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:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
106,119 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.

2006 Nissan Pathfinder steering problems

steering problem

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2006 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #17

Dec 292011

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. While driving approximately 40 mph, the steering wheel became extremely loose and began to shake with an excessive vibration. The vehicle was inspected by two different independent mechanics who informed the contact that the steering column would need to be replaced. The vehicle was also taken to an authorized dealer for a third opinion and they advised that the steering wheel spiral cable kit would need to be installed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000. Updated 7/18/12 the U-joints were replaced, but the steering problem continued. Updated 07/31/12

- Clinton, MA, USA

problem #16

Feb 132012

Pathfinder

  • 142,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph and making a turn, the steering seized and became extremely difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised that the power steering shaft failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.

- Benton, MS, USA

problem #15

Dec 142011

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 95,000 miles
I have noticed that my 2006 Nissan Pathfinder which I bought in September of 2011 has been going bad I can move my steering wheel left to right and it wiggles it also wiggles up and down which is not normal and the steering is not right. It is hard to turn and sometimes it does not want to turn. I can move the steering wheel and jiggle it. I took it to Nissan and they say a bolt in the steering column is stripped and they cant tighten this. I have done some investigating and there has been people complaining of this issue since 2006. Why is nothing being recalled this is nothing that us owners have caused or did it cost me $900 to fix this issue.

- Agawam, MA, USA

problem #14

Sep 012011

Pathfinder

  • 67,794 miles

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

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact was driving 50 mph when the steering wheel became loose, making the vehicle hard to control. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the steering column needed replacement. The manufacturer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 67,794.

- Iowa City, IA, USA

problem #13

Jul 132011

Pathfinder

  • miles
I just had my car serviced for a new transmission even though the car is only a 2006 patherfinder le. Thankfully it was under warranty, but while it was in there they suggested taking a look at the shaky loose steering wheel. I knew there had been problems with it since you could wiggle it in all directions. They informed me if I don't repair it that after awhile I will lose steering in the car. $1,200 later it is fixed, but with so many of these complaints shouldn't this be seriously looked at by Nissan as a recall"????"

- Dracut, MA, USA

problem #12

Mar 012010

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the steering wheel would exhibit an abnormal noise and would sporadically wobble while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed a diagnostic test and confirmed that the steering column would need to be replaced. The contact did not inform the manufacturer of the failure nor was the vehicle repaired. The current mileage was 78,623 and the failure mileage was approximately 67,000. Updated 06/16/11 updated 1/13/2012

- Dubberly, LA, USA

problem #11

Nov 142010

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 46,000 miles

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

Steering shaft problem on a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder SE - the steering shaft went loosen and could be moved horizontally from left to right. I took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the steering shaft both upper and lower with the coupling needed to be replaced because of safety concern. My personal opinion is that Nissan should include this type of repair in the recall for 2002 to 2004 frontier/xterra/Pathfinder recall for the steering shaft because of the similar problem. I have made this request to Nissan but was turned down.

- Inverness, IL, USA

problem #10

Jul 172010

Pathfinder

  • miles
I have a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder, mileage 54,000 and I complaint the steering wheel column, that is not safe for public because the steering wheel is moving up and down, I make an appointment to the Nissan dealer but the dealer advise me to change the whole part, I want to know why that steering wheel is broken my car is almost 4 years old, and I want to recommend to the national traffic safety administration to review Nissan Pathfinder parts, I think that steering wheel column is not safe, because when I search the google what is steering wheel column, I saw and I read that so many owners complaint for that parts.

- Waddell, AZ, USA

problem #9

May 012010

Pathfinder

  • miles
I have a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder with a loose steering wheel (it can be moved up and down). I had it looked at today by Nissan and was told the whole steering column needs to be replaced. $850. I passed because I couldn't afford it, but they say the steering column is wearing away. I have seen many other complaints of this online and am worried for mine and my children's safety if my vehicle comes to a point where the steering wheel becomes non controllable.

- Riverview, FL, USA

problem #8

Mar 012010

Pathfinder

  • 50,000 miles
The steering wheel on my 2006 Nissan Pathfinder became wobbly after only 50,000 miles. The steering wheel would, at times, be normal, then be wobbly. At times the power steering would seems to fail and the steering wheel would be hard to turn. The Nissan dealer diagnosed the problem as needing a new steering column and, to their credit, while out of warranty, replaced the steering column for free.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #7

May 062010

Pathfinder

  • 98,525 miles

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

2006 Pathfinder steering column issue. Steering goes from wobbly to tight but mostly wobbles. Problem worsening over the course of a few weeks. Gets really hard to steer when it is cold and gets very wobbly when it is warm. Nissan dealer say that at some point I will turn and the wheel will not return to center, but they say it isn't a safety issue. I guess we will have to wait for someone turning to crash into a bus stop or something for them to fix the problem. Well I came close yesterday. I was turn right and after the turn the truck kept turning right. I hit the curb and went up onto the sidewalk. I am just thankful there was no one walking at that spot. I was so scared I turned off the truck and just stood outside for a while.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #6

