Nissan Pathfinder 3rd Generation R51 2005-2012 Review

The updated third-generation Nissan Pathfinder R51's update was reasonably extensive as it included an all-new V8 option together with interior and exterior cosmetic alterations. A plethora of new standard and optional features were also introduced to add more of a premium feel.

Giving the front of the updated Nissan Pathfinder a more youthful look are new headlights¹, a wider V-motion chrome grille², and a redesigned front bumper³ featuring a new scuff plate and larger central air dam⁴. The front redesign is completed with a new set of door mirrors⁵ and a roof-mounted antenna⁶.

Changes to the rear of the facelifted Pathfinder are a bit less extensive, with notable changes consisting of new taillights¹, a wider license-plate holder with new chrome accents, and a revised scuff plate for the base of the trunk². The entire tailgate has also been reshaped to fit more flushly around the taillights and base of the trunk³.

Changes made to the side of the updated Pathfinder are marginal, as the only noteworthy adjustments are the lower door trims¹, door mirrors², and redesigned alloy-wheel options³. From this angle, you can also notice the redesigned lights.

Interior revisions consist of a completely new upper dashboard and center console design including revised audio and HVAC controls¹. The automatic gear selector has also been revised together with the wood surface and center console storage cover². Satin silver and chrome trimmings have also been scattered across the interior together with new symbols for the multifunction steering wheel³. The instrument cluster and cup holders are also revised.

The 3rd-gen Pathfinder was sold with the VQ40DE 4.0-liter V6 and VK56DE 5.6-liter V8. Both are available exclusively with the RE5R05A five-speed automatic transmission and can be had with rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case and limited-slip differentials.

There aren't many drivetrain variations of the 3rd-gen Nissan Pathfinder and unfortunately none of them can be considered frugal if the EPA's fuel consumption estimates are anything to go by. The lightest of the lot is the rear-wheel drive V6 with its 14/20/16 mpg city/highway/combined estimates. The heaviest is the four-wheel-drive V8 with 13/18/15 mpg estimates. The Pathfinder's biggest rivals in this segment are the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee. In the V6 segment, the Nissan is outdone by both of these options which feature combined consumption figures of 19 mpg. In the V8 category, the Pathfinder is rivaled by the all-wheel-drive Ford Expedition with its 5.4-liter V8 which bears identical EPA mpg estimates. Looking at the real-world combined figures, it appears that the EPA's estimates can be considered fairly realistic. Bear in mind that these results are sourced from drivers who are not monitored by the EPA with varying driving styles and conditions.

* Real-world mpg and MPGe figures are provided by the EPA. Once a car has been on sale for a significant period of time, the EPA gets real-world figures directly from the customer base. These figures are then provided on the EPA website. Real-world figures are not available for certain models due to a lack of sales, or not enough people partaking in this after-sales survey.

The Nissan Pathfinder 3rd-generation range was only tested for the rollover section in which it achieved a three-star rating with a rollover risk of 23.7%. Nissan constructed every Pathfinder with its Zone Body crumple zones coupled with high-steel pillar and roof reinforcements, side-impact door beams, and a dual-stage airbag system that covers the driver and passenger. Side and curtain airbags were optionally available but are standard on all facelifted models. Additionally, Nissan's anti-theft system with an immobilizer, lower anchors, and tethers for child seats are standard. Hill-descent control and hill-start assist are included on all 4WD models. ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and traction and stability control are standard on all models.

The Nissan Pathfinder third generation is available in three main trims which change slightly over the course of its lifespan. There are also a few limited models to add value to the range. The XE acts as the base trim. Above this is the SE, which can also be mated with an off-road package, while the LE sits at the top of the range as the flagship. With the facelift, the first two trims are renamed to the S and SV, respectively. In between these, you will find the Silver Edition, which was made available for the last two years of the Pathfinder's production.

