Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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.
A car ran into our lane made a sudden stop in front of me, to avoid hitting the car I turned to the right and hit a brick building. My air bag deploy on the driver side but not the passenger side. My wife was in the passenger side and she suffered a concussion she had her seatbelt on. Her face was badly bruised and is still receiving care.....updated 05-27-15 updated 9/17/2015
After receiving a complimentary multi-point inspection from the local Nissan dealership, my wife told me that on the way home that the transmission seemed to not want to shift properly. Went to check transmission fluid and found that the dipstick is locked into place. Did some quick research to find out how to check fluid level and then found out about issue with Nissan pathfinders radiators having a problem with leaking coolant into the transmission cooling system. Checked radiator and found frothing foam on the inside of the pressure cap indicating that the radiator had failed. Contacted dealership and asked them why the section of the inspection for the cooling system and transmission system were checked as "OK". Did not receive an answer. Also, we were never notified by Nissan about the issue with radiator in our Nissan. …
Takata recall im writting this complaint in regards to my 2005 Nissan Pathfinder se. On 10/2/2017 my vehicle gave me some issues of not wanting to turn on. After talking to several mechanics and all giving me the same diagnosis and advising me to take it to town north Nissan in austin texas. The service agent ([redacted]) also gave me the same diagnosis (the module ipdm) needed to get changed. They gave me a price on the cost and told me the date my truck would be ready for pick up. My truck was in their shop since 10/25/2017 and they told my my car would be ready 10/31/2017 after 12:30 pm. So I called to get an update so I could pick up my truck. After all this time ([redacted]) told me that my truck actually needed a new transmission. That the transmission fluid and the radiator mixed totally ruining my engine. And that I would have to pay ($5,900) to fix it. …
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. …
The vehicle has had all sorts of issues starting with the brakes when one brake shoe totally disintegrated and evidently ruptured brake lines at around 61,000 miles. New brake replacement almost $900. Since that time (the vehicle now has 75000 miles) the transmission has continually slipped, the gas gauges and all other gauges work intermittently, and the emissions test last month showed possible catalytic converter issues (there are evidently two). When taken in for service the service technician suggested I get rid of the vehicle because it was notorious for cross contamination of coolant and transmission fluid. Continuing to drive it would eventually destroy the transmission, and even now May have permanent damage. …
This is the same as another complaint (# 10777718) filed through this site on 9/25. I took my truck in because of the service engine check light and the tech reported catalytic converter, heater hose vacuum & valve, power steering hose, and tire GPS. We have taken the truck in for the 3rd winter season and now they are saying it cost $725 dollars to repair the issue. For 3 years we have taken it in and they flushed the system, replace a sensor, and now this? Also the catalytic converter costing $1380 and power steering hose at $305. I noticed 4 recalls that we were never contacted about with the engine, and we have taken the truck in numerous times for these issues and they never mentioned the recalls. Our issue with the catalytic converter is exactly the same as the above mentioned issue filed in September. We also purchased an extended warranty, and none of this is covered. …
I took my 2005 Nissan Pathfinder into the shop because it was having trouble shifting gears at highway speeds. I later learned the bad news that the hoses in the radiator have failed causing coolant to cross contaminate and mix with transmission fluid producing a toxic sludge that ruins the radiator as well as the transmission. I was told that $4,000 later I would need a new radiator, new transmission and new hoses. The service technician also told me that this problem is very common in 05-06 pathfinders. After going home a quick google search revealed that tens of thousands of cars have actually dealth with this problem and there was a lawsuit brought against Nissan for these problems. Unfortunately I never knew of such a lawsuit and now that I have the very problem it's too late to do anything about it. …
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
Related recalls
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.
Engine complaints in other Pathfinder years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder?
NHTSA has 433 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, 41% of the model year's 1,050 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (64 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-517 (engine and engine cooling, Oct 28, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 3 fires and 4 injuries to engine & cooling 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.