NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
585 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 11, 2010
Power Train
I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER THAT MY TRANSMISSION HAS GONE OUT IN. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRMAN THAT IT IS CAUSED BY FLUID GETTING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THERE IS OBVIOUS SIGNS OF ANTIFREEZE BEING IN THE TRANSMISSION AND THROUGH THEIR RESEARCH IT IS FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THEY HA…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER THAT MY TRANSMISSION HAS GONE OUT IN. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRMAN THAT IT IS CAUSED BY FLUID GETTING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THERE IS OBVIOUS SIGNS OF ANTIFREEZE BEING IN THE TRANSMISSION AND THROUGH THEIR RESEARCH IT IS FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THEY HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL THINGS AT THEIR SHOP CONCERNING THESE PROBLEMS. NOW I HAVE A 3000 BILL OR MORE TO HAVE THIS TRANSMISSION REPAIRED. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS IN THE INTERNET. ALL TALKING ABOUT THE SAME EXACT THING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10348824
50,600 miles · Aug 11, 2010
Power TrainSuspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED SHE NOTICED TRANSMISSION FLUID ON THE GROUND. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT SHE NEEDED A RECEIPT. HOWEVER, THE DEALER WOULD OR IDENTIFY WHAT TYPE OF RECEIPT SHE NEEDED. TWO DAYS LATER SHE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED SHE NOTICED TRANSMISSION FLUID ON THE GROUND. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT SHE NEEDED A RECEIPT. HOWEVER, THE DEALER WOULD OR IDENTIFY WHAT TYPE OF RECEIPT SHE NEEDED. TWO DAYS LATER SHE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER; HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10E019000, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,774.
NHTSA ODI #10348679
90,000 miles · Aug 9, 2010
Power Train
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND CAR SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 60-70MPH. I'VE CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY ARE REFUSING TO REPAIR IT DUE TO NOT SPENDING ENOUGH MONEY AT THEIR DEALERSHIPS AND DUE TO THE HIGH MILEAGE(PROBLEM STARTED AROUND 90K, CUR…
Read full complaint
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND CAR SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 60-70MPH. I'VE CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY ARE REFUSING TO REPAIR IT DUE TO NOT SPENDING ENOUGH MONEY AT THEIR DEALERSHIPS AND DUE TO THE HIGH MILEAGE(PROBLEM STARTED AROUND 90K, CURRENTLY ABOUT 110K) OF MY VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10348204
63,000 miles · Aug 5, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER DEFECTED RADIATORS LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION, RUSTING COMPONENTS LEADING TO TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AND FAILURE, I WAS ON THE MASS PIKE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 60 WHEN MY PATHFINDER JUST PULL BACK LIKE YOU DROPPED IT IN LOW, 18 WHEELER ALMOST DROVE RIGHT THREW MY BACK OF PATHFINDER, THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THEN O…
Read full complaint
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER DEFECTED RADIATORS LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION, RUSTING COMPONENTS LEADING TO TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AND FAILURE, I WAS ON THE MASS PIKE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 60 WHEN MY PATHFINDER JUST PULL BACK LIKE YOU DROPPED IT IN LOW, 18 WHEELER ALMOST DROVE RIGHT THREW MY BACK OF PATHFINDER, THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THEN ONE TIME, SOMETIMES WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC IT FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS PULLING FORWARD WITHOUT PUTTING YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS, I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ONLINE TO FIND THE SAME PROBLEM MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING IN THE RADIATOR THERE IS TRANSMISSION FLUID( LOOK) FOR WHITE MILKY SUBSTANCE ALSO ANTIFREEZE GOING INTO TRANSMISSION, PLEASE SEARCH THE WEB FOR 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDERS COMPLAINTS AND PROBLEMS, THIS IS VARY DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING IT IS UNPREDICTABLE WHEN IT HAPPENS AND I WAS TOLD JUST A MATTER OF DAYS BEFORE I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE BOTH RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION, THIS IS A TOTAL DEFECT ON NISSAN, NOT FAIR AT ALL, THRESHOLD BE A RECALL ON THIS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10347501
100,000 miles · Aug 3, 2010
Power Train
TRANSMISSION "STRUGGLES" AT 40 MPG AND THEN AGAIN AT 75 MPH. TOLD I NEED A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION $4,500.00! USED ONES CAN'T BE FOUND IN THE JUNK YARDS BECAUSE THE DEMAND IS HIGH! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10347064
93,000 miles · Jul 27, 2010
Power Train
COMPLETE FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE REQUIRING THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION TO BE REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10345709
60,000 miles · Jul 26, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT 40 MPH IN OVERDRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY AS IF DRIVING OVER AN EXTREMELY UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE.THE FAILURE WOULD CORRECT ITSELF WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT WOULD RETURN MOMENTARILY. THE FAILURE BECAME PR…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT 40 MPH IN OVERDRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY AS IF DRIVING OVER AN EXTREMELY UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE.THE FAILURE WOULD CORRECT ITSELF WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT WOULD RETURN MOMENTARILY. THE FAILURE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE FAILURE OCCURRED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT HE HAD A BLOWN TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S PERSONAL MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE HE WAS ADVISED THE RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION AND CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ADVISED REPLACING BOTH THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE TO DETERMINE IF THEY WOULD ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,432.
