Nissan Pathfinder is a great midsize SUV that has been around for years. It offers a plethora of features and is extremely underrated. At the same time, it has its due share of problems. In this blog, we will be identifying the major problems that have plagued Nissan Pathfinder throughout the generations. Let’s start off with a quick answer.
The most common problem in Nissan Pathfinder is coolant leaking into the transmission which can cause severe engine damage. The early models (2004-10) were also highly susceptible to transmission issues and worn-out timing chain guides. The 2013-2014 models of Pathfinder had faulty ECM, power steering issues, and low-quality hatch strut mounts. Finally, faulty airbag issues and ECM problems in the 2014-2017 models were solved via recalls.
This was only a short summary of what we’ve prepared for you. An in-depth analysis of these problems along with their causes, symptoms, the faulty car part behind this issue, and most importantly – the solution or fixing cost. Let’s get to it!
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1. Coolant Leaking Into Transmission
One of the most commonly reported issues with 2005 – 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is that its coolant often leaks out of the radiator and into the transmission, damaging these expensive parts. The root cause of this problem is often difficult to diagnose and can lead to extensive damage to your vehicle.
A radiator leak can be easily detected. If you let your car with a radiator leak sit idle at a place for some time, you will notice a pool of antifreeze (engine coolant) right below the place where a radiator is present. If you detect liquid at any other place, it’s likely due to a bad water pump or faulty thermostat housing.
Another common symptom that indicates a radiator leak is that your Pathfinder will start overheating. If your car is overheating and a puddle of liquid is present right below your car’s radiator, a radiator leak is the most likely culprit.
Coolant can leak out of the radiator for various reasons. Sediments and debris from traveling can corrode your vehicle’s radiator – putting a hole in it and causing the coolant to leak out. A bad thermostat can throw off your car’s cooling system – leading to excessive pressure inside the radiator and causing a radiator leak.
Most Pathfinder owners experienced these problems when their car had registered 60,000 or more miles on the odometer. Using bad coolants or not regularly cleaning the car’s radiators can also cause this problem.
Depending upon the extent of the damages, the fixing cost varies. If all your car needs is a thorough radiator service, it will only cost you around $30. However, if the radiator needs replacement, it can set you back by $300-$800.
2. Transmission Issues
Like other Nissan cars, the Nissan Pathfinder is also susceptible to other transmission issues. According to CarComplaints, transmission problems are the most likely issue that you can expect in a Pathfinder.
The most common symptoms of these transmission-related issues include late downshifting, slow acceleration, shuddering noises, and jerks while shifting gears. These symptoms start slow, but if left unchecked, will destroy your Pathfinder’s transmission in no time.
Nissan Pathfinder transmissions are also prone to early failure – several users have reported that their transmission failed at around 90,000 miles.
A common cause of transmission failure was found to be a coolant leak which somehow found its way into the transmission, causing the transmission irreparable damage. These radiator leaks can often be traced down to a corroded radiator.
Other major causes of transmission problems include torque converter clutch failure, faulty transmission gears, lack of transmission fluid, and transmission wear and tear – which is mostly due to sudden transmission jerks common in CVT.
Transmission-related issues are the most expensive car problems that often require you to break the bank. If your Nissan Pathfinder’s transmission has given up the ghost, it will set you back by $3000 at least.
3. Timing Chain Guides Worn Out
Another problem that has troubled Pathfinder owners throughout the years is that of a worn-out timing chain. This problem was reported in both new (5000 miles) and old Pathfinders (100,000 miles).
Timing chain issues are easy to detect. Rattling sound while starting the engine, a misfiring engine and the engine heating up repeatedly are some of the most common symptoms of a bad timing chain.
In Nissan Pathfinder, the timing chain guides were also one of the leading causes of timing chain failure. These guides serve as a connection between crankshaft and camshaft – and when they are worn out, the timing chain fails as well.
These problems were most common in the early models of the car – 2004-2010. Despite several complaints, no recall was issued to replace the poor-quality timing chains.
The fixing cost of these issues ranges from $1400-$1700. If you are in the market for a 2004-2010 model of Nissan Pathfinder, we suggest you thoroughly inspect the condition of its transmission and timing chain.
4. Hatch Strut Mounts Rusted Out
Another common problem that has baffled several Pathfinder users is that the hatch struts in this vehicle are highly susceptible to catching rust and breaking down.
To the dismay of several Pathfinder owners, this problem manifested itself in relatively new vehicles (4-5 years old). If maintained properly, rust does not appear on vehicles until it is 10-15 years old. That’s why this problem caught several Pathfinder owners off guard.
