NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
290 reportsClear category filter123,007 miles · Dec 16, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TRANSMISSION JUST OUT OF NO WHERE STARTS JERKING AND OVER HEATING TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT COOLANT/TRANSMISSION FLUID CROSS CONTAMINATION DUE TO INTERNAL RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER FAILURE TO FIX THE PROBLEM IT WILL COST 4700.00 AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH HAVE FOUND THAT THERE IS MORE NISSAN OWNERS HAV…
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TRANSMISSION JUST OUT OF NO WHERE STARTS JERKING AND OVER HEATING TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT COOLANT/TRANSMISSION FLUID CROSS CONTAMINATION DUE TO INTERNAL RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER FAILURE TO FIX THE PROBLEM IT WILL COST 4700.00 AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH HAVE FOUND THAT THERE IS MORE NISSAN OWNERS HAVING THIS VERY ISSUE PLEASE NISSAN YOU NEED TO DO A RECALL ON THESE TRANSMISSIONS IF NOT ILL NEVER BUY A NISSAN EVER AGAIN. I MEAN WHO HAS THAT KIND OF MONEY TO SPEND ON A PART THAT IS INTERNAL AND NOT ABLE TO BE MAINTENANCED HOW DO WE KNOW ITS GOING BAD? OH YEA IT JUST STOPS WORKING I HAVE A FAMILY OF 5 AND WE TRAVEL THE INTERSTATE ALOT IM GLAD I WASN'T ON THE INTERSTATE AT THIS PARTICULAR TIME. COULD HAVE BEEN VERY TRAGIC IF SOME ONE HIT US BECAUSE OF A MALFUNCTION LIKE THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10556273
125,000 miles · Dec 16, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
FAILED TRANSMISSION DUE TO CONTAMINATION FROM RADIATOR FLUID. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10556201
136,000 miles · Dec 8, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I AM AN OWNER OF A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. ON 12/05/13 THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR ON MY CAR FAILED WITH NO WARNING ON A DESERTED ROAD. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO NISSAN WHERE THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD COST 5,100 DOLLARS TO REPAIR. I LATER LEARNED THAT THERE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN A LAWSUIT AGAINST NISSAN FOR TRANSMISSION AND RADIATO…
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I AM AN OWNER OF A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. ON 12/05/13 THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR ON MY CAR FAILED WITH NO WARNING ON A DESERTED ROAD. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO NISSAN WHERE THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD COST 5,100 DOLLARS TO REPAIR. I LATER LEARNED THAT THERE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN A LAWSUIT AGAINST NISSAN FOR TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR FAILURE AND THE MAKE AND MODEL OF MY CAR WAS INCLUDED. AFTER LEARNING THIS INFORMATION I CALLED NISSAN BACK AND THEY STATED THAT THEY ONLY COVERED IT UP TO 100,000 MILES AND MY CAR IS AT 136,000 MILES SO IT WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX IT. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON LINE THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT ARE HAVING THESE EXACT SAME ISSUES AND NISSAN WILL DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT IT AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO HELP WITH COST IN ANY WAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10555228
100,943 miles · Nov 23, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSteering
I WAS COMING BACK FROM THE STORE AND WAS WAITING AT A RED LIGHT WHEN MY LIGHT TURN GREEN I HAD TROUBLE GOING I PRESS THE GAS AND IT WAS LIKE PULLING THEN IT KING OF JUMP AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD A SHOP CHECK MY CAR AND SURE THING IT WAS THE COOLING/ TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY CAR SINCE I HAVE N…
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I WAS COMING BACK FROM THE STORE AND WAS WAITING AT A RED LIGHT WHEN MY LIGHT TURN GREEN I HAD TROUBLE GOING I PRESS THE GAS AND IT WAS LIKE PULLING THEN IT KING OF JUMP AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD A SHOP CHECK MY CAR AND SURE THING IT WAS THE COOLING/ TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY CAR SINCE I HAVE NO MONEY TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, YES I TAKE IT OUT TO TURN IT ON AND MOVE AROUND MY BLOCK, BUT IS THAT FAIR ITS MY FAMILY CAR WE HAVE NOT GONE ANYWHERE ELSE BECAUSE WE DO NOT FIT IN TO OUR. SMALLER CARS I DID RECEIVE THE CLAIM FORM FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT I DID NOT HAD THE PROBLEM THEN THE CLAIM EXPIRED JUNE 7TH 2013, RIGHT BEFORE MY PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP US. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10553519
154,000 miles · Nov 19, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING HOME. WE LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS OF WNC AND AS WE WERE HEADING UP AND INCLINE THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND AFTER MUCH RESEARCH I BELIEVE I AM THE OWNER OF A NISSAN VEHICLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION/COOLANT ISSUE INVOLVED IN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN NY. HOWEVER, BECAUSE MY VEHICLE HAS 154,000 MILES ON …
