Nissan Pathfinder Transmission Problems & Cost | RE5R05A | RE4R01A | CVT

The Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with the RE5R05A and later models have the RE0F10E CVT transmission. Early models also had the RE4R01A transmission. The RE5R05A was known for early failure due to the factory radiator allowing engine coolant to enter the transmission through the cooling system, which sometimes can be fixed with a RE5R05A valve body replacement. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Nissan Pathfinder Transmission Models

Nissan Pathfinder: RE5R05A Transmission
Nissan Pathfinder: RE0F10E CVT
Nissan Pathfinder: RE4R01A Transmission

Nissan Pathfinder Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement Nissan Pathfinder Transmission Prices:

TransmissionStreet Smart Transmission
Nissan RE5R05A2583

Remanufactured Nissan Pathfinder RE5R05A Valve Body Prices:
$590 shipped at Street Smart Transmission

RE5R05A Valve Body Specific OBDII Codes

These codes may require just a RE5R05A valve body replacement

Trouble CodeDescription
U1000Cannot Communicate with TCM / Class 2 Communications Failure
U0402Invalid Data Received From Transmission Control Module
P0700Transmission Control System (MIL Request)
P0705Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input)
P0717Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal
P0720Output Speed Sensor Circuit
P0725Engine Speed Input Circuit
P0740Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction
P0744Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent
P0745Pressure Control Solenoid 'A'
P1705Nissan DTC: Throttle Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction
P1710Nissan DTC: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit
P1721Nissan DTC: Vehicle Speed Sensor MTR
P1730Nissan DTC: A/T Interlock
P1731Nissan DTC: A/T 1st Engine Braking / 1-2 Shift Malfunction
P1752Nissan DTC: Input Clutch Solenoid Valve
P1754Nissan DTC: Input Clutch Solenoid Valve Function
P1757Nissan DTC: Front Brake Solenoid Valve
P1759Nissan DTC: Front Brake Solenoid Valve Function
P1762Nissan DTC: Direct Clutch Solenoid Valve
P1764Nissan DTC: Direct Clutch Solenoid Valve Function
P1767Nissan DTC: High and Low Reverse Clutch Solenoid Valve
P1769Nissan DTC: High and Low Reverse Clutch Solenoid Valve Function
P1772Nissan DTC: Low Coast Brake Solenoid Valve
P1774Nissan DTC: Low Coast Brake Solenoid Valve Function
P18431-2 Shift Solenoid High Voltage
P18452-3 Shift Solenoid Low Voltage

Nissan Pathfinder Diagnostic Trouble Codes | DTC

Trouble CodeDescription
U1000Cannot Communicate with TCM / Class 2 Communications Failure
U0402Invalid Data Received From Transmission Control Module
P0700Transmission Control System (MIL Request)
P0705Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input)
P0710Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit
P0717Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal
P0720Output Speed Sensor Circuit
P0725Engine Speed Input Circuit
P0731Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio
P0732Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio
P0733Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio
P0734Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio
P0740Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction
P0744Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent
P0745Pressure Control Solenoid 'A'
P0750Shift Solenoid 'A'
P0755Shift Solenoid 'B'
P1705Nissan DTC: Throttle Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction
P1710Nissan DTC: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit
P1721Nissan DTC: Vehicle Speed Sensor MTR
P1730Nissan DTC: A/T Interlock
P1731Nissan DTC: A/T 1st Engine Braking / 1-2 Shift Malfunction
P1752Nissan DTC: Input Clutch Solenoid Valve
P1754Nissan DTC: Input Clutch Solenoid Valve Function
P1757Nissan DTC: Front Brake Solenoid Valve
P1759Nissan DTC: Front Brake Solenoid Valve Function
P1762Nissan DTC: Direct Clutch Solenoid Valve
P1764Nissan DTC: Direct Clutch Solenoid Valve Function
P1767Nissan DTC: High and Low Reverse Clutch Solenoid Valve
P1769Nissan DTC: High and Low Reverse Clutch Solenoid Valve Function
P1772Nissan DTC: Low Coast Brake Solenoid Valve
P1774Nissan DTC: Low Coast Brake Solenoid Valve Function
P18431-2 Shift Solenoid High Voltage
P18452-3 Shift Solenoid Low Voltage

Nissan Pathfinder Transmission Recalls

None Found

Nissan Pathfinder Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB NTB13-064a – Torque converter shudder – Nissan Pathfinder CVT transmission
Problem – Some 2013 Pathfinder V6 models may experience a shudder (multiple bumps) from the torque converter lock-up clutch engagement. This will be accompanied by all of the following: Vehicle speed is between 18 and 35 mph – Throttle position is about 10% open – When issue occurs, if more throttle is applied the shudder stops – No DTCs are stored. NOTE: If the shudder occurs at speeds below 18 mph or above 35 mph this does not apply.
Solution – Replace the torque converter with part # 31100–3WX0D

Common Nissan Pathfinder Transmission Problems

RE5R05A valve body problems
Although Nissan tends to make very reliable vehicles, the RE5R05A valve body can fail prematurely if the transmission is not maintained properly, and the cooling system design flaw is not addressed in time. Simply rebuilding the valve body typically will not solve problems caused by warping, cracking and damaged bores. The best way around this is to install a remanufactured RE5R05A valve body from a reputable company that has modified it to address the factory design flaws and metal fatigue. To learn more about one of these reman valve bodies, click here. You can also click here to read more about RE5R05A valve body problems.

