NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
585 reportsClear category filter126,000 miles · Sep 7, 2013
Power Train
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS - VEHICLE HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS SHIFTING - THEN SUDDENLY BEGAN TO MAKE LOUD NOISES - TOOK TO TRANSMISSION SHOP - THEY FOUND NO PROBLEMS WITH COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC - 2 WEEKS LATER THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON P1746 - WENT TO DRIVE TO SHOP AND COULDN'T MAKE IT - HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. TRANSMISSION…
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TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS - VEHICLE HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS SHIFTING - THEN SUDDENLY BEGAN TO MAKE LOUD NOISES - TOOK TO TRANSMISSION SHOP - THEY FOUND NO PROBLEMS WITH COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC - 2 WEEKS LATER THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON P1746 - WENT TO DRIVE TO SHOP AND COULDN'T MAKE IT - HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. TRANSMISSION MADE LOUD GRINDING NOISES ALL OF SUDDEN AND WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS CHECKED TRANNY FLUID AND EVERYTHING ELSE - DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY IT WENT OUT - NO PRIOR PROBLEMS OR SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT BEFORE THIS -- ETC..WENT DOWNHILL FAST - IF I COULD HAVE CAUGHT EARLIER OR HAD SOME KIND OF WARNING FROM NISSAN MAYBE WE COULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING PREVENTIVE - EXTREMELY UPSET AFTER FINDING OUT ONLINE ABOUT 05 TRANNY PROBLEMS - CALLED NISSAN - I HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR COSTS - WAS NEVER INFORMED BY NISSAN OR DEALER ABOUT TRANSMISSION RADIATOR PROBLEMS - NOT A MECHANIC SO I DON'T SPEAK TO DETAILS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED RADIATOR LAST YEAR IN OCTOBER 2012 - STILL WAS NOT ADVISED ABOUT POTENTIAL IMPACT TO TRANSMISSION MY WIFE WAS DRIVING - LUCKY SHE WAS NOT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR ON FREEWAY - COULD HAVE BEEN HORRIBLE ACCIDENT - NISSAN SHOULD HONOR - AND FIX - OR EITHER GIVE US REBATE ON NEW VEHICLE FOR TRADE-IN.
NHTSA ODI #10542462
93,224 miles · Sep 3, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolinePower Train
I WAS DRIVING TOWARDS RENO, NV AND EVERY TIME THERE IS AN UPHILL ROADWAY THE ENGINE WOULD REV UP AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS TO ANOTHER GEAR,I WOULD FEEL A THUMPING SOUND AND ON EVERY 3 TO 6 MILES OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD FEEL LIKE IT IS RUNNING ON AN UNPAVED ROAD. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THAT IS WHEN THEY …
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I WAS DRIVING TOWARDS RENO, NV AND EVERY TIME THERE IS AN UPHILL ROADWAY THE ENGINE WOULD REV UP AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS TO ANOTHER GEAR,I WOULD FEEL A THUMPING SOUND AND ON EVERY 3 TO 6 MILES OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD FEEL LIKE IT IS RUNNING ON AN UNPAVED ROAD. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THAT IS WHEN THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY TRANSMISSION FLUID AND ENGINE COOLANT ARE MIXING. NOT TO MENTION THAT MY FSR IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. IT TURNED OUT THAT THE FSR (FUEL SENSOR RELAY) IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST UNLESS IT IS A 2006 AND UP. I DON'T MIND THE FSR, BECAUSE I CAN WORK ON THIS BUT THE COOLANT AND TRANNY FLUID MIXTURE SHOULD BE A RECALL SINCE A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10541721
66,889 miles · Sep 3, 2013
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND THERE WAS A SLIGHT LOSS OF TRANSMISSION POWER WITH SEVERE HESITATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS ANDY THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION LINE WAS CRACKED AND TRANSMISSION FLUID…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND THERE WAS A SLIGHT LOSS OF TRANSMISSION POWER WITH SEVERE HESITATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS ANDY THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION LINE WAS CRACKED AND TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,889.
