CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2005-2007 Pathfinder appears to have a widespread defect where coolant leaks into the transmission, causing transmission failure around 90,000 miles. Repair costs are typically upwards of $3,500.

According to the New York Times & a class action lawsuit, the defect actually extends through 2010 model year. More info here.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
106,074 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Nissan Pathfinder drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2005 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Comments (Page 18 of 23)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #109

Sep 152012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 122,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On two separate occasions, I cannot remember the date of the first incident. My 2005 Nissan Pathfinder stalled and would not accelerate. My family was in the vehicle and we were leaving a place of business, which was kind of on a hill and when I tried to accelerate the vehicle would not move, but started to go backward. I cut the vehicle off and tried again and we were off and going, until we were on the road and in traffic going about 45mph the vehicle started to stall, and we had to get ourselves out of traffic. I GT the vehicle going again and everything seemed to go fine for about 2 weeks, then on Sept 15 I woke early to take a family member to a weekend class, as I was driving down my street I heard a noise coming from the 2005 Pathfinder I rolled my window down to hear the sound as I was listening the sound went away and all of a sudden I was approaching the traffic light the vehicle began to stall, I was pushing on the gas and it would not go, the light was green and I had cars behind me. I had to turn my hazard lights on and try to get myself out of the middle of the road to safety, once I did I had to park my vehicle in a business parking lot at a shopping center that is close to my home. At this point my vehicle is parked due to the fact that it will not accelerate when put in drive. I have talked to Nissan dealership and they have advised that they have heard of the radiator/transmission fluid mix and this seems to be the case with my 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, and that it is costly to get it repaired. The cost is ultimately left up to me, and I feel as if this is a Nissan issue that has been an ongoing issue for quite some time for some other Nissan customers that needs to be considered a recall and Nissan should be fixing this manufacturing problem.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #108

Sep 112012

Pathfinder

  • 108,000 miles
2005 Nissan Pathfinder when attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle does not gain speed as it would normally. At higher speeds it seems to perform normally. When shifting into drive, there is a noticeable jump/bump. I took it to a transmission shop and the mechanic said that the radiator is leaking into the transmission. He said the transmission is very rusty. Apparently this is a common problem for these vehicles. At this point he is estimating between $2,500 and $3,000 to repair. Vehicle has about 108,000 miles. I would love any information on how to be reimbursed from Nissan.

- Orange Beach, AL, USA

problem #107

Jun 062012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 94,000 miles
Coolant mixing in the transmission system. Some issues with slipping at first, mechanics couldn't figure it out. Said they would have to take apart the transmission to figure it out since there were no codes being tripped. Then the slip got worse and they happened to discover how bad the fluid looked by the U-joint underneath the car. It was only then that they discovered that the problem could have been related to the radiator coolant leak. They proceeded to fix the radiator and related components and flushed the system several times ($726.81) only 2 months later the transmission was acting up again and almost failed on the freeway, stuttering the engine and smoking a bit. Fortunately, we where able to limp the vehicle home and get it to the mechanic the next day. Vehicle was at the shop for 3 weeks, then the mechanic thought he had it fixed. We drove the car about 5 miles down the road, the vehicle started to stutter and slip again and the check engine light came on again. We returned the vehicle to the shop, they checked the codes and determined that the transmission would need to be replaced. This is ridiculous...... when you pay this much money for a vehicle, there is no reason why a transmission should fail in 94,000 miles. I can't believe all the horror stories I have read on the internet related to this Nissan transmission issue. I feel a sick to my stomach right now just thinking about the financial impact that this has and will cause to my family. There is absolutely no reason that Nissan shouldn't be responsible for this catastrophe. Especially after they have identified that this is a known issue.

- Long Beach, CA, USA

problem #106

Aug 292011

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 150,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My Pathfinder has 150,000 miles on the transmission. The Pathfinder is a 2005. The problem with the vehicle is that the transmission is malfunctioning. While driving on the freeway, I had trouble with the power in the vehicle. It was slipping and not going into gear all the time. The mechanic stated that it is an electrical problem with the transmission and that Nissan already knew of the problem but did not do a recall on the transmission. Also because the transmission slipped, it also lunged forward while driving it. This could cause a major accident. At this point, Nissan is not acknowledging that it is a problem with their vehicles. They said they would not discuss the problem unless it was diagnosed by a Nissan dealer at a cost of several hundred dollars.

