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 23 of 23)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #9

Jan 012011

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • miles

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

2005 Nissan Pathfinder. Consumer states several problems with the vehicle. She states that it is hard to start, paint is peeling, overdrive light comes on when braking to make a turn and a loud noise was coming from the motor.

- Baldwin Park, CA, USA

problem #8

Jun 012010

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
Nissan Pathfinder cooler/radiator/transmission are faulty and Nissan is aware of the issue but refuses to warranty every cooler, only a percentage of them. Nissan has extended the warranty for vehicles up to 80,000 miles or 96 months. Nissan should be made to recall all cooler and cover the expenses for the ones that have had to have it fixed. Make Nissan warranty every faulty cooler.

- Cordova, TN, USA

problem #7

Aug 012006

Pathfinder

  • 20,000 miles
The transmission in the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder slips and jerks while driving at highway speeds. The slippage can cause the vehicle to rapidly decelerate in traffic increasing the likelihood of an accident. The rapid jerking of the vehicle can cause the vehicle to loose control on its own or frighten or disorient the driver causing the driver to loose control of the vehicle.

- Cameron Park, CA, USA

problem #6

Nov 112010

Pathfinder

  • 65,680 miles

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

In March 2010 we took the vehicle to a dealership for a check engine light staying on and the fuel gauge malfunctioning. The problems discovered were a fuel sending unit failure and an evap air control valve failure. Estimated repairs cost around $1300. We were told the fuel sending issue did not effect fuel delivery so we elected to wait and save up for the costly repair. On Oct. 23, 2010 while driving the power steering and brakes stiffened and the vehicle died while crossing traffic leaving a stop sign. It started rough and we proceeded to a fuel station thinking the broken fuel gauge reported fuel in an empty tank. When I attempted to fuel the vehicle it only took about 4 gallons. The tank had plenty of fuel. This stalling and dieing then happened more times in traffic causing us to barely maneuver out of the lane to safety. Each time it died it was rough to start, but started. We made a service appointment for Nov. 12, 2010 to have this looked at and get the fuel sending unit repaired under the new warranty extension (thank you Nissan!). on Nov 11, 2010 after pulling out of a parking space the vehicle died again and this time would not start. As a result of our location (no local Nissan dealership), we then had to have it towed (at our expense) 38 miles to the nearest dealer to look at it. We also had to cancel our original appointment for service at another dealership. They informed us that the new non-starting and stalling problem was a faulty ignition power distribution module (ipdm). This ipdm is a known recall issue in other 2004-06 Nissan but Pathfinder was not listed. Our new estimate to replace the ipdm so it will start and run is approximately $700. The ipdm failure almost caused multiple accidents, stalling in traffic. I can't believe that Nissan used a different ipdm in just the Pathfinder and will own-up and recall their mistake.

- Canon City, CO, USA

problem #5

Jun 192010

Pathfinder

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the transmission began slipping and the vehicle also stalled while driving between 40 and 50 mph. The failures were a recurring issue. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the radiator fluid was leaking into the transmission. The dealer also stated that the transmission and the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 80,200.

- Antioch, TN, USA

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problem #4

May 012010

Pathfinder

  • 99,000 miles
Radiator/transmission fluid mix the trans started shifting in and out of O/D at just over 40mph (vibrating) at about 99,000 miles. Took it to the shop and found the radiator busted and mixed with trans fluid. Had the radiator replaced and the transmission flushed twice. At a cost of $1,058 it worked fine until 103,000 miles. It just made a thump noise and the transmission started slipping so bad it barely got me home.

- Heath, TX, USA

problem #3

Jun 202010

Pathfinder

  • 158,000 miles

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

2005 Nissan Pathfinder. Transmission failure due to coolant contamination. Radiator had to be replaced as well as the transmission. Many other problems with car. The fuel sending unit, air conditioning/heater fan, drive shfts/universal joints, brakes. Just about everything has failed and cost me massive amounts of cash.

- Veazie , ME, USA

problem #2

Mar 222010

Pathfinder

  • 98,348 miles
After transmission flush, transmission failed shortly thereafter. Replaced transmission June 2009. March 2010 had vibration problem and returned for transmission repair again. Second torque converter replaced. Within 1 week vibration issue returned. Dealer review confirmed that coolant from radiator had leaked into transmission and that radiator and transmission need to be replaced. This would be my second transmission, and third torque converter in less than a year, due to a faulty radiator used by Nissan in '05 & '06 models.

- Mckinney, TX, USA

problem #1

Jan 292010

Pathfinder

  • 58,000 miles
I own a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder and I have been having problems with the heat staying consistent (does not blow hot air when idle) as well a vibration when driving at certain speeds. I also begin to notice that transmission began to slip. I would stop at a red light and go to take off and would not be able to pick up speed which can be dangerous when entering the highway. I researched this online and found many others having the same problems. I took the truck to a Nissan dealership and they told me exactly what I already knew, the radiator was now no good and leaking antifreeze into the transmission which has caused both of them to be ruined and they want to charge me 5K to replace. I asked if the dealership has seen this before and it was confirmed that several of the same vehicles have been in for this very reason. He advised that Nissan has not paid for these services as the vehicles are always out of warranty on the radiator. I still have 2000 miles left on my powertrain and advised that I would be contacting Nissan for "goodwill" assistance. Nissan finally contacted me and advised that since the problem was initially caused by the radiator, they would not honor the powertrain warranty. They also advised me that since I was not considered "loyal" to Nissan as this is my first vehicle with them they could not help me. I do think it is fair to hold the consumer responsible for fixing the transmission as clearly the radiator is defective and the problem doesn't begin until after it is out of warranty. I cannot afford to pay 5K for the transmission and I shouldn't have to. If this was a rare case or caused by the consumer then, yes we should be held responsible but this is clearly a defect as all Nissan dealerships are aware of this problem. Please assist us and issue a recall for these parts as driving this vehicle is unsafe.

- Rahway, NJ, USA

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