NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,050 reports90,000 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IPDM BOARD THAT CONTROLS THE ENGINE ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER TOLD THE DEALER THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WOULD START, SHUT OFF AND OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE WOULD TAKE A LONG TIME TO RESTART. TH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IPDM BOARD THAT CONTROLS THE ENGINE ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER TOLD THE DEALER THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WOULD START, SHUT OFF AND OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE WOULD TAKE A LONG TIME TO RESTART. THE ENGINE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 90,000. UPDATED 03/14/10 *BF UPDATED 06/24/10.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10315755
115,000 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Power Train
RADIATOR LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION CAUSING FAILURE WHEN MY FAMILY WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. ALTHOUGH NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THIS CASE, NISSAN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THE PATHFINDER AND SOMEONE COULD BE HURT IN THE FUTURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315657
91,000 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Power Train
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH 106,000 MILES HAS HAD 3 TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED SINCE JUNE 2009. DEALERSHIP COVERED THEM UNDER WARRANTY, BUT NOW OTHER NON-WARRANTY ISSUES ARE OCCURRING WHICH WERE CAUSED BY THOSE TRANSMISSION FAILURES. VEHICLE HAS HAD THE TRANSCOOLER REPLACED, HOSES, AND RADIATOR REPLACED AND FLUSHED...AT MY COST. …
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2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH 106,000 MILES HAS HAD 3 TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED SINCE JUNE 2009. DEALERSHIP COVERED THEM UNDER WARRANTY, BUT NOW OTHER NON-WARRANTY ISSUES ARE OCCURRING WHICH WERE CAUSED BY THOSE TRANSMISSION FAILURES. VEHICLE HAS HAD THE TRANSCOOLER REPLACED, HOSES, AND RADIATOR REPLACED AND FLUSHED...AT MY COST. VEHICLE MAKES A DANGEROUSLY LOUD VIBRATING NOISE BETWEEN 40-60 MPH AND BEGINS TO SHAKE. ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. PARTS THAT WERE REPLACED WERE KEPT AT THE DEALERSHIP AND ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM THAT HAPPENS EVERY 2 MONTHS OR SO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315544
64,863 miles · Mar 1, 2010
Power Train
TRANSMISSION FAILURE SUV BUCKS WILL NOT DRIVE GOING DOWN HIGHWAY UNSAFE IN TRAFFIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315320
61,548 miles · Feb 28, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
FILLED UP WITH GAS AND FUEL SENSOR GOES BAD. GAS LEVEL IS NO LONGER CORRECT THUS VEHICLE COULD RUN OUT OF GAS AT ANYTIME CAUSING A HAZARD. THIS REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF SENSOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10314970
87,000 miles · Feb 27, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, OtherPower Train
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER STARTED HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS, HAD 60K SERVICE DONE AT DEALER, STARTED AGAIN, FLUSHED AGAIN AT 72 HAD PROBLEMS AGAIN AT 80 AND AT 87K THE RADIATOR CORE FAILED AND LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL AND SEIZE TOTAL COST FOR REPAIRS 4400.00 AFTER HEARING ABOUT THIS I DID A LITT…
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2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER STARTED HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS, HAD 60K SERVICE DONE AT DEALER, STARTED AGAIN, FLUSHED AGAIN AT 72 HAD PROBLEMS AGAIN AT 80 AND AT 87K THE RADIATOR CORE FAILED AND LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL AND SEIZE TOTAL COST FOR REPAIRS 4400.00 AFTER HEARING ABOUT THIS I DID A LITTLE SEARCH AND FOUND THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR, AS THE SHIFTING IS A PRECURSER TO THE FAILURE, I WANTED THE DEALER TO COVER SINCE THEY ASSURED ME IT WAS OK.. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10314881
