One problem related to loud engine noise has been reported for the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder based on all problems reported for the 2004 Pathfinder.
Going about 30mph, in traffic, with family inside, the vehicle suddenly lost power. It started to shake and vibrate. The engine also started making a loud noise. Drove it to the Nissan dealership. They could not find anything obvious and quoted a cost of $250 to simply investigate further. We agreed. They came back and said the engine camshaft and timing chain needs to be replaced. Estimated cost $2500! they could not explain why or how this could have happened to a core engine component. They *think* some misalignment of the timing chain might have caused it. We didn't have a choice but to get the repairs done. They also had to replace the engine coolant for some reason. My research shows that there have been several timing chain issues reported that have caused cam/engine failures on same/similar Nissan models/engines. There is also a class-action lawsuit being prepared to hold Nissan accountable for these defects and repairs.