NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,050 reports98,000 miles · Dec 19, 2012
EnginePower Train
MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER SUFFERED A RADIATOR LEAK WHICH LEAKED FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE ENGINE STARTED RUNNING AT A HIGH RPM WHILE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST THE ABILITY TO DRIVE DESPITE THE CAR RUNNING AND THE GAS PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THEN THE TRANSMISSION "KICKED IN" AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWAR…
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MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER SUFFERED A RADIATOR LEAK WHICH LEAKED FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE ENGINE STARTED RUNNING AT A HIGH RPM WHILE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST THE ABILITY TO DRIVE DESPITE THE CAR RUNNING AND THE GAS PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THEN THE TRANSMISSION "KICKED IN" AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD UNTIL THE ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN AND THE CAR COMPLETELY BROKE DOWN ON THE ROAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10489228
139,000 miles · Dec 18, 2012
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. AFTER CONTINUALLY APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. AFTER CONTINUALLY APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT FLUID FROM THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND CAUSED CORROSION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP12004 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: COOLING UNIT AND LINES) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
NHTSA ODI #10489108
80,000 miles · Dec 14, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
WATER IN TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION/ RADIATOR ISSUES NOW. $2500 CO-PAY TO HAVE REPAIRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10488764
116,000 miles · Dec 12, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TRANSMISSION FAILED. SENT TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND PUT ME TO ANOTHER TRANSMISSION PLACE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REDONE AGAIN. AFTER THAT TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN AND THE MECH. NOTICED THE MIXING OF RADIATOR FLUID IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THEN I CONTACTED NISSAN AND NISSAN CORP. THEY BOTH PUSHED ME ASIDE SAYING THAT THEY CO…
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TRANSMISSION FAILED. SENT TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND PUT ME TO ANOTHER TRANSMISSION PLACE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REDONE AGAIN. AFTER THAT TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN AND THE MECH. NOTICED THE MIXING OF RADIATOR FLUID IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THEN I CONTACTED NISSAN AND NISSAN CORP. THEY BOTH PUSHED ME ASIDE SAYING THAT THEY COULD DO ANYTHING DO TO THE MILEAGE. I INCREASED THE URGENCY TO NISSAN CORP. I AM IN THE MILITARY WITH NO CAR FOR MY WIFE. I HAVE EXPENDED OVER 5 K ALREADY AND NOW NEEDING TO DO MORE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10488620
100,280 miles · Dec 9, 2012
EnginePower Train
WE OWN A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER THAT MY WIFE DRIVES DAILY UNTIL A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO THAT THE TRANSMISSION GAVE UP ON US AT EXACTLY 100298 MILES. SHE SAID THAT SHE WAS DRIVING AROUND 50 MILES AN OUR AND THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SUV JUST QUIT AND IT WOULD NOT GO NO FURTHER. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO CARS BEHIND HER BECAUSE OUR DAUGH…
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WE OWN A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER THAT MY WIFE DRIVES DAILY UNTIL A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO THAT THE TRANSMISSION GAVE UP ON US AT EXACTLY 100298 MILES. SHE SAID THAT SHE WAS DRIVING AROUND 50 MILES AN OUR AND THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SUV JUST QUIT AND IT WOULD NOT GO NO FURTHER. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO CARS BEHIND HER BECAUSE OUR DAUGHTERS WERE WITH HER AT THE TIME. SO NOW I HAVE A PATHFINDER THAT DOES NOT RUN BECAUSE I CANT AFFORD THE SIX GRAND THEY ARE TRYING TO CHARGE ME BECAUSE I WENT OVER 298 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10487801
100,720 miles · Dec 7, 2012
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, AN UNUSUAL NOISE COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED AND THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, AN UNUSUAL NOISE COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED AND THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION EXHIBITED INTERNAL DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V517000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT HAD EXCEEDED THE 100,000 MILE LIMIT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,720.