NHTSA ODI #10538459
74,199 miles · Sep 2, 2013
Power Train
VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING AND WON'T ACCELERATE. CHECKED THE FLUID LEVELS AND THEY ALL ARE OK, HOWEVER, TRANSMISSION FLUID COLOR APPEARS BROWNISH INSTEAD OF THE USUAL PINK COLOR. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10538389
101,563 miles · Sep 2, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TRANSMISSION OIL IN RADIATOR, CAUSE CAR TO OVER HEAT. MOST LIKELY NEED NEW TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. JUST OVER NISSAN 100,000 MILE WARRANTY AND THEY WON'T COVER THE REPLACEMENT. AND IF THE WOULD WANT ME TO PAY 3,000 OUT OF MY POCKET FOR A KNOW DEFECTIVE PART. I FEEL THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALL AND NISSAN EXPENSE AND FIX MY CAR. *…
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TRANSMISSION OIL IN RADIATOR, CAUSE CAR TO OVER HEAT. MOST LIKELY NEED NEW TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. JUST OVER NISSAN 100,000 MILE WARRANTY AND THEY WON'T COVER THE REPLACEMENT. AND IF THE WOULD WANT ME TO PAY 3,000 OUT OF MY POCKET FOR A KNOW DEFECTIVE PART. I FEEL THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALL AND NISSAN EXPENSE AND FIX MY CAR. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10538383
105,000 miles · Aug 26, 2013
EnginePower Train
DURING THE TIME I WAS DRIVING THE PATHFINDER I NOTICE THAT THE TRANSMISSION STARTED PULLING. I GOT INTO THE TURNING LANE TO PULL OVER TO CHECK IT OUT BUT WHEN I STOPPED AND THEN TRY TO TURN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE MORE THEN 3 FEET THAT LEFT ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. LUCKY NO ONE WAS HURT BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN A BAD SITUA…
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DURING THE TIME I WAS DRIVING THE PATHFINDER I NOTICE THAT THE TRANSMISSION STARTED PULLING. I GOT INTO THE TURNING LANE TO PULL OVER TO CHECK IT OUT BUT WHEN I STOPPED AND THEN TRY TO TURN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE MORE THEN 3 FEET THAT LEFT ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. LUCKY NO ONE WAS HURT BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN A BAD SITUATION IF I WAS ON A BUSY STREET. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10537240
109,000 miles · Aug 25, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. NISSAN DEALER SHOP RECOMMENDS TO REPLACED TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10537153
124,000 miles · Aug 21, 2013
Power Train
THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER IS FAILING, JUST AS IT HAS BEEN STATED ALL OVER THE INTERNET. OF COURSE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM OCTOBER OF 2012 DOES NOT ASSIST ME. MY TRUCK WAS FINE AT THAT TIME, AND NOW, I AM OVER $124,000 MILES. NISSAN IS STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR FAILING TO INFORM ITS CONSUMERS ABOUT THE ON-GO…
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THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER IS FAILING, JUST AS IT HAS BEEN STATED ALL OVER THE INTERNET. OF COURSE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM OCTOBER OF 2012 DOES NOT ASSIST ME. MY TRUCK WAS FINE AT THAT TIME, AND NOW, I AM OVER $124,000 MILES. NISSAN IS STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR FAILING TO INFORM ITS CONSUMERS ABOUT THE ON-GOING FAILING TRANSMISSION ISSUES. NISSAN NEEDS TO PAY FOR MY TRANSMISSION. I EXPECT IT TO HAPPEN!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10536545
142,000 miles · Aug 20, 2013
EnginePower Train
IT'S THE TYPICAL NISSAN PATHFINDER (2005-2011) TRANSMISSION/RADIATOR FAILURE DUE TO FLUIDS FROM BOTH DEVICES MIXING AND CAUSING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF BOTH. NISSAN INFORMS ME THAT THEY CERTAINLY UNDERSTAND MY PROBLEM, WHICH IS COMFORTING, BUT WILL NOT PAY A DIME. NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10536381
139,000 miles · Aug 15, 2013
EnginePower Train
THERE IS PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE RADIATOR HAS A LEAK IN IT CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION OIL TO MIX WITH THE RADIATOR COOLANT CREATING A MIXTURE OF GRAVY TYPE SUBSTANCE. THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RADIATOR ARE FILLED UP WITH THIS SUBSTANCE. THE ENGINE IS NOT BEING COOLED DO…
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THERE IS PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE RADIATOR HAS A LEAK IN IT CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION OIL TO MIX WITH THE RADIATOR COOLANT CREATING A MIXTURE OF GRAVY TYPE SUBSTANCE. THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RADIATOR ARE FILLED UP WITH THIS SUBSTANCE. THE ENGINE IS NOT BEING COOLED DOWN. THE VEHICLE STARTS TO VIBRATE AFTER A CERTAIN SPEED. WHEN YOU POP UP THE HOOD IT SMELLS LIKE PLASTIC BURNING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10535537
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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