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.

2005 Nissan Pathfinder drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2005 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Comments (Page 8 of 23)

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problem #310

Jun 212014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 95,200 miles

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

I was driving along a local road and all of a sudden, my engine starting revving and the car started slowing down. I stopped at a red light, but when it turned green, my car wouldn't move for about a second or two when I pressed the gas peddle. When it did move, it crawled along at 20 miles an hour. I managed to get it home and took it to the mechanic on Monday. I was told that coolant from my radiator leaked into my transmission and destroyed it. On researching this, I discovered that this is a known issue in 2005 - 2010 Nissan trucks but Nissan will not cover the cost of repair even though they are aware of it and did not issue a recall.

- Lansdowne, PA, USA

problem #309

Jun 202014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 14,600 miles
My SUV began stuttering when attempting to change gears. I looked on line and found the problem that so many have been having, coolant leaking into transmission contaminating it. Nissan suggested an initial transmission flush, but recommends a $5,500 transmission replacement in addition to a $620 radiator. I cannot afford these repairs, and I am afraid to continue driving my car.

- Riverdale, GA, USA

problem #308

Aug 202013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
I was driving my truck on the expressway and I felt vibration when it shift from first to second gear as I increased the speed the vibration got worse and I felt something like it was trying to pick up speed but it could not and finally it caught the gear and was able to pick up speed but at the same time my check engine light came on. So I was able to drive it home and when I got there I called bill kay Nissan to take it I for service. When I took it in they checked it out and I was informed my transmission valve body had become contaminated and it had to be replaced and it would cost me $2098 to replace it and if I didn't get it replaced it was possible for the transmission fluid and radiator fluid could mix and cause the transmission to go bad. Moving forward to June 9th 2014, on approximately May 3rd I noticed I began to feel some vibration again and it felt the same way it felt in August of 2013 and on June 8th the check engine light came on once again so I took it back to bill kay Nissan and was told the transmission and radiator fluid had mixed and I would have to have the transmission and radiator replaced and Nissan had an extended warranty offer but it had a $2500 deductible and I would be responsible for that portion. I've already spent $2100 to have the valve box replaced because of some contamination and now I'm being told I have to spend more money on the same thing. This is not right.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #307

Jun 202014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 131,000 miles

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

The torque converter in the transmission failed. I noticed the vehicle stuttering at different speeds during my time on the road. I had an independent mechanic check it and a Nissan dealer confirm the diagnosis. I was told the radiator and the entire transmission had to be replaced. I found numerous complaints on-line similar to mine; the 2005 model showed the most problems with the transmission. I don't have the $5,000 to repair the vehicle. The company extended some warranties due to this problem, but all had expired or I had too many miles (131,000), and a copay of $3000 was required. Not much of an offer from a large thriving company.

- Clarksville, TN, USA

problem #306

Jun 162014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 147,000 miles
I got my oil changed at team Nissan in lithia springs, and on the 2nd day of driving the vehicle my 2005 Pathfinder overheated. I immediately called team Nissan and told them of the problem, and they told me that they apologize and to bring it in. Well the SUV was too hot to put on the road at that point so I stopped by wal-mart to add coolant. I let the truck cool off and then added coolant. The levels then appeared normal and I made my way to team Nissan. When I got there they told me that they could see me and to come back the next day. While I was talking with the rep. I noticed that there was a guy topping off my fluids under the hood. When I came back the next day, they check it and told me that I had no coolant and that my radiator fluid had leaked into the transmission and that the fluids were mixing. The repairs totaled up to $5028.43 including a radiator replacement, coolant flush, and a transmission replacement. I told him that I had heard of other recalls and complaints about this (I had just heard one of the reps call a customer and tell him that his recall on the same issues were complete and that he could pick up his vehicle), but he said that nothing was showing in the system. I then told him that I could not get that done at this time and I enquired that I have not had this issue at other places after an oil change. He gave me an excuse as the guy did the day before and shrugged me off. He suggested that I needed to check the coolant every other day and that the problem was likely to continue. So the waiting game begins.

- Villa Rica, GA, USA

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problem #305

Jun 052014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 86,500 miles
While driving away from a traffic light the SUV hesitates out of first gear and a loud pop as it drags into second gear. After taking the vehicle to a local DC area dealer I was informed that the transmission coolant line had cracked and coolant had leaked into the transmission destroying it. I was then informed that repairs would be $7600 and that this was not a recall item. In researching this it appears that others in the country have had this issue and Nissan hadn't issued a recall but settled a class action suit assisting others with the repair costs after an initial $2500 to $3000 cost to the customer. This appears to have been an issue with this vehicle for some time and I'd like to know why no recall was ever issued for those not having problems already"?"

