NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
585 reportsClear category filter80,000 miles · Mar 19, 2019
Power Train
COMPLETE LOSS POWER AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SHOP, THE DIAGNOSE WAS A FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER INTEGRATED INTO THE RADIATOR THAT ALLOWED ENGINE COOLANT TO MIX WITH AND CONTAMINATE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE VEHICLE DID NOT REPORT ANY WARNING SIGNS BEFORE THE FAILURES OTHER THAN A SUDDEN LOSS OF ABILITY TO MOV…
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COMPLETE LOSS POWER AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SHOP, THE DIAGNOSE WAS A FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER INTEGRATED INTO THE RADIATOR THAT ALLOWED ENGINE COOLANT TO MIX WITH AND CONTAMINATE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE VEHICLE DID NOT REPORT ANY WARNING SIGNS BEFORE THE FAILURES OTHER THAN A SUDDEN LOSS OF ABILITY TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. MY PATHFINDER IS 2005 WITH ONLY 81000 BECAUSE I AM IN THE MILITARY AND I DID NOT DRIVE IT, AND I HAVE NO REPORT OF A RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #11189952
81,957 miles · Aug 22, 2018
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (MELLOY NISSAN, 7707 LOMAS BLVD NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87110, (505) 545-6420) FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND INQUIRED ABOUT FAILURES WITH THE TRANSMISSION; HOWEVER, THE DEALER FOUND NO FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (MELLOY NISSAN, 7707 LOMAS BLVD NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87110, (505) 545-6420) FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND INQUIRED ABOUT FAILURES WITH THE TRANSMISSION; HOWEVER, THE DEALER FOUND NO FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED AND WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS CRACKED AND THE FLUID SEEPED INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE REPAIR COST WOULD EXCEED $5,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,957.
NHTSA ODI #11121669
199,924 miles · Aug 14, 2018
Power Train
COOLANT DAMAGE TRANSMISSION. THE CAR LOST POWER IN MOTION
NHTSA ODI #11119915
Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2018
Power Train
KNOWN TO NISSAN CORP, A DESIGN DEFECT MAKES THE ENGINE RADIATOR RUST AND LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION. MY CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND I JUS TOOK IT TO PERFORM THE 90,000 MILES SERVICE. COOLANT FLUID WAS FOUND IN THE TRANSMISSION OIL AND DEALER QUOTED ME $6,884.59. AFTER A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT I JUST LEARNED ABOUT, …
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KNOWN TO NISSAN CORP, A DESIGN DEFECT MAKES THE ENGINE RADIATOR RUST AND LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION. MY CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND I JUS TOOK IT TO PERFORM THE 90,000 MILES SERVICE. COOLANT FLUID WAS FOUND IN THE TRANSMISSION OIL AND DEALER QUOTED ME $6,884.59. AFTER A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT I JUST LEARNED ABOUT, NISSAN HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY WITH PARTIAL COPAY UP TO 10YEARS/100,000 MILES WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. MY VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS IS SOMETHING UNACCEPTABLE AND NISSAN SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND FIX IT FOR FREE FOR LIFE.
NHTSA ODI #11115187
175,000 miles · Jun 15, 2018
Power Train
WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT ON THE WAY TO WORK. LIGHT TURNS GREEN TRIES TO ACCELERATE AND HARDLY ANYTHING HAPPENS BESIDES A WHINING NOISE. RADIATOR FLUID HAS LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION FLUID CAUSING A MILKSHAKE LIKE FLUID MIX. NOW NISSAN DEALER WANTS ME TO REPLACE RADIATOR, AND TRANSMISSION ON MY ON DIME. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL FORUMS…
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WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT ON THE WAY TO WORK. LIGHT TURNS GREEN TRIES TO ACCELERATE AND HARDLY ANYTHING HAPPENS BESIDES A WHINING NOISE. RADIATOR FLUID HAS LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION FLUID CAUSING A MILKSHAKE LIKE FLUID MIX. NOW NISSAN DEALER WANTS ME TO REPLACE RADIATOR, AND TRANSMISSION ON MY ON DIME. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL FORUMS WHERE THIS HAS BEEN THE CASE. NOW NISSAN HAS NOT RECALLED THIS VEHICLE FOR ANY SAFETY FIXES OF THE NATURE.
