NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
585 reportsClear category filter70,000 miles · Jun 16, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATH FINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL RUMBLING. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FOUL. THE DEALER ADVISED THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATH FINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL RUMBLING. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FOUL. THE DEALER ADVISED THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE CONTACT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
NHTSA ODI #10336582
75,000 miles · Jun 15, 2010
Power Train
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER TRANSMISSION RADIATOR ISSUE. THERE ARE PLENTY OF POSTS ONLINE REGARDING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE RADIATOR LEAKS COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LINES. WHICH IN TURN CAUSES IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. WHICH IS AROUND A $4000 PART. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10336489
88,000 miles · Jun 15, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, OtherPower Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING AT 30-40 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN MAKING A SHUDDERING NOISE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND THEN TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED F…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING AT 30-40 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN MAKING A SHUDDERING NOISE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND THEN TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED FUNCTIONING AT 50,000 MILES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,562.
NHTSA ODI #10336383
75,000 miles · Jun 12, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
NISSAN CORPORATION HAS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT IN THEIR RADIATOR WHICH CAUSES COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS ACTION NEED A NATIONWIDE RECALL ON BOTH PARTS (RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION). JUST LIKE TOYOTA CORPORATION HAD NATIONWIDE ATTENTION, NISSAN NEED THE SAME ORDEAL. THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION IS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER.…
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NISSAN CORPORATION HAS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT IN THEIR RADIATOR WHICH CAUSES COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS ACTION NEED A NATIONWIDE RECALL ON BOTH PARTS (RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION). JUST LIKE TOYOTA CORPORATION HAD NATIONWIDE ATTENTION, NISSAN NEED THE SAME ORDEAL. THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION IS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THIS VEHICLE HAS EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH WAS NOT HONOR. QUOTED WHEN PURCHASING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, "EVERYTHING IS COVER FROM BUMPER TO BUMPER, EVEN DOWN TO THE BOLTS". THIS IS A MISLEADING STATEMENT FROM THE WARRANTY DEPARTMENT. WARRANTY DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY DUE TO COOLANT WAS IN THE TRANSMISSION. MONEY WAS PAID FOR THIS PURPOSE, NOW THEY SAY THE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THIS MISHAP. AFTER RESEARCHING AND TALKING WITH SKILLS MECHANICS, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE COOLANT CAME FROM A DEFECTIVE (BUSTED) RADIATOR. THE MECHANICS STATED THIS IS BECOMING A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10335974
90,000 miles · Jun 4, 2010
Power Train
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER LE, HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL SENSOR UNIT AT OWN EXPENSE WHEN IT WOULDN'T SHOW CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL LEFT IN TANK BELOW HALF FULL. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED ABOUT 50K MILES. NOW WITH JUST UNDER 95K MILES, AM HAVING ISSUE WITH TRANSMISSION NOT LOCKING INTO OVERDRIVE. THIS IS THE SITUATION OFTEN DESCRIBED AS…
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2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER LE, HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL SENSOR UNIT AT OWN EXPENSE WHEN IT WOULDN'T SHOW CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL LEFT IN TANK BELOW HALF FULL. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED ABOUT 50K MILES. NOW WITH JUST UNDER 95K MILES, AM HAVING ISSUE WITH TRANSMISSION NOT LOCKING INTO OVERDRIVE. THIS IS THE SITUATION OFTEN DESCRIBED AS HEAVY VIBRATION AROUND 45 MPH, AS WELL AS AROUND 60 MPH. HAVE HAD DEALER AS WELL AS INDEPENDENT SHOP LOOK AT THIS BOTH SAYING IT IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE ACROSS THE COUNTRY WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR. AS OF THIS POINT - NO CROSS-CONTAMINATION HAS BEEN FOUND WITH THE COOLANT AND THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. I AM LOOKING AT AROUND 5K IN COSTS FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN AN HEAVY ACCIDENT NOR DRIVEN OFF-ROAD OR ANYTHING BESIDES CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. NOT VERY RELIABLE FROM MY POINT OF VIEW AND NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED WHY SO MANY HAVE BEEN FAULTY - AND IF FOUND TO BE DESIGN, THEN WHY ISN'T IT AT LEAST PART OF THE RESPONSIBILITY OF NISSAN TO HELP OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10334621
