2005 Nissan Pathfinder

1,050 federal complaints (1,560 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 89 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 40 model years of the Nissan Pathfinder →
Engine
4.0L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
14 city / 21 hwy
Federal complaints
1,050
Recall campaigns
2
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Power train
591
Engine & cooling
438
Fuel system
283
Electrical system
66
Other
40
Speed control
31
Air bags
23
Brakes
20
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 15 complaints01 years old: 14 complaints2 years old: 20 complaints3 years old: 41 complaints4 years old: 113 complaints5 years old: 224 complaints56 years old: 117 complaints7 years old: 143 complaints8 years old: 130 complaints9 years old: 74 complaints10 years old: 56 complaints1011 years old: 45 complaints12 years old: 19 complaints13 years old: 12 complaints14 years old: 9 complaints15 years old: 5 complaints1516 years old: 3 complaints17 years old: 3 complaints18 years old: 3 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 1,048 of 1,050 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 17 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 21 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 109 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 184 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 243 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 176 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 110 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 55 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 21 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 8 complaints200,000+ miles: 6 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 950 of 1,050 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Power train

591 complaint records5 fire reports5 crash reports
"RADIATOR COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION RENDERING USELESS. CORRODED AND DESTROYED WHOLE INTERIOR OF TRANSMISSION ...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

438 complaint records3 fire reports3 crash reports
"RADIATOR COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION RENDERING USELESS. CORRODED AND DESTROYED WHOLE INTERIOR OF TRANSMISSION ...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Fuel system

