2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

1,560

Owner Complaints

21 Crashes 11 Fires 1 Death

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

15

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER

The 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER has received a total of 1,560 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. 15 technical service bulletins have been issued by Nissan North America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Train (450 complaints), Engine And Engine Cooling (171 complaints), and Fuel System Gasoline (167 complaints).

Recalls for the 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER, potentially affecting up to 995,573 vehicles.

Recall 10V517000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

| 747,480 vehicles affected

Defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 ARMADA, TITAN, INFINITI QX56 AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER AND XTERRA VEHICLES. THE INTELLIGENT POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE (IPDM) ASSEMBLY CONTAINS AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) RELAY THAT HAS A DIODE FOR ELECTRICAL CURRENT NOISE REDUCTION. THE ECM RELAY MAY ALLOW SILICON VAPOR TO FORM AND, OVER TIME, THE SILICON EVAPORATES FROM THE...

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE ENGINE STALLING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECM RELAY INSIDE THE IPDM ASSEMBLY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 6, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

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Recall 10E019000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

| 1,873 vehicles affected

Defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY...

Consequence: IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

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Recall 08V690000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

| 242,720 vehicles affected

Defect: NISSAN 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, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY...

Consequence: THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2009. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE...

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Recall 07E046000 — EQUIPMENT

| 3,500 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN HOPKINS AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL CONNECTION HARNESSES SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODELS OF NISSAN VEHICLES WHICH ARE LISTED ABOVE. THE INTERNAL PART NUMBERS WITHIN HOPKINS ARE: 1010476025, 1040376025, 1110476025, 1170376025, 1290376025, 1010476035, 1040376035, 1110476035, 1170376035, AND 1290376035. A WIRE MAY HAVE BEEN PLACED IN AN INCORRECT POSITION IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HOUSING. THIS RESULTS IN AN INCORRECT ROUTING...

Consequence: THIS HARNESS WOULD RESULT IN POWER FROM THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER GOING TO THE TOWING VEHICLE DASH LIGHT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN THE TRAILER BRAKES. THIS RESULT WOULD BE THE LACK OF TRAILER BRAKING WHEN THE TOWING VEHICLE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. IT WOULD ALSO RESULT IN THE TOWING VEHICLES DASH LIGHTS BEING ACTIVATED WHEN THE VEHICLE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE FAILURE OF THE APPLICATION OF THE TRAILER BRAKE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED ABILITY TO STOP AND CONTRIBUTE TO A POSSIBLE CRASH.

Remedy: HOPKINS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ORIGINAL HARNESS WITH A REVISED HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT HOPKINS AT 800-835-0129.

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Owner Complaints for the 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER

1,560 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Power Train
Complaints: 450 5 Crashes 4 Fires
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 171 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 167 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Engine
Complaints: 144 2 Crashes 2 Fires 4 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 138 1 Fire
Electrical System
Complaints: 65 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 64
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 40 1 Fire
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 38
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 32 1 Crash
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 31
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 31
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 22
Air Bags
Complaints: 19 3 Crashes 7 Injuries 1 Death
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 17
Fuel System Gasolinestorageauxillary Tank
Complaints: 13
Steering
Complaints: 9
Equipment
Complaints: 7
Service Brakes
Complaints: 7 3 Crashes 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 7
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 6
Structurebody
Complaints: 6
Suspension
Complaints: 5
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 4
Structure
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 3
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Tires
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Seats
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatehinge And Attachments
Complaints: 2
Visibility
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Air Bagsfrontalpassenger Sideinflator Module
Complaints: 1
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcrankcase Pcv
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestorageauxillary Tankselector Devices
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherdeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 1
Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontwarning Lightdevices
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumdrum
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearshock Absorber
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearsprings
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11673690 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
I am reporting a serious safety defect with my 2005 Nissan Pathfinder (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle has an open recall for the airbag emblem (NHTSA #23E-012 / PC948), which is scheduled for inspection. However, I am writing today because I am also experiencing a repeated and dangerous malfunction that is unrelated to that recall: Total loss of dashboard lights and instruments while driving No throttle response even though the engine remains running Temporary function restored only by turning the vehicle off and restarting it on the roas This behavior matches known electrical failures in this model year, often related to the IPDM, ignition switch, or ECM communication. These are not cosmetic or maintenance issues—they are life-threatening. My vehicle has done this multiple times, including at highway speeds. When I contacted South Colorado Springs Nissan, I was told they would only inspect the airbag emblem and would not evaluate this issue unless I paid for diagnostics. I find this unacceptable given Nissan’s history with these failures and the high likelihood this is a known and unresolved defect. I am requesting: That this issue be escalated within Nissan North America That Nissan consider this under a goodwill safety repair, if not covered by existing recall or campaign That the vehicle be diagnosed immediately, and Nissan be held accountable for any known defects I am also reporting this to NHTSA as a safety concern. Please confirm receipt of this email and provide next steps. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11570480 | AIR BAGS | | 175,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed the front passenger’s side air bag was defective and needed to be replaced. The air bag was not replaced due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000.
#11570480 | AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE | | 175,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed the front passenger’s side air bag was defective and needed to be replaced. The air bag was not replaced due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000.
#11568803 | POWER TRAIN | | 170,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to immediately restart. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The dynamic control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Voluntary Recall Campaign: PC068. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
#11523319 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
The component that is malfunctioning is the emblem on the airbags. Nissan has known of this issue for a while. In the event of a crash, when the airbags deploy, the emblem will also explode with the airbags and send shrapnel from it flying towards the driver and nearby passengers. If the crash wouldn't kill the driver, then this issue could as it could hit the driver in a vital part. They are taking too long to fix this issue, as it is such a vital problem that can cost people their lives.

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Safety Rating for the 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER

Nissan North America, Inc. has issued 15 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

NTB05-050A — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)

VOLUNTARY 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.  Discard all previous versions of NTB05-050.

NTB-10-055 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

NISSAN: BLOWER MOTOR DOES NOT WORK. THE BLOWER MOTOR FOR HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER DOES NOT OPERATE. THERE ARE SIGNS OF WATER INTRUSION IN THE BLOWER MOTOR. *PE

06056 — STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

POP/CLUNK NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. *TT

06056 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

POP/CLUNK NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. *TT

06034 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

SQUEAKING NOISE FROM BRAKES. *AK

06030 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

SQUEAK FROM FUEL PUMP. *TT

05015A — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

RATTLE NOISE FROM VIAS POWER VALVE ACTUATOR / INTAKE MANIFOLD COLLECTOR. *TT

05094 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

DRIVER'S POWER SEAT UP/DOWN FUNCTION DOES NOT MOVE. *TT

05077 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

FRONT PASSENGER FLOD FLAT SEAT MANUAL RECLINER INOPERATIVE. *TT

05069 — SEATS

FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINER INOPERATIVE. *TT

Showing 10 of 15 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER.

Investigation DP12004 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) Closed

Opened:

Transmission Failures

Other Model Years of the NISSAN PATHFINDER

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Other NISSAN Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report