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ProblemsByVin File / 2005-NISSAN-PATHFINDER
2005 · nissan

nissan Pathfinder problems

0 safety recalls. 1,050 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
369 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
engine
315 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
fuel system
217 reports · avg $1,200
moderate
electrical
31 reports · avg $850
moderate
airbags
20 reports · avg $1,100
critical
brakes
11 reports · avg $450
severe
body
10 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
steering
9 reports · avg $700
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2005 Pathfinder · powertrain
TRANSMISSION FAILED AT INTERSECTION LEAVING VEHICLE UNABLE TO MOVE. PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY RADIATOR FLUID MIXING WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. I CONTACTED NISSAN ABOUT THE ISSUE AND THEY DENIED ANY CLAIM FOR REPAIRS. NISSAN HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE ISSUE AND SETTLED THE CLAIMS FOR A…
12/31/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10558006.0
2005 Pathfinder · steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND MAKING A TURN THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE SWAYED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING…
12/30/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10373424.0
2005 Pathfinder · engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE RPMS ACCELERATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT, BUT THE GEARS FAILED TO SHIFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME.…
12/29/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10938586.0
2005 Pathfinder · fuel system
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY ALTHOUGH IT WAS FULL. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS…
12/29/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10373259.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Common questions

Is the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 1,050 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 369 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Nissan Pathfinder has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,050 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 6 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with nissan. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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