283 complaint records3 crash reports
"THE GAS GAUGE REGISTERED A HALF TANK OF GAS. THE CAR RAN OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MILES AN HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP12004
opened Jun 2012
closed Oct 2016Power TrainTransmission 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...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
10V517000Engine And Engine CoolingNISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 ARMADA, TITAN, INFINITI QX56 AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER AND XTERRA VEHICLES.Normally free
08V690000Air BagsNISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND,...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2023053
2023-02-10
Airbag10,846Issue: On certain vehicles, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel airbag cover could detach and become a projectile when the airbag inflates in a crash.
2019420
2019-08-21
Other5,327Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered.
2010373
2010-10-28
Engine24,207On certain vehicles the Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM) assembly contains an Engine Control Module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction.
2008454
2008-12-22
Airbag27,695On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage, the front Crash Zone Sensor (CZS) may rust internally.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB05-086A
Aug 2026
SERVICE CAMPAIGNElectrical SystemVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN BODY CONTROL MODULE SUB-HARNESS Voluntary Service Campaign ID # P5234 is no longer active. · Repair orders opened after this bulletin’s published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P5234.
NTB09-131C
Apr 2026
StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label.
ITB09-063C
Apr 2026
StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label.
NTB23-081C
Jul 2024
SERVICE CAMPAIGNAir BagsVOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2005-2013 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, AND XTERRA; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN ID #: PC945 and PC948 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2005-2013 Frontier (D40) 2005-2012 Pathfinder (R51) 2005-2013 Xterra (N50) Check Service COMM or Dealer Business Systems (DBS)...
NTB10-066C
May 2024
Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
NTB13-027D
May 2024
Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-107G
May 2024
Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB09-081K
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-028I
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperREMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB17-019H
Apr 2024
Visibility/WiperWINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB08-097L
Sep 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB23-049
Jun 2023
Electrical System12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing.
NTB23-053
Jun 2023
Electrical SystemSILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components.
NTB13-107F
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB16-003C
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemINTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB10-145B
Mar 2023
Service BrakesABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB09-081J
Feb 2023
StructureWINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-028H
Feb 2023
StructureREMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB08-097K
Feb 2023
SteeringDIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB10-126C
Feb 2023
WheelsWHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB13-027C
Feb 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingCAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB99-001F
Dec 2021
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB05-050A
Mar 2021
Electronic Stability ControlVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2005 PATHFINDER; VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) Service Campaign ID # P5219 is no longer active.  Repair orders opened after this bulletin's published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P5219.
NTB99-001e
Feb 2021
SuspensionSTRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB17-030a
Nov 2018
Fuel SystemNISSAN; FUEL TANK IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FILL This bulletin applies to Titan XD vehicles with a gas engine. The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year.
Revision 1-NEVAP
Nov 2018
EngineOBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. We are re-circulating this update to make regional and dealer personnel aware that we are re-notifying customers at this time.
NTB17-030a
Aug 2018
Fuel SystemNISSAN; FUEL TANK IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FILL This bulletin applies to Titan XD vehicles with a gas engine. This bulletin has been amended. Changes have been made throughout. It is necessary for you to read this revised procedure to properly perform this action.
NTB17-082a
Aug 2017
Service BrakesNISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. The APPLIED VEHICLES and CLAIMS INFORMATION sections have been revised. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
NTB17-030
Mar 2017
Fuel SystemNISSAN; FUEL TANK IS SLOW OR DIFFICULT TO FILL IF YOU CONFIRM The fuel tank is slow or difficult to fill (filling nozzle shuts off before tank is full). IMPORTANT: Make sure this incident has been duplicated at a gas station by dealer service staff.
NTB17-026
Mar 2017
SuspensionBALL JOINT AXIAL END PLAY PROCEDURE SERVICE INFORMATION When working on the front suspension, use the updated service information in this bulletin along with the Electronic Service Manual (ESM). The updated information in this bulletin is a correction and a supplement to the ESM.
NTB14033B
May 2016
Equipment Adaptive/MobilitySERVICE INFORMATION Replacement 5-speed rear wheel drive Automatic Transmission (A/T) assemblies and replacement control valves (valve bodies) now come with blank Transmission Control Modules (TCMs).
NTB09099A
Apr 2016
EquipmentIF YOU CONFIRM A refrigerant leak at a refrigerant pipe/hose joint location. ACTIONS 1. Inspect the metal surfaces of the pipe/hose joint for damage or contamination.
NTB09131B
Apr 2016
Forward Collision AvoidanceSERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate / Label" may be needed. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met.
NTB09081C
Jan 2016
VisibilitySERVICE INFORMATION The purpose of this bulletin is to give Nissan dealers guidelines to help determine if windshield breakage is covered under warranty or is the customer?s responsibility.
NTB15107
Nov 2015
Power TrainIF 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 with the TCM through Diagnosis (One System) OR C-III plus is able to communicate with the TCM, but...
NTB13028A
Nov 2015
VisibilitySERVICE INFORMATION Windshield "foreign material" that is on the surface of the glass in some cases can be cleaned off with a very particular type and grade of steel wool.
NTB13088A
Sep 2015
WheelsSERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems - Radio frequency interference causing a "No Data" (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition -...
NTB15055
Jun 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingSERVICE INFORMATION After ECM reprogramming, the Calibration Verification Number (CVN) needs to be automatically calculated prior to State emissions testing (also known as Inspection Maintainence, I/M, or SMOG testing depending upon location).
NTB12078A
Feb 2015
SteeringSERVICE 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 actually, it?s not.
NTB00042D
Jan 2015
EquipmentSERVICE INFORMATION Changes or modifications to the front seat assembly trim materials may affect the proper operation of the Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags and Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor and could result in serious personal injury or death.
NTB14107
Nov 2014
Power TrainSERVICE 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 driver is resting their left foot on the brake pedal while accelerating.
NTB10066A
Jun 2014
Electrical SystemSERVICE INFORMATION Related to communication codes U1000, U1001, U1002, U1010: - Always diagnose the communication codes first.
NTB-08-055-A
Jan 2014
Air BagsNISSAN: SRS PRECAUTIONS DURING SERVICE;IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, INCLUDING INCORRECT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE SRS, CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAUSED BY UNINTENTIONAL ACTIVATION OF THE SRS ON ALL NISSAN MODELS WITH THE SRS SYSTEMS. *PE UPDATED 2/21/14. *PE
NTB08055C
Jan 2014
EquipmentSERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle.
NTB-03-074-C
Nov 2013
Exterior LightingNISSAN: EXTERIOR LAMP FOGGING. OCCASIONALLY WATER IS NOTICED IN THE EXTERIOR LAMPS. THIS IS GENERALLY NOT DUE TO A DEFECT. ALL CURRENT EXTERIOR LAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE VENTED TO THE ATMOSPHERE (NOT SEALED).
NTB92123D
Aug 2013
EquipmentNissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards.
NTB11005D
Aug 2013
EquipmentTwo methods are used to update/upgrade Navigation Map Data: 1. The customer goes to www.nissannavigation.com and is mailed update disc(s) or SD Card and installs data, OR 2.
NTB13027A
Aug 2013
Electrical SystemSERVICE INFORMATION This TSB is for troubleshooting of CAN Modules with "Diag-On-CAN" Diagnostics. The flow charts below are meant to troubleshoot current CAN DTCs.
NTB00033E
Jul 2013
SteeringSERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a.
NTB04094A
Jul 2013
WheelsIf YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin.
NTB98018G
Jun 2013
Electrical SystemAs part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked.
NTB-13-038
Apr 2013
Latches/Locks/LinkagesNISSAN: LOCK/UNLOCK REQUEST BUTTON ON OUTSIDE HANDLE DOES NOT RESPOND. *JS
NTB99001A
Mar 2013
SuspensionSERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty.
MAILM
Oct 2012
Power TrainNissan 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 equipped with automatic transmissions.
NTB12-035
Apr 2012
Power TrainNISSAN: ECM REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES WITH CONSULT III PLUS. APPLIES TO ALL 2004 AND LATER (DOES NOT APPLY TO LEAF/EV) VEHICLES. *JS
NTB12-027
Mar 2012
SteeringNISSAN: PATHFINDER, XTERRA, AND FRONTIER; POWER STEERING HOSE SERVICE PART CHANGE. *JS
NTB-11-005
Jan 2011
EquipmentNISSAN: NAVIGATION MAP DATA UPDATE MATRIX. AFFECTING ALL VEHICLES 2003-11 EXCEPT LEAF, EQUIPPED WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM. CUSTOMER IS MAILED UPDATE DISC(S) OR SD CARD AND INSTALLS DATA; DEALERSHIP IS MAILED UPDATE DISC(S) AND THE DEALERSHIP INSTALLS DATA WHEN VEHICLE IS BROUGHT...
NTB-07-069C
Nov 2010
Fuel SystemNISSAN: FUEL GAUGE ISSUES AND/OR DTC P0461/2/3. THE FUEL GAUGE IS ERRATIC, INACCURATE, OR INOPERATIVE. THE MIL IS ON WITH DTC P0461, P0462, OR P0463 STORED IN SELF DIAGNOSIS. REPLACE THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT WITH THE ONE FROM THE PARTS INFORMATION SECTION.
NTB-10-072A
Oct 2010
SuspensionNISSAN: FRONT SUSPENSION NOISE. A NOISE (CLUNKING, SQUEAKING, POPPING) CAN BE HEARD WHEN PERFORMING AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS: TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT, DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS, DRIVING ON ROUGH ROADS, ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING AND NOISE IS COMING...
NTB-09-101
Sep 2010
TiresNISSAN: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WARNING LIGHT ON/FLASHING. NO MODELS OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED ON 08-11-2011. *KB

Showing 60 of 89 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Nissan Pathfinder →