Despite being among the most reliable SUVs of all time, the Nissan Pathfinder has several problems and disadvantages that poke holes in its reliability. The most unreliable models of the Pathfinder SUV are the 2005 to 2009 models, which have more reports and complaints of faults. That doesn’t mean that I’m letting the older 1996 to 1999 models off the hook.
Having investigated the various issues with the 4Runner and the Sienta, Flagship Drive investigated the common Nissan Pathfinder problems. Our study and analysis found various problems with the Nissan Pathfinder, which range from the dreaded check engine light to the more prevalent engine stall.
These are the Nissan Pathfinder problems, and FlagshipDrive’s recommended solutions.
1. Fuel Level Sensor Failure/ Erratic Fuel Gauge
The most common Nissan Pathfinder Problem is the faulty fuel sensors, which affect models made from 1999 to 2016. Nissan recalled the 2006 – 2008 Nissan Pathfinder models for this fuel level gauge reading issue. Once the fuel level sensor fails, the Pathfinder shows erratic or inaccurate fuel gauge readings. Sometimes, the faulty fuel sensor can also spawn a ‘Check Engine’ light, illuminating the dashboard.
The best solution to the erratic fuel gauge and the check engine light is replacing the fuel pump. The replacement fuel pump for a Nissan Pathfinder costs from $1,158 to $1,285. However, make sure to have the car diagnosed before replacement parts. According to RepairPal, diagnosing the check engine on the Pathfinder SUV costs between $88 and $111.
2. Check Engine Light
Another prevalent Nissan Pathfinder issue is the check engine light, which is also common on models like the Micra and the Nissan Tiida C11.
The check engine light problem affects several Nissan Pathfinder models made from 1999 to 2016. It’s common at an average mileage of 104,699 on the odometer.
Aside from being prompted by a fuel level reading problem (due to faulty sensors), the check engine light on the Nissan Pathfinder can be caused by issues like ignition coil failure or a faulty EVAP Canister Vent Valve.
The Pathfinder’s check engine light can also appear if your intake valve timing sensor is faulty or damaged.
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3. The Engine Won’t Crank Due To Starter Relay Failure
The Nissan Pathfinder has been known to develop problems with its starter relay. As a result, the engine may not crank when you turn the ignition to “start”. The Nissan Pathfinder starter relay problem is common in models from 1990, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2004, 2005, and 2019 to 2021.
A problem with the starter relay is often confused with a defective starter motor. The starter relay problem often surfaces in Pathfinder models with an average mileage of 227,493 miles on the odometer. But, it can happen to any model that has a mileage of as low as 11,000.
Because the starter relay issue is often confused with a starter motor issue, it’s important to have the car diagnosis. The average cost of diagnosing a starter issue in the Nissan Pathfinder is between $88 and $111.
4. Engine Stall and/or No Start
The engine stall problem affects several older Nissan Pathfinder models made in 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, and 2003. There are several reports of Pathfinder owners experiencing engine stalls when driving on the road or just seconds upon starting. Some owners reported a No Start issue. There are up to 52 reports of the Nissan Pathfinder engine problem posted on Repairpal.
The good news here is that the engine stall problem particularly affects older Pathfinder SUV models. Models made from 2004 are not prone to this issue.
The engine stall issue in the Nissan Pathfinder is caused by a rusted-out distributor shaft, which causes the engine to seize or not start. The solution to the engine stall issue is usually a replacement of the distributor. But before you start replacing anything, it’s important to have the car diagnosed first, as a fuel or ignition issue can also cause the Pathfinder engine to stall while driving. Diagnosing the engine stalling on the Pathfinder SUV costs anywhere between $90 and $130.
The problem typically occurs on models that have reached an average mileage of 193,037 miles, but it can happen on any models that have reached 120,000 on the odometer.
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5. Tapping Noise In Engine
One of the most common Nissan Pathfinder problems is the Timing Chain Rattle issue, which affects the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 models.
Pathfinder owners reported hearing tapping in the front of the engine on the 2013-2016 Nissan Pathfinder models, particularly models equipped with the V8 engine. The rattling issue is very evident during cold seasons. This rattling noise in the engine typically points to upcoming timing chain failure.
