Transmission Gear Slipping problems of the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder

30 problems related to transmission gear slipping have been reported for the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder based on all problems reported for the 2005 Pathfinder.

1 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 09/12/2016

Takata recall I have coolent in my transmission due to radiator failure causing my transmission to slip causing my car to crash into my house in my carport the repair for the transmission is $3800 and I'm on a fix income.

2 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2014

When operating my 2005 Nissan Pathfinder le the transmission starts to slip at speeds of 40-50 mph in motion on street's and highways.

3 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 07/05/2014

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping and that there was a transmission leak. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle was hesitating and stalled on numerous occasions. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, who diagnosed that the radiator and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 14v142000 (power train). The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

4 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 11/16/2013

My family and I were driving home. We live in the mountains of wnc and as we were heading up and incline the transmission slipped and after much research I believe I am the owner of a Nissan vehicle with the transmission/coolant issue involved in the class action lawsuit in NY. However, because my vehicle has 154,000 miles on it and the issue just occurred I am unable to join the lawsuit. I still want you to be aware that this issue has no deadline on it and Nissan should be held accountable for every defective vehicle still on the road regardless of age and mileage. If the problem is specifically attributable to the defective radiator and Nissan has not fixed it then Nissan sold a defective vehicle, period. Had this defect not been built into the vehicle I am sure it would be operational right now. I also own a 2001 chevy cavalier with over 200,000 miles and it is still running!!! shame on Nissan!!!!.

5 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 09/23/2013

Sudden jerking in the vehicle when travelling at highway speeds. The problem has been diagnosed as a failed transmission cooler which allows coolant to mix with the transmission fluid, causing internal damage to the components. Nothing happened before, but the transmission started slipping 5th gear and no going into it, now 4 and third finally just stopped moving. . . Repair cost is going to be 6500$ at the Nissan dealership and they will not admit a known issue. . . .

6 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 07/04/2013

Was exiting a side street onto a high traffic road turning left, crossing oncoming traffic. Vehicle lurched forward then lost all forward acceleration. Leaving me in oncoming traffic lane. A separate vehicle nearly impacted the front driver door of my vehicle, sliding to a stop. Upon vehicle inspection at the local dealer, it was determined the radiator that houses a transmission cooler failed and mixed anti-freeze in with the transmission, causing the vehicle to degrade quickly, causing a spurt of vehicle acceleration due to a large transmission slip. This could have cause a very serious injury or death had the other vehicle made contact with my vehicle.

7 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2013

While backing out of a parking space my check engine light came on and it felt like my transmission was slipping. I had the vehicle towed to the Nissan dealer. They told me the radiator failed and the radiator fluid seeped into the the transmission fluid causing everything to fail. 80, 000 miles is the warranty. I am just over that. They are offering me a $2500. 00 CO pay but I feel they should take care of this problem. There should be a recall on the radiator to prevent this problem.

8 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2013

The 2005 Nissan Pathfinder's transmission started to slip and engine speed would dip and vehicle would feel as though it was attempting to shift into a non existent gear at speed. Several weeks after this started to happen a notification was received in the mail pertaining to the coolant leaking into the transmission oil. After having replacing the radiator and flushing the transmission and replacing transmission oil, the transmission is continuing to slip. Awaiting word from Nissan north America to replace or fix this known issue.

9 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 04/04/2013

April 2013 (96k) - transmission failed as I was pulling out of my parking space. Transmission and radiator were replaced under the extended warranty offered by Nissan at a CO-pay of $3000. February 2014 (105k) - transmission hose ruptured as I was driving on an expressway. I was able to pull off on an exit and park in a lot until a tow truck arrived. March 2014 (105k) - rpms spiking, sluggish acceleration as I was driving on a busy interstate. Transmission was again replaced. August 2014 (109k) - mechanic noticed leaking from transmission hose while replacing brakes. Drove to the dealer and had hose fixed again. September 2014 (109k) - transmission slipped as I was pulling out into traffic from a side street.

10 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2012

I had experienced some slight jerking around 60-70 mph and dismissed it as the transmission just trying to decided between gears. Last night, while pulling away from a stop sign, the vehicle began to move forward then I heard a slipping noise and it felt like the transmission was slipping and wouldn't move. This occurred while I was in the midst of crossing an intersection with my pregnant girlfriend and a 5 year old in the vehicle. I immediately parked the vehicle to avoid any damage. The transmission fluid level was good, but seemed rather clear compared to fluid I had seen in the past. I had expected it to at the least, look dirty. After reading reports of issues online, my guess is the issue many others have reported of coolant mixing with the transmission fluid. I'm having a mechanic look into the issue as soon as possible.

