CarComplaints.com Notes: While there are fewer "radiator leaked into transmission" complaints for the 2008 model year, they are starting to pile up. Buyer beware.

Nissan has extended their radiator warranty on 2005-2010 Pathfinders to 8 years/80,000 miles. However the average mileage for transmission failure for earlier model years is 95,000 miles, which conveniently (for Nissan) is just past the limit of their extended warranty. Owners beware.

7.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,240
Average Mileage:
104,850 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace timing chain shoes (5 reports)
  2. replace timing chain and tensioner (2 reports)
2008 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Comments

problem #7

Jun 122018

Pathfinder S 4.0lV6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

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

Premature failure of the timing chain tensioner/guides and the chains-approx cost to fix/repair $1500+ Luckily, I had purchased an extended warranty on this vehicle!!!

- Barry W., Scottsdale, AZ, US

problem #6

Nov 012017

Pathfinder Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,300 miles

Timing chain tension needs to be replaced. It will take 16 hours in labor and cost over $1000

With 106,xxx miles year 2008 it should be covered under nissan .

- Jennifer W., Foley, US

problem #5

Jul 232016

Pathfinder LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

Dealership knows it happens so told my husband it needed this 1100 repair. we have not done, but if they know it his a problem recall vehicle.

- Beth B., Stony Point, NY, US

problem #4

Jul 302015

Pathfinder LE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,538 miles

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

A minor noise from the front of my Pathfinder became louder. I took it to my mechanic and found out that the timing chain was worn out and it would cost over $1800 to replace. This seems to be a common problem with Nissan and I demand to be reimburse for this problem that should have been recalled by Nissan long ago.

- Jose G., Norristown, PA, US

problem #3

Apr 012015

Pathfinder SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

Ridiculous! From what I have researched its a problem Nissan was aware of. They should be FULL cost of repair, no questions asked but do you think they will/are? Cost me $2300!! I heard there is a class action lawsuit and I want in on it! Never will I buy another Nissan again.

- Joyce A., Houston, TX, US

problem #2

Oct 252013

Pathfinder 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,964 miles

I was never told Nissan had a "recall" on this issue. The dealership just told me it needed to be fixed. Again boo Nissan

- Jessica C., Hortonville, WI, US

problem #1

Feb 252013

Pathfinder SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

The reason Auto manufacturers went to a "TIMING CHAIN" was to avoid the costly replacement of the timing belt at 100,000 miles. The timing chain was designed to last "forever" or at least longer than a timing belt. I however have 92,000 miles and need to replace the timing chain shoes because of a defective timing chain and poorly manufactured shoes (known defect by Nissan as can be seen by their issuance of 3 technical service bulletins). Because this is not a safety factor and there have been no deaths or major accidents (I have not heard of any deaths caused by the failure yet) the NHTSB does not require Nissan to do a recall. Once again Nissan NA denies fact that there is a problem with their vehicles, because the NHTSB does not make them do a recall on the timing chain shoes Nissan feels they can dismiss it to the consumer. I have been a Nissan Owner for over 20 years and I am disgusted with the way Nissan is handling this issue as well as the transmission radiator intermixing issue. I own 2 Nissan Vehicles ( well 1 that is runnig and 1 that is a 2500lb paperweight ) and at this point I will not purchase another Nissan ever again. Additionally I will continue to put the word out to the public on the way that Nissan is denying to correct problems with their vehicles and pusing the responsibility of the corrections on to the consumers. Nissan NA your in for a fight. I am a thorn in your side that will not go away and I will get the word out.

- Kevin T., Sutton, MA, US

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