NHTSA ODI #10487637
Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System
THE FUEL GAUGE ON MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER IS NOT WORKING. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY NISSAN AND HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR SOME 2005 PATHFINDERS HOWEVER MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED. THIS IS BIG SAFETY ISSUE AS I AM UNABLE TO BE CERTAIN OF FUEL REMAINING IN MY TANK AND COULD RUN OUT OF GAS (OR MY CHILDREN THAT DRIVE THE CAR). I DO…
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THE FUEL GAUGE ON MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER IS NOT WORKING. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY NISSAN AND HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR SOME 2005 PATHFINDERS HOWEVER MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED. THIS IS BIG SAFETY ISSUE AS I AM UNABLE TO BE CERTAIN OF FUEL REMAINING IN MY TANK AND COULD RUN OUT OF GAS (OR MY CHILDREN THAT DRIVE THE CAR). I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW NISSAN CAN ISSUE A RECALL FOR SOME BUT NOT ALL VEHICLES WITH THIS ISSUE AS IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10487311
84,000 miles · Nov 26, 2012
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed Control
WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE I HAD TO STOP ABRUPTLY AND THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND I HAD TO PRESS IT EXTREMELY HARD FOR THEM TO RESPOND THEY MADE A WEIRD SOUND AND ALSO WHEN I CHANGED FROM PARKING TO DRIVE, IT MADE A STRONG NOISE AND WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO CHANGE IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10486102
10,000 miles · Nov 21, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I WAS GOING TO WORK A USUAL SO I HAVE TO TAKE THE HIGHWAY. EVERYTHING WAS PRETTY NORMAL THEN AS I WAS DRIVING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES I FELT LIKE HESITATION FROM THE SUV. I WAS IN FIRST LAME SO AS I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL A LITTLE FURTHER IN I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS DECELERATING. IT WAS LIKE IT WAS LOSING POWER. IT RETURNED TO NOR…
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I WAS GOING TO WORK A USUAL SO I HAVE TO TAKE THE HIGHWAY. EVERYTHING WAS PRETTY NORMAL THEN AS I WAS DRIVING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES I FELT LIKE HESITATION FROM THE SUV. I WAS IN FIRST LAME SO AS I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL A LITTLE FURTHER IN I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS DECELERATING. IT WAS LIKE IT WAS LOSING POWER. IT RETURNED TO NORMAL THEN 5 MINUTES LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED ONLY THE CAR STARTED JERKING AS WELL. I TURNED TO THE EMERGENCY LANE TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND POPPED THE HOOD IT SMELLED LIKE COOLANT LEAKING AND THE SUV DIDN'T SAY THAT IT WAS OVERHEATED.I TRIED TO TURN IT ON IT DIDN'T LET ME AND THE DASHBOARD WASN'T DISPLAYING THE N,D,R...ETC. TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND SAID THE SUV HAD INTERNAL LEAKAGE OF THE RADIATOR AND IT MESSED WITH THE TRANSMISSION. HE TOLD ME THAT THIS TYPE AND YEAR OF SUV HAD FAULTY RADIATOR THAT CAME LIKE THAT. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT I HAD BOUGHT THE CAR 8 MONTHS AGO AND THAT IT CAME WITH A WARRANTY FOR THESE TYPE OF CAR FOR LESS THAN 80,000 MILES. WELL I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM THE DEALER WITH MORE THAN 100,000 MILES .NOW AT THIS POINT TO FIX THE CAR RANGES FROM 3,000-6,000 DOLLARS. SHAME ON NISSAN DEALERS FOR SELLING THESE TYPE OF CARS THAT ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ON THE ROAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10485418
Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2012
Electrical SystemPower TrainFire
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FIRE THAT WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING. HIS WIFE FELT A JERKING MOTION WHEN SHE PUSHED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR. HIS WIFE PULLED OVER, WHEN SUDDENLY ANOTHER MOTORIST INFORMED HER THE VEHICLE WA…
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2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FIRE THAT WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING. HIS WIFE FELT A JERKING MOTION WHEN SHE PUSHED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR. HIS WIFE PULLED OVER, WHEN SUDDENLY ANOTHER MOTORIST INFORMED HER THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. ONCE SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A LOUD BOOM NOISE, WHICH WAS BELIEVED TO BE THE BATTERY EXPLODING. WITHIN IN SECONDS, THE UNCONTROLLABLE FLAMES LITERALLY ENGULFED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. AN INVESTIGATOR BELIEVED THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS A FAILURE IN THE TRANSMISSION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10485585
Official recalls
2Oct 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.
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.
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