11 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 09/08/2012

I was leaving a restaurant parking lot with my wife and kids. I pulled to the parking lot exit and turned right onto the 4-lane boulevard. I tried to accelerate to traffic speed in the near lane but the motor simply raced and would not propel the vehicle. As traffic caught me I heard tires squealing and horns blowing from the vehicles behind me. The traffic worked around me while I shifted the transmission into park and then back into drive and began to move at idle speed. As traffic allowed I worked over into the left lane and then the turning lane while gradually accelerating to driving speed, merged back into traffic and proceeded home, careful to avoid any stop lights in busy traffic. We are fortunate that we were not involved in an accident. I'm no expert, but I do know that a vehicle that suddenly won't propel itself in traffic is as dangerous as one with no brakes. This was the one and only time that we experienced this problem. There was no previous indication that anything was wrong. I took the car to the Nissan dealer and they diagnosed the problem as a transmission coolant line failure which allowed transmission fluid and engine coolant to intermix in the radiator, engine block and transmission, which in turn caused the transmission to slip. I'm sure NHTSA has received many complaints about this problem. I'm hearing many of the same complaints just in my area and likely there are others that have not yet been reported. Hopefully no one will have to die or suffer serious injury because of this unsafe condition before a recall will be issued.

12 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 08/30/2012

Due to unexpected transmission slip, I had a near miss at a 4-way stop intersection when my vehicle failed to accelerate as expected. Two other cars entered the intestection from the opposite directions and both had to stop when my vehicle failed to exit the intersection as they might have expected. My Pathfinder very slowly accelerated and eventually cleared the intersection. I called the dealear and after initial investigation, they advised me that coolant had leaked into the transmission due to failure of the transmission radiator, irreparably damaging the transmisssion. The transmission had to be replaced as did the radiator. Aside from the high costs of repairs which I consider to be unacceptable for a vehicle at its stage of service life, I consider the failure mode to present an unacceptable safety risk.

13 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 08/14/2012

As I was pulling out onto a busy street the transmission slipped and my two small sons and I nearly got nailed by angry oncoming traffic that honked, yelled, and inappropriately gestured at us to get out of the way. We could have been seriously injured as well as others. This happened more times than I can even remember. It also shudders and slips while driving at 40-50 mph. It is dangerous! why doesn't anyone do something! I had been trying to figure out the problem since 65,000 miles and at 80,300 miles we found trani fluid in the radiator. After googling the issue and learning that it was a part a of a classaction suit I was pissed that I hadn't been notified. I am a struggling mother of two and I am still paying for a car that I haven't been able to drive for the last year because I can't afford to fix it! I feel this is unacceptable and there should be a recall in place!!!! lives are being endangered!.

14 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 07/23/2012

In 2009, at 74,000 miles, I noticed the car "bucking" when driving. Started doing research and found that the radiator coolant leaks into the transmission cooler destroying the transmission. Nissan offered no help or recalls despite the fact that hundreds of the same vehicle were experiencing the same thing. Shortly after my vehicle passed 80,000 miles, Nissan issued a recall on only the radiator which doesn't help me. I immediately flushed the transmission and radiator to try to avoid complete failure of the transmission, bypassing the transmission cooler part of the radiator. The vehicle drove but the transmission constantly slipped in and out of gear at random times throughout the next 30,000 miles. Last week, the transmission finally quit in the middle of a busy intersection. I had to push the car into the nearest parking lot. Now the car is sitting in my driveway because it will cost me $6,000 to repair the transmission and radiator. Nissan needs to step up and admit that this should be a recall. I love Nissans (this is my 3rd) but after this problem I may never buy another one.

15 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 06/26/2012

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while accelerating after decelerating, the transmission slipped and acceleration power decreased. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the contact was informed that the transmission fluid that is lead through the radiator to be cooled, allowed water into the transmission and caused the transmission to fail. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 102,916 and the current mileage was 108,000.