The reason your Nissan Pathfinder is making tapping or rattling sounds at the engine is that there a faulty timing chain guide rails or timing chain tensioners that were worn out earlier.
When these components fail, the timing chain becomes loose and improperly positioned. In worst cases, pieces of the timing chain guides can break and fall into the oil pan, creating bigger problems. To address the timing issue, Nissan/Infiniti made new tensioners for newer Pathfinder models, but replacement is costly.
Unlike most problems in this list, the engine rattling and tapping noise can start in models at an average mileage of 38,750. Diagnosing the timing issue in the Pathfinder (or a general diagnosis) costs between $88 and $111. Price may vary in the region you live.
6. Abnormal Noise From the Front of the Engine
I recently talked about the engine tapping noise as a symptom of a primary wear and tear of the tensioners in the Pathfinder. The abnormal noise I’m talking about here is a pointer to secondary damage to the timing chains, which can lead to more severe damage.
Excess slack in the secondary timing chains leads to whing noises from the front of the engine, right at the timing chain area. You’ll be glad to know that Nissan issued an NTB09-128 service bulletin that addresses the timing issue. Severe engine noise caused by a secondary timing chain issue affected Pathfinder models from 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 years.
The best fix for the Nissan Pathfinder timing issue is a complete replacement of secondary timing chains and tensioners that hold them down. Replacing the timing belt on the Pathfinder SUV will cost you between $533 and $713. After replacing the components, you should replace the engine oil and filter as well.
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7. Pink Coolant in Radiator and Transmission Problems
The Nissan Pathfinders from 2005 to 2010 years are prone to a coolant-related problem called “strawberry milkshake”. This coolant condition is common on models that have automatic transmission.
The name “strawberry milkshake” describes the color and consistency of the fluid found in the coolant reservoir, radiator, and transmission system.
The radiator on the 2005 – 2010 pathfinder models has an isolated portion for cooling automatic transmission fluid(ATF). This isolated part of the radiator can sometimes rupture internally. When the radiator is compromised, the automatic transmission fluid and the engine coolant mix the radiator, transmission, and engine. The transmission overheats due to a lack of enough coolant. This is followed by a transmission overheating warning light on the dashboard and jerking when accelerating.
When the transmission fluid leaks, owners of the Pathfinder SUV may experience transmission slipping, where the engine revs high but moves slowly. This causes the engine to overheat too.
Engine coolant that has entered the transmission system can cause a lot of damage to the gearbox. If not fixed in time, the transmission may need replacement or rebuilding.
To fix the engine coolant and transmission fluid mixing problem, you should replace the radiator with a new one. A radiator replacement on a Nissan Pathfinder costs between $1,243 and $1,658. The engine’s cooling system and transmission system should be flushed, inspected, and repaired where required. The cost of changing the transmission fluid on the Nissan Pathfinder is between $207 and $223
The Nissan Pathfinder radiator leak problem is common in the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 models, affecting models at an average mileage of 142,991 miles.
8. Engine Misfires
Engine misfires are some of the most common issues with the Nissan Pathfinders. A lot of owners reported misfires that would show intermittently. These problems typically point to a problem with the ignition coil. This may cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate.
Just like the engine stall issue, the misfiring in the Nissan Pathfinder is common in older models made in 1990, 1991, and 1992. Nissan likely corrected the problem in newer models. While new SUVs aren’t prone, misfiring still happens in Pathfinders models that have an average mileage of 150,000 miles. The problem is almost impossible to find in models that have less than 100,000 on the odometer.
The best fix to the misfiring issue in the Nissan Pathfinder is to replace the ignition coil, which typically costs between $198 and $339. But before you start pulling out parts, make sure to have the SUV diagnosed first.
And there you have it. The top issues with the Pathfinder SUV. You’ll be glad to know that Nissan made corrections to a lot of issues. The most reliable Pathfinder SUV to buy is anything made from 2019 through 2024. And did you hear? The 2025 Pathfinder recently hit the market with a starting price of $37,070. You can read all about it here on FlagshipDrive.com.
