Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Nissan Pathfinder owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I am reporting a serious safety defect with my 2005 Nissan Pathfinder (VIN: [redacted] ). My vehicle has an open recall for the airbag emblem (NHTSA #23E-012 / PC948), which is scheduled for inspection. However, I am writing today because I am also experiencing a repeated and dangerous malfunction that is unrelated to that recall: Total loss of dashboard lights and instruments while driving No throttle response even though the engine remains running Temporary function restored only by turning the vehicle off and restarting it on the roas This behavior matches known electrical failures in this model year, often related to the IPDM, ignition switch, or ECM communication. These are not cosmetic or maintenance issues-they are life-threatening. My vehicle has done this multiple times, including at highway speeds. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that there was a leak underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be inspected. The contact was informed that the was coming from the brake lines. The contact was also informed that the brake fluid leak damaged the battery. The mechanic repaired brake line and replaced the battery however, the failure recurred with the battery. The vehicle was towed to the same independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the second failure. The vehicle was then towed to anderson Nissan (3842 az-95, lake havasu city, az 86404) who diagnosed the vehicle with a loose electrical connection with the battery relay. The vehicle was repaired and returned to the contact however, the failure recurred the next day. …
There is a leak in my radiator which as gone into my transmission rendering it inoperable. Mechanics recommend to replace the entire transmission due to this massive design flaw Nissan has been well aware of for years. ...updated 12/03/15 I've spoken with my Nissan dealer as well as the dealer that looked over the car when I purchased it and both said it's a massive problem and customers have no way of knowing if or when it could occur, and therefore no way of preventing it. I understand the north carolina consumer council filed a petition back in 2012 and that the complaint volume has been tremendous on this issue. I hope the NHTSA comes to the conclusion that this part should have been recalled. I have no family vehicle now and cannot afford to pay $7500 for a new transmission, that had no issues at all until the defective radiator got a hole. Thank you
Al encender el carro y calentar para salir el vehculo enciende una luz y en marcha el solo se apaga en medio de las calles o carreteras. Los mecanismos lo chequeo y junto al servicio de seguro ellos sacaron la conclusin la transmisin calienta los cables que van al motor que esto es un problema de fbrica y por esto yo tuve que rebelda la transmisin por $4.000.00 y el seguro me aumento de $1000s a $ 4000s. No puedo USA mi carro que pague $20.000. Fui al diler de la Nissan y ellos me dijeron tengo que pagar $165.00 para empezar y despus me dirn e cuanto me cuenta el total del arreglo. No obstante con el diagnstico del ingeniero de mecnica del seguro state farm y los 3 mecanismos que estuvieron en arreglo 1 de motor y elctrico y transmisin. He gastado mucho dinero y no pueden hacer nada ni usar mi vehiculo. En que ustedes me pueden ayudar por amor a dios?
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.
As I was driving on interstate 24 with a lot of traffic,I was running the speed limit about 75mph and suddenly it just turn off.my steering wheel lock up and I didn't had no control of the vehicle .me and my family was terrifying about the situation we was going threw.but we was lucky nothing happen to us.its not the first time it happen it done it a few times before.I took it to the dealer ship but they say that its not showing any codes.
Car stalled while driving on interstate almost causing a crash. Dealer says it was camshaft and crank sensors charged me $609.00 to repair. Car had only 86,261 miles and should not have electrical problems. No recall on something that can cause car to shut off? Currently having to get the fuel tank pressure sensor replaced costing another $250 not including installation. Current mileage is only 106K.
Issues with the transmission. Began with radiator issues. Come to find out, there has been many issues with coolant mixing into places it shouldn't. Then the torque converter went out, and now the safety neutral switch and valve body. Very short engineering and problem after problem obviously known to Nissan but no recalls reported.
Without any warning and sporadically as I am driving the vehicle it will jerk and then shut off, leaving me with no control over the steering or brakes. Sometimes it will be hard to start but will eventually start and this is also a random occurance. My main concern is it shutting off while driving and leaving me with no control.
Well, well, thank goodness for sites like this. I took my 2005 Nissan Pathfinder se to the dealership....car had been bucking and stalling randomly. They played stupid at the dealership, even had the gall to suggest after running the $95 diagnostics that my car was fine. Yeah right. I just had nothing better to do than drop off a car in working condition... They suggested I leave the car there overnight and they would run the diagnostic again and voila ...its the ipdm! They want around $600 to fix because its not under warranty. I've had to change the battery at 20K miles, replace the fuel sensors, take the car back and forth multiple times because sensors were going off for no apparent reason. Apparently this all comes back to that faulty ipdm that should've been looked at from the beginning--while under warranty. …
Electrical complaints in other Pathfinder years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder?
NHTSA has 66 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, 6% of the model year's 1,050 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Nissan Pathfinder electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Nissan Pathfinder electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.