NHTSA ODI #11102152
80,825 miles · Apr 9, 2018
Power Train
PURCHASED VEHICLE IN 2005. IN 2017 TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WITH PROBLEM OF LOSS OF POWER TO TRANSMISSION ON FREEWAY WHILE MY DAUGHTER NEEDED TO PULL OVER DUE TO PROBLEM. PROBLEM OF NOISE IN ENGINE TIMING BELT WAS ALSO TOLD OF AT DEALERSHIP. WITH EXTENDED WARRANTY OF 10YRS./100,000MI. THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT LIABLE & NEEDED $6971.28 T…
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PURCHASED VEHICLE IN 2005. IN 2017 TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WITH PROBLEM OF LOSS OF POWER TO TRANSMISSION ON FREEWAY WHILE MY DAUGHTER NEEDED TO PULL OVER DUE TO PROBLEM. PROBLEM OF NOISE IN ENGINE TIMING BELT WAS ALSO TOLD OF AT DEALERSHIP. WITH EXTENDED WARRANTY OF 10YRS./100,000MI. THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT LIABLE & NEEDED $6971.28 TO REPAIR. VEHICLE HAD 80,825 MILES ON IT BUT WAS TWO YEARS OUT OF COVERAGE. AFTER FINDING OUT IN 2013 A LAWSUIT WAS FILED BY MENDELSOHN AND MAZIE SLATER KATZ & FREEMAN FOR KNOWN DEFECT TO NISSAN, PROBLEM WAS NEVER CONTACTED TO ME FOR SOME REASON? WAS JUST INFORMED BY FALCO V. NISSAN NOTICE ADMINISTRATOR TO FILE PAPERWORK ON KNOWN PROBLEM WITH ENGINE TIMING BELT FOR POSSIBLE 20% RETURN OF PAYMENT MADE TO REPAIR OF DEFECTIVE TENSIONER ASSEMBLY. WHY FOUR YEARS AGO WAS I NOT INFORMED OF RADIATOR LEAK CAUSING POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE & POSSIBLE INJURY TO DRIVER?
NHTSA ODI #11084201
85,000 miles · Apr 4, 2018
Power Train
MY VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED STATING THAT THE RADIATOR HAD LEAKED FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND IT WOULD COST $6,200 TO REPAIR. MY VEHICLE HAS 85,000 MILES. I WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN I COULD HAVE HAD IT CHECKED (THE DEALERSHIP DID REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID ONCE SO THE ISSUE SHOULD HAVE BE…
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MY VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED STATING THAT THE RADIATOR HAD LEAKED FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND IT WOULD COST $6,200 TO REPAIR. MY VEHICLE HAS 85,000 MILES. I WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN I COULD HAVE HAD IT CHECKED (THE DEALERSHIP DID REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID ONCE SO THE ISSUE SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF THEN WHEN IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY). THERE IS A VIBRATION WHEN THE RPMS SETTLE AROUND 1000-1500 AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS WARMED UP. IT IS INTERMITTENT, BUT WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE NISSAN DEALER MECHANIC AS THE ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11083293
126,000 miles · Mar 19, 2018
Power Train
TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING. WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, RADIATOR FLUID HAD LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO REPLACE NOT ONLY THE TRANSMISSION BUT THE RADIATOR, HOSES, ETC.
NHTSA ODI #11080155
82,000 miles · Mar 15, 2018
Power Train
RADIATOR FLUID HAS LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION, COMPROMISING THE INTEGRITY OF THE TRANSMISSION. I FEEL A SHUDDER WHEN THE TRANSMISSION HITS 40 MPH - 60 MPH.
NHTSA ODI #11079596
133,657 miles · Mar 9, 2018
EnginePower Train
THE ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE BEGAN AT 133834 MILES. WHEN DRIVING, AT TIMES IT WOULD VIBRATE OUT OF NOWHERE. AFTER A STOP, IT WOULD SHIFT UP HARD OR FAIL TO DOWNSHIFT AND THEN HIT HARD WHEN IT FINALLY WOULD GO IN TO GEAR. ONCE I TOOK IT IN TO A MECHANIC, THE FOLLOWING CODES CAME UP: P1731 - 1ST GEAR LOGIC ERROR, P0430- CAT EFFIC…
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THE ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE BEGAN AT 133834 MILES. WHEN DRIVING, AT TIMES IT WOULD VIBRATE OUT OF NOWHERE. AFTER A STOP, IT WOULD SHIFT UP HARD OR FAIL TO DOWNSHIFT AND THEN HIT HARD WHEN IT FINALLY WOULD GO IN TO GEAR. ONCE I TOOK IT IN TO A MECHANIC, THE FOLLOWING CODES CAME UP: P1731 - 1ST GEAR LOGIC ERROR, P0430- CAT EFFICIENCY BANK 2, P0455- EVAP SYSTEM LEAK LARGE. THE RECOMMENDATION WAS "TEAR DOWN". IN THE END, I HAD TO REPLACE MY: TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, TORQUE CONVERTER, VALVE BODY, VALVE BODY SOLENOIDS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER BANK 2, EXHAUST GASKETS, OIL PRESSURE SENSOR, AND OXYGEN SENSOR. WITH A TOTAL COST OF $4,824.65. I WILL UPLOAD THE SERVICES MY NISSAN PATHFINDER HAD TO HAVE.
NHTSA ODI #11078404
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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