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #304

Mar 012014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 115,000 miles

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

Vehicle was stop at red light of very busy intersection. When light turned green the vehicle accelerated and then would only coast in neutral while transmission was not engaging. Wife and 3 children were stuck in middle of intersection. Had to turn the vehicle off and then on to get transmission to re-engage and drive. This issue happened a half dozen more times. This owner took vehicle to local Nissan dealer and was charged for computer analysis. This owner was told there was a "known" issue with transmission of this particular vehicle being contaminated from inner cooler. This owner was told that it would cost over $5500 to fix. This owner did intense research on safety and mechanical problem and found thousands of Nissan owners with same issue. This vehicle needs to be recalled for "known" issue.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #303

Jun 232006

Pathfinder

  • 20,000 miles
I started feeling weird shaking and jerking movements whenever I went on the freeway going around 65 mph about a year after I bought the vehicle. I took it to the Nissan dealership (dirito brothers, walnut creek, ca -- the place from where I bought the car) to check it out, and they told me the car was fine but I was still feeling this same shaking. I took it back to the shop for the same thing about two more times, and I got the same answer. The car only got worse and worse. At the last visit, when the transmission was almost broken, they told me about a cooler system crack and they recommended I replace my transmission with a new one. I told them I had no money for it, so what they did was fix the crack, flush the transmission, and clean it as much as possible inside. After a while, my transmission broke down completely and after my car was over 100,000 miles, that's when I received a letter from the dealer telling me about a factory failure -- I didn't qualify because they only fixed cars with less than 100,000 miles on them. This isn't fair because I've been complaining about this issue since long before the car had 100,000 miles on it. I was wondering if you could help me with this issue. I would appreciate the help. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Concord, CA, USA

problem #302

Feb 062013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 92,000 miles
I was at a stop light in Washington D.C, when the light turned green the vehicle refused to move. Some kind people helped to push the vehicle and it was later towed to my home. I later serviced the transmission fluid and discovered that the radiator had failed and leaked into transmission. After changing the radiator the transmission remained inoperable. I have not been able to drive the car since. I am still making payment on the car even though I cannot drive it.

- Lorton, VA, USA

problem #301

May 102014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 135,142 miles
My wife and I were on a major interstate " accelerating up hill in the middle lane? the power just shut down. When depressing pedal ? tachometer revved up but still no power. In the meantime ? a tractor trailer was barreling up behind us!! I was lucky enough to just get out of its way by coasting through two lanes and into the breakdown lane. The person that stopped to help us informed us that his brother had this same issue with his Pathfinder and that there was a recall. Well ? we never received a recall notice ? the truck now has 135K miles and is not covered under their class action settlement. Called a local dealer and was told by the mechanic that our issue has nothing to do with the recall and they have no responsibility. My issue is ? if I had received the recall when it was issued in 2010 ? I would have had the repairs made while it was covered?. so how are they not responsible - we could have been killed??? they never sent us a recall notice and no mechanic had ever mentioned it??"

- Litchfield, NH, USA

problem #300

Feb 182014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 93,000 miles

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

Problem with the radiator and transmission fluid mixing. Told that this happens often with these trucks. Recommended to either have the radiator replaced and double flush the transmission for $1200, or opt to replace both radiator and transmission by Nissan and pay a co-pay of $3000, plus\tax. If this is a problem with these trucks then Nissan should fix their products.

- Vineland, NJ, USA

problem #299

Feb 032014

Pathfinder

  • 115,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle would not accelerate past 35 mph and failed to move after being stopped. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 115,000.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #298

Apr 232014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 136,822 miles
Driving on the highway and transmission starts having a bump feel to it then car goes into limp mode and almost gets hit by another car then coast to the side of the highway and stopped on side of highway.

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA

problem #297

May 172013

Pathfinder

  • 62,000 miles
Car would just die while driving. The gauge would read empty even with a half tank or more of gas, I also called Nissan dealership to check on recall of the fuel sending unit, the dealership told me there was no recall. So I started doing the work myself, got halfway done and asked a buddy for help and he informed me that there was in fact a recall on that part. So I went to the dealership and then they all of a sudden had a recall and did the work for free. Since then (before) 100,000 miles, my radiator fluid filled my transmission and ruined it, and my transmission fluid filled my radiator and ruined it too. So out of pocket for transmission rebuild and rerouting of the coolant line ($3000). Now I just drive because I have too, anytime I stop I have to kill it to keep it from overheating. But I have no other vehicle so nothing I can do. Nissan continues to just not care at all. I will never have another Nissan. You could give me a Nissan for free and I wouldn't touch it. Straight garbage company.

