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.

9.2

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,910
Average Mileage:
102,400 miles
Total Complaints:
425 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace transmission & radiator (290 reports)
  2. not sure (55 reports)
  3. replace transmission & flush the radiator (27 reports)
  4. replace radiator (14 reports)
  5. repair transmission and add an external oil cooler (13 reports)
  6. rebuild transmission (12 reports)
2005 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems

transmission problem

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2005 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Comments (Page 5 of 22)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #345

Sep 122014

Pathfinder SE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles

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

I received any notice of the class action lawsuit re: Nissan Transmission/ Radiator leak issues. In September of 2014 my transmission started to fail. I had it looked at by two different shops and they advised a radiator and transmission replacement. This cost me: $5400 out of pocket. I now read that Nissan had a class action lawsuit and would cover some cars. My car however, is over 100,000 miles and Nissan is not offering any compensation.

This is totally unacceptable and I am beyond frustrated with Nissan.

- Brian Z., Portland, OR, US

problem #344

Apr 062015

Pathfinder SL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

I noticed the problem when I was trying to let the truck heat up in February 2015. It was not heating while the car was not moving. Then I noticed it would jerk when I would accelerate, then a vibration would occur. It would make a loud noise like something was going to crack. It was awful especially because I had my children with me while driving 60 in the expressway.

I called the main headquarters at Nissan after I read so many people complain about the same issue and Nissan did not want to pay for any of the damage. I am outraged about this issue that Nissan knows is bad and doesn't want to take responsibility. Does someone have to get hurt before they say they will pay for any damages? Shame on Nissan.

- ezambrano, Homewood, IL, US

problem #343

Feb 252015

Pathfinder

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,577 miles

Big corporation taking advantage of the consumers. It's bullsh#t!!!!!! I spoke to several reps with Nissan consumers affairs and they basically told me I was SOL. My vehicle started to fail me in late February, I contacted a Nissan dealership and seemed to know what was wrong without seeing the vehicle.

I took the vehicle into the dealership & was told the radiator was leaking into the transmission! I was told about a class action lawsuit & was told it would cost me $3000 as a "co-payment". I told them I was never notified of the lawsuit nor was I notified of a recall!! I then contacted Nissan consumer affairs & spoke to 3 different reps the sounded like they were reading off of a script " sorry but this is what Nissan has to offer" F#*k YOU!!!!

All correspondence we sent to an address the I hadn't resided at in 5 years. The service rep at the dealership asked why I hadn't been to them for 4 years? I told him that my last visit to the dealership was a horrible experience & that it resulted in filling a complaint with Nissan corp. I've yet to have the problem fixed. I'm still fight "arguing" with Nissan to pay for the repairs do to the fact that I was never notified- via email, mail or by phone. I have told at least 10 different owners of Pathfinders about the problem & to be aware. I will NEVER buy a Nissan vehicle again!!!!!!

- jtmcgrath66, El Segundo, CA, US

problem #342

Mar 282015

Pathfinder LE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,058 miles

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

They know about this problem but won't stand by their vehicles with more than 80,000 miles on them. This is just crazy and I can't believe that they are getting away with putting out a part that is guaranteed to go bad right after their warranty goes out. I own two Nissans and will never buy another one in my life.

- Brian R., Searcy, AR, US

problem #341

Feb 102015

Pathfinder V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,000 miles

Worst problem I have ever had with any vehicle. Losing my transmission as a result of coolant mixing with transmission fluid. Nissan better do something.

- udechukwu, West Orange, NJ, US

problem #340

Dec 272014

Pathfinder LE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

It happened 2 months after our extended warranty run out. UGH.

- tatarica762, Nashville, TN, US

problem #339

Nov 122014

Pathfinder ES 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,000 miles

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

Problem has been gradually coming on for the 2-3 years and 50k miles. My mechanic and Nissan couldn't figure it out until it was too late. Finally it was accurately diagnosed in Nov 2014, and estimated repair is $3500. Car is valued at about $5k. I cannot afford to fix it, and now the car is just parked. A ten year old vehicle that is essentially worthless.

- Chris N., San Clemente, CA, US

problem #338

Jan 232015

Pathfinder SE 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 158,000 miles

I have owned 2 previous Nissan's myself so I had no problem when my 23 year old daughter in dental school needed a new car and wanted a used Pathfinder. We looked around and found one from an individual. Thought we got a good deal....talk the guy down to $5000.00. Good right? Drove the thing the hour and a half home and the tranny goes out.

Took it it to my mechanic after all the checks he replaced the radiator and added a tranny cooler. He told me about Nissans HUGE problem with the radiator. He then sent me to get the tranny rebuilt.....$3000.00 later I get the truck back. Now I'm taking my 06 NISMO to him to get a tranny cooler before the same thing happens to me. This will be the last Nissan anything I will buy...and will tell everyone I come in contact with how crappy Nissan has gotten about taking care of their problems....beware of NISSAN!!!!