75,864 miles · Feb 26, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHILE DRIVING ON A SNOW IN 4WD COVERED SECONDARY ROAD I APPLIED MY BRAKES AND THEY LOCKED UP AND NEVER RELEASED, LEAVING THE CAR STRANDED IN THE TRAVEL LANE. I DID TRY TO FORCE THE CAR OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND ENDED UP BREAKING MY FRONT DRIVESHAFT AND DIFFERENTIAL. THE PROBLEM WAS A FAILED ABS ACTUATOR THAT THE DEALER COULD N…
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WHILE DRIVING ON A SNOW IN 4WD COVERED SECONDARY ROAD I APPLIED MY BRAKES AND THEY LOCKED UP AND NEVER RELEASED, LEAVING THE CAR STRANDED IN THE TRAVEL LANE. I DID TRY TO FORCE THE CAR OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND ENDED UP BREAKING MY FRONT DRIVESHAFT AND DIFFERENTIAL. THE PROBLEM WAS A FAILED ABS ACTUATOR THAT THE DEALER COULD NOT GET IT TO RELEASE THE BRAKES EVEN WITH THE CAR OFF AND KEY OUT. MY CONCERN IS IF THIS HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN FOR WORSE. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AND I PAID FOR THE REPAIRS IN FULL. NISSAN N.A. DID CONTACT ME TO SAY THERE WOULD BE NO MORE GOODWILL AND CLAIMED THEY NEVER SOW THIS BEFORE. I HAVE SEEN ON MAXIMA AND MURANO FORUMS THAT THERE HAVE BEEN ABS FAILURES. FOR THE RECORD MY OTHER TO OUT OF WARRANTY ISSUES WAS A PAINT PEELING ON THE ROOF AND A DEFECTIVE RADIATOR THAT RUINED THE TRANSMISSION(NISSAN KNEW ABOUT THE FAULTY RADIATORS). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10314623
95,000 miles · Feb 26, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER IS HAVING THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS THAT SO MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING. IT SEEMS THAT NISSAN HAD A DEFECTIVE BATCH OF RADIATORS THAT HAS LET COOLANT LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING VIBRATIONS, HESITATION AND EVENTUALLY FAILURE.WE HAVE THREE FOSTER CHILDREN AND ONE OF THEM IS AN INFANT WITH A FEEDING…
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MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER IS HAVING THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS THAT SO MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING. IT SEEMS THAT NISSAN HAD A DEFECTIVE BATCH OF RADIATORS THAT HAS LET COOLANT LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING VIBRATIONS, HESITATION AND EVENTUALLY FAILURE.WE HAVE THREE FOSTER CHILDREN AND ONE OF THEM IS AN INFANT WITH A FEEDING TUBE AND TRACK I DO NOT WANT TO GET A CALL FROM MY WIFE SAYING SHE HAS BROKEN DOWN ON THE ROAD ON HER WAY TO VISITATION WITH THE BIOLOGICAL PARENTS OR TO DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS. NISSAN IS CLEARLY AVOIDING THIS PROBLEM! I EXPECT THEY WILL START TAKING ACTION WHEN LAWSUITS START ROLLING IN ON THEM. MR. CEO OF NISSAN MAY FIND THIS THING PARKED IN HIS LIVING ROOM IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO MY FOSTER CHILDREN BECAUSE OF BREAKING DOWN. JUST KIDDING, BUT I WILL BE PISSED. SOMEONE PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10314517
39,000 miles · Feb 25, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE DEFECTIVE PART SHOULD BE RECALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE W…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE DEFECTIVE PART SHOULD BE RECALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40350. UPDATED 03/26/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. UPDATED 07/23/10*JB
NHTSA ODI #10314188
Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER EXPRESSES DISSATISFACTION RELATING TO DEFECTS IN ENGINE, TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. CONSUMER SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *TGW RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH EVENTUALLY CAUSED DAMAGED TO THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A SEAL ON THE…
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2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER EXPRESSES DISSATISFACTION RELATING TO DEFECTS IN ENGINE, TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. CONSUMER SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *TGW RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH EVENTUALLY CAUSED DAMAGED TO THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A SEAL ON THE RADIATOR DESIGNED TO PREVENT FLUIDS FROM MIXING TOGETHER, BUT OBVIOUSLY THE SEAL FAILED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10313264
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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