- Pottsboro, TX, USA

problem #296

Mar 142014

Pathfinder

  • miles
I am driving a group of co-workers out for lunch. I pull in the turning lane to wait for an opportunity to turn. When it was time to make the turn, I pressed the gas and the truck did not move. I pressed the brake again to check and make sure I had not accidentally hit the gear stick. Everything looked right so I tried to give it gas again. The engine revved loudly but again there was hesitation in movement. Finally, after what seemed like forever, the truck slowly turned. I tried to drive back to the office but had the same issue. I would stop and as soon as I pressed the gas, it would take forever before I would actually take off. The truck moved at a very slow speed as if I was pulling a large load. Turns out it is my transmission. How upsetting when I had no previous warning. More upsetting when I begin to do my research and found out a co-worker with the same year Pathfinder has the same problem and looking online it appears everyone with this model truck has had this issue or will eventually. Why is Nissan not doing something about this beyond continuously extending the warranty with huge co-pays that at the end of the day do not really help the consumer" Nissan needs to do something about this. How long will it take for this complaint to be reviewed"

- Greenville, NC, USA

problem #295

Apr 012014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • miles
2005 Pathfinder transmission failure due to coolant leaking into transmission. I had to pay a deductible for something that Nissan was aware of for years. I also did not receive a recall letter stating a deductible would be required. My letter stated extended warranty if the above happened 96 months or 80, 000 miles. I have 72,000 miles. Nissan would not pay in full because of the 96 months had expired. Problem is that the time starts from the date when the dealer first purchased for dealership. This was not stated in the letter. Problem with letters received is that none of them are dated and I did not receive the extended warranty letter until 2012. By the time the problem was identified and customers notified, I had less than an additional 8 years. If the first notice went out in 2007, customers should have 8 years from the notification date or 80,000 miles. Nissan put me and my family at risk with car stalling in heavy traffic. This really should have been a recall and not a warranty extension. Also, I never received the notification letter for the deductible. My letter doesn't mention a deductible.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

problem #294

Mar 062014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 138,000 miles
Was on interstate and transmission went out while I was driving with my twin nieces in the car.it was a terrible experience and scary.I don't understand if a company builds something that is faulty how do you not support fixing the problem.regardless of miles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Seffner, FL, USA

problem #293

Mar 192014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 8,600 miles
Radiator failed and leaked antifreeze into the transmission causing it to fail.

- Casper, WY, USA

problem #292

Feb 232013

Pathfinder

  • 106,000 miles
After having the transmission and radiator replaced twice (3/12 and 10/12) as I was driving 65 miles per hour on the highway, all lights on dashboard came on, car died. I had no power and somehow managed to get to the side of the highway slowing for the length between two exits until I could steer into guardrail to stop the vehicle. Car was smoking, coolant system mechanic thinks let go and engine cracked, Nissan refuses to buy back car that was a lemon in the first place. This is a safety issue that they did not fix.

- Concord, MA, USA

problem #291

Dec 312013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 164,000 miles
Driving 35 mph, approaching stop sign. Service engine light went on. Stopped at stop sign. No apparent issues until I pulled out onto hwy and the car would barely move. It was as if it was taking off in second or third gear (it is an automatic transmission). Since the car would not gain speed, I pulled over as I could not gain speed to avoid the oncoming traffic in the lane. Could not drive vehicle over 20 mph and revving at almost 3000 RPM, just barely moving. This happened again after having transmission rebuilt on 1/28/14 at a stop and car would barely move, but rpms were near 3000. Took back to repair shop. This happened a third time after it had appeared to be fixed on 3/14/14. Luckily, all times I have not been in serious traffic and was able to pull off the road without injury. Have been told that there is now evidence of radiator leaking into the transmission. The recall notice for this does not extend to the mileage I have on this vehicle since it is now at 164,000, and the recall only covers 100,000 miles or 10 years. I have only had this car since 2009, but it does not qualify for the recall. Dangerous vehicle. It appears to be running just fine, and then it starts dragging and cannot gain speed. Have had three close calls.

- Azle, TX, USA

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