- Jason S., Atoka, TN, US

problem #337

Dec 302014

Pathfinder LE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Outside of class action claim period and mileage. Nissan wanted me to take it to a Nissan dealership before they would even review my case, but would not cover the $130 that the dealership wanted to check my car. Based on my online research, figured that Nissan was just giving me the run around.

Had the transmission rebuilt and after 2 days of driving, the car all the sudden downshifted and dropped from 70 to 50 mph and would not upshift. Managed to exit the freeway and turn car off and on. Then everything seem to go back to normal. Except now the check engine soon light is on. Car back in the auto shop.

Is it possible that the shop didn't actually rebuild the transmission but only added an external cooler as a quick fix? They do offer 12000 miles warrant but still a pain in the ass to have to take the car back....

- Michael S., Chino Hills, CA, US

problem #336

Dec 292014

Pathfinder LE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,200 miles

The first time I was out of town on vacation when my truck stalled at a light in heavy traffic, I was alone, frighten and panic cars were honking their horns and I did not know what to do. The check engine light was on, I pressed the accelerator to the floor and my truck slowly begin to accelerate. I purchased a battery which reset the check engine light, it lasted for 6 weeks, now it's on again and worst then the first time.

I had to have my vehicle towed and my mechanic was well aware of this problem which is ongoing with Nissan trucks. When I called a Nissan dealer in Northern NJ they seemed to be clueless with problems of their vehicles. The code that was scanned on my Pathfinder truck is very common and the dealer pretend to have no knowledge of this issue is bogus. This has caused me stress and is the worst experience I have ever had with a vehicle. It is very sad and disheartening because I did like my truck.

I will neverrrr purchase another Nissan again and I would advise anyone not to consider purchasing a Nissan. Nissan needs to address this problem which could cause lives to be lost, if it hasn't already. This is an "open check expense" that I will have to pay for and cannot afford. Shame on Nissan for the lack of care for its customers.

- Celeste M., Paterson, NJ, US

problem #335

Sep 302014

Pathfinder SE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

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

The transmission/radiator problem happened to my 2005 Pathfinder as well. It took until 130,000 miles for the problems to start. Tubes from the radiator actually deteriorated because of the transmission and radiator fluid mixing (at least that's what I was told), and radiator fluid started spraying all over when one broke away. I had to have it towed to the local Nissan dealership where they charged $450 to replace the tubes, and then informed me of the issue with the transmission and radiator fluid mixing. I thought they were joking when they said that it would cost $4,900 to replace the radiator and transmission with reconditioned parts. I took it to a local transmission shop that quoted me a little less at $4,500.

I am still trying to decide what to do. I thought I had a car worth $7,000 and now I might be able sell it for a few thousand if the buyer is willing to go through the headache of getting it fixed. I doubt that's gonna happen.

I did take the time wasting step of contacting the Nissan Corporate Office and here's their nice response:

"Nissan realizes situations may occur with your Nissan vehicle that unfortunately falls outside of the parameters of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty provided with your vehicle. As a company interested in winning lifetime customers, Nissan apologizes for any inconvenience you may have experienced and we are pleased you took the time to contact us regarding the situation.

Nissan carefully considered your request during a review of all of the available facts pertaining to your specific situation. Nissan is unable to offer financial assistance with the repair of the transmission and radiator due to the vehicle being outside of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty."

I'll throw on that I've had to replace both catalytic converters and the fuel gauge sensor needs to be replaced now. So yep, I'm going to pass on being a Nissan "lifetime customer".

- Adam H., Damascus, OR, US

problem #334

Apr 242014

Pathfinder SE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,528 miles

Our Nissan 2005 Pathfinder experienced the radiator leaking anti-freeze into the transmission at 109,528 miles. We had it towed to our local repair facility where they diagnosed the problem and indicated we had to rebuild or replace the transmission. Thus I called the Nissan dealership where we bought the truck new in 2005 and of course they offered no help other than to match any repair estimate I received (nice customer service there). I then proceeded to have the Pathfinder repaired at a local Transmission Shop for $5554. After the repair I called Nissan Customer Service to see if they could help with the repair bill. They made me take it to a Nissan Dealership to certify the repair where they promptly charged me for this service. I did all the paperwork they requested and sent it to them only to find out they could not help with the repair bill.

I then contacted the lawyers that were involved in the class action settlement to see if they had any suggestions. They indicated that being the truck had over 100,000 miles and the date had passed for filing claims there was nothing I could do in regards to the settlement. The only action I had left was to take it to small claims court.

