2005 Nissan Pathfinder Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 585about this part
- Share
- 56%of 1,050 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 585 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, 56% of the 1,050 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Started up drove fine then when I stopped it would not accelerate. Turned off went through gears couple times and had to do that 3 times before it would accelerate and shift. I drove 50 miles home next day it did same thing after driving 1/2 mile. Goes into reverse but will not go over 5 miles per hour moving forward.”
NHTSA complaint #11377874, filed 2020-12, 180,000 miles“The radiator cracked where the transmission line runs through it. This caused the tranny fluid and coolant to mix and ruin the transmission. I noticed a severe vibration at 40-60 MPH which almost caused me to get into an accident. These are very dangerous to drive on the highway with this issue and may lead to severe accidents. The radiator and transmission should be recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10958707, filed 2017-03, 105,000 miles“Car has experienced leakage from the transmission cooler radiator to the automatic transmission, causing the transmission to fail. We will need to have it rebuilt, which will cost us $4,500+. We may also need to have the radiator replaced. Nissan knew of this problem years ago. They didn't do a recall or issue a service bulletin to owners of these vehicles, which is unconscionable behavior.”
NHTSA complaint #11011172, filed 2017-07, 132,975 miles“At almost 70,000 miles, I started getting a vibration when accelerating at or above 40 MPH. I was told by the Nissan dealership that it was coolant intermixed in the radiator and transmission and they needed to be replaced at a cost of $6800. Nissan knew about this problem back in 2007 and didn't notify owners. Not happy!”
NHTSA complaint #10927406, filed 2016-11, 70,000 miles“Transmission went out in my vehicle. Has been shaking and having trouble for a while, but finally died on december 20th. It is from the coolant leaking into the transmission (something Nissan is aware of, but makes no amends to fix). This is a costly fix and not one I can pay anytime soon. If I am unable to get to work then I can't buy parts and labor.”
NHTSA complaint #10565786, filed 2014-02, 117,304 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10192821May 10, 2016SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement 5-speed rear wheel drive Automatic Transmission (A/T) assemblies and replacement control valves (valve bodies) now come with blank Transmission…
- 10192691Nov 30, 2015IF YOU CONFIRM: A remanufactured automatic transmission supplied by ATC Drivetrain is installed in an APPLIED VEHICLE AND CONSULT-III plus (C-III plus) is not able to communicate…
- 10192524Feb 6, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering rack) leak issues, it may appear the steering rack is leaking when…
- 10192474Nov 20, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION If a customer describes lack of power or poor acceleration, perform the following checks before attempting any repair: * Check for stored DTCs. * Check if the…
- 10192051Oct 12, 2012Nissan has decided in the interest of customer satisfaction, to further extend the warranty for the Radiator Assembly on all 2005-10 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra vehicles…
- 10043950Apr 10, 2012Nissan: ecm replacement procedures with consult iii plus. Applies to all 2004 and later (does not apply to leaf/ev) vehicles.
- 10033345Mar 19, 2010Nissan: oil leaking from transfer case. Oil is leaking from one or a combination of three bolts at the rear of the transfer case. If bolts are not missing, do not replace…
- 10024689Apr 28, 2008Nissan; special automatic transmission fluid requirement. 2004 to current nissan vehicles.
- 10020267Aug 3, 2006Pop/clunk noise from the front of the vehicle.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 27% |
| 2025 | 8 | 14% |
| 2024 | 9 | 10% |
| 2023 | 13 | 12% |
| 2022 | 17 | 12% |
| 2020 | 9 | 17% |
| 2019 | 9 | 12% |
| 2018 | 12 | 15% |
| 2017 | 34 | 18% |
| 2016 | 7 | 7% |
| 2015 | 77 | 24% |
| 2014 | 215 | 37% |
| 2013 | 371 | 42% |
| 2012 | 2 | 9% |
| 2011 | 7 | 16% |
| 2010 | 11 | 28% |
| 2009 | 8 | 22% |
| 2008 | 155 | 47% |
| 2007 | 337 | 60% |
| 2006 | 450 | 54% |
| 2005 | 585 | 56% |
| 2004 | 9 | 13% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 10 | 6% |
| 2001 | 3 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 5% |
| 1999 | 8 | 8% |
| 1998 | 20 | 13% |
| 1997 | 19 | 9% |
| 1996 | 12 | 8% |
| 1995 | 20 | 12% |
| 1994 | 10 | 11% |
| 1993 | 3 | 6% |
| 1992 | 9 | 30% |
| 1991 | 14 | 36% |
| 1990 | 13 | 34% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
290 complaintsFuel system
276 complaintsEngine
144 complaintsElectrical system
66 complaintsOther or unknown
40 complaintsVehicle speed control
31 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsEquipment
11 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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