- Tehachapi, CA, USA

problem #105

Dec 062011

Pathfinder

  • miles
It started with the heat in my 2005 Pathfinder not wanting to heat up unless going over 55 mph. Then sudden jerking with the vehicle when going over speeds of 40. Had transmission flushed and worked for about 6 months. Then as my husband was driving on the road it began to lose acceleration and came to a stop. We had the car towed and it hasn't started since? the dealership told us the transmission was completely out. They said it was due to coolant leaking into the transmission. Repairs are going to be $5100. The car has 92,000 miles! still waiting to hear if Nissan manufacturers are going to fix the damage. This is a dangerous vehicle to drive because when it goes out it will completely go out and if you are on the highway this is very scary!!

- Corbin, KY, USA

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problem #104

Sep 072012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 122,000 miles
While driving up to speed at 55 mph the transmission started making a rumbling noise like if driving over rough pavement. When the transmission shifts to it over drive gear it starts rumbling. Radiator fluid is contaminating the automatic transmission.

- Fair Lawn, NJ, USA

problem #103

Sep 072012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 99,200 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Radiator cracked causing coolant fluids to leak into transmission and transmission to slip and not drive.

- Cairo, GA, USA

problem #102

Feb 132012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 78,748 miles
There is a Nissan manufacturer defect of faulty radiators that are causing radiator coolant to leak into and destroy the transmission of the vehicles and ends up killing valves, seals and the torque converter on 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinders, Nissan xterras, and Nissan frontiers. This defect can cause an owners transmission to fail and lose forward propulsion on a highway and can cause catastrophic loss(ES).

- Forest, VA, USA

problem #101

Sep 052011

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 82,000 miles
I took my Pathfinder to the dealer complaining of shifting problems to esserman Nissan in miami Florida. The service manager opened the hood and after waiting over 1/2 hour removed the radiator cap to find water in the form of a cream ( took pictures). He stated that the engine coolant most likely had gone inside the transmission and created damage, but because my car was 82K miles there was nothing the dealer could do I called Nissan and filed a case, but it was useless. I took the car to a transmission shop where they charged me $700+tax to flush the transmission, change the torque converter and install an external oil radiator for the transmission. They stated that the damage was done and although the rough shifting will be a constant, that at least I will buy some time because a complete rebuilt was 3500usd. Finally the transmission gave up on the highway when my wife entered the highway but the car did not move pass second gear. She found the next exit and called me. She made it home on second gear and high RPM. I called back Nissan, they ask me to take the car to the dealer. The car was at home so before taking it I decided to pass by and talk to the manager. He stated that if Nissan did not help me at 82K miles what made me believe that they were going to help me at 120K. I left the car at home until further notice.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #100

Aug 302012

Pathfinder

  • 91,000 miles
Apparently Nissan has a faulty radiator which in turn ruined my transmission. My vehicle has been serviced only at Nissan, and I have taken very good care of it. There was no warning, no indication that something was wrong until it started giving me problems shifting gears. I had it towed to Nissan just to find out that the radiator ruined my transmission and now will cost close to 6,000 dollars in repair.

- Roslindale, MA, USA

problem #99

Aug 242012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 175,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving on highway at 45 mph and suddenly there was no more speed as if the vehicle was being driven on neutral, there were cars behind but it was fortunate that it was at a distance where they were able to stop suddenly without crashing into us or each other. This type of vehicle is intended to Transport several passengers and in my case I had my children with me. We bought this vehicle used as being our only financial option for a family of six. This has created huge trouble for our family since all of our savings went to the purchase of this SUV last year and we have no money to do repairs at time which are approximately $4,000.

- Eagle Pass, TX, USA

problem #98

Dec 212011

Pathfinder

  • 98,000 miles
Transmission failure, radiator failure. Had it fixed months ago and my car continues to spew blueberry yogurt from cooling system. Nissan did nothing, dealer did nothing and now mechanic is making me jump through hoops. This is a serious and dangerous issue, occurring countrywide in thousands of vehicles. Nissan obviously does not want the bad publicity by owning up to the faulty parts...why do you think they changed the parts in 08' models and up" luckily my tranny blowing on the interstate did not cause injury, but it very well could have....is it going to take someone dying for someone to finally do something!!?" there is currently a class action lawsuit against Nissan for this issue (since 2010!) do something!! innocent, hard working people are being put in danger by these vehicles.