Has anyone had a similar problem and taken it to small claims court? I am wondering if there is any chance to win my case in small claims court.

This issue still causes major heartburn with me today. I have read a lot of other posts and I just can't believe that Nissan did not recall all vehicles with this issue and fix the problem which would have been the right thing to do. I know I will NEVER buy another Nissan product and we absolutely loved this truck before this happened.

- Rick S., Chanhassen, MN, US

problem #333

Jul 092014

Pathfinder LE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

I simply want a fair price point for a repair that was no fault of my own. $3000 is a farce to pay for a car that is 9 years old to be repaired....

- Robert L., Maplewood, NJ, US

problem #332

Aug 062014

Pathfinder 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,992 miles

Radiator blew, overheated the truck, towed it to the shop and found out that there was a recall for this type of issue, but had to still pay $3000 for the dealer to fix the radiator and the transmission. Turns out they only flushed the transmission because there was no visible damage and 3 months later the transmission blew. Now needing to be replaced. Worst vehicle on the road!! The 2005 is the first year of this model and has nothing but issues. Nissan should be buying them all back!

- luongom, Burnaby, British Columbia, canada

problem #331

Jul 222010

Pathfinder Se Off-road V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

Because of how this problem was handled I will never buy another nissan again and I tell everyone about the problem and how nissan did nothing to help. I rant to everyone I see about the truck and the problem.

- Kyle V., Rowley, MA, US

problem #330

Nov 072014

Pathfinder SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,000 miles

Very frustrated at this time I will have to make readable post at a later date.

- Melziner A., Colorado Springs, CO, US

problem #329

Apr 032012

Pathfinder SE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,000 miles

I knew the transmission cooler going bad was a common issue, so we spent the $1200 for the extended warranty.

The transmission cooler did fail and it ruined the transmission. The warranty company paid $4000 for the repair and we paid $100 deductible. I did not seek reimbursement from nissan.

- stas, Downingtown, PA - Pennsylvania, US

problem #328

Sep 052014

Pathfinder LE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

I always liked Nissan, and love my 2005 Pathfinder. Until coolant leaked into the transmission. I looked up online and saw all of the complaints on carcomplaints... Saw there was a class action suit which I do not qualify for since the time has passed. Called Nissan, they said since I'm over 100,000 miles I'm SOL. Cannot believe Nissan would treat loyal customers this way. Even with the warranty it only covers 800 dollars...and the other 3-4 thousand is on you. My family and I have bought 5 Nissans from the same dealer. Never again will we purchase a Nissan!!!

- Tim K., Arlington Heights, IL, US

problem #327

Aug 302014

Pathfinder LE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 166,000 miles

I had never received any information that there could be a problem with the transmission. My 16 year old son was driving the Pathfinder when the transmission went out...he was turning onto a busy street but luckily was able to pull over before being rear ended. I have since found out that this is a very common problem and believe that there should be a recall on the transmission before someone is killed. To me, this is a serious design flaw and a very serious safety hazard!!

- Patti B., Tallahassee, FL, US

problem #326

May 012014

Pathfinder XE 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

i was always a fan of nissan, we used to own missan sentra, nissan altima and then this 2005 nissan pathfinder. i trusted the nissan company so much that i thought they were honest people and would always protect the buyers of their product. since then i have always had provlems with the tire problem everytime i drive it in the highway, it would show the light of tire pressure problem. i took it to nissan several times but they would always say that i should bring it in when the tire light problem appears. when the pathfinder is turned off the light disappears but it would again appear when i drive in the highway. then this jerking happens everytine i accelerate. it jerk and the shake the more you accelerate your pathfinder. it was annoying and frightening because i donot know what could happen, will the car stop or burst into fire. i called nissan told them the problem. the nissan person said it would cost me $9000.00 to have it repaired. that was outrageous!!! i have taken cared of this pathfinder ever since i bought it and to end up paying $9000.00 more to have it repaired. i tool the car to the pathfinder to a mechanic and that is how i learned about the transmission problem. the coolant and radiator problem! looking back, the nissan person never mentioned this to me when i called nissan. nissan already knows the problem about this transmission and radiator problem because i told then about my provlem with the pathfinder, the jerking and shaking. i had to spend $3500.00 to have the transmission and radiator replaced. nissan should have recalled the pathfinders when they learned about this problem. I NEVER got a recall about this problem. it could have saved me a big amount of money plus pain and time if nissan did their part. nissan should reimburse me with the $3500.00 that i spent to replace the transmission and radiator. this is like a small cut that grew into a deep wound. if only nissan recalled the verhicles and fixed the problem from the start, it would have been less expensive and less annoying for the owner, that is me.

- Rita H., des plaines, IL, US

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