Nissan Pathfinder

VQ40DE 4.0L 269 hp Automatic All-wheel drive 2004–2010

– Be Careful

Engine VQ40DE – Be Careful 1,500–4,000 €

4.0L V6 naturally aspirated. Robust and powerful, high fuel consumption.

Fun Factor? Decent

V6 petrol breathes life into the big beast

272 hp V6 gives the Pathfinder unexpected thrust — no sports car, but no longer a slouch.

Engine Weaknesses 2

!! Timing chain guide wear

The timing chain guide rails of the VQ40DE wear at high mileage. Nissan used plastic slide rails on early models that become brittle. A broken chain can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Symptoms: Rattle on cold start, metallic clattering, engine warning light

1,000–2,500 € from 150,000 km

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!! Rear crankshaft seal leaking

The rear crankshaft seal of the VQ40DE becomes leaky at higher mileages. Oil loss between engine and gearbox is typical. Repair is labour-intensive as the engine or gearbox must be removed.

Symptoms: Oil patch under engine/gearbox, dropping oil level, oily smell after driving

500–1,500 € from 120,000 km

Ad Rear crankshaft seal VQ40DE Rear main seal VQ40DE Navara 4.0 Crankshaft seal Pathfinder VQ40

Reports & Tests

nhtsa_complaints NHTSA Complaint Summary 2026-03

Below Average

2920 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2004–2010). Most reported: Powertrain (1555), Engine & Cooling (635), Fuel System (523).