NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,050 reports131,000 miles · Dec 19, 2019
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP SIGN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD INTO TRAFFIC AND SUDDENLY STOPPED. THE MAINTENANCE, 4WD, AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE GEAR SHIFTER SYMBOLS WERE BLANK. THE VEHICLE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP SIGN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD INTO TRAFFIC AND SUDDENLY STOPPED. THE MAINTENANCE, 4WD, AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE GEAR SHIFTER SYMBOLS WERE BLANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD A BURNING ODOR. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO DAYS LATER. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME STUCK IN FIRST GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SAME INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
NHTSA ODI #11290040
229,000 miles · Nov 30, 2019
Unknown Or Other
TIMING CHAIN FAILED WAS AT HOME IN DRIVEWAY AND IT FAILED
NHTSA ODI #11283028
120,000 miles · Aug 31, 2019
Power Train
RADIATOR INTERNALLY FAILED CAUSING FLUIDS TO MIX. COOLANT WAS RUN THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING IT TO FAIL.
NHTSA ODI #11252586
206,000 miles · Jul 23, 2019
Service BrakesCrash
ANOTHER CAR STOPPED QUICKLY IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT DIRECTLY TO THE FLOOR AND I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. UPON INSPECTION AFTER THE ACCIDENT I SAW THAT BOTH BOLTS HOLDING THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE VACUUM CANISTER WERE BROKEN, (PULLED APART).
NHTSA ODI #11234119
120,000 miles · May 16, 2019
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE HAVING NO IDEA OF THIS ISSUE, I DIDN'T INVESTIGATE BECAUSE THIS IS OUR 7TH NISSAN AND THEY HAVE BEEN GOOD CARS. I WAS DRIVING 75 MPH TO WORK AT RUSH HOUR AND THE TRANS STARTED LETTING LOOSE AND SHUDDERING SO BAD I HAD TO PULL OVER ONTO THE SHOULD AND THAT'S JUST AS SAFE AS DRIVING THIS THING. PAID A LOT OF M…
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I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE HAVING NO IDEA OF THIS ISSUE, I DIDN'T INVESTIGATE BECAUSE THIS IS OUR 7TH NISSAN AND THEY HAVE BEEN GOOD CARS. I WAS DRIVING 75 MPH TO WORK AT RUSH HOUR AND THE TRANS STARTED LETTING LOOSE AND SHUDDERING SO BAD I HAD TO PULL OVER ONTO THE SHOULD AND THAT'S JUST AS SAFE AS DRIVING THIS THING. PAID A LOT OF MONEY TO HAVE IT SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. BUT EVERYONE THAT ASKS WHY I TELL THEM BECAUSE NISSAN DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMERS. WE INTENDED FOR OUR 14 Y/O TO DRIVE IT BUT NO WAY IN THE WORLD WOULD I LET THAT HAPPEN
NHTSA ODI #11208144
80,000 miles · Mar 19, 2019
Power Train
COMPLETE LOSS POWER AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SHOP, THE DIAGNOSE WAS A FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER INTEGRATED INTO THE RADIATOR THAT ALLOWED ENGINE COOLANT TO MIX WITH AND CONTAMINATE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE VEHICLE DID NOT REPORT ANY WARNING SIGNS BEFORE THE FAILURES OTHER THAN A SUDDEN LOSS OF ABILITY TO MOV…
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COMPLETE LOSS POWER AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SHOP, THE DIAGNOSE WAS A FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER INTEGRATED INTO THE RADIATOR THAT ALLOWED ENGINE COOLANT TO MIX WITH AND CONTAMINATE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE VEHICLE DID NOT REPORT ANY WARNING SIGNS BEFORE THE FAILURES OTHER THAN A SUDDEN LOSS OF ABILITY TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. MY PATHFINDER IS 2005 WITH ONLY 81000 BECAUSE I AM IN THE MILITARY AND I DID NOT DRIVE IT, AND I HAVE NO REPORT OF A RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #11189952
115,000 miles · Mar 11, 2019
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DIGITAL FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED THE INCORRECT FUEL MILEAGE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF DUE TO NO FUEL BEING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DIGITAL FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED THE INCORRECT FUEL MILEAGE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF DUE TO NO FUEL BEING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000.
NHTSA ODI #11185771
190,000 miles · Oct 12, 2018
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF AND FAIL TO IMMEDIATELY RESTART ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA ODI #11140031
81,957 miles · Aug 22, 2018
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (MELLOY NISSAN, 7707 LOMAS BLVD NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87110, (505) 545-6420) FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND INQUIRED ABOUT FAILURES WITH THE TRANSMISSION; HOWEVER, THE DEALER FOUND NO FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (MELLOY NISSAN, 7707 LOMAS BLVD NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87110, (505) 545-6420) FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND INQUIRED ABOUT FAILURES WITH THE TRANSMISSION; HOWEVER, THE DEALER FOUND NO FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED AND WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS CRACKED AND THE FLUID SEEPED INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE REPAIR COST WOULD EXCEED $5,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,957.
NHTSA ODI #11121669
199,924 miles · Aug 14, 2018
Power Train
COOLANT DAMAGE TRANSMISSION. THE CAR LOST POWER IN MOTION
NHTSA ODI #11119915
Official recalls
2Oct 28, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 ARMADA, TITAN, INFINITI QX56 AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER AND XTERRA VEHICLES. THE INTELLIGENT POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE (IPDM) ASSEMBLY CONTAINS AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) RELAY THAT HAS A DIODE FOR ELECTRICAL CURRENT NOISE REDUCTION. THE ECM RELAY MAY ALLOW SILICON VAPOR TO FORM AND, OVER TIME, THE SILICON EVAPORATES FROM THE DIODE MOLDING WHICH CAUSES SILICON OXIDE TO DEVELOP ON THE ECM RELAY CONTACT DUE TO ARCING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE ENGINE STALLING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECM RELAY INSIDE THE IPDM ASSEMBLY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 6, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Dec 29, 2008
NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2009. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY MAIL AND WILL RECEIVE A STICKER TO PLACE IN THEIR WARRANTY BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP12004 · Transmission Failures
Opened Jun 11, 2012 · Closed Oct 22, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train; Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines; Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
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