Transmission won’t upshift from 1-2 or 2-3 – RE5R05A transmission
Problem – The transmission may hesitate or refuse to shift from 1st to 2nd gear, or 3rd to 4th gear. It may also refuse to shift manually.
Solution – These common RE5R05A transmission problems can be caused by a number of things that include dirty transmission fluid, a clogged transmission fluid filter, a failed vehicle speed sensor, direct clutch solenoid valve or inadequate line pressure. The valve body, TCM or direct clutch may have also failed, and/or there may be wiring/communication issues within the CAN bus system.

RE5R05A transmission won’t downshift
Problem – Here are the possible reasons for a no-downshift condition:

5th-4th gear: Transmission fluid level/condition, failed vehicle speed sensor, front band solenoid valve, direct clutch solenoid valve, front brake band, input clutch, inadequate line pressure, failed TCM, failed valve body wiring/communication issues within the CAN bus system.

4th-3rd gear: Transmission fluid level/condition, failed vehicle speed sensor, input clutch solenoid valve, front brake solenoid valve, TCM, valve body, wiring/communication issues within the CAN bus system, inadequate line pressure, failed input clutch.

3rd-2nd gear: Transmission fluid level and condition, failed vehicle speed sensor, high and low reverse clutch solenoid valve, inadequate line pressure, failed TCM or valve body, failed high and low reverse clutch, wiring/communication issues within the CAN bus system.

2nd-1st gear: Transmission fluid level and condition, failed vehicle speed sensor, direct clutch solenoid valve, inadequate line pressure, wiring/communication issues within the CAN bus system, failed TCM, failed valve body, failed direct clutch.

RE5R05A transmission slips or will not engage the following gears:

1st gear: 3rd one-way clutch, 1st one-way clutch, reverse brake, forward brake, direct clutch solenoid valve, valve body, gear damage.

2nd gear: Low coast brake solenoid valve, 3rd one-way clutch, direct clutch, forward brake, valve body failure, gear damage.

3rd gear: 3rd one-way clutch, high and low reverse clutch, forward one-way clutch, forward brake, failed valve body, gear damage.

4th gear: Input clutch solenoid valve, direct clutch solenoid valve, high and low reverse clutch solenoid valve, low coast brake solenoid valve, front brake solenoid valve, input clutch, direct clutch, high and low reverse clutch, valve body failure, gear damage.

5th gear: Front brake solenoid valve, front brake band, input clutch, high and low reverse clutch, gear damage, valve body failure.

Vehicle will not move when in first gear – RE5R05A transmission
Problem – After shifting into Drive, the vehicle may seem to engage first gear but it won’t move.
Solution – This problem may be caused by several things, including a failed torque converter, accelerator pedal position sensor, transmission pump, 3rd one-way clutch, 1st one-way clutch, reverse brake, forward one-way clutch or forward brake.

Poor acceleration when in Drive – RE5R05A transmission
Problem – After placing the gear selector in Drive, the acceleration may be noticeably poor given the throttle position.
Solution – This problem may be caused by several things including; a failed accelerator pedal position sensor, PNP switch, A/T position switch, torque converter failure, transmission pump failure, a failed 1st one-way clutch, reverse brake, forward brake, and/or forward one-way clutch.

Engine cannot be started when the shifter is in Park or Neutral – RE4R01A transmission
Problem – Drivers may not be able to start the engine when the shifter is in the P or N position. However, the engine may be started when the shifter is in the D, 2, 1 or R position.
Solution – The wiring related to the PNP switch, and the switch itself will need to be tested and possibly repaired/replaced.

Vehicle no longer creeps backwards within the shifter is placed in reverse – RE4R01A transmission
Problem – When the shifter is placed in the R position, the vehicle should move slowly backwards when the brake pedal is released. If this problem arises, it won’t.
Solution – A number of things could be causing this issue, including the level and condition of the transmission fluid, inadequate line pressure, a failed valve body, transmission pump, torque converter, reverse clutch assembly, high clutch assembly, low and reverse brake assembly, or the low one-way clutch.

RE4R01A Problem – Delayed 1-2 shift and quick over speed during 2-3 shift
Cause – Although this issue is often assumed to be a high clutch failure, closer examination may reveal that nothing is wrong with the high clutch circuit. A design change for the 2000 model year can cause the RE4R01A Wide Open Throttle switch / WOT switch to become stuck in the closed position. This not only causes the delayed upshifts, but it also briefly activates the RE4R01A solenoid A right before the 2-3 shift, giving the overspeed sensation. RE4R01A transmissions built prior to the 2000 model year will experience delayed upshifts in all gears, without the 2-3 overrun.
Solution – Repair or replace the WOT/Idle switch, which is incorporated with the throttle position sensor / TPS sensor.