16 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2012

I purchased this car as a "Nissan certified" vehicle it had 35000 miles. Thank god I purchased the extended warranty. The wheel bearings,fuel sensor, u joint, fuel gauge, timing chain, and many other small expensive annoyances had to be replaced and were covered on the warranty I bought, but most importantly the engine had to be replaced when I only had 100 miles left on my warranty. I thought I had replaced everything. But then this past June I was sitting in a drive thru and noticed a strong "wet" smell and noticed that my thermostat was buried into the red. I immediately pulled over and this pink ooze started pouring out onto the parking lot ruining the pavement. (the poor owner of the restaurant had to have it re-coated) after having it towed I was told that the coolant had leaked into my transmission. I had the radiator replaced and the transmission flushed 3 times to get out any ooze. Now my transmission is slipping and I have been told by a mechanic that it needs replaced. I still owe 9500 on this car and they want 5000 to replace the transmission. I have started researching on the internet and am finding hundreds of consumers with the same problem and no solution from Nissan. I purchased this car to go on vacations with my kids this car has space to move and a dvd to watch. Unfortunately I have never been able to trust this car and have always had to rent cars to go on long distances. If I would have taken this car this summer on vacation my family would have been stuck 800 miles from home and no car to get back. Nissan needs to make this right!.

17 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2012

The transmission started slipping when accelerating at all speeds. Coolant was found in the trans fluid. The radiator and water pump had to be replaced. We had to also add a oil cooler as a precaution. Now 8k miles later the transmission has failed and will not shift into 5th gear. Best case scenario is a new trans valve assembly for $1500 or worst case new trans for $6500.

18 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 03/13/2012

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would jerk and the transmission would slip. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the transmission was contaminated with engine coolant and as a result, the radiator and the thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

19 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 10/03/2011

I was having trouble with my 2005 nissian Pathfinder transmission slipping during routine driving. I had the fluid level checked and there was no problem. On October 3,2011 while driving on to a highway ramp, I started to accelerate to merge into traffic and the transmission just made a high pitch sound and would not engage. Several cars were behind me and I had to go off the road onto the embankment to avoid being hit. I had the vehicle towed to the shop, after several days told by a mechanic that there was a defect in the radiator of the nissian the interior components of the radiator alllowed coolant to mix with the transmission fluid comtaminating it. The transmission and other drive train components were damaged and needed to be replaced along with the radiator. When I contacted the nissian dealership here in north carolina I was told that there have been numerous complaints filed regarding the transmission problem but there was not a recall on record to date. The cost of my repairs was $2,500.

20 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 08/17/2011

I was driving along at approximately 60 mph when the Pathfinder seemed to be loosing power and it appeared the transmission was slipping. I pulled off the 4-lane; put the vehicle in park; turned the vehicle off; restarted the vehicle and continued on my trip. It initially seemed as though it was corrected; however, when I stopped for a traffic light the vehicle would rev but was slow to pull out. I was able to take the vehicle to a Nissan dealership. Later that evening I received a call that the transmission fluid appeared burnt and that the transmission would need to be replaced to the tune of approximately $6,900. The service rep told me that there was radiator fluid mixed in with the transmission fluid in the transmission. I also have reported this problem to Nissan through its website. The vehicle has approximately 149,000 miles. This is a serious problem that cause serious injuries or death if one was pulling into or out of traffic when this problem is encountered. A recall must be made for the safety of Nissan owners and the community at large who also may be impacted by this problem.

21 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 05/11/2011

Around 95000 miles the transmission began very abrupt jerking when accelerating. Around may 2011 transmission began slipping, I googled the problem and discovered many people had the same problem due to radiator cracked. I looked into my radiator and discovered strawberry looking fluid . Replaced my radiator , an flushed it a few times and then flushed my transmission which had the same color fluids, I believe Nissan was aware of these faulty radiators and transmission and drag it out through court so people would loose their opportunity to use their warranty. I am currently trying to get Nissan to replace my faulty transmission and I am willing to pay a $3000. 00 fee but so far they are reluctant. Any suggestions you may have would be appreciated.

22 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 05/07/2011

I own a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. Nissan extended thier warranties on the 2005 Pathfinders to 80,000. The reason they did this is because they know thier defective radiators have been causing transmissions to go out due to contamination from the radiator fluid. Since I was deployed, I was unaware of the extention or the problem until my transmission started giving me problems in may of 2011. The other day, I tried to pull out of a gas station and I lost all accelleration due to the transmission slipping almost causing a serious accident. I have a Nissan complaint ticket but unless it is forced into recall, I will have to pay for my new transmission on a car I just recently paid off. As a consumer, I should not have to pay for someone elses design defect that causes major mechanical cost and safety issues. After doing some research, most customers are being told to come and have the transmission flushed for approx. 500$ to be told the transmission needs replacement. This defect needs to be addressed immediately before someone dies as a result of Nissans negligence in standing behind thier product.