Nearly all of the owners who faced this problem have narrated the same tale. While opening the liftgate, the users hear a pop, and the power strut will pop the ball joint out of the frame. The only solution left is replacing the hatch strut – and sometimes the frame as well.
As mentioned earlier, the hatch strut catching rust at such an early vehicle age is rare. Car dealerships speculate that it is caused by the poor-quality metal used in hatch struts. What further aggravates the problem is that these struts are often in short demand.
Unfortunately, despite numerous complaints, there hasn’t been a recall issued for this problem. When facing this predicament, you will have to dish out around $130-$200 to get it fixed.
5. Glitches In The Engine Control Module
Nissan Pathfinders of the years 2004-2006 are susceptible to an electrical problem that can leave you in a lurch. This problem is caused by issues with the Engine Control Module (ECM). The ECM is responsible for managing the air-fuel mixture and regulates the car’s emissions.
In case of a faulty ECM, the engine suddenly loses acceleration and will stall – increasing the chances of accidents. This problem is caused by a faulty ECM relay switch. The high temperature of the relay may cause silicon vapors to form, and over time, the silicon converts into silicon dioxide, which damages the ECM.
In October 2010, a recall was issued to resolve this problem. More than 700,000 Nissan vehicles were affected, and their ECM relays were replaced free of cost. This recall has the NHTSA campaign number of 10V517000.
6. Airbags May Not Deploy
Airbags are one of the most crucial safety components in passenger vehicles. If airbags fail to deploy at the time of an accident, or if they don’t deploy at all – passengers can face severe injuries.
In Nissan Pathfinder, passenger side airbags come with a system called Occupant Classification System. This system, abbreviated as OCS, is responsible for determining whether the passenger seat is occupied or not – in the case of a crash, it deploys the airbags accordingly.
Unfortunately, the 2014-2017 Nissan Pathfinder models frequently struggled with airbag problems. This is mostly due to a faulty OCS in these cars.
Nissan had to recall millions of cars because of this problem which affected other Nissan cars, besides Rogue, as well. This was one of the largest recalls made in the history of Nissan, but fortunately, you won’t have to pay a penny from your wallet to get this issue resolved.
Dealers were asked to update the Airbag Control Unit and OCS to resolve this issue.
The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 16V244000.
7. Power Steering Issues
Nissan Pathfinders have reported another glaring issue in their vehicles – power steering problems. These issues range from power steering locking in place to power steering moving on its own. It goes without saying that these issues can be quite traumatizing, and can put your life in danger.
The most common symptom of bad power steering is your steering getting rigid gradually. If you can’t move your power steering with ease, a steering wheel problem might be on cards. Sometimes, the power steering issues can also cause large, abnormal-sounding noises coming from your car’s engine.
The most common cause of power steering failure in Nissan Pathfinder is a low-power steering fluid. Other causes include a bad power steering pump, loose or bad timing belt, or poor quality steering fluid.
If your Pathfinder is hard to steer, we suggest you take it to any nearby dealership straight away. The fixing cost depends entirely upon the part that is causing the problem, and the extent of the damage caused.
If the power steering fluid system is malfunctioning, expect a repair bill of around $400-$500. You can replace a faulty power steering pump for around $600 – All in all, a power steering issue will likely be fixed for $500.
What Are The Worst Years For The Nissan Pathfinder?
The Nissan Pathfinder is a decent midsize SUV with a plethora of luxurious features and a spacious interior. If maintained properly, it will last you for more than 250,000-300,000 miles without giving you any tough time. Nissan Pathfinder has had a total of 6 generations, 10+ models, and 4 facelifts, and we understand that it can be a daunting task to determine which model to buy and which to avoid.
The worst years for Nissan Pathfinder are the 2005-08 model years. From coolant leaking into the transmission to a worn-out timing chain, these years were marred with problems. The fuel system and the engine was not up to the mark, and was prone to frequent failures. If you are in the market to buy a Nissan Pathfinder, we suggest you avoid these years’ Pathfinders altogether.
The close second-worst years for Nissan Pathfinder would be the 2013-14 model years. These years had their fair share of problems, ranging from transmission jerks, door latch coming off, car losing acceleration, etc.
The best years for the Nissan Pathfinder would undoubtedly be the latest years, just like with the Nissan Murano. The 2020-2022 years had the best features, most problems present in the previous generations were resolved, and a strong V6 engine offers peak performance. These years won’t disappoint you.
His interests in cars, motorcycles, and machines led him to the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore where he is currently a mechanical engineering sophomore.
His future aims include the development of an energy-efficient prototype vehicle for the Shell Eco-Marathon competition and getting a Master’s Degree in Automotive Engineering from Germany.