NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
62 reportsClear category filter110,785 miles · Jan 26, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAD BEEN NOTICING MY AUTOMATIC TRUCK SHUTTER BEFORE THUMPING INTO GEAR MONTHS BEFORE I ACTUALLY TOOK THE TRUCK INTO THE NISSAN DEALERS SHOP FOR ANALYSIS. WHEN THEY INSPECTED, I WAS TOLD MY TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN DAMAGE DUE TO CONTAMINATION BY ENGINE COOLANT AND I WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE SOURCE OF THE CONTAMINATION IS…
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I HAD BEEN NOTICING MY AUTOMATIC TRUCK SHUTTER BEFORE THUMPING INTO GEAR MONTHS BEFORE I ACTUALLY TOOK THE TRUCK INTO THE NISSAN DEALERS SHOP FOR ANALYSIS. WHEN THEY INSPECTED, I WAS TOLD MY TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN DAMAGE DUE TO CONTAMINATION BY ENGINE COOLANT AND I WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE SOURCE OF THE CONTAMINATION IS A CRACKED ATF LINE THAT RUNS THROUGH AN ENGINE COOLANT CHAMBER IN THE RADIATOR. THIS DEFECTIVE PART AND DESIGN CAME DIRECTLY FROM THE NISSAN FACTORY. NISSAN KNEW ABOUT THE DEFECT AND FAILED TO NOTIFY THE CONSUMER OR REPLACE THE FAILED TRANSMISSIONS @ NO COST. PLEASE ADVISE OF ANY RECALLS AND RESULTS FROM THE INVESTIGATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10561552
105,000 miles · Dec 30, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK WHEN IT BEGAN TO SLIP AT ROUND 45 MPH. THE SHIFTING THEN BECAME VERY HARD. I LOOKED ON-LINE AND SAW WEBSITES DISCUSSING TRANSMISSION/RADIATOR PROBLEMS. I OPENED MY RADIATOR AND SAW IT WAS VERY MILKY IN COLOR. TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION BECAUSE OF A …
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I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK WHEN IT BEGAN TO SLIP AT ROUND 45 MPH. THE SHIFTING THEN BECAME VERY HARD. I LOOKED ON-LINE AND SAW WEBSITES DISCUSSING TRANSMISSION/RADIATOR PROBLEMS. I OPENED MY RADIATOR AND SAW IT WAS VERY MILKY IN COLOR. TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION BECAUSE OF A KNOWN PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10557710
120,000 miles · Oct 18, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE STARTING THE TRUCK. IT WAS PLACE ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND THE RESULT WAS THAT A SENSOR IN THE GAS TANK WAS NOT WORKING. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ONE WEEK AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE NOTICE STATED THAT THE WARRANTY WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. I EMAILED NISSAN TO COMPLAIN …
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THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE STARTING THE TRUCK. IT WAS PLACE ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND THE RESULT WAS THAT A SENSOR IN THE GAS TANK WAS NOT WORKING. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ONE WEEK AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE NOTICE STATED THAT THE WARRANTY WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. I EMAILED NISSAN TO COMPLAIN AND NEVER HEARD FROM THEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548378
95,000 miles · Oct 17, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED TRANSMISSION COOLER WHICH ALLOWS COOLANT TO MIX WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, CAUSING INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPONENTS. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THIS CATASTROPHIC EVENT - IT JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN HAPPENED. THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $7,000 - NISSAN DID NOT COVE…
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DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED TRANSMISSION COOLER WHICH ALLOWS COOLANT TO MIX WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, CAUSING INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPONENTS. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THIS CATASTROPHIC EVENT - IT JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN HAPPENED. THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $7,000 - NISSAN DID NOT COVER $3,000 OF THIS AS THEY SAID IT WAS A "DEDUCTIBLE" - HOW CAN YOU HAVE A DEDUCTIBLE ON A DESIGN FLAW? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548282
81,000 miles · Aug 27, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
RADIATOR CRACK CAUSED TRANSMISSION FAILURE WE HAVE 81,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK SO THEY WANT US TO HAVE TO PAY 2500+ DOLLARS FOR A 6 YEAR OLD TRUCK FOR WHICH WE HAD A 100,000 MILE WARRANTY/72 MONTH WARRANTY AND ON WHICH WE PAID HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR EVERY MAJOR MILEAGE INSPECTION AND SERVICE. NOTHING WAS DONE TO TELL US OR WARN…
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RADIATOR CRACK CAUSED TRANSMISSION FAILURE WE HAVE 81,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK SO THEY WANT US TO HAVE TO PAY 2500+ DOLLARS FOR A 6 YEAR OLD TRUCK FOR WHICH WE HAD A 100,000 MILE WARRANTY/72 MONTH WARRANTY AND ON WHICH WE PAID HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR EVERY MAJOR MILEAGE INSPECTION AND SERVICE. NOTHING WAS DONE TO TELL US OR WARN US OF THIS. PEOPLE WILL ALSO LOSE RESALE VALUE BECAUSE NO ONE WILL WANT TO BUY THE VEHICLES. WE SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR THE REPAIRS AND THE LOSS OF RESALE POTENTIAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10537559