23 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 03/19/2011

My 2005 Pathfinder's transmission slipped. Found out that my radiator had failed and mixed radiator and transmission fluid. Nissan knew this was a problem and instead of recalling, they extended warranty until 80,000 or Feb, 2013 but did not notify anyone of the possible problem. My car has 86,600 mile on it. Nissan will not cover or pay any part of the repair. It is all over web discussion boards and on consumeraffairs. Com and edmonds. Com from other with the same problem and result with Nissan corporate. When will Nissan end up owning up to this defect and pay for fixes. It is an expensive repair that many are having to pay. I will be sending a formal complaint to Nissan and to consumer affairs boards but someone needs to step up and get Nissan to own up to the problem.

24 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2011

Transmission began to slip, had vehicle examined, part in radiator failed and contaminated transmission with coolant which damaged transmission, fluids were flushed and part in radiator bypassed however transmission was not saved failed immediately afterwards while being driven and almost caused accident while my wife and children were in vehicle.

25 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 08/28/2010

2005 Nissan radiator and transmission failure. Defective radiator causes engine coolant to leak into transmission which may fail at any time. Driving at highway speed, entering traffic, merging or entering intersections causing dangerous conditions as the vehicle fails to move, decelerates quickly or the transmission slips badly and fails to accelerate. Hundreds of incidents of failures are reported on the internet. An apparent design/manufacturing flaw in the radiator causes the condition. Nissan has taken no responsibility or corrective action. Thousands of unsuspecting consumers and their families are at risk each day driving or riding in these vehicles. Consumers are left paying thousands of dollars for replacements.

26 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 07/02/2010

Transmission started slipping on the freeway with the kids in the car. My husband found coolant in the tranny oil and then did research and found alot of people having this issue. Our car is out of warranty but this is due to a faulty radiator leaking coolant into the tranny over time.

27 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 07/02/2010

Transmission started slipping on the freeway with the kids in the car. My husband found coolant in the tranny oil and then did research and found alot of people having this issue. Our car is out of warranty but this is due to a faulty radiator leaking coolant into the tranny coolant built inside the radiator.

28 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2010

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. While driving approximately 60 mph, he engaged the accelerator and the vehicle's speed did not increase. He stated the failure was intermittent. In addition, the transmission slips. The contact stated that water from the radiator was going to the transmission. The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000 and the current mileage was 105,704.

29 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 03/17/2010

I took my car to a Nissan dealership complaining about issues with the transmission slipping. I was told they found nothing wrong- however the Nissan technician was fully aware of the issues with the transmission radiator coolant and failed to inform me of the possible issue. Why not just replace the radiator before it causes the transmission to go bad. Finally the transmission failed at 130k miles and of course I am told that I am out of luck and $4200. I think it is really sad that Nissan offered extended warranties for customers under certain miles and left others out in the cold. If there was enough evidence to prove they were aware of the defect all along then customers should be able to have this repaired at no cost to them regardless of the number of miles on the vehicle.

30 Transmission Gear Slipping problem

Failure Date: 01/29/2010

I own a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder and I have been having problems with the heat staying consistent (does not blow hot air when idle) as well a vibration when driving at certain speeds. I also begin to notice that transmission began to slip. I would stop at a red light and go to take off and would not be able to pick up speed which can be dangerous when entering the highway. I researched this online and found many others having the same problems. I took the truck to a Nissan dealership and they told me exactly what I already knew, the radiator was now no good and leaking antifreeze into the transmission which has caused both of them to be ruined and they want to charge me 5k to replace. I asked if the dealership has seen this before and it was confirmed that several of the same vehicles have been in for this very reason. He advised that Nissan has not paid for these services as the vehicles are always out of warranty on the radiator. I still have 2000 miles left on my powertrain and advised that I would be contacting Nissan for "goodwill" assistance. Nissan finally contacted me and advised that since the problem was initially caused by the radiator, they would not honor the powertrain warranty. They also advised me that since I was not considered "loyal" to Nissan as this is my first vehicle with them they could not help me. I do think it is fair to hold the consumer responsible for fixing the transmission as clearly the radiator is defective and the problem doesn't begin until after it is out of warranty. I cannot afford to pay 5k for the transmission and I shouldn't have to. If this was a rare case or caused by the consumer then, yes we should be held responsible but this is clearly a defect as all Nissan dealerships are aware of this problem. Please assist us and issue a recall for these parts as driving this vehicle is unsafe.



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