IllustrationI WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40-45 M/H AND THE CAR STOP ACCELERATING, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC AND HE SAY IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION($7,000.00) SO I LOOK IT UP IN THE INTERNET AND A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
2005 Nissan Pathfinder
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Pathfinder years
Owner complaints for the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder are substantially higher than the model-year median of 97.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Pathfinder years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
260–25K
5625–50K
20650–75K
29075–100K
318100–150K
60150K+
956 reports with mileage · 94 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 585 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 290 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 186 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
14 crash reports6 fire reports7 injury reports
What owners actually said
1,050 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND FAILED TO ENGAGE IN GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO TO THE TRANSMISSION AND AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION SOL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND FAILED TO ENGAGE IN GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO TO THE TRANSMISSION AND AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO SHIFT INCORRECTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR THAT WAS ALLOWING COOLANT TO ENTER THE TRANSMISSION. THERE WERE ALSO CRACKS IN THE HOSES THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO SHIFT INCORRECTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR THAT WAS ALLOWING COOLANT TO ENTER THE TRANSMISSION. THERE WERE ALSO CRACKS IN THE HOSES THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 127,000. *TR
DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2012 I HAD MY NISSAN TRUCK SERVICED. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID, REPLACE CABIN AIR FILTER, REPLACE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES, AIR FILTER, PERFORM ENGINE COOLANT EXCHANGE , TRANSMISSION FLUID EXCHANGE, POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUID EXCHANGE, PERFORM BRAKE SYSTEM FL…
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DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2012 I HAD MY NISSAN TRUCK SERVICED. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID, REPLACE CABIN AIR FILTER, REPLACE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES, AIR FILTER, PERFORM ENGINE COOLANT EXCHANGE , TRANSMISSION FLUID EXCHANGE, POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUID EXCHANGE, PERFORM BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID EXCHANGE, AND FUEL INJECTION . I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WHICH WAS DONE BY NISSAN. I HAD ALL OF THESE SERVICES PERFORMED BY THE NISSAN AUTOMOTIVE DEPARTMENT. ON FEBRUARY 28 2013, MY SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON ALONG WITH SENSOR LIGHT INDICATING A DOOR IS OPEN. HOWEVER, NO DOORS WERE OPEN. I TAKE THE TRUCK BACK TO NISSAN, AND THEY TELL ME THE TRANSMISSION IS ABOUT TO GO OUT!!!! HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN MY TRUCK TO NISSAN TO PERFORM THE SERVICE . I AM OUTRAGED!!!! ALL OF THE SERVICE NEEDED HAS ALWAYS BEEN PERFORMED BY NISSAN. PLEASE HELP!!!! *TR
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN RECOMMENDED THAT FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT BE REPLACED AND REQUESTS ASSISTANCE FOR REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BECAUSE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE WAS GIVING AN INCORRECT READING. HE EXPLAINED TO THE DEA…
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2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN RECOMMENDED THAT FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT BE REPLACED AND REQUESTS ASSISTANCE FOR REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BECAUSE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE WAS GIVING AN INCORRECT READING. HE EXPLAINED TO THE DEALER, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHOWED THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY ONE-QUARTER TANK OF FUEL, WHEN IN FACT THE FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED. HE ALSO POINTED OUT TO THE MECHANIC, THAT DUE TO THE INACCURACY AND ERRATIC MOVEMENT OF THE FUEL GAUGE READING, IT COULD STALL, AT ANY TIME A RESENT AN UNSAFE CONDITION OF THE VEHICLE AND COMPROMISE THE LIFE AND SAFETY OF HIS PASSENGERS. AFTER A CAREFUL REVIEW WAS CONDUCTED BY THE NISSAN TECHNICIAN, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE FUEL SENDING UNIT MALFUNCTIONING, WHICH WAS DISCOVERED EARLIER BY NISSAN, IN WHICH A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED. NISSAN DENIED THE CONSUMERS REQUEST TO HAVE THE FUEL SENDING UNIT REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE OF THE NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER STATED NISSAN HAS SINCE ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL REGARDING THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AND EXTENDED THE PRIMARY WARRANTY.
MY PATHFINDER BEGAN TO SHUDDER AND MAKE A DEEP RUMBLING NOISE WHILE TRYING TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED ANYWHERE BETWEEN 40-55PMH. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING AND WAS TOLD THIS AFTERNOON THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE INTERCOOLER INSIDE THE RADIATOR AND IT HAD LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. IT HAS CAUS…
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MY PATHFINDER BEGAN TO SHUDDER AND MAKE A DEEP RUMBLING NOISE WHILE TRYING TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED ANYWHERE BETWEEN 40-55PMH. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING AND WAS TOLD THIS AFTERNOON THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE INTERCOOLER INSIDE THE RADIATOR AND IT HAD LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. IT HAS CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED. THE TECH SAID THE ESTIMATED COST WILL BE $5300. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE RPM READING BEGAN TO INCREASE AS THE VEHICLE SHIFTED HARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE RA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE RPM READING BEGAN TO INCREASE AS THE VEHICLE SHIFTED HARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP12004 (POWER TRAIN) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,241.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED INCORRECT READINGS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 4/1/13 *C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED INCORRECT READINGS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 4/1/13 *CN UPDATED 04/23/2013 *JS
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE RADIATOR IN VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE SENT NISSAN A LETTER REGARDING HIS CONCERNS ABOUT RADIATOR COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. NISSAN RESPONDED BY SAYING THEY WOULD NOT COVER ANY REPAIRS UNTIL THE LEAKED DEVELOPED. *JB
WHILE DRIVING THE PATHFINDER AT 45MHP IT STARTED TO SHAKE AND SLOWED DOWN EVEN WHILE PRESSING GAS PEDAL DOWN... FELT LIKE THE BRAKES WERE ON.. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE HOME I DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF... IF WE WERE ON THE INTERSTATE AT HI…
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WHILE DRIVING THE PATHFINDER AT 45MHP IT STARTED TO SHAKE AND SLOWED DOWN EVEN WHILE PRESSING GAS PEDAL DOWN... FELT LIKE THE BRAKES WERE ON.. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE HOME I DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF... IF WE WERE ON THE INTERSTATE AT HIGH SPEEDS IT COULD OF BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR
Official recalls
210V517000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Oct 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE ENGINE STALLING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
08V690000 · Air Bags:frontal
Dec 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP12004 · Transmission Failures
Opened Jun 11, 2012 · Closed Oct 22, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train; Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines; Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.