Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 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.
Takata recall I have coolent in my transmission due to radiator failure causing my transmission to slip causing my car to crash into my house in my carport the repair for the transmission is $3800 and I'm on a fix income
I was parking the car in a carport a low speed when the car lunged forward and hit a metal pole and dented my front bumper. Several weeks before the incident I noticed the car lunges forward (a few times) as I accelerate from a complete stop. This incident happened a few more times until the check engine light came on and the car would hesitate to accelerate. I took the car to universal Nissan (where I bought my car and have excellent service record on my vehicle) on 08-21-12 and they informed me that the radiator water was leaking into the transmission and it would cost anywhere between $4-5K to be repaired. They also informed me that this is a known problem for Pathfinder, xterra and frontier due to defective radiator. I called Nissan north America to see if they could help me with the problem. …
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. …
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. …
The vehicle will at times not accelerate from a stop light, or will feel like it is laboring and barely move. The shop retrieved codes p1754 and p0744, and cleared codes, which returned in short order. This condition can occur when making a left turn, or where we live, strand the car on a railroad crossing (we have had 2 young ladies killed at rail crossings in the last 2 years here). When a driver expects the vehicle to accelerate, and instead it flounders, the results can absolutely be deadly. The car has had the radiator replaced (a known defective part causing costly damage), but the transmission is now being fingered as the culprit after cross contamination of coolant and trans fluid alters the transmission function to be erratic. …
The Nissan Pathfinder complete shut down down and then would not go into reverse. I restarted the vehicle and the slip light was on--the car would not go into reverse. I then parked the car and returned next morning and the car electronics apparently reset (apparently) and the car would go into reverse. After driving for 10 km, the slip light came on and I drove it promptly into Nissan repair (overseas). The repair center informs me to not drive the car--possible damage to the transmission and that we need to get a part called valve assembly 31705ea30a; I must have this shipped, and cost for repair labor is $1,000 larie (667.00 usd). The issue is that the car died out as I was entering into a parking lot and a car hit me in the rear--luckily I was not on a highway when this happened. …
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. …
8/31/2016 - check engine light came on during normal driving, I brought it to my local mechanic for inspection which showed the transmission has failed. This is due to the radiator and transmission intermix problem is how Nissan notes it and validated by my call to the local Nissan dealer. The car is outside the Nissan extended warranty period for this issue which is 10 years but well under the 100,000 miles as it has 80K miles at time of event. Nissan is unable to offer any financial assistance so the out of pocket cost to repair ($5-$6K) makes it not worth the repair so I'm stuck with a car that to date I have maintained very well. There was not warning signs and I am sure this problem has been going on for some time as it does not happen overnight. Very disappointing that Nissan does not take ownership of the problem that has plagued hundreds of Nissan Pathfinder owners.
NHTSA investigations
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.
Transmission complaints in other Pathfinder years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder?
NHTSA has 585 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, 56% of the model year's 1,050 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (138 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 5 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.