Most common 2005 Nissan Pathfinder problems
Share of the 1,050 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Pathfinder complaints by model year
Best Pathfinder years: 2012, 2011, 2020. Years to avoid: 2013, 2014, 2025, 2022, 2015. Compare all years →
2005 Nissan Pathfinder recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling
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.
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.
Air bags › Frontal
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,…
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder:
Transmission Failures
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.
What 2005 Nissan Pathfinder owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 585 →
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to immediately restart. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The dynamic control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Voluntary Recall Campaign: PC068. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
While driving on US 95 in DC, MD and NJ, when the traffic became stop and go, my SUV could not get into 1st gear to go. The engine revved, the car shook and made noises. Several times I came close to being rear-ended. This problem also occurs when starting after a red light, when accelerating on a highway (usually 3rd or 4th gear), and when turning left on a green arrow. Not only has it caused many close calls with being rear-ended, but it has also incited road rage in people who are driving behind me. Now I'm told I need a new transmission and also a new coolant system which leaks due to a fault in the system known by Nissan, and pollutes the transmission. This is a terrible safety threat and Nissan should own up to it and pay for the repairs.
Engine & cooling all 433 →
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The check engine warning light was illuminated along with other several unknown warning lights. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
While driving on US 95 in DC, MD and NJ, when the traffic became stop and go, my SUV could not get into 1st gear to go. The engine revved, the car shook and made noises. Several times I came close to being rear-ended. This problem also occurs when starting after a red light, when accelerating on a highway (usually 3rd or 4th gear), and when turning left on a green arrow. Not only has it caused many close calls with being rear-ended, but it has also incited road rage in people who are driving behind me. Now I'm told I need a new transmission and also a new coolant system which leaks due to a fault in the system known by Nissan, and pollutes the transmission. This is a terrible safety threat and Nissan should own up to it and pay for the repairs.
Fuel & propulsion system all 276 →
As I began to pull out at an intersection on my way to work I stepped on the gas and my car was barely moving. I nearly got hit by another driver. I called the dealer from which I purchased this vehicle 16 months ago and had it taken to them. They called me with the news that the radiator coolant had leaked into the transmission and caused damage to both parts, therefore both are needing to be replaced. Given the fact that I recently purchased this vehicle and now have to put $5,200 into a fix that should not have occurred I am at a complete loss. I still owe $7,000+ on this vehicle's loan. I feel that Nissan should be responsible for it's faulty manufacturing, however I also feel that the dealer should be held partially responsible as well. …
My 2005 Nissan Pathfinder hit a metal object in the road with one of the front tires. The object was propelled under the car towards the rear. There it contacted the fuel tank and punctured the tank. This caused 16-18 gallons of gasoline to flow out of the tank. After stopping I had to step through a steady stream of gasoline to remove my infant daughter from the middle row's driver's side seat. At this time I'm aware of no other damage sustained to the vehicle. Police and fire department responded to the scene, and the police report is available upon request. This incident appears to be consistent with events described in the recall 06V003000 for the 2005 Nissan murano, however to my knowledge it appears the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder has not been recalled for this issue. Currently I'm awaiting the final repair bill and determination if anything beyond the fuel tank was damaged. …
2005 Nissan Pathfinder engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 21 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder a good car?
Based on 1,050 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Pathfinder rates avoid: 8.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Pathfinder at the same age. It is one of the Pathfinder years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder?
The transmission & drivetrain — 585 complaints, 56% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (433) and fuel & propulsion system (276).
How many recalls does the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, the most recent from October 28, 2010 (engine and engine cooling). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Pathfinder?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2011 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2014, 2025, 2022 and 2015. See the full Nissan Pathfinder years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Nissan Pathfinder problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 9% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.