NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
106 reportsClear category filter131,000 miles · Jun 20, 2018
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD EMERGING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE WENT AWAY WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIVE OTHER TIMES WITHIN A TWO WEEK PERIOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD EMERGING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE WENT AWAY WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIVE OTHER TIMES WITHIN A TWO WEEK PERIOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND THE TRANSMISSION MODULE NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
NHTSA ODI #11102787
50,000 miles · Oct 18, 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT AND THE SMOKE DISSIPATED. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT AND THE SMOKE DISSIPATED. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR FLUID MIXED WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. A REMEDY WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.
NHTSA ODI #10917163
81,000 miles · Sep 6, 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ABNORMAL VIBRATION. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXED WITH THE RADIATOR FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXED…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ABNORMAL VIBRATION. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXED WITH THE RADIATOR FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXED WITH THE RADIATOR FLUID AND STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10903904
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINEERING ISSUES WITH CROSS CONTAMINATION FLUIDS BETWEEN RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. *SMD
NHTSA ODI #10891435
75,000 miles · May 24, 2016
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO D…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE FUSE BOX. THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA ODI #10870655
Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO COOLANT LEAKS FROM RADIATOR INTO TRANSMISSION. *SMD
NHTSA ODI #10806938
104,000 miles · Jul 28, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS CONTAMINATION BY THE ENGINE COOLANT. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS CONTAMINATION BY THE ENGINE COOLANT. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
NHTSA ODI #10744406
91,000 miles · Jul 23, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
NISSAN HAS ADMITTED TO FAULTY RADIATORS IN THEIR 05-10 MIDSIZE VEHICLES. MINE BEING A FRONTIER BUT ALSO USED IN XTERRA, PATHFINDERS AND I BELIEVE TITANS.THESE RADIATORS WHEN THEY GO, TAKE THE TRANSMISSION WITH THEM. 4700 DOLLAR BILL LATER NISSAN SAYS I'M 2 MONTHS BEYOND MY 10 YEARS AND WILL NOT HONOR ANY HELP, EVEN THOUGH I'M 10…
Read full complaint
NISSAN HAS ADMITTED TO FAULTY RADIATORS IN THEIR 05-10 MIDSIZE VEHICLES. MINE BEING A FRONTIER BUT ALSO USED IN XTERRA, PATHFINDERS AND I BELIEVE TITANS.THESE RADIATORS WHEN THEY GO, TAKE THE TRANSMISSION WITH THEM. 4700 DOLLAR BILL LATER NISSAN SAYS I'M 2 MONTHS BEYOND MY 10 YEARS AND WILL NOT HONOR ANY HELP, EVEN THOUGH I'M 10K UNDER THE 100K MILE LIMIT. SO BECAUSE I KEPT MY MILES LOW AND HAVE TAKEN CARE OF MY PICKUP I AM STILL AT FAULT FOR THEIR FAULTY EQUIPMENT. MY FAMILY WILL ***NEVER*** OWN ANOTHER NISSAN AS LONG AS WE LIVE. AT ANYTIME THEY COULD HAVE SAID HEY FOR $275 WE WON'T RECALL THESE RADIATORS BUT THEY ARE $275 TO REPLACE YOU SHOULD DO IT BEFORE IT GOES AND TAKES THE TRANSMISSION TOO. [XXX] YOU NISSAN.... POOR BUSINESS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10736026
85,000 miles · Jun 26, 2015
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE RADIATOR OVERHEATED AND ALLOWED COOLANT TO SPILL INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RADIATOR…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE RADIATOR OVERHEATED AND ALLOWED COOLANT TO SPILL INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA ODI #10730684
67,500 miles · May 2, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER HAS CROSS CONTAMINATION BETWEEN THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION. NISSAN NEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM YEARS AGO. TO FIX THE PROBLEM THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY OUT TO 10 YEARS. NOW I NEED A NEW RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. MY COST 3000 DOLLARS. I ONLY HAD A MONTH LEFT BEFORE I WAS [XXX] OUT OF LUCK. I HAVE BEE…
Read full complaint
MY 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER HAS CROSS CONTAMINATION BETWEEN THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION. NISSAN NEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM YEARS AGO. TO FIX THE PROBLEM THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY OUT TO 10 YEARS. NOW I NEED A NEW RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. MY COST 3000 DOLLARS. I ONLY HAD A MONTH LEFT BEFORE I WAS [XXX] OUT OF LUCK. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 35 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION THAT ONLY HAD 67000 MILES ON IT. POOR DESIGN AND THE CONSUMER PAYS. THEY WANTED TO KNOW IF I WAS GOING TO FIX IT. I TOLD THEM I HAD 2 CHOICES FIX IT OR SET IT ON FIRE. THEY GAVE ME A STRANGE LOOK. I TOLD THEM TO REPAIR IT AND I WOULD BUT TOYOTA NEXT TIME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
NHTSA ODI #10714154
Official recalls
3Oct 28, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 ARMADA, TITAN, INFINITI QX56 AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER AND XTERRA VEHICLES. THE INTELLIGENT POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE (IPDM) ASSEMBLY CONTAINS AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) RELAY THAT HAS A DIODE FOR ELECTRICAL CURRENT NOISE REDUCTION. THE ECM RELAY MAY ALLOW SILICON VAPOR TO FORM AND, OVER TIME, THE SILICON EVAPORATES FROM THE DIODE MOLDING WHICH CAUSES SILICON OXIDE TO DEVELOP ON THE ECM RELAY CONTACT DUE TO ARCING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE ENGINE STALLING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECM RELAY INSIDE THE IPDM ASSEMBLY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 6, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Dec 29, 2008
NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2009. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY MAIL AND WILL RECEIVE A STICKER TO PLACE IN THEIR WARRANTY BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Mar 30, 2006
ON CERTAIN KING CAB TRUCKS, IN A SEVERE SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT DEFORMATION OF THE VEHICLE'S BODY COULD CAUSE THE FUEL FILLER CAP TETHER TO BE STRETCHED TO THE POINT OF UNSCREWING THE FUEL FILLER CAP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN A FUEL SPILL WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL CAP TETHER PIN ASSEMBLY WITH A MODIFIED ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP12004 · Transmission Failures
Opened Jun 11, 2012 · Closed Oct 22, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train; Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines; Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Illustration