NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
585 reportsClear category filter157,000 miles · Nov 3, 2015
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
THERE IS A LEAK IN MY RADIATOR WHICH AS GONE INTO MY TRANSMISSION RENDERING IT INOPERABLE. MECHANICS RECOMMEND TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION DUE TO THIS MASSIVE DESIGN FLAW NISSAN HAS BEEN WELL AWARE OF FOR YEARS. ...UPDATED 12/03/15 *BF I'VE SPOKEN WITH MY NISSAN DEALER AS WELL AS THE DEALER THAT LOOKED OVER THE CAR WHE…
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THERE IS A LEAK IN MY RADIATOR WHICH AS GONE INTO MY TRANSMISSION RENDERING IT INOPERABLE. MECHANICS RECOMMEND TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION DUE TO THIS MASSIVE DESIGN FLAW NISSAN HAS BEEN WELL AWARE OF FOR YEARS. ...UPDATED 12/03/15 *BF I'VE SPOKEN WITH MY NISSAN DEALER AS WELL AS THE DEALER THAT LOOKED OVER THE CAR WHEN I PURCHASED IT AND BOTH SAID IT'S A MASSIVE PROBLEM AND CUSTOMERS HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING IF OR WHEN IT COULD OCCUR, AND THEREFORE NO WAY OF PREVENTING IT. I UNDERSTAND THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSUMER COUNCIL FILED A PETITION BACK IN 2012 AND THAT THE COMPLAINT VOLUME HAS BEEN TREMENDOUS ON THIS ISSUE. I HOPE THE NHTSA COMES TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THIS PART SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I HAVE NO FAMILY VEHICLE NOW AND CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY $7500 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION, THAT HAD NO ISSUES AT ALL UNTIL THE DEFECTIVE RADIATOR GOT A HOLE. THANK YOU *TR
NHTSA ODI #10788081
142,741 miles · Oct 30, 2015
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT AN IDLE POSITION, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND WAS ABLE TO DETERMINE THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DAMAGED BECAUSE OF CONTAMINATION OF THE ENGINE COOLANT THAT SE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT AN IDLE POSITION, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND WAS ABLE TO DETERMINE THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DAMAGED BECAUSE OF CONTAMINATION OF THE ENGINE COOLANT THAT SEEPED THROUGH A CRACKED AT THE LINE AND CONTAMINATED THE RADIATOR. THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE BOTH MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,741. UPDATED 02/12/16*LJ *JS
NHTSA ODI #10787182
140,000 miles · Oct 27, 2015
EnginePower TrainSteering
THIS IS THE SAME AS ANOTHER COMPLAINT (# 10777718) FILED THROUGH THIS SITE ON 9/25. I TOOK MY TRUCK IN BECAUSE OF THE SERVICE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND THE TECH REPORTED CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HEATER HOSE VACUUM & VALVE, POWER STEERING HOSE, AND TIRE GPS. WE HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK IN FOR THE 3RD WINTER SEASON AND NOW THEY ARE SAYING IT…
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THIS IS THE SAME AS ANOTHER COMPLAINT (# 10777718) FILED THROUGH THIS SITE ON 9/25. I TOOK MY TRUCK IN BECAUSE OF THE SERVICE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND THE TECH REPORTED CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HEATER HOSE VACUUM & VALVE, POWER STEERING HOSE, AND TIRE GPS. WE HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK IN FOR THE 3RD WINTER SEASON AND NOW THEY ARE SAYING IT COST $725 DOLLARS TO REPAIR THE ISSUE. FOR 3 YEARS WE HAVE TAKEN IT IN AND THEY FLUSHED THE SYSTEM, REPLACE A SENSOR, AND NOW THIS? ALSO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER COSTING $1380 AND POWER STEERING HOSE AT $305. I NOTICED 4 RECALLS THAT WE WERE NEVER CONTACTED ABOUT WITH THE ENGINE, AND WE HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK IN NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THESE ISSUES AND THEY NEVER MENTIONED THE RECALLS. OUR ISSUE WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE ABOVE MENTIONED ISSUE FILED IN SEPTEMBER. WE ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, AND NONE OF THIS IS COVERED. I WONDER WHO ELSE IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER?
