Timing Chain Issue(S)

CarComplaints.com Seal Of Avoid Like The Plague

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.

9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,240
Average Mileage:
120,050 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
  2. replace timing chain (2 reports)
2005 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems

engine problem

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2005 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Comments

problem #6

Jan 012015

Pathfinder LE 4.0L Vp

  • Manual transmission
  • 162,000 miles

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

dealership mentioned to change out timing chain so I did

- Jeff Y., Boxford, US

Comment Disabled Add Complaint
problem #5

Jun 062016

Pathfinder LE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,635 miles

The timing chain supposed to last life of engine but mine has to be replaced at 96k miles is ridiculous. Why switch to chain if it needs to be replaced at the same approximate mileage as a timing belt. I've read Nissan knew these parts had a defect and is not honoring customers by doing a recall.

- Shaheen A., Linden, NJ, US

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problem #4

May 092017

Pathfinder ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 146,000 miles

A few years ago we went through the transmission leak and radiator problem. Now this year is the timing chain and water pump. I love my Pathfinder but this is getting to be far too much. Nissan should take responsibility for all the problems us owners have had. If this keeps up the next time I buy a car it'll be a Honda. We should be able to submit the bills for at leas at least partial payment from NMAC.

- royknapp, Pen Argyl, US

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problem #3

Dec 212016

Pathfinder

  • Automatic transmission
  • 139,000 miles

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

Yet another issue with this lemon model. Not sure if we are going to fix.

- tmcneill, Rochester, WA, US

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problem #2

Aug 202015

Pathfinder SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,660 miles

I'm a sitting duck waiting for the timing chain to fail in my 05 Pathfinder. At low mileage (91660) on a 10 year old vehicle, I had hoped it would last several more years. It will if I pay for the timing chain repair. Come on Nissan, pony up and stand behind your defective parts that were installed when my vehicle was built. Feeling like I should have gone with Honda or Toyota, and I will with the next vehicle I purchase. I made it through the radiator/transmission cooler litigation unscathed, but time is running out and I must have a reliable car. Guess I need to unload it or get burned.

- arh, Breckenridge, US

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engine failure engine defect noisy engine engine knock intake manifold gasket leaking coolant oil sludge whining noise stalls while driving engine complaint electrical issue heater complaint transmission complaint paint defect Pathfinder recall
problem #1

Sep 012013

Pathfinder LE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

It's one of those things I'm certain Nissan knew about, but I was not covered under their warranty after 36,000 miles. However I purchased the extended warranty which covered my vehicle beyond the 85,000 miles my Pathfinder had at the time. I took it in to have it checked out and Nissan diagnosed it right away.

The warranty company of course wanted tons and tons of service records for the vehicle which I was able to provide, but yet weaseled their way out of covering for the costs to repair. I was quoted in the area of $1800 for the repair. Not sure about most of you, but I don't keep that kind of $ handy. We all have other expenses. Not sure if I'm more pissed off with Nissan or the warranty company.

Just add it to the list of problems, horrible paint job with paint flaking off and radiator/transmission issues! I used to be a huge fan of Nissan, but have pretty much lost faith in the quality and concern for their customers!

- Everett L., West Sacramento, CA, US

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