RE4R01A Planetary gear failure
Problem – The fin type transmission cooler that is commonly found in the Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan 200SX and Nissan 300ZX can become cogged, which will then restrict flow to the planetary gear, causing it to fail due to overheating.
Solution – Instead of replacing the entire radiator, Nissan has released a spiral type cooler replacement kit – Nissan part number 21606-15V25

Shift cycling from 4th-to-3rd-4th
Problem – The RE4R01A transmission may seem to shift in a 4-3-4 cycle.
Solution – Repair or replace the ‘D’ range signal wire to the inhibitor switch. The problem may also be caused by a corroded or broken pin inside the harness connector, or the inhibitor switch itself may have failed.

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

If your Nissan Pathfinder can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a Nissan Pathfinder transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a Nissan Pathfinder transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation (including the radiator issue that plagued the Nissan RE5R05A in the Pathfinder, Armada, Titan, Frontier and Xterra), along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Nissan Pathfinder transmissions last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are Nissan Pathfinder transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a Nissan Pathfinder transmission replaced?

In order to replace your Nissan Pathfinder transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.

Recommendations for Nissan Pathfinder transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Nissan Pathfinder transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Nissan Pathfinder Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Nissan Pathfinder Transmission

The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Nissan Pathfinder Transmission

Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Nissan Pathfinder Transmission

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.

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Michael Nicholas
7 months ago

I got a judder code for 2015 nissan pathfinder seems like it chugs and shakey for a couple of minutes usually when driving at lower speeds

FREEMAN PERCIVAL
2 years ago

wont shift in to 3ad4 gers engen code p1705

Salad Ismail
5 years ago

I bought a new Bathfinder 2014 model made in July 2014 factory
From early on l have noticed the new car is shaking and takes time to pick up the gear when you try to to drive D and R gear how ever is ok to driver and shakes while while from slow to bit give a speed and when I took to the Nissan Service that does do the sevice for the car they say we find nothing wrong and diagnosis computer shown nothing now after l insisted the car have a problem they found the checks to be a gear box problem which they say will replace the hole hear box what do you think guy and what options l choose do l ask replace
The car or repair and take the repeat the car is just 65000km four years old.

John Blevins
5 years ago

Can someone PLESE!!!!! Tell me if a completely clogged catylitic converter will cause tranny to go into limp mode?? My isters 2004 Nissan Pathfinder Armada All wheel drive with ctv transmission was running good except would have to jump it off sometimes. couple days ago she had to jump it off and it ran ok then the A/T light came one and now it’ll bairly creep forward with rpms high, it shifts through all gears revers and drive are little hard but not too bad and crazy thing is it’ll drive in reverse like ain’t not nothing wrong with it. I’m by far a transmition guy and honestly this is first CVT transmission iv ever dealt with. Please some advice..

N. Valverde
6 years ago

My Nissan Pathfinder had a check engine light one. I took it to Nissan and they did not recommend any repairs or said say anything about this common problem now my car is not starting and I was told that the radiator and transmission have to be changed because of fluid exchange. A job at over $6.000.00. I am without a car and I depend on it to get to work and pick up my children?…..This is very irresponsible of them….

Justin
5 years ago
Reply to  N. Valverde

I’m am trying to fix mine I replaced tcm but it still want start what did u do to fix yours?

Mesha
5 years ago
Reply to  N. Valverde

I having the same issue and nissan wont fix it.

paulette Williams
6 years ago

I have a 2005 nissan pathfinder. Vehicle shake than dies out can you help me find the problem.

Lorraine
6 years ago

My 2007 Pathfinder was purchased doing the time of the class action lawsuit from a dealer in Virginia. Little did I know in 2012 that I would be having these kind of problems because I only have 127000 miles on my SUV. But I feel pretty bad right now because I just paid this SUV off and two days later my car is doing pretty much all the things a transmission shouldn’t be doing. I took this truck to my local mechanic shop and I was quoted a price of 14,999 dollars to repair I’m so upset right now I just don’t know what to do they said I needed a repaired transmission a repaired Engine and a new radiator with some other stuff I think they just threw in there. What more can I do I had not planned on buy another car so soon. Nissan should have made people aware and not keep selling these SUV

Rosie
7 years ago

My 2007 Nissan pathfinder has started shifting really hard. I took it to a dealer and they said fuels have crossed from the transmission to the radiator. They said both need to be replaced and quoted me $6000. Am I being taken? I’m thinking of buying a new car instead. What is your advice?

Michael Riedel
4 years ago
Reply to  Rosie

Sell it and buy a Toyota or Honda with a manual tranny

Jonathan
7 years ago

I have a 1995 Nissan Pathfinder. Just recently my tire blew out and I got it replaced. They replaced the tires and after a day or two my Reverse gear stopped working. I put the car in reverse and it doesn’t move even when I press the gas. It’s like its stuck in neutral. However when I put the car in drive it works perfectly fine. I checked the transmission fluid and it’s perfectly fine. It’s an automatic transmission. I just have no idea what is wrong with it!

DeWayne
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonathan

Same problem but I changed the brakes now no reverse any ideas

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