Browse over 9,000 car reviews

Nissan Pathfinder Problems

Are you having problems with your Nissan Pathfinder? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Nissan Pathfinder issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the Nissan Pathfinder in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Nissan Pathfinder parts replacement

There is no law I am aware of that requires carmakers to hold a certain stock of parts, but it has been the practice in the past that they would hold parts for a period of 10 years. That was before the dreaded GFC. We know that carmakers are cutting back on the stock of parts held, that costs money, and are relying on being able to quickly source parts from overseas if they aren't on hand locally. I'd say you have been treated poorly; Nissan should have been able to fly in the parts you needed from their overseas affiliates and have them here in a matter of a few days. Jump up and down and make a fuss, it seems that's the only way some carmakers get the message.

Converting Pathfinder to LPG

The reason you can't find a kit is that there are issues with the Pathfinder V6. The catalytic converters are located very close to the engine and particles can be blown back into the engine from the converter and cause a major engine issue. There have been a number of issues with the Pathfinder and most of the kits that were developed have been removed from the market because of the problems with the cats. It's not worth the risk to convert it.

Used Nissan Pathfinder review: 2005-2009

After falling off the pace in the rapidly expanding SUV market Nissan hit back hard with the all-new R51 Pathfinder.

Nissan hoped that the new Pathfinder, with its four-wheel drive capability and seven-seat cabin, would take it right up to the Toyota Prado and Mitsubishi Pajero, the market heavyweights in the class.

MODEL WATCH

The new and bigger Spanish-built R51 Pathfinder rode on a ladder chassis and rolled on a longer wheelbase than its closest rivals. It also boasted seven seats instead of the five its predecessor had.

There was heavy emphasis on flexibility in the neat, no-fuss cabin, which was reckoned to have 64 seating/cargo combinations, with room enough to carry goods up to 2.8 metres long.

Nissan offered the choice of a 4.0-litre petrol V6 engine that boasted 198 kW at 5600 revs and 385 Nm at 4000 revs, or a 2.5-litre turbo diesel that delivered 128 kW at 4000 revs and 403 Nm at 2000 revs.

Those who signed up for the V6 got a five-speed automatic transmission, while those opting for the turbo diesel had the choice of the five-speed auto or a six-speed manual.

The Pathfinder used Nissan's All Mode four-wheel drive system that allowed two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive high and low, plus and auto mode that used sensors and electronics to distribute the drive automatically, up to a 50/50 split front to rear.

With its considerable offroad capability the Pathfinder wasn't as sharp on the blacktop as some of its rivals that struggled once the sealed stuff stopped.

The range was made up of three models, the ST, ST-L and Ti. All had antilock ABS brakes, dual front airbags, air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors, and CD sound.

The ST had 16-inch alloy wheels, but when you ticked the ST-L box, you got larger 17-inch alloy wheels, plus electronic stability control, side steps and a six-stacker CD system.

At the top of the tree the Ti could only be had with the V6 and auto trans.  Extras included leather trim, rear-seat DVD player and side curtain airbags.

IN THE SHOP

The early Spanish-built cars need thoroughly checking by someone who knows them well before buying; the build quality out of Spain was variable and often poor leading to many and varies issues.  The diesel engine leaks oil and some consume oil at an alarming rate.

Clutch and brake wear is generally very high, particularly with the factory fitted parts, and there can be a myriad of electrical issues.  Parts that should be relatively cheap can be very expensive. For example instead of being able to buy a rear axle seal you have to buy an expensive complete axle assembly.

Later Thailand-built vehicles have a higher quality and represent a better buy.

IN A CRASH

ANCAP rated the Pathfinder Ti at four stars, but that came with dual front airbags, side front airbags, ABS brakes and stability control.  Lesser models were less well equipped, but weren't tested by ANCAP.

AT THE PUMP

Nissan claimed the Pathfinder V6 would average 13.5 L/100 km, while the turbo diesel would do 10.0 L/100 km.

OWNER SAYS

Colin Boyd has owned two R51 Nissan Pathfinder ST- L Diesel Auto's, a 2006 model and the 2009 he's currently driving, and he will happily line up for a third when the time comes. It's a fantastic all-rounder for the city or country with a roomy cabin and good towing power.  He sold the 2006 model to his brother and that's done 120,000 km without any mechanical issues, his own 2009 model has done 50,000 km, also trouble free.

On the plus side he says the Pathfinder is loaded with features, at a much lower price than the Toyota Prado, has a more modern look, plenty of grunt, a very practical interior, and fewer warranty issues than the locally produced cars he's previously owned. Conversely door handles are an issue for older vehicles, and the fuel consumption on the Series II, which has a particulate filter, is disappointing.

LOOK FOR

  • Solid build
  • Roomy and flexible cabin
  • Smooth V6
  • Economical diesel
  • Three-tonne towing
  • Generally reliable

THE BOTTOM LINE

At first glance it's an attractive wagon, but quality issues can sour the ownership experience.  70/100

Read the article
Nissan Pathfinder gearbox

Our Nissan specialist Jerry Newman services a dozen or more turbo diesel Pathfinders and he hasn’t seen any with overheating problems. The only issues he has seen are related to the variable build quality coming out of the plant in Spain, and they’re usually rattles and squeaks etc.

Ask Smithy Xtra Pathfinder problem with LPG

Like it does with all of its models Nissan doesn’t recommend that you convert the Pathfinder to LPG, but that’s because it doesn’t want to carry the can for any problems that might arise because of the conversion. Aside from Nissan’s aversion to LPG there isn’t any real issue with converting the Pathfinder as long as you use an experienced and skilled converter and a recognized system. The system you will find you have to use is the more expensive vapour injection system, which does a good job but costs more. I would believe the Pathfinder would be a good car for your wife if she’s comfortable with the size, but it would be relatively heavy on petrol, and with the mileage I guess she could be doing it might not be viable to convert to LPG. I would consider the diesel.

Ask Smithy Xtra Rust around plates on Pathfinder

The warranty has run out so you’re really pushing uphill if you want to get Nissan to pay for the repairs. If the rust hasn’t penetrated the sheet metal I would apply some rust preventative and try and limit the damage over the long term.

Nissan Pathfinder timing chain

The engine has a timing chain and doesn't require servicing, and there doesn't appear to be a problem with it breaking.

Tyre turnover on Pathfinder

For starters you don't have to have it serviced by a dealer, your warranty won't be affected if you have it serviced somewhere else providing it is done by the book. You could phone around and get quotes from other service outlets and other Nissan dealers. You could also ask your dealer to explain what things need to be fixed. Never be afraid to question your dealer and have them justify their charges. Oh, and three sets of tyres and four sets of brakes in 80,000 km is totally unacceptable.

LPG kit for Nissan Pathfinder

There have been issues with the catalytic converters overheating and breaking up and being ingested into the engine with Pathfinders running on LPG and installers generally don't recommend it. The guys at the Australian LPG Warehouse tell us that they have recently fitted a Pathfinder with one of their JTG liquid-injection systems.  They tell us that the combustion temperature with their system is the same as it would be on petrol, alleviating the problem with the cat converters.

Ask Smithy Xtra Pathfinder heating

We haven’t had any other such reports at Cars Guide, perhaps our readers could let us know if they have experienced the same problem. To find the cause you need to establish what is, or perhaps more importantly, what isn’t happening. Are there any leaks around the heater? Is the core blocked or broken? Are all the hoses intact etc.?

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
Have a new question for the CarsGuide team?
More than 9,000 questions asked and answered.
Complete guide to Nissan Pathfinder
Complete guide to Nissan Pathfinder CarsGuide Logo
Reviews, price, specs and more