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MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING HOME. WE LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS OF WNC AND AS WE WERE HEADING UP AND INCLINE THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND AFTER MUCH RESEARCH I BELIEVE I AM THE OWNER OF A NISSAN VEHICLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION/COOLANT ISSUE INVOLVED IN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN NY. HOWEVER, BECAUSE MY VEHICLE HAS 154,000 MILES ON IT AND THE ISSUE JUST OCCURRED I AM UNABLE TO JOIN THE LAWSUIT. I STILL WANT YOU TO BE AWARE THAT THIS ISSUE HAS NO DEADLINE ON IT AND NISSAN SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR EVERY DEFECTIVE VEHICLE STILL ON THE ROAD REGARDLESS OF AGE AND MILEAGE. IF THE PROBLEM IS SPECIFICALLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE DEFECTIVE RADIATOR AND NISSAN HAS NOT FIXED IT THEN NISSAN SOLD A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE, PERIOD. HAD THIS DEFECT NOT BEEN BUILT INTO THE VEHICLE I AM SURE IT WOULD BE OPERATIONAL RIGHT NOW. I ALSO OWN A 2001 CHEVY CAVALIER WITH OVER 200,000 MILES AND IT IS STILL RUNNING!!! SHAME ON NISSAN!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10552933
98,000 miles · Nov 14, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THEY REPORT IN ALL INSTANCES THAT THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LOCATED IN THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY THAT ALLOWED COOLANT TO MIX WITH AND CONTAMINATE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID, RESULTING IN DAMAGED INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS AND A DAMAGED INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COMPUTER. THE COMP…
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THEY REPORT IN ALL INSTANCES THAT THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LOCATED IN THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY THAT ALLOWED COOLANT TO MIX WITH AND CONTAMINATE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID, RESULTING IN DAMAGED INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS AND A DAMAGED INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COMPUTER. THE COMPLAINANTS REPORT NO WARNING SIGNS LEADING UP TO OR JUST PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10552265
86,000 miles · Oct 29, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
DUE TO A DESIGN DEFECT, I HAVE RADIATOR FLUID LEAKING INTO AND RUINING MY TRANSMISSION. I LEARNED THAT NISSAN HAS RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM AND HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY. HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAS ABOVE 80,000 MILES I HAVE A CO-PAY OF $2,500. I FIND THIS UNFAIR. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT DUE TO MILES DRIVEN OR OPERATOR ERROR. …
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DUE TO A DESIGN DEFECT, I HAVE RADIATOR FLUID LEAKING INTO AND RUINING MY TRANSMISSION. I LEARNED THAT NISSAN HAS RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM AND HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY. HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAS ABOVE 80,000 MILES I HAVE A CO-PAY OF $2,500. I FIND THIS UNFAIR. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT DUE TO MILES DRIVEN OR OPERATOR ERROR. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT AND TO REQUIRE CUSTOMERS TO PAY THOUSANDS TO FIX NISSAN'S ENGINEERING PROBLEM IS WRONG. I FEEL I HAVE BEEN TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF. NISSAN SHOULD COVER THE FULL COST OF THE REPAIR REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE BECAUSE THE PROBLEM RESULTS FROM A DESIGN FLAW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10549992
80,000 miles · Oct 25, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEMS BETWEEN 50-60 MPH. LOCAL SERVICE CENTER DIAGNOSED IT AS A DEFECTIVE RADIATOR WHICH ALLOWED RADIATOR FLUID TO GET INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. AFTER TALKING TO OTHER PATHFINDER OWNERS AND CHECKING THE INTERNET APPARENTLY NISSAN WAS AWARE OF THEIR DEFECT AND TRIED TO KEEP IT HIDDEN RE…
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I EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEMS BETWEEN 50-60 MPH. LOCAL SERVICE CENTER DIAGNOSED IT AS A DEFECTIVE RADIATOR WHICH ALLOWED RADIATOR FLUID TO GET INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. AFTER TALKING TO OTHER PATHFINDER OWNERS AND CHECKING THE INTERNET APPARENTLY NISSAN WAS AWARE OF THEIR DEFECT AND TRIED TO KEEP IT HIDDEN RESULTING IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT WHICH WAS SETTLED. UNFORTUNATELY I AM OUT $1,500 FOR REPAIRS AND THERE IS NO GUARANTEE I WON'T BE REPLACING MY TRANSMISSION SOON! CAN YOU HELP? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10549496
115,000 miles · Oct 21, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
AS I WAS DRIVING ON A MOTOR WAY, THE CAR JUST START SHAKING AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING FROM THE DASHBOARD. A MESSAGE "SERVICE SOON" STARTED DISPLAY ON THE DASHBOARD. THIS SEEMS LIKE A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I COULDN'T MOVE THE CAR FROM THAT SPOT ON THE MOTOR WAY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE MECHAN…
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AS I WAS DRIVING ON A MOTOR WAY, THE CAR JUST START SHAKING AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING FROM THE DASHBOARD. A MESSAGE "SERVICE SOON" STARTED DISPLAY ON THE DASHBOARD. THIS SEEMS LIKE A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I COULDN'T MOVE THE CAR FROM THAT SPOT ON THE MOTOR WAY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE MECHANIC AND HE DIAGNOSE THE CAR AND COULDN'T FIND ANY FAULT ON THE CAR. I AM SCARE TO DRIVE THE CAR AND THE CAR IS STILL AT THE AUTO MECHANIC SHOP NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548699
102,600 miles · Oct 18, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LOCATED IN THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY THAT ALLOWED COOLANT TO MIX WITH AND CONTAMINATE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE RADIATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548479
Official recalls
2Oct 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.
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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