Top 5 Problems Nissan Pathfinder SUV 3rd Generation 2005-2012

Here are the top 5 problems with the 3rd generation Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan's full size SUV which is available as model years 2005 to 2012. In this video, Sue explains the most common failures in the 3rd gen Pathfinder, and she offers tips and suggestions on how you can repair or replace those problems yourself!

Check out this list for more great diagnostic videos!

0:00 Top Problems Nissan Pathfinder 3rd Gen 2005-2012
0:15 Erratic Fuel Gauge
0:55 No Crank No Start
1:47 Timing Chains
2:57 Cracked Radiator
4:09 Misfire

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[kevinnorris]

My dad bought a 2007 brand new and still has it today. It's had a few problems but man, they really don't make em like that anymore. People around me are surprised to see that this car is a Nissan, especially when they look at modern Pathfinders. This gen was definitely the best gen for the model.

[kevinestep]

Great video. I have a 2008 model I bought new, and still drive as my only vehicle in 2022 with 320, 000 miles. Yes, I’ve had a few problems over the year, and one rebuilt trans but I’ve pulled trailers very often, including a 14’ flatbed and a 6’x10’ cargo, fully loaded many times. All in all this has been the best vehicle I’ve ever owned.

[chrisgarcia]

My 05 Pathfinder is still pulling strong along with 210, 554 miles on it. I changed only 4 things on it since I bought it back in 07 and it's been bullet proof since then. The radiator was the first thing I changed before the cross contamination problem became an issue 2nd the timing chain guide noise at 140, 000mil 3rd valve covers 4th and a very important one was the firewall heater core hose tube at 89, 000mil. It's just a awesome reliable SUV if you know where to to keep up with some of the common issues that have plagued this SUV from 05-10.

[OdinsRavenwood]

My R51 Pathfinder just clocked over 620, 440 miles...This version has a V8 5.8 L 370 Beast ! With service it every 6K miles oil and keeping the engine clean helps...New Transmission at 420, 000 miles and plugs at 270K some little work...Still as powerful as the day we got her back in 2016 ( $20k with 150K ) This is one super powerful and strong Truck ! 🌲🖤👍

[ssjMaximumGoku]

09, 260K, still going strong. This thing feels bulletproof

[JeremyLFreas]

I bought a 2011 Pathfinder LE 4x4 last November and while not a fan all of the plastic (i.e., the cargo area tie down points are pot metal just as weak as plastic compared to the 1/4” hardened steel tie down points of my 1993 Pathfinder SE 4x4) this is my 4th Pathfinder and I love mine. My 1st was an absolute beast of a 4x4, upgraded the shocks all the way around and that bullet proof manual transmission never got stuck in mud, gravel creek beds, sand, snow, wetlands, NW USA rainforest waist high grass, rutted trails with puddles that almost swallowed me a couple of times. Drop it in 4LO and away we go. I miss that truck.

[cardionadine]

I heard about the coolant into transmission fluid issue so I replace the radiator with a Danso one at 80k mils, also the rack and pinion started leaking at around 80k, other than these 2, I didn't have any other repair at all. Good vehicle. This year I gave it to my daughter who is about the same age as the car.

[michaelparagas]

I saw this model in Saudi Arabia in 2010s. Fell in love with it. Now after 11 years finally had one. Nissan pathfinder 2007. Oh man, he is a beast even with his Loved it more

[calsurflance]

I own a 2012 identical to the vehicle in this video. Bought it New. It now has 167, 000 miles. I am a retired aircraft mechanic and do my own servicing.
I have had ZERO issues!
Nothing ! NADA! Not even a light bulb! It has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Even towed a boat for several years.

[nathanperkins]

I really enjoy watching this videos even though I don't have this vehicle I love to learn

[wildman]

I enjoy seeing a video with a real automotive technician who is knowledgeable, regardless of gender. It reinforces the fact that it's not who you are, it's what you do.

[cwhit]

My smart mechanic buddy remedied my VQ30DE rough running headache with 6 new ignition coils from Honda Accord.
That V6 was once Beast!

[skribbledragon]

I have an ‘08 model, not even at 80k miles yet. I love my car and I like watching the crash tests, seems to be a really safe car!

[jordanvineyard]

When I did the plugs I took the intake manifold off and took that opportunity to clean it and the engine compartment, and other misc pieces. Also since it was open I was able to easily change the pcv valve and tighten down my headers because I had a lil seapage. My 2010 with 187k on it is running like a dream

[jaswan]

I have had 3! That’s right 3 ignition coils replaced on my 08, once at the dealer and 2 times at local mechanics and not one of them mentioned a damn thing about needing to replace all of them. My truck is starting to buck again and I now know, thanks to you, it will keep happening if I don’t replace them all this time.

[suleidacarrera]

She is awesome to watch! She is really good with explaining the issues and steps to analyze the problems.

[aliafladly]

I have 2011 pathfinder since 2016 .. now it's done 260k KM and it's working just fine ! It's a great car .. BTW nothing from above happened to me except the radiator problem (just few days before)

[muhammad]

I changed my plugs and coils I found it easier just to remove the plenum.. great video

[shawnbb]

I am the owner of a 2006. I have 241k miles. My Pathfinder is so fast and drives like a new car still to this day. I have had every problem on this list. I just had to replace the ignition coils and spark plugs today. I just saw this video and feel I watched this video one day to late as they did not replace all 6 ignition coils. did get new spark plugs and cylinder intake boots replaced. I have to go check but I think they only replaced 2 ignition coils today. Since I have owned my 2006 Pathfinder for13 years I have had every problem on this list and more. 1. The CATS go bad and you can have a check engine light on for years if you don't replace them. 2. Oil leaks needing to have all seals replaced. 3. Drive shaft 4. Radiator issues until you just say the heck with it and buy a new Radiator. The good thing is The new Nissan dealer in my town drove my Pathfinder at the same time I drove the 2020 models of Rogue and others and found none of the new Nissans have the power of the 2006. I am going to keep it on the road for a few more years. Bottom line the power and handling are superior with this 2006. 0-80 in no time flat. 120 MPH on the highway with ease. New Nissans are not something I can drive. Thank you for the video. Wish I had seen this a bit earlier but now I know it was not just me with all these Pathfinder issues.