75,569 miles · Aug 6, 2013
Electrical SystemEngineEngine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS ERRONEOUSLY ENTERING THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION BOTH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS ERRONEOUSLY ENTERING THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION BOTH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,569. ..UPDATED 09/30/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS AN ENGINE WHINE (NOISE) AT ALL SPEEDS. THERE MAYBE A FAILURE WITH THE TIMING CHAIN. THERE WAS A REAR AXLE LEAK WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY A BAD VENT CHECK VALVE. THE POWER SOCKET COUNSEL WAS NOT WORKING. UPDATED 10/29/2013 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10533865
Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO RADIATOR COOLANT MIXING WITH MY TRANSMISSION FLUID. NISSAN KNEW ABOUT THE FACTORY DEFECT BUT FAILED TO NOTIFY THE CONSUMERS OR REPLACE THE TRANSMISSIONS. NISSAN WAS INVOLVED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AND INCREASED THE TRANSMISSION WARRANTY TO 10 YEARS OR 100K MILES. BUT THEY REQUIRED THE CUSTOMER TO…
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MY TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO RADIATOR COOLANT MIXING WITH MY TRANSMISSION FLUID. NISSAN KNEW ABOUT THE FACTORY DEFECT BUT FAILED TO NOTIFY THE CONSUMERS OR REPLACE THE TRANSMISSIONS. NISSAN WAS INVOLVED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AND INCREASED THE TRANSMISSION WARRANTY TO 10 YEARS OR 100K MILES. BUT THEY REQUIRED THE CUSTOMER TO PROVIDE A CO-PAY OF $3000.00 (WHICH IS RIDICULOUS). HOWEVER I NOTICED SYMPTOMS OF MY TRUCK SHUTTERING AND THUMPING INTO GEAR AROUND 95,000 MILES, MY VEHICLE HAD APPX110,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP OFFICIALLY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM. FURTHERMORE, MILEAGE SHOULD NOT MATTER BECAUSE THIS IS A "FACTORY DEFECT". I BOUGHT MY NISSAN FRONTIER NEW IN 2007 AND IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO THE "FACTORY DEFECT". PLEASE INFORM ME IF THERE IS ANY RECOURSE/RECALL FOR THIS SITUATION. THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10523578
102,970 miles · Jun 28, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD ANTI-FREEZE CONTAMINATION AND COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION, AND THAT NISSAN WAS AWARE OF THIS BUT WOULD TAKE NO ACTION TO REPAIR OR RECALL THE VEHICLE. IF THIS IS A KNOW MANUFACTURE DEFECT AND IS…
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I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD ANTI-FREEZE CONTAMINATION AND COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION, AND THAT NISSAN WAS AWARE OF THIS BUT WOULD TAKE NO ACTION TO REPAIR OR RECALL THE VEHICLE. IF THIS IS A KNOW MANUFACTURE DEFECT AND IS RESULTING IN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WITH POTENTIAL CRASH, AND INJURY POTENTIAL, WHY AREN'T THE VEHICLES BEING RECALLED AND REPAIRED? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10522226
104,000 miles · Jun 20, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP. THE VEHICLE STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE COOLANT FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP. THE VEHICLE STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE COOLANT FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10520841
97,000 miles · Jun 17, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THE CAR WAS BROUGHT IN FOR FLUID CHANGES SINCE THE CAR WAS NEARLY AT THE 100,000 MILE MARK. THEY EXPLAINED THE RADIATOR HAD FAILED AND CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO BE CONTAMINATED. THIS CAR WAS BROUGHT IN SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND THEY NEVER DISCLOSED THAT THIS KNOWN PROBLEM CAN RUIN A TRANSMISSION. I PAID 3000.00 TO HAVE T…
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THE CAR WAS BROUGHT IN FOR FLUID CHANGES SINCE THE CAR WAS NEARLY AT THE 100,000 MILE MARK. THEY EXPLAINED THE RADIATOR HAD FAILED AND CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO BE CONTAMINATED. THIS CAR WAS BROUGHT IN SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND THEY NEVER DISCLOSED THAT THIS KNOWN PROBLEM CAN RUIN A TRANSMISSION. I PAID 3000.00 TO HAVE THE CAR FIXED BECAUSE I WAS IN THE 80-100,000 K MILE RANGE. THIS CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT IS A BAD DEAL FOR NISSAN CONSUMERS. WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED THAT THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN. I WOULD HAVE GLADLY PAID 600.00 TO HAVE THE RADIATOR REPLACED. ITS A GOOD THING THIS HAPPENED WHILE AT THE DEALERSHIP. I UNDERSTAND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN STRANDED. NISSAN KNOWS THIS AND FAILS TO TELL ITS CUSTOMERS. THIS IS UNSAFE, AND I THINK IT SHOULD BE A FULL RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10520286
Official recalls
1Dec 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.
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.
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