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.
Took car into the dealer to have them diagnose a high-pitched noise I was hearing on acceleration, right around 2000 RPMs. Service tech stated three problems: (1.) timing chain + tension shoe/guide; (2.) drive belt and tensioner; (3.) fan belt clutch. Besides the upper timing chain + tension shoe/guide, the technician added that there was a possibility of damage to the inner timing cover - in that case, the repair cost would be closer to $5000.
Having already been forced to pay a $3000 co-pay for Nissan's faulty radiator/transmission, I refuse to spend another $2000-$5000 for another Nissan failure/cover-up. The class action lawsuit for the transmissions wasn't super helpful to the majority of customers, so I doubt that the timing chain lawsuit will do much to sufficiently redress customers' injuries.
2005 Nissan Pathfinder
Purchased in 2011 for $16,000 (just paid off in December)
Initial Radiator/Transmission Replacement Co-pay = $3000
Initial Transmission Hose Replacement = $275
Subsequent Failure of Replacement Transmission= $0
Subsequent Trans. Hose Replacement = $0
Inner Timing Chain+Shoe + Drive Belt + Drive Belt Tensioner = $2000
*Inner Timing Cover = $3000
Total Cost of Car + abnormal repairs (including *quoted items) = $24,275
Had oil pressure issue, which was the result from faulty timing chain tensioners and guides. At 80,000 miles when when other vehicles have had 250,000 with no problem. Feel like Nissian knew about problem and couldn't care less. Will never buy a Nissian again.
I've been reading about all the complaints about the timing chain guide and tensioners. I have the same problem with my 2005 Pathfinder. Nissan knew about this problem and should cover the costs to repair the issue. It is a very costly repair. Shame on Nissan!
I noticed a high pitched whine coming from the engine during acceleration. The sound seemed even louder if the A/C was on. Brought it into Nissan and was told that the timing chain tensioners and guides were broken and loose causing the noise. The repair was to replace the timing chain, tensioners, and guides. This was repaired under the factory warranty.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I was told that fleet vehicles were fixed with no cost to the company. I had to come up with $2000 to fix my vehicle. This is wrong!!!!!
- Sherrie H., Fort Collins, CO, US