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:
106,216 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.
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!!!!
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.
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.
2005 Nissan Pathfinder. Consumer writes in regards to defective radiator in vehicle. 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.
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.
- Cincinnati, OH, USA
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The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle shook violently without any warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the transmission needed to be flushed and the radiator and transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any further assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000 and the current mileage was 94,000.
I purchased my 2005 Nissan Pathfinder in March of 2011. Had done great for awhile. Replace a exhaust sensor in August of 2012. Always smelled hot after being driven, like something electrical but could never pinpoint it. Then around November 2012 noticed a delayed reaction in engaging when going into reverse and a slight hesitation coming out of park into drive. Didn't think much about it at time. But has since gotten worse, shutters from time to time driving, and hesitates more often. I called the local Nissan service department today, Jan 24, the manager there told me I should call the Nissan consumer office because the company was aware of the issue. So I did. The first person I started talking to hung up on me as soon as I mentioned my vehicles make and model. I called back got someone else, although she didn't hang up on me, she was no help. She said because my vehicle was over 100000 miles, there was nothing that could be done. So I got in touch with the Toyota dealership where I purchased the vehicle. They are looking into it for me as well. This is wrong the way Nissan is treating people. If they truly wanted good customer service, they would voluntarily recall these affected vehicles and make it right. I will never purchase another Nissan product or recommend them.
Automatic transmission is failing. Failure first appeared at speeds between 40 and 50 mph and now experiencing transmission failure from 30 mph to 60 mph. Pathfinder now has 71560 miles.
On 11/15/11 Nissan flushed the radiator. On 7/11/12 the transmission went out due to the coolant leaking into the transmission. Nissan should have 100% responsibility of this issue. Nissan has know about this issue for years and they extend the warranties to the max of 100,000 miles. Most of these issues occur after 100,000 miles. Nissan needs to reimburse and or recall all 2005-2010 Pathfinder's, xterra's and frontier's as this can be a safety issue when you are driving at high speeds and the transmission fails. My wife almost got rearended because this issue. I want to be reimbursed of the repairs that were done on my vehicle.
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle began to loose power and would not accelerate over 30 mph. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for inspection where they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 110,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while accelerating after decelerating, the transmission slipped and acceleration power decreased. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the contact was informed that the transmission fluid that is lead through the radiator to be cooled, allowed water into the transmission and caused the transmission to fail. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 102,916 and the current mileage was 108,000.
I own a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The engine coolant contaminated the transmission fluid because an internal piece broke. The only reason I noticed any issue is the reverse gear began to have trouble engaging. After visiting two mechanics, I had to replace the entire radiator/coolant system and put in a new transmission. Although Nissan has acknowledged this is a common issue, they refused to do anything to help with the situation. Ultimately, this repair cost me upwards of $6000 to repair.
The transmission started slipping when accelerating at all speeds. Coolant was found in the trans fluid. The radiator and water pump had to be replaced. We had to also add a oil cooler as a precaution. Now 8K miles later the transmission has failed and will not shift into 5th gear. Best case scenario is a new trans valve assembly for $1500 or worst case new trans for $6500.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Mansfield, LA, USA