The R51 Pathfinder is a fairly large SUV so interior space is quite generous. Without the sunroof fitted, the front row offers 40 inches of headroom and 42.4 inches of legroom, which is enough space even for those taller than 6' 4". The second row offers 39 inches of headroom and 34.2 inches of legroom while the third bench measures 36.7 inches of headroom and 28.1 inches of legroom, which is suitable only for smaller children. The easy-clean cargo area offers 16.5 cubic feet of usable space if all three rows are in use. With the third row folded, this increases to 49.2 cubic feet. You have access to 79.2 cubic feet if both rear rows are folded.

All trims feature a 40/20/40-split and flat-folding second-row bench seat with tip-up easy entry for the third row, which uses a 50/50 split. They also host an array of storage compartments such as eight cupholders, under-floor storage in the trunk, and an overhead center console with storage bins. Standard cloth upholstery options consist of Graphite and Desert cloth. Leather trims are finished in the same shades.

Overall cabin quality of well-maintained cars appears to be fairly resilient as per owner reviews but there have been some complaints regarding flimsy plastic switches and knobs that don't appear to stand the test of time with frequent use.

All second-generation Nissan Pathfinder models follow the same maintenance schedule. An oil and filter service must be conducted every 7,500 miles. At 15,000 miles, you will need to replace the cabin air filter ($19). The 30,000-mile service is when the brake fluid and engine air filter ($30) should be changed. A 30,000-mile service should cost $480 at a private workshop and $710 at the dealer for the V6. The V8 will cost $500 at a shop and $730 at the dealer. Furthermore, it is advised that the automatic transmission fluid, differential oil, engine drive belts, and transfer-case oil should be replaced at 30,000 miles as well, as this is the specified interval for those who opted for the Premium Service package. New spark plugs ($150 to $200) should be fitted every 105,000 miles, together with a coolant flush and refill.

A lubrication service for the V6 Nissan Pathfinder will cost $120 at a private shop and $200 at the dealer. The V8 is likely to cost $135 at a workshop and $230 at the dealer. If you opt to do your oil change at home, you'll have to buy 5.4 quarts of synthetic motor oil which will cost $75 with the filter. The V8 uses the same oil type but has an oil capacity of 6.9 quarts, which will result in a cost of $95 including the filter.

The third-generation Nissan Pathfinder has a solid reputation for reliability behind it, but that doesn't mean that it isn't susceptible to some annoying common problems which include evaporative emission control system (EVAP) system clogging, coolant leaks, and untrustworthy sunroofs. Engine problems with the Nissan Pathfinder include timing-chain defects are also worth looking out for.

Recalls for the 2005 to 2012 Nissan Pathfinder are as follows:

• All Nissan Pathfinder models assembled in 2005 and 2006 were recalled for an engine control module that could result in the engine spontaneously stalling.
• There were two airbag-related recalls:
• 2005-2009 Nissan Pathfinders were recalled for an airbag front crash-zone sensor at risk of being damaged by road salt, affecting the car's ability to deploy the airbags in the event of a crash.
• A handful of 2010 Nissan Pathfinder models had to be recalled for an airbag and steering-column fastener problem that could alter the trajectory of the airbag after a collision.
• A handful of 2005 Nissan Pathfinder models had to be recalled for a faulty trailer-brake controller connection harness.
• 2006 and 2008 Nissan Pathfinder units were recalled for molded fuel tank shells that may deform over time, resulting in fuel leaks and the engine stalling.
• 2010 Nissan Pathfinders were subject to a lower control link assembly recall relating to a collar weld that could separate and result in impaired handling.
• 2011 and 2012 Nissan Pathfinders were recalled for an engine oil cooler connector bolt that was not manufactured to the correct specifications and led to oil leaks.
• Some 2012 Nissan Pathfinder units were recalled for wheel hubs that could crack due to insufficient hardness.

No recalls were issued for the Nissan Pathfinder's intelligent power distribution module (IPDM), transmission, catalytic converter, or radiator.

