NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel System, Gasoline complaints
186 reportsClear category filter116,000 miles · Oct 26, 2016
EngineFuel System, GasolinePower Train
I WAS STRANDED IN A PARKING LOT BECAUSE MY CAR WOULD NOT START. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, I FIND OUT IT IS THE "INTERMIX" BETWEEN THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS FROM NISSAN, BUT NOW UNDERSTAND IT WAS A KNOWN AND FREQUENT FAILURE - BY DESIGN. ESSENTIALLY, AFTER 90,0…
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I WAS STRANDED IN A PARKING LOT BECAUSE MY CAR WOULD NOT START. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, I FIND OUT IT IS THE "INTERMIX" BETWEEN THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS FROM NISSAN, BUT NOW UNDERSTAND IT WAS A KNOWN AND FREQUENT FAILURE - BY DESIGN. ESSENTIALLY, AFTER 90,000 MILE, THE CAR IS WORTHLESS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. AFTER PAYING $5,000 FOR THE REPAIR, I DROVE OFF THE LOT ONLY TO HAVE MY FUEL PUMP FAIL. LITERALLY, I DROVE OFF THE LOT AND THE ENGINE BEGAN MISFIRING. UNBELIEVABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10919161
80,000 miles · Dec 13, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING.... YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE TANK... MY FAMILY WAS STUCK THINKING THAT THERE WAS GAS IN THE TANK WHILE GOING 55 MPH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10664046
Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline
RAN OUT OF GAS B/C FUEL GAUGE KEEPS SHOWING EMPTY EVEN WHEN IT IS FULL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10663628
80,000 miles · Jul 22, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineFuel System, Gasoline
I'M ONE OF MANY VICTIMS THAT HAVE ENDURED FAULTY FUEL SENDING UNITS AND INACCURATE GAS GAUGES THAT CAUSE ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. WITH SUCH A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, IT IS A PURE SCAM THAT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. NISSAN SIMPLY EXTENDS THE WARRANTY TO 72,000 MILES, WHICH DOES NOTHING TO HELP THE THOUSAND…
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I'M ONE OF MANY VICTIMS THAT HAVE ENDURED FAULTY FUEL SENDING UNITS AND INACCURATE GAS GAUGES THAT CAUSE ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. WITH SUCH A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, IT IS A PURE SCAM THAT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. NISSAN SIMPLY EXTENDS THE WARRANTY TO 72,000 MILES, WHICH DOES NOTHING TO HELP THE THOUSANDS OF VICTIMS WITH MORE MILEAGE. JUST AS THEY DID WITH THE RADIATOR DEFECT THAT CONTAMINATED THE TRANSMISSION, NISSAN IS GETTING AWAY WITH OFFERING HELP UP ONLY TO THE POINT WHEN THE PROBLEM BEGINS TO APPEAR. THIS MAKES THEM APPEAR THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING, BUT THEY ARE DOING NOTHING FOR THE VAST MAJORITY OF VICTIMS. HOW CAN YOU LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THIS APPROACH? IT LEAVES VICTIMS WITHOUT HELP, AND LEAVES OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE CARS ON THE ROAD. IT'S DANGEROUS TO RUN OUT OF GAS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU LIVE IN COLD CLIMATES AND HAVE SMALL CHILDREN. HELP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10615501
62,000 miles · Apr 22, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolinePower Train
CAR WOULD JUST DIE WHILE DRIVING. THE GAUGE WOULD READ EMPTY EVEN WITH A HALF TANK OR MORE OF GAS, I ALSO CALLED NISSAN DEALERSHIP TO CHECK ON RECALL OF THE FUEL SENDING UNIT, THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THERE WAS NO RECALL. SO I STARTED DOING THE WORK MYSELF, GOT HALFWAY DONE AND ASKED A BUDDY FOR HELP AND HE INFORMED ME THAT THERE …
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CAR WOULD JUST DIE WHILE DRIVING. THE GAUGE WOULD READ EMPTY EVEN WITH A HALF TANK OR MORE OF GAS, I ALSO CALLED NISSAN DEALERSHIP TO CHECK ON RECALL OF THE FUEL SENDING UNIT, THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THERE WAS NO RECALL. SO I STARTED DOING THE WORK MYSELF, GOT HALFWAY DONE AND ASKED A BUDDY FOR HELP AND HE INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS IN FACT A RECALL ON THAT PART. SO I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEN THEY ALL OF A SUDDEN HAD A RECALL AND DID THE WORK FOR FREE. SINCE THEN (BEFORE) 100,000 MILES, MY RADIATOR FLUID FILLED MY TRANSMISSION AND RUINED IT, AND MY TRANSMISSION FLUID FILLED MY RADIATOR AND RUINED IT TOO. SO OUT OF POCKET FOR TRANSMISSION REBUILD AND REROUTING OF THE COOLANT LINE ($3000). NOW I JUST DRIVE BECAUSE I HAVE TOO, ANYTIME I STOP I HAVE TO KILL IT TO KEEP IT FROM OVERHEATING. BUT I HAVE NO OTHER VEHICLE SO NOTHING I CAN DO. NISSAN CONTINUES TO JUST NOT CARE AT ALL. I WILL NEVER HAVE ANOTHER NISSAN. YOU COULD GIVE ME A NISSAN FOR FREE AND I WOULDN'T TOUCH IT. STRAIGHT GARBAGE COMPANY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10584345
Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR HAS GONE UP IN MY TRUCK. IT HAPPENED IN DECEMBER 2012. I CANNOT TELL WHETHER I HAVE GAS IN THE TRUCK OR NOT. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED AS I CANNOT AFFORD THE REPAIR. I HAVE NOTICED THAT OTHER 2005 PATHFINDER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558797
135,000 miles · Dec 9, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE FUEL GAUGE IS SAYING "EMPTY TANK" EVEN THOUGH I PUMPED $50 WORTH OF GAS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10555290
90,000 miles · Nov 15, 2013
Fuel System, GasolinePower Train
THIS CAR HAS HAD ONE ISSUE AFTER ANOTHER. MY FUEL SENSOR WENT OUT, HAD A RECALL ON THE RELAY (WAS STALLING AS I WAS DRIVING), HAD MY TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR MIX FLUID AND CAUSE BOTH TO FAIL AND MY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ARE DEFECTIVE. I NEED THE CATALYTIC TO BE CHANGED SO I CAN PASS A SMOG CHECK... IT HAS BEEN SUCH A PAIN, EXPEN…
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THIS CAR HAS HAD ONE ISSUE AFTER ANOTHER. MY FUEL SENSOR WENT OUT, HAD A RECALL ON THE RELAY (WAS STALLING AS I WAS DRIVING), HAD MY TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR MIX FLUID AND CAUSE BOTH TO FAIL AND MY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ARE DEFECTIVE. I NEED THE CATALYTIC TO BE CHANGED SO I CAN PASS A SMOG CHECK... IT HAS BEEN SUCH A PAIN, EXPENSE AND CONCERN FOR SAFETY. WHEN IS NISSAN GOING TO REALIZE THAT THEY MADE FAULTY VEHICLES? DO PEOPLE HAVE TO HAVE HORRIFIC ACCIDENTS BEFORE THEY DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT ? I PAID GOOD MONEY, HARD EARNED MONEY FOR THIS VEHICLE, BRAND NEW. THE COSTS TO REPAIR ARE RIDICULOUS. MY HUSBAND HAS A CAR OLDER THAN ME, MORE WEAR AND TEAR AND HAS NEVER HAD AN ISSUE. THE CATALYTIC ISSUE NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE IT KILLS THE MOTOR AND MAKES IT A USELESS BOX. TO ME, NISSAN DOESN'T CARE ABOUT ITS CUSTOMERS OR THEIR SAFETY. THE RELAY AND TRANSMISSION ISSUES ALMOST CAUSED US HUGE ACCIDENTS. WITHOUT QUICK THINKING AND QUICK REFLEXES WE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE !!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10552521
56,800 miles · Nov 11, 2013
Fuel System, GasolinePower TrainSteering
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO A ROAD,FOR CHARITY, WHILE GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD, THE MORE YOU GAVE IT GAS THE CAR TOOK OFF LIKE A ROCKET. I TOOK THE CAR OUT FOR A TEST RIDE, THE SAME THING HAPPEN,AT THE STOP SIGN THE CAR WOULD RAVEUP.AND TAKE OFF LIKE A .ROCKET. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP TOL…
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MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO A ROAD,FOR CHARITY, WHILE GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD, THE MORE YOU GAVE IT GAS THE CAR TOOK OFF LIKE A ROCKET. I TOOK THE CAR OUT FOR A TEST RIDE, THE SAME THING HAPPEN,AT THE STOP SIGN THE CAR WOULD RAVEUP.AND TAKE OFF LIKE A .ROCKET. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT IS GOING TO COST A LOT TO FIT THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10551819
72,224 miles · Nov 10, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline
AFTER FILLING THE VEHICLE UP WITH GAS-THE FUEL GAUGE DROPPED TO EMPTY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I CHECKED THE DISTANCE TO EMPTY ON FUEL GAUGE IT SHOWED BLANKS. AS I BEGAN TO DRIVE THE DISTANCE TO EMPTY STARTED TO INCREASE BUT THE FUEL GAUGE NEVER MOVED TO THE FULL POSITION AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. UPON STOPPING AND TUR…
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AFTER FILLING THE VEHICLE UP WITH GAS-THE FUEL GAUGE DROPPED TO EMPTY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I CHECKED THE DISTANCE TO EMPTY ON FUEL GAUGE IT SHOWED BLANKS. AS I BEGAN TO DRIVE THE DISTANCE TO EMPTY STARTED TO INCREASE BUT THE FUEL GAUGE NEVER MOVED TO THE FULL POSITION AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. UPON STOPPING AND TURNING THE ENGINE OFF THE FUEL GAUGE FINALLY MOVED INTO THE FULL POSITION. THE OWNERS MANUAL SAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SHOULD GO OFF BUT HAS NOT. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO OREILLYS AND HAD THEM RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON IT AND IT SHOWED TO BE THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WAS BAD. THE FUEL GAUGE IS STILL NOT WORKING AND THIS IS ONLY ONE OF MANY PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE. RECENTLY HAD TO HAVE TRANSMISSION REPLACED AND U JOINTS SEVERAL TIMES. THE NISSAN PATHFINDER IS A LEMON AND NISSAN REFUSES TO WORK WITH THEIR CUSTOMERS. I SUGGEST THAT NO ONE BUY A NISSAN PRODUCT. THE COMPANY IS A JOKE AND WILL TRY TO GET OUT OF WARRANTY WORK AND GET EVERY PENNY OUT OF YOU THAT THEY CAN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10551681
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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