Mar 142010

Pathfinder

  • 59,000 miles
2006 Pathfinder steering column issue. Steering goes from wobbly to tight but mostly wobbles. Problem worsening over the course of a few weeks. Dealership states that bearings are worn out in the column and the only way to repair it is to buy whole new column and coupling for $1300. Nissan refuses to offer any assistance as car is outside of the 3 yr/36,000 waranty. Searched internet and there are many other 2005-2006 Pathfinder owners who have experienced the same issue. One similar posting: reviews.cnet.com/SUV/2006-Nissan-Pathfinder-le/4864-10868_7-31849298-1.html?tag=txt;uo. Have to say that I am surprised that Nissan would not take a more proactive approach in dealing with this defect as it could potentially be life threatening.

- Pearland, TX, USA

problem #5

Nov 052009

Pathfinder

  • 52,350 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. The steering wheel began shaking from side to side intermittently. Whenever the steering wheel was not shaking it became difficult to control. The contact stated that the power steering was defective. The dealer replaced the steering column. The contact has not experienced any difficulties with the steering since the steering column was repaired. The manufacturer stated that they could not provide any assistance since the warranty expired. The current mileage was approximately 52,300. The failure mileage was approximately 52,250.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #4

Sep 152008

Pathfinder

  • 45,000 miles
Approximately Sept of 2008, the steering wheel of our 2006 Nissan Pathfinder started becoming extremely hard to turn left or right, almost to the point that I could not turn. I would dread having to make a turn. Then a grinding sound started and a clicking, and has since gone away. Now, our steering wheel can move up and down while we are driving. It is very loose and is becoming a hazard. The cruise also shuts itself off while we are driving. After taking the car to 2 Nissan dealerships and a independent mechanic, we have been told the entire steering column has to be replaced - but Nissan will not replace this or help with the cost - around $800 for parts and labor. The independent mechanic told us there is a safety bulletin on this issue, but not a recall, yet. If this is a known problem with the steering column, shouldn't this be replaced by recall before an accident has happened? we have requested in writing from Nissan that they (Nissan) is refusing to replace this part. I am filing a complaint because this seems to be an issue that Nissan is aware of but is unwilling to resolve it.

- Broken Arrow, OK, USA

problem #3

Feb 062009

Pathfinder

  • 47,979 miles
I was turning my steering wheel to leave a parking lot on Friday February 6,2009 and heard a clicking noise in my steering wheel. Next thing I know the steering wheel can be jiggled from side to side because it is so loose. I then proceeded to drive home and it tightened up again after a few turns. It became loose once again after turning a few more times. I have never had a steering come loose and feel like it is going to come off the whole steering column. As of now, we have not had it repaired yet, we are taking the car in on Monday February 9,2009 to gurley leep Nissan in mishawaka Indiana. We have attempted to capture this on a short video. Do you have an email address that we can send this video to? we are filing a complaint for a safety concern. We are curious if other people with this make and model have had any similar issues going back to 2005 and newer. This could be a huge safety concern which could lead to the steering wheel coming off the column or losing the ability to steer altogether. I have never owned a new vehicle that had this problem occur, this is not from normal driving or wear and tear on a vehicle. I am very careful with my vehicle and keep up on the maintenance.

- Cassopolis, MI, USA

problem #2

Nov 262008

Pathfinder

  • 44,000 miles
Steering wheel was difficult to turn. This made steering difficult. Wheel would not return to straight position with out help. I think this was a safety issue. Took SUV to dealer who replaced the steering col. Nissan did not pay any of the repair cost because SUV had 43, 000 miles. I kept the old parts just to prove problem. I thought that Nissan would pay some of the repair cost but they did not. They believed this was a normal wear. First one I have had! I have driven cars and pu trucks over 750,000 mile in the last 20 years. I think this is a safety issue. That needs to be repaired by Nissan. Does the manufacturer pay for these problems. Driving was un safe in my opinion...please help before someone is injured of worse.....

- Shreveport, LA, USA

problem #1

Dec 262008

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 40,750 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. While proceeding to place the vehicle into drive and accelerate, the steering column failed and became very stiff when attempting to steer. The contact was able to safely maneuver the vehicle to her destination. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and inspected by a technician, who determined that the lower shaft needed to be lubricated. The repair would cost $91. The vehicle was temporarily repaired until the contact returned to her local dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they discovered internal failure in the steering column. The steering column and coupler were replaced at the cost of $442. The manufacturer stated that they would cover the cost of the parts, but the labor would have to be covered by the contact. The failure mileage was 40,750 and current mileage was 41,260. Updated 02/05/09. Updated 02/10/09.

- Greenville , SC, USA

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