2001+ 3.5L Known Issues?? What is a common problem?

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starman8tdc
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2001+ 3.5L Known Issues?? What is a common problem?

Postby starman8tdc » Sun May 24, 2015 1:09 am

2001+ 3.5L Known Issues??
What is a common problem?


Please list the known issues with these models:

2000- 3.3 Auto

2001+ 3.5L 240 HP Auto

2001+ 3.5L 250 HP Manual

I see a lot of them for sale with blown head gaskets on the 3.5's. Is this a common problem?


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smj999smj
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Postby smj999smj » Sun May 24, 2015 7:05 pm

All of them had the potential for rotting out front struts towers; there's a recall that covers the issue. Rear suspension link bushings wearing out or splitting making for a poor handling situation is also common on all of them. The 3.3L engines are a timing belt engine, which needs to be serviced every 105,000 miles. They had some ground issues causing O2 sensor codes which was addressed via a subharness per a TSB. The 3.3L is a very reliable but somewhat underpowered engine for the Pathfinder. The 3.5L has plenty of power, but is known for check engine light concerns, failing coil packs, failing O2 sensors, and there were some that had the power valve screws fall into the engine due to a lack of Loctite on the threads from the factory. Neither one is particularly good as far as fuel mileage.

starman8tdc
Posts: 55
Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2015 11:20 am

Postby starman8tdc » Sun May 24, 2015 8:03 pm

Thanks for the info. Anyone else have any thoughts on the matter? I have the 3.3, and it seems to be pretty powerful @ 170 HP. Not sure what I would do with 250HP in the same rig. Im looking at picking up a 2001 SE 5 speed for around 1k. Not sure im going to get it though as it is green.


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