NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,050 reports75,000 miles · Apr 20, 2010
Power Train
MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS A DEFECT INVOLVING FLUID FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT THAT POSTED ABOUT BY MANY OTHERS AND IT CAUSES MY CAR TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY BETWEEN SPEEDS OF 45-65 MPH. NEITHER NISSAN N.A. NOR THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR, RT 22 NISSAN IN NJ, HAVE BEEN COOPER…
Read full complaint
MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS A DEFECT INVOLVING FLUID FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT THAT POSTED ABOUT BY MANY OTHERS AND IT CAUSES MY CAR TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY BETWEEN SPEEDS OF 45-65 MPH. NEITHER NISSAN N.A. NOR THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR, RT 22 NISSAN IN NJ, HAVE BEEN COOPERATIVE IN RECTIFYING OR EVEN ADDRESSING HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10326560
58,000 miles · Apr 19, 2010
Power Train
MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS 58,000 AND SHAKES VIOLENTLY ONCE I REACH 40 MPH AND OVER ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALER AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE RADIATOR LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION MAKING IT SHAKE VERY VIOLENTLY. THE ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR THIS HUGE PROBLEM IS ANYWHERE FROM $3500-$4500. I…
Read full complaint
MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS 58,000 AND SHAKES VIOLENTLY ONCE I REACH 40 MPH AND OVER ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALER AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE RADIATOR LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION MAKING IT SHAKE VERY VIOLENTLY. THE ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR THIS HUGE PROBLEM IS ANYWHERE FROM $3500-$4500. I CALLED NISSAN HEADQUARTERS ONLY TO HEAR THAT MY WARRANTY ALREADY EXPIRED AND THAT THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY AND MECHANICAL PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED SINCE THEY HAVE TERRIBLE ENGINEERING AND COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN MAJOR ACCIDENT AND SOMEONE'S LIFE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10326490
90,000 miles · Apr 16, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL-*HE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIATOR COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION; BOTH THE TRANSMISSION AND R…
Read full complaint
TL-*HE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIATOR COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION; BOTH THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #10326060
40,000 miles · Apr 16, 2010
Fuel System, Other
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PUMPING GAS, THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE TANK WAS STILL EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT NO REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMA…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PUMPING GAS, THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE TANK WAS STILL EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT NO REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 51,000. UPDATED 12/02/10 *BF UPDATED 12/07/10
NHTSA ODI #10325942
65,000 miles · Apr 15, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 55 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR READING FUEL LEVELS AT EMPTY AFTER SHE HAD FILLED THE FUEL TANK MOMENTS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE MILEA…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 55 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR READING FUEL LEVELS AT EMPTY AFTER SHE HAD FILLED THE FUEL TANK MOMENTS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
NHTSA ODI #10325818
70,000 miles · Apr 14, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
NOTICED A FUEL GAUGE DOWN TO EMPTY AFTER GAS WAS FILLED UP. SINCE THE FIRST TIME IT FAILED, THE FUEL GAUGE HAS NEVER BEEN THE SAME. IT READS HALF OR EMPTY NEVER IN BETWEEN NO MATTER HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE TANK. WAS INFORMED BY NISSAN DEALERSHIP THAT ITS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SEND UNIT. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT IT …
Read full complaint
NOTICED A FUEL GAUGE DOWN TO EMPTY AFTER GAS WAS FILLED UP. SINCE THE FIRST TIME IT FAILED, THE FUEL GAUGE HAS NEVER BEEN THE SAME. IT READS HALF OR EMPTY NEVER IN BETWEEN NO MATTER HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE TANK. WAS INFORMED BY NISSAN DEALERSHIP THAT ITS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SEND UNIT. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT IT AS OF YET. NISSAN HAS BEEN CONTACTED NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAVE FAILED TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. THE 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH THE SAME ISSUE HAS BEEN RECALLED BUT 2005 HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10325586
89,582 miles · Apr 13, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE GAS GAUGE REGISTERED A HALF TANK OF GAS. THE CAR RAN OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MILES AN HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10325268
100,033 miles · Apr 9, 2010
Power Train
1) CAR STARTED TO STUTTER AT FIRST, THEN KICK, THEN BUCK WHEN HITTING 60MPH. THEN IT STARTED DOING IT AT 30MPH, 45MPH AND AGAIN AT 60MPH. 2) IT WON'T AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT (YES IT IS AN AUTOMATIC) IN 3 OR MORE GEARS ONCE THE CAR HAS BEEN WARMED UP 3) CAR WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC (AT THEIR REQUEST) AND THEY SAID THE …
Read full complaint
1) CAR STARTED TO STUTTER AT FIRST, THEN KICK, THEN BUCK WHEN HITTING 60MPH. THEN IT STARTED DOING IT AT 30MPH, 45MPH AND AGAIN AT 60MPH. 2) IT WON'T AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT (YES IT IS AN AUTOMATIC) IN 3 OR MORE GEARS ONCE THE CAR HAS BEEN WARMED UP 3) CAR WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC (AT THEIR REQUEST) AND THEY SAID THE MOST "COST EFFECTIVE" WAY IS TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO A LEAKING RADIATOR HOSE THAT MANAGES TO GET LIQUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10324758
49,014 miles · Apr 8, 2010
Fuel System, Other
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE AND THE ODOMETER DISPLAYED INCORRECT READINGS. THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS REPLACED AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT NOTICED NO FAILURES SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. SHE FELT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND WANTED TO REPORT THAT …
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE AND THE ODOMETER DISPLAYED INCORRECT READINGS. THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS REPLACED AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT NOTICED NO FAILURES SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. SHE FELT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND WANTED TO REPORT THAT THE OTHER VEHICLES WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 10V075000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STORAGE AUXILIARY TANK) ALSO EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,014. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,440.
NHTSA ODI #10324543
70,000 miles · Apr 7, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
I WAS EXPERIENCING A SHUTTER IN MY TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION COULD BIND WHILE RIDING. THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON NEARLY 9 MONTHS UNTIL IT BROKE WHILE AT THE TRANSMISSION SHOP AND WE HAD TO GET IT TOWED BECAUSE WE COULDN'T AFFORD TO BUY A TRANSMISSION AT THE TIME. WE WERE TOLD THA…
Read full complaint
I WAS EXPERIENCING A SHUTTER IN MY TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION COULD BIND WHILE RIDING. THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON NEARLY 9 MONTHS UNTIL IT BROKE WHILE AT THE TRANSMISSION SHOP AND WE HAD TO GET IT TOWED BECAUSE WE COULDN'T AFFORD TO BUY A TRANSMISSION AT THE TIME. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE RADIATOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION WHICH RUINED THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10324153
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.
Illustration