- Florissant , CO, USA

problem #97

May 242012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 105,000 miles
The vehicle experienced loss of power while driving at 60mph in the freeway. After a few similar incidents I took the vehicle to the dealer for a recall that described a similar issue, a relay was changed.. the vehicle continue experiencing the jerking until a few weeks ago that it look like transmission fluid leaked in the driveway. I took the vehicle to the nearest shop for a check up. Apparently coolant was leaked into the transmission. We took the vehicle to Nissan we the hoped that they would honor a warranty extension, they asked as to pay for a test to confirm what we already new. We were told that we needed to contact Nissan's 800 number corporate office cause there was a chance that they might want to extend the warranty. I understand that they extended the transmission warranty to 80K due to this common issue. They totally denied the extension cause my vehicle had 107,000 miles. Thanks god that we have not had an accident as a result of this issue. Now we have to incur the expensive cost of replacing the radiator and transmission. This factory defect should be paid by Nissan and we need an investigation into this common issue. Please let's not wait until a fatality occurs for your organization to initiate it.

- Fremont, CA, USA

problem #96

Jun 012012

Pathfinder

  • 110,000 miles
I purchased this car as a "Nissan certified" vehicle it had 35000 miles. Thank god I purchased the extended warranty. The wheel bearings, fuel sensor, U joint, fuel gauge, timing chain, and many other small expensive annoyances had to be replaced and were covered on the warranty I bought, but most importantly the engine had to be replaced when I only had 100 miles left on my warranty. I thought I had replaced everything. But then this past June I was sitting in a drive thru and noticed a strong "wet" smell and noticed that my thermostat was buried into the red. I immediately pulled over and this pink ooze started pouring out onto the parking lot ruining the pavement.(the poor owner of the restaurant had to have it re-coated) after having it towed I was told that the coolant had leaked into my transmission. I had the radiator replaced and the transmission flushed 3 times to get out any ooze. Now my transmission is slipping and I have been told by a mechanic that it needs replaced. I still owe 9500 on this car and they want 5000 to replace the transmission. I have started researching on the internet and am finding hundreds of consumers with the same problem and no solution from Nissan. I purchased this car to go on vacations with my kids this car has space to move and a dvd to watch. Unfortunately I have never been able to trust this car and have always had to rent cars to go on long distances. If I would have taken this car this summer on vacation my family would have been stuck 800 miles from home and no car to get back. Nissan needs to make this right!

- Milford, OH, USA

problem #95

Sep 012012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 105,000 miles
My 2005 Nissan Pathfinder le was running great until fairly suddenly the transmission started rumbling loudly. Even though the car still was running I pulled off the side of the road to investigate. I could find no external problems. I continued driving eventually to the Nissan dealership where I was informed that my Pathfinders radiator had failed allowing engine coolant into the transmission. This resulted in a major repair event to include the radiator and transmission. This could have major consequences as the transmission violently shakes and shutters. In my case the SUV did not become disabled but you could easily see that happen.

- Burnsville , NC, USA

problem #94

Apr 182012

Pathfinder

  • 116,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while accelerating the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnose that there was a faulty valve body in the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 116,000.

- Katy, TX, USA

problem #93

Aug 192012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 104,000 miles
Recently my transmission has failed on my 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. After reading up on it on the internet forums, I have found that many people have experienced the same problem due to a coolant leaking into the transmission fluid causing transmission damage and failure. I feel that Nissan should stand by this because it is a factory defect.

- Camp Lejeune, NC, USA

problem #92

Aug 242012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 120,200 miles
Coolant leaking into transmission. Well-known Nissan issue. Vehicle started rumbling intermittently going between 4th and 5th gear around 40 and 60 mph. The rumbling will last between 2 and 5 seconds until the accelerator is depressed hard enough to force the vehicle to downshift which results in a loud banging noise and a jerk. Also noticed what looks like curdled milk all around the radiator cap. I have an appointment with the dealership, Nissan of saco, on 08/28/2012 and am almost certain they will try and get out of covering this under the "lifetime powertrain warranty".

- Scarborough , ME, USA

problem #91

Aug 272012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • miles
Radiator failed and coolant leaked into transmission.

- Spring, TX, USA

problem #90

Aug 032012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 70,011 miles
We were traveling about 35 mph in town and heard a grinding noise. The Nissan would'nt move and there was transmission fluid running out of under it. We had to have it towed home. Where it still sits.

- Cameron, WV, USA

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