NHTSA ODI #10786400
140,000 miles · Oct 23, 2015
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE ENGINE'S RPMS INCREASED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE ENGINE'S RPMS INCREASED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA ODI #10785614
110,000 miles · Oct 23, 2015
Power Train
TRANSMISSION FAILED. SLIPPING.
NHTSA ODI #10785521
170,000 miles · Oct 8, 2015
Electrical SystemPower TrainUnknown Or Other
ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION. BEGAN WITH RADIATOR ISSUES. COME TO FIND OUT, THERE HAS BEEN MANY ISSUES WITH COOLANT MIXING INTO PLACES IT SHOULDN'T. THEN THE TORQUE CONVERTER WENT OUT, AND NOW THE SAFETY NEUTRAL SWITCH AND VALVE BODY. VERY SHORT ENGINEERING AND PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM OBVIOUSLY KNOWN TO NISSAN BUT NO RECALLS REPOR…
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ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION. BEGAN WITH RADIATOR ISSUES. COME TO FIND OUT, THERE HAS BEEN MANY ISSUES WITH COOLANT MIXING INTO PLACES IT SHOULDN'T. THEN THE TORQUE CONVERTER WENT OUT, AND NOW THE SAFETY NEUTRAL SWITCH AND VALVE BODY. VERY SHORT ENGINEERING AND PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM OBVIOUSLY KNOWN TO NISSAN BUT NO RECALLS REPORTED.
NHTSA ODI #10780948
74,251 miles · Sep 26, 2015
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other
AFTER RECEIVING A COMPLIMENTARY MULTI-POINT INSPECTION FROM THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP, MY WIFE TOLD ME THAT ON THE WAY HOME THAT THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO NOT WANT TO SHIFT PROPERLY. WENT TO CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FOUND THAT THE DIPSTICK IS LOCKED INTO PLACE. DID SOME QUICK RESEARCH TO FIND OUT HOW TO CHECK FLUID LEVE…
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AFTER RECEIVING A COMPLIMENTARY MULTI-POINT INSPECTION FROM THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP, MY WIFE TOLD ME THAT ON THE WAY HOME THAT THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO NOT WANT TO SHIFT PROPERLY. WENT TO CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FOUND THAT THE DIPSTICK IS LOCKED INTO PLACE. DID SOME QUICK RESEARCH TO FIND OUT HOW TO CHECK FLUID LEVEL AND THEN FOUND OUT ABOUT ISSUE WITH NISSAN PATHFINDERS RADIATORS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION COOLING SYSTEM. CHECKED RADIATOR AND FOUND FROTHING FOAM ON THE INSIDE OF THE PRESSURE CAP INDICATING THAT THE RADIATOR HAD FAILED. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND ASKED THEM WHY THE SECTION OF THE INSPECTION FOR THE COOLING SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM WERE CHECKED AS "OK". DID NOT RECEIVE AN ANSWER. ALSO, WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED BY NISSAN ABOUT THE ISSUE WITH RADIATOR IN OUR NISSAN. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY PARKED SINCE THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WOULD COST UP TO $3000 DOLLARS IN REPAIRS UNDER THE AGREEMENT REACHED. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS WAS NOT A RECALL. THIS SITUATION COULD OF CAUSED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION AT SPEED WHILE DRIVING OR CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ENGINE BECAUSE OF LACK OF COOLING CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SEIZE UP AT SPEED WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #10777814
103,000 miles · Sep 14, 2015
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO FOURTH GEAR, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE, AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO FOURTH GEAR, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE, AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA ODI #10763690
160,000 miles · Sep 9, 2015
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED BEFORE RESUMING ACCELERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED BEFORE RESUMING ACCELERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED INTO THE RADIATOR AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA ODI #10762540
171,666 miles · Aug 28, 2015
Power Train
NEVER BUY NISSAN AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY 2005 PATHFINDER THE TRANS COOLER HAS STARTED SHOWING SIGNS OF FAILURE. RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION
NHTSA ODI #10760079
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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