OBD2 codes that you may encounter in the 2005 to 2012 Nissan Pathfinder include the following:

• Camshaft position sensor-related faults are covered by the P0011, P0020, P0021, P0022, and P0345 codes. You'll see the P1057 fault code when there is a camshaft adjustment problem. If there is a problem with the intake valve timing control solenoid valve, you'll be greeted by the P1111 fault code.
• Nissan Pathfinder's crankshaft-position sensor problems may include the P0335, P0335b, and P0340 codes.
• Oxygen sensor faults will bring up the P0031, P0037, P0057, P1031, P1051, P1148, and P1168 codes. P0133, P0171, P0172, and P0174 mean that there is an issue with your air-fuel ratio mixture. Air-fuel sensor fault codes include P1272, P1274, P1282, and P1283. P0161 is what you'll see when the oxygen sensor heating circuit is faulty.
• P0101 and P2103 mean there are MAF - or mass air flow - sensor problems with the Nissan Pathfinder.
• Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor faults are signified by the P0113 fault code.
• If there is a problem with the engine coolant's temperature (ECT) sensor or thermostat, you'll see the P0117, P0118, or P0128 fault code.
• Fuel temperature sensor faults are signaled by the P0181, P0182, and P0183 fault codes.
• P0375 and P1421 mean that there is a problem with your engine's timing.
• Any problems with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system will highlight the P0401, P0402, P0405, and P0407 fault codes.
• Vehicle speed sensor (VSS) fault codes include P0500.
• P0505 and P0507 refer to idle control system malfunctions.
• Faults with the power steering might reveal the P0550 fault code.
• P0557 refers to an issue with the brake booster.
• P0603, P0605, P0643, P1000, and P1130 refer to issues with the engine control unit (ECU).
• P1065 and P1122 mean there is an error with the throttle position sensor (TPS) communication. The P1705 code refers to a bad TPS.
• P1138 points to an issue with the target opening angle of the swirl control valve.
• If the ABS or traction control is disconnected, you'll see the P1212 or P1832 code.
• P1263 means the fuel injector on bank three has gone bad.
• A bad battery current sensor is signaled by the P1550 fault code.
• P1564 means there is an error with the automatic speed control device steering switch.
• If the security system is malfunctioning, you'll see the P1610 fault code.

Other uncommon problems that you may encounter in the third-generation Nissan Pathfinder include a falling starter relay resulting in the P0615 fault code, and a high idle after having the throttle body cleaned. A faulty fuel-level sensor is also possible and will bring up the P0462 and P0463 fault codes.

You are unlikely to suffer from any of the following problems in the 2005 to 2012 Nissan Pathfinder:

• Problems with starting are not well-documented in the Nissan Pathfinder.
• The Nissan Pathfinder's shift lock appears to be problem-free.
• There are no problems with the Nissan Pathfinder's radio and CD player.
• Owners have not complained about power-window problems with the Nissan Pathfinder's passenger window, driver's main control panel, or rear power windows.
• While the fuel-level sensor may play up, there doesn't appear to be a problem with the Nissan Pathfinder's fuel pump or EVAP system.
• Problems with the Nissan Pathfinder's fan clutch or cooling system are not extensively documented, save for that potential issue of coolant leaking into the transmission mentioned earlier.
• The Nissan Pathfinder is not known to struggle with electrical problems, including the battery and alternator; hard starting is more likely going to be due to timing issues, or chain or cat problems.
• You shouldn't have any problems with the Nissan Pathfinder's climate control or air-conditioning/AC.

There is no particular trim or engine option to avoid when it comes to the third-generation Nissan Pathfinder. Both the VQ40DE and VK56DE have their fair share of problems but they're only likely to be headaches if they are not properly maintained. There's also no specific trim or drivetrain that we'd advise you to steer clear from. Given the coolant and transmission problem, we highly recommend that you stay away from cars that do not have a complete maintenance history, especially the 30,000-mile transmission oil change.

There is no standout model when it comes to the third-generation Nissan Pathfinder as the different engine, drivetrain, and trim options cater to consumers with varying wants and needs. All trims are well-equipped and, most importantly, they all feature the same level of standard features. Only look at cars that have an impeccable service history.

The third-generation Nissan Pathfinder took the fight to the mid-size SUV segment where the likes of the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee dominate with some authority. There is not much choice when it comes to engine and drivetrain options, but if well-maintained the V6 and V8 should prove to be dependable powertrains at the cost of frugality.