKAGE OCCURS AFTER 90000 MILES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 29, 2012
THE TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO SLIP. SOMETIMES WHEN I'M COMING TO A STOP I'LL JUMP FORWARD. THE DEALER SAID THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WHY WOULD DO RADIATOR AFFECT A TRANSMISSION. NISSAN KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND A RADIATOR LEAK INSIDE TRANSMISSION. THEY SHOULD RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. THE ESTIMATE I GOT TO REPAIR IS $5200 DOLLARS. *TR
Structure, Feb 28, 2012
REAR PASSENGER DOOR IS PERMANENTLY STUCK SHUT. CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, OR OVERRIDE THE MALFUNCTION. POWER DOOR LOCKS AND MANUAL PRESSURE WILL NOT OPEN THE DOOR. THE REAR PASSENGER SEATING IS NOW VERY UNSAFE AND I WILL NOT TAKE AND PASSENGERS IN THE BACK. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 23, 2012
I TOOK IN MY PATHFINDER THIS WEEK AFTER WEEKS OF HEARING A DEEP NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE AROUND 2000 RPM. TURNS OUT THE RADIATOR WALL CRACKED AND CAME APART ALLOWING THE COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID TO MIX TOGETHER. APPARENTLY THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM IN PATHFINDERS, ESPECIALLY THE 2005 MODEL. I HAD THE RADIATOR REPLACED (TOTAL COST $1,671.61) BUT WAS TOLD THIS IS PROBABLY A BAND-AID FIX BECAUSE THERE'S NO WAY TO TELL HOW MUCH DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE TO THE TRANSMISSION. *TR