98,348 miles · Jun 3, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
AFTER TRANSMISSION FLUSH, TRANSMISSION FAILED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. REPLACED TRANSMISSION JUNE 2009. MARCH 2010 HAD VIBRATION PROBLEM AND RETURNED FOR TRANSMISSION REPAIR AGAIN. SECOND TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED. WITHIN 1 WEEK VIBRATION ISSUE RETURNED. DEALER REVIEW CONFIRMED THAT COOLANT FROM RADIATOR HAD LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION…
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AFTER TRANSMISSION FLUSH, TRANSMISSION FAILED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. REPLACED TRANSMISSION JUNE 2009. MARCH 2010 HAD VIBRATION PROBLEM AND RETURNED FOR TRANSMISSION REPAIR AGAIN. SECOND TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED. WITHIN 1 WEEK VIBRATION ISSUE RETURNED. DEALER REVIEW CONFIRMED THAT COOLANT FROM RADIATOR HAD LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION AND THAT RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WOULD BE MY SECOND TRANSMISSION, AND THIRD TORQUE CONVERTER IN LESS THAN A YEAR, DUE TO A FAULTY RADIATOR USED BY NISSAN IN '05 & '06 MODELS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10334415
52,000 miles · May 28, 2010
Fuel System, OtherPower Train
I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER LE. 52,000 MILES. WITH TRANSMISSION TROUBLE. IT VIBRATES AT SPEEDS OF 45-50 MPH. WATER IN THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO A LEAKING RADIATOR WHICH LEAKS INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND RUINS IT. GAS GAUGE THAT DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10332643
39,000 miles · May 27, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
IN DEC. '09, NOTICED REAR END VIBRATION AND CLINKING SOUND. THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. PURE COINCIDENCE-BROUGHT IT TO DEALER FOR COOLANT FLUSH WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS TRANS FLUID IN MY RADIATOR. CALLED MY TRANS REPAIR PEOPLE (NOT NISSAN). THEY WERE AWARE OF PROBLEM. TOLD ME THAT RADIATORS IN PATHFINDER 2005'S WERE…
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IN DEC. '09, NOTICED REAR END VIBRATION AND CLINKING SOUND. THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. PURE COINCIDENCE-BROUGHT IT TO DEALER FOR COOLANT FLUSH WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS TRANS FLUID IN MY RADIATOR. CALLED MY TRANS REPAIR PEOPLE (NOT NISSAN). THEY WERE AWARE OF PROBLEM. TOLD ME THAT RADIATORS IN PATHFINDER 2005'S WERE DEFECTIVE. COOLANT LEAKED THROUGH ONE OF RADIATOR TRANS COOLERS, INTO TRANS. AND TRANS FLUID LEAKED BACK INTO RADIATOR, RENDERING BOTH IRREPARABLE. NEEDED NEW TRANS AND RADIATOR. TOLD DEALER AND NISSAN. THROUGH SEVERAL PHONE CALLS/NEGOTIATIONS,, NISSAN AGREED TO DO THE $5,000-7000 REPAIR FOR DEALER LABOR CHARGE OF $450. TOLD ME I WOULD GET MONEY BACK IF THERE WAS A RECALL. DEALER DID REPAIR. THE PROBLEM IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE, BECAUSE RADIATOR AND/OR TRANS CAN FAIL WHILE ON THE ROAD. COUNTLESS PATHFINDER OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO NO AVAIL. NISSAN GETTING AWAY WITH A MAJOR DEFECT THAT COULD PROVE DANGEROUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10332546
65,000 miles · May 22, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, THE PATHFINDER STARTED TO PULSATE WHILE GAINING SPEED...DEALER PERFORMED TRANS SERVICE, FIXED PROBLEM FOR A FEW DAYS. PATHFINDER STARTED PULSATING AGAIN, EVEN WORSE. DEALER ADVISED TORQUE CONVERTER WAS BAD..SECOND OPINION MECHANIC ADVISED RADIATOR LEAKED INTO TRANS, AND TRANS FLUID LEAKED INTO COOLANT. COO…
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SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, THE PATHFINDER STARTED TO PULSATE WHILE GAINING SPEED...DEALER PERFORMED TRANS SERVICE, FIXED PROBLEM FOR A FEW DAYS. PATHFINDER STARTED PULSATING AGAIN, EVEN WORSE. DEALER ADVISED TORQUE CONVERTER WAS BAD..SECOND OPINION MECHANIC ADVISED RADIATOR LEAKED INTO TRANS, AND TRANS FLUID LEAKED INTO COOLANT. COOLANT DESTROYED TRANSMISSION. LEARNED THIS HAS BEEN A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH PATHFINDERS FOR YEARS, THERE IS A WELD INSIDE THE RADIATOR THAT FAILS AND THE TWO LIQUIDS TRANSFERS. WHY WOULD THE COMPANY DESIGN A RADIATOR THAT HAS TWO LIQUIDS INSIDE THAT CAN CONTAMINATE EACH OTHER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10331773
80,000 miles · May 21, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
VEHICLE HESITATES DURING OVERDRIVE AT SPEED OF @ 40-50MPH. VIBRATION OCCURS AND GEARS DO NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE. FAILURE IS DUE TO DEFECTIVE RADIATOR LEAKING FLUIDS INTO TRANSMISSION. NISSAN INSTALLED DEFECTIVE RADIATOR IN 2005 PATHFINDER. THEY REFUSE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM LEADING TO DAMAGED TRANSMISSION! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10331631
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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