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Engine coolingPart report

2005 Nissan Pathfinder Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
290about this part
Share
28%of 1,050 total for the year
Median mileage
92,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 290 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, 28% of the 1,050 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I noticed that the temperature gauge was reading a little high so I took it to a friend and he said there was oil in the radiator when the cap was removed. He recommended that I take the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer said I had to pay a co-pay of $2500.00 to replace the radiator and the transmission because the warranty had expired.”

NHTSA complaint #10561448, filed 2014-01, 77,483 miles

“I have only had this vehicle for a year. I noticed the transmission started sputtering when I got to about 40 or 50 MPH. I had it taken in to see what the problem was and they told me the radiator failed and leaked into the transmission and both had to be replaced. Luckily I was not on the road with my children in the car when this thing decided to fail.”

NHTSA complaint #10514060, filed 2013-05, 132,000 miles

“My SUV began stuttering when attempting to change gears. I looked on line and found the problem that so many have been having, coolant leaking into transmission contaminating it. Nissan suggested an initial transmission flush, but recommends a $5,500 transmission replacement in addition to a $620 radiator. I cannot afford these repairs, and I am afraid to continue driving my car.”

NHTSA complaint #10605453, filed 2014-06, 14,600 miles

“My problem started with my 2005 Pathfinder over a year ago,I went to the Nissan dealer they told me that I need to drop off my vehicle for them to fix it I asked if Nissan covering it they said no I have to pay $2,500. This is not my fault it's their problem. Why do I have to pay for them to correct their problem with a radiator leaking and messing up the transmission?”

NHTSA complaint #10538222, filed 2013-08, 65,000 miles

“While driving the Pathfinder at 45mhp it started to shake and slowed down even while pressing gas pedal down... Felt like the brakes were on.. After getting the vehicle home I discovered the problem with the transmission and radiator. It seems to be a common problem that Nissan is aware of... If we were on the interstate at high speeds it could of been a serious accident.”

NHTSA complaint #10496634, filed 2013-02, 86,670 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202512%
202411%
202311%
201911%
201811%
201721%
201611%
201510%
201451%
201351%
201214%
201025%
2009411%
2008237%
200712823%
200618522%
200529028%
200434%
20032523%
20023522%
2001167%
200054%
199966%
199864%
1997178%
1996149%
19955231%
19943538%
19932551%
1992827%
1991821%
19901437%
1989427%
1988529%
1987526%

Other parts of the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder

Transmission and drivetrain
585 complaints
Fuel system
276 complaints
Engine
144 complaints
Electrical system
66 complaints
Other or unknown
40 complaints
Vehicle speed control
31 complaints
Air bags
22 complaints
Brakes
18 complaints
Body and structure
14 complaints
Equipment
11 complaints
Steering
9 complaints
Suspension
9 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology