Recalls: Nissan R51 Pathfinder
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Nissan R51 Pathfinder
2005 Nissan R51 Pathfinder: propeller shaft may detach
In November 2005, a recall was issued for Nissan R51 Pathfinder vehicles because the tightening torque on the propeller shafts could cause vibration and, if not rectified, the propeller shafts could detach (PRA 2005/8172).The recalled Nissan R51 Pathfinder vehicles had VINs in the following ranges:
- VSKJLWR51A0007409 to VSKJLWR51A0042626; and,
- VSKJVWR51A0007459 to VSKJVWR51A0044447.
Nissan R51 Pathfinder: lower steering shaft could detach
In February 2006, a recall was issued for Nissan R51 Pathfinder vehicles due to incorrect fitment of the lower steering shaft. If ignored, the condition could result in the lower shaft detaching, causing a loss of steering control (PRA 2006/8355).The recalled Nissan R51 Pathfinder vehicles had VINs in the following ranges:
- VSKJLWR51A0007409 to VSKJLWR51A0067774; and,
- VSKJVWR51A0007459 to VSKJVWR51A0069431.
Nissan R51 Pathfinder with steel bull bar: bonnet may open unexpectedly
In May 2010, a recall was issued for Nissan R51 Pathfinder vehicles fitted with heavy ‘steel bull bars’ where the hood striker loop may separate from the hood due to increased vibration frequency. This could result in the hood not being securely latched and potentially opening unexpectedly while driving (PRA 2010/11664). The affected vehicles were included in the following VIN ranges:
- VSKJLWR51A0007409 to VSKJLWR51A0366895; and,
- VSKJVWR51A0007459-VSKJVWR51A0365777.
Nissan R51 Pathfinder: engine may stall and not restart
In October 2010, a recall was issued for Nissan R51 Pathfinder vehicles due to potential contamination of the intelligent power distribution module (IPDM) relay, caused by a build-up of silicon oxide (caused by silicon evaporating from the lay diode). This contamination could lead to poor conduction at the relay contacts, potentially causing the engine to stall and failing to restart (PRA 2010/12094). The vehicles affected were available for sale from March 2004 to June 2006 and included vehicles in the VIN range VSKJLWR51A0007409 to VSKJLWR51A0119527.
Nissan R51 Pathfinder: driver’s seat may adjust unexpectedly
In May 2012, a recall was issued due to for certain Nissan Pathfinders due to inappropriate installation and operation of the power seat harness in the driver’s power adjustable seat – this could cause the power adjustment for the driver’s seat to stop working and, in extreme circumstances, ‘unexpected self-operation’ of the driver’s power seat base. The recalled Nissan R51 Pathfinder vehicles had VINs in the range VSKJLWR51A0007646 to VSKJVWR51A0364879 (PRA 2012/13128).
Nissan R51 Pathfinder with Performance Suspension ball joints: ball joint failure
In May 2016, a recall was issued for extended ball joints that were produced by Performance Suspension for the Nissan R51 Pathfinder. The ball joints could fail in some circumstances, causing separation of the ball joint components; if this occurred while the vehicle was being driven, the separation of the ball joint would cause the suspension to fail, posing a serious safety hazard to vehicle occupants and other road users. The Performance Suspension ball joints were available for sale from 17 April 2015 to 9 May 2016; consumers should immediately stop using the ball joints and contact Performance Suspension for replacement ball joints or a full refund (PRA 2016/15375).
Problems and faults: Nissan R51 Pathfinder
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Nissan R51 Pathfinder: YD25 timing chain failure
For the Nissan R51 Pathfinder, the 2.5-litre YD25DDTi turbo-diesel engine has:
- A simplex (i.e. single row) primary (lower) timing chain and gears; and,
- A duplex (i.e. double row) secondary (upper) timing chain and gears.
For the primary simplex timing chain, there have been reports of the timing chain stretching, while the timing chain guides and the vacuum pump timing chain sprocket and shaft may also exhibit wear and/or damage. If the timing chain stretches, the valves and pistons can collide and cause serious engine damage such that the engine has to be rebuilt or replaced.
It is recommended that the simplex timing chain and tensioners be replaced before 80,000 kilometres and inspected every 40,000 kilometres thereafter. Due to the premature wear and failure of the single-row timing chains, aftermarket double-row timing chain kits have been developed for greater longevity.
Nissan R51 Pathfinder with YD25DDTi diesel engine: EGR cooler coolant leak
For Nissan R51 Pathfinder vehicles with the 2.5-litre YD25DDTi diesel engine, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may corrode or split internally or around its flanged ends, causing a coolant leak. Due to the heat of the exhaust system, the coolant may evaporate and therefore not be seen pooling beneath the vehicle. As such, signs of a leaking EGR cooler are:
- A low coolant level; and,
- Coolant stains around the EGR pipe and cooler.
If not repaired, the loss of coolant could cause the engine to overheat and damage the cylinder head gasket. While some have sought to rectify this problem by bypassing the EGR system, this is not recommended because the vehicle will not comply with emissions standards and will be unroadworthy.
Nissan R51 Pathfinder: exhaust gas temperature sensor failure
In August 2013, Nissan Australian initiated a service campaign for 2012 and 2013 Nissan R51 Pathfinder vehicles that had 2.5-litre diesel engines. For these vehicles, the exhaust gas temperature sensor had a high failure rate and could cause the engine to enter into ‘limp home’ mode to prevent possible overheating of the turbocharger. In ‘limp home’ mode engine speed would be limited to around 2000 rpm and power output would be restricted; a failed exhaust gas temperature sensor would also result in the P0546 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) being logged. Revised exhaust gas temperature sensors were released – these were distinguished by their part number having a ‘B’ suffix. The exhaust gas temperature sensor was fitted to the back of the exhaust manifold where the turbocharger was connected.
Nissan R51 Pathfinder: driveline vibrations and prop-shaft universal joint
For the Nissan R51 Pathfinder, driveline vibrations may be attributable to wheel problems, prop-shaft universal joints or, for automatic models, the torque converter (particularly from 80-100 km/h, see below).
In April 2010, Nissan North America issued Nissan Technical Bulletin NTB10-052 for Nissan D40 Frontier/Navara and R51 Pathfinder vehicles due to noise and/or vibration from the propeller shaft universal joint (u-joint). According to the service bulletin, the universal joint could be identified as the source of the noise and/or vibration by removing the propeller shaft and testing to see if:
- Universal joint axial play or flex effort exceeded the specifications in the Electronic Service Manual (ESM); or,
- If a ‘ratchety’ feel was exhibited during rotation.
In either case, the universal joint was to be replaced.
Nissan R51 Pathfinder auto: driveline vibration from torque converter
For Nissan R51 Pathfinder vehicles with automatic transmissions, owners have reported experiencing shuddering/vibrations in the following conditions:
- Driving at speeds between 80 km/h and 110 km/h;
- Overdrive (O/D) is engaged; and,
- When there is a load on the transmission (i.e. accelerating for a hill or overtaking).
Generally, the shuddering is accompanied by engine rpm dropping by around 5000 rpm. It is understood that the shuddering/vibration is caused by the torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid not engaging properly (i.e. continually engaging and disengaging). To fix, the torque converter has to be replaced.
For reference, the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) solenoid is supposed to close when the following conditions are satisfied:
- Overdrive is engaged;
- The gear selector is in ‘Drive’;
- The transmission has engaged 5th gear;
- Throttle position is less than 50 per cent; and,
- Vehicle speed is 75km/h or higher.
Furthermore, any of the following conditions causes the TCC to disengage:
- Vehicle speed drops below 75 km/h;
- Throttle input exceeds per cent;
- Overdrive is disengaged; or,
- The gear selector is moved out of Drive.
Nissan R51 Pathfinder V6: buzzing noise from timing chains
In November 2009, Nissan USA issued service bulletin NTB09-128 for 2005-10 Nissan R51 Pathfinder vehicles with the 4.0-litre VQ40 V6 petrol engine. In these vehicles, there may be a high frequency buzzing/whining noise from the secondary timing chain system that increases in frequency with engine speed (rpm).
To fix, both secondary timing chains and both secondary timing chain tensioner ‘shoes’ were to be replaced; the engine oil and filter were also to be changed.
Nissan R51 Pathfinder: inaccurate fuel gauge
In March 2010, Nissan USA issuedservice bulletin NTB07-069c for 2005-08 Nissan R51 Pathfinder vehicles with VINs preceding 5N1*R*8**8C 630614. If
- The fuel gauge was erratic, inaccurate or inoperative; and/or,
- The malfunction indicator light (MIL) was illuminated; and,
- Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P0461, P0462 or P0463 were stored in Self-Diagnosis,
then the fuel sending unit should be replaced.
Nissan R51 Pathfinder: front suspension noise and stabiliser bar bushing
In October 2010, Nissan North America issued Nissan Technical Bulletin NTB10-072a for Nissan D40 Frontier/Navara and R51 Pathfinder vehicles due to a noise (clunking, squeaking or popping) that could be heard from the front suspension when performing at least one of the following actions:
- Turning the steering wheel left or right;
- Driving over speed bumps;
- Driving on rough roads; or,
- Accelerating or decelerating.
According to the service bulletin, the noise was attributable to wear of the front stabiliser bar bushing or bushings.
To fix, the front stabiliser bar bushing on both sides were to be replaced. Prior to installing the new bushings, the service bulletin stated that a brake cleaner should be used to clean the stabiliser bar where it made contact with the bushings.
Nissan R51 Pathfinder: seatback vibration at highway speeds
In June 2008, Nissan North America issued Nissan Technical Bulletin NTB08-063 for 2007-08 Nissan D40 Frontier/Navara and R51 Pathfinder vehicles because the right front seatback may vibrate when the vehicle is driven at highway speeds.
While the repair procedure differed according to whether the vehicle had a soft seatback board or a hard seatback board, the repair required the following steps:
- Removal of the seatback board;
- Application of foam tape to a mass (vibration) damper and installation of the damper;
- Cutting the J-clip on the seatback to assure free movement of the mass damper; and,
- Re-assembly of the seatback.
Nissan R51 Pathfinder: Other problems and faults
- For Nissan R51 Pathfinder models fitted with the 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine, a rattling noise may be heard around 2000rpm – this is the power valve actuator dithering and can only be fixed by replacing the manifold, complete with new valve.
- For models with power adjustable seats, the seat cushion may not raise and lower due to a failed motor.
- For models with manual seat adjustment, the seatback may not move fore and aft due to separation of the linkage, which will require replacement to restore functionality.
- The power windows may cease to operate if the battery is disconnected or if the window fuse blows, such that the windows need to be reprogrammed.