NHTSA ODI #10345404
104,000 miles · Jul 20, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING ON THE FREEWAY WITH THE KIDS IN THE CAR. MY HUSBAND FOUND COOLANT IN THE TRANNY OIL AND THEN DID RESEARCH AND FOUND ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS ISSUE. OUR CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT THIS IS DUE TO A FAULTY RADIATOR LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE TRANNY OVER TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10344278
75,000 miles · Jul 18, 2010
Power Train
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER TRANSMISSION FAILURE 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS A PROBLEM WITH COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS TRANSMISSION COOLER IS LOCATED INSIDE THE RADIATOR. THE FAULTY DESIGN RUINS THE TRANSMISSION, NISSAN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND ISSUE A RECALL. NISSAN AND THE DEALERSHIPS ARE AWARE OF T…
Read full complaint
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER TRANSMISSION FAILURE 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS A PROBLEM WITH COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS TRANSMISSION COOLER IS LOCATED INSIDE THE RADIATOR. THE FAULTY DESIGN RUINS THE TRANSMISSION, NISSAN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND ISSUE A RECALL. NISSAN AND THE DEALERSHIPS ARE AWARE OF THIS ONGOING PROBLEM, BUT STILL KEEP SELLING THEM TO UNAWARE CONSUMERS. MY TRANSMISSION IS DESTROYED AND I REPLACED THE RADIATOR AFTER WE FOUND COOLANT IN THE TRANSMISSION. I KEPT THE OLD RADIATOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10343818
55,000 miles · Jul 11, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH 55,000 MILES. I NOTICE A VIBRATION UNDER THE VEHICLE WHICH WOULD LAST FOR 2-3 SECONDS EVERYTIME I WOULD DRIVE IT. I THOUGHT NOTHING ABOUT IT, UNTIL IT GOT WORST. NOW THE VEHICLE STALLS AND VIBRATES MORE FREQUENTLY WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAYS AND MAJOR ROADS. I WENT ON-LINE TO RESEARCH THE PROBLEM A…
Read full complaint
MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH 55,000 MILES. I NOTICE A VIBRATION UNDER THE VEHICLE WHICH WOULD LAST FOR 2-3 SECONDS EVERYTIME I WOULD DRIVE IT. I THOUGHT NOTHING ABOUT IT, UNTIL IT GOT WORST. NOW THE VEHICLE STALLS AND VIBRATES MORE FREQUENTLY WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAYS AND MAJOR ROADS. I WENT ON-LINE TO RESEARCH THE PROBLEM AND DISCOVERED THE CAUSE WAS FROM A LEAK FROM THE RADIATOR INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND CAUSED THE SLIPPAGE AND THE VIBRATIONS. THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE WHO OWN A NISSAN PATHFINDER HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND HAVE GONE TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND COMPLAINED ABOUT THE ISSUE, AS I HAD. THE ONLY THING NISSAN WILL DO IS REPLACE THOSE PARTS, BUT WE THE CONSUMER WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT, ALTHOUGH IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER ISSUE IN RELATION TO NISSAN USING INFERIOR QUALITY OF PARTS. IT WILL COST ME $5,600 FOR PARTS AND LABOR TO FIX A NISSAN PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10342511
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.
Illustration