NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,050 reports50,000 miles · Feb 14, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System
I HAVE BEEN TALKING TO DRIVERS WHO HAD THE SAME MODEL. AND HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THERE GAS ALWAYS ON EMPTY EVEN IF THEY ALWAYS PUT GAS ON IT . FOUND OUT THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. I'VE VISITED THE EDMUNDS.COM AND MOST THE COMPLAINTS ARE ABOUT THIS. SINCE ITS A COMMON PROBLEM IF ITS POSSIBLE TO MAKE A R…
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I HAVE BEEN TALKING TO DRIVERS WHO HAD THE SAME MODEL. AND HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THERE GAS ALWAYS ON EMPTY EVEN IF THEY ALWAYS PUT GAS ON IT . FOUND OUT THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. I'VE VISITED THE EDMUNDS.COM AND MOST THE COMPLAINTS ARE ABOUT THIS. SINCE ITS A COMMON PROBLEM IF ITS POSSIBLE TO MAKE A RECALL ABOUT THIS PARTS THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10564419
156,843 miles · Feb 12, 2014
EnginePower Train
TRANSMISSION IS IN SAFE MODE DUE TO RADIATOR FLUID LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10564058
90,000 miles · Feb 6, 2014
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RADIATOR COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THE FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURED WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #10563284
148,000 miles · Feb 5, 2014
Engine
THE VEHICLE ENGINE TIMING CHAIN HAD MADE A SLIGHT "WHIRRING" SOUND FOR MANY MONTHS - NOTHING REALLY LOUD ENOUGH TO CAUSE ALARM, BUT NOTICEABLE. THEN WHEN IDLING THE VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO WHINE LOUDLY, AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND BEGAN TO EMIT A LOUD SLAPPING/ CLUNKING SOUND. THE PROB…
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THE VEHICLE ENGINE TIMING CHAIN HAD MADE A SLIGHT "WHIRRING" SOUND FOR MANY MONTHS - NOTHING REALLY LOUD ENOUGH TO CAUSE ALARM, BUT NOTICEABLE. THEN WHEN IDLING THE VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO WHINE LOUDLY, AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND BEGAN TO EMIT A LOUD SLAPPING/ CLUNKING SOUND. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE TIMING CHAIN HAS FAILED AND THE CHAIN IS SLAPPING AROUND INSIDE OF THE TIMING COVER. I WAS LUCKY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN MY DRIVEWAY AT THE TIME! THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF REPORTED INCIDENTS TO BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET WHERE NISSAN OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THAT TIMING CHAINS HAVE FAILED, AND SOME OWNERS IN CALIFORNIA HAVE FILED A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT TO FORCE NISSAN TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS FACTORY DEFECT. NISSAN KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM - THERE ARE FACTORY SERVICE BULLETINS TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM, BUT NO RECALL. THIS ENGINE DEFECT IS DANGEROUS - ENGINE FAILURE ON BUSY NY / NJ / CT HIGHWAYS CAN BE LIFE-THREATENING!! WHY IS THE NISSAN TIMING CHAIN DEFECT NOT DEEMED A MANDATORY FACTORY DEFECT RECALL?? AS A FORMER MECHANIC, I CAN SAY WITH CONFIDENCE THAT MODERN VEHICLE ENGINE TIMING CHAINS CAN BE REASONABLY EXPECTED TO LAST THE LIFE OF THE ENGINE! TIMING CHAINS ARE NOT CONSIDERED A REGULAR MAINTENANCE ITEM! NOT ONLY DOES TIMING CHAIN FAILURE PUT THE VEHICLE PASSENGERS IN EXTREME DANGER, BUT IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. WHY SHOULD CONSUMERS HAVE TO BEAR THE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR A FACTORY DEFECT? AT THIS TIME THE VEHICLE IS SITTING "DEAD" IN MY DRIVEWAY - I DO NOT HAVE $2000 REQUIRED TO REPAIR THE FACTORY DEFECTIVE TIMING CHAIN ASSEMBLY! PLEASE FORCE NISSAN TO RECALL AND REPAIR THEIR DEFECTIVE TIMING CHAINS!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10563134
130,000 miles · Feb 4, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED TO THE TRANSMISSION WHICH CAUSE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10562924
115,000 miles · Feb 4, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 03/31/14*LJ *TR
NHTSA ODI #10562904
80,000 miles · Feb 4, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS MALFUNCTIONING, SHOWING AN ERRONEOUS FUEL LEVEL AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS MALFUNCTIONING, SHOWING AN ERRONEOUS FUEL LEVEL AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #10562853
134,000 miles · Jan 30, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
RADIATOR FLUID HAS LEAKED INTO MY TRANSMISSION, DUE TO A FACTORY DEFECTIVE RADIATOR. MY TRANSMISSION IS DAMAGED AND WILL NOT SHIFT INTO 5TH GEAR. THE TRANSMISSION WILL HAVE TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED ALONG WITH THE RADIATOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10562276
130,000 miles · Jan 28, 2014
Electrical SystemPower Train
VEHICLE WAS NOT WANTING TO ACCELERATE IMMEDIATELY. TOOK IT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND HAD AIR FILTER REPLACED, AND CHECK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THAT GAVE A BUNCH OF CODES THAT ALL RELATED TO TRANSMISSION. TOOK IT TO TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST WHO SAID THAT THE RADIATOR CRACKED AND LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION. WORK TO BE DONE IS REP…
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VEHICLE WAS NOT WANTING TO ACCELERATE IMMEDIATELY. TOOK IT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND HAD AIR FILTER REPLACED, AND CHECK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THAT GAVE A BUNCH OF CODES THAT ALL RELATED TO TRANSMISSION. TOOK IT TO TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST WHO SAID THAT THE RADIATOR CRACKED AND LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION. WORK TO BE DONE IS REPLACE RADIATOR, REBUILD TRANSMISSION, AND INSTALL EXTERNAL COOLERS. SHOP SAID THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE 2005 PATHFINDERS. COST IS ABOUT $5000. THEY SAID THIS ALSO RUINED THE COMPUTER ON THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10561858
122,648 miles · Jan 27, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND NOTICE A DEFECTIVE EMS RELAY. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE EMS RELAY. AFTER THE REPAIR THE CONTACT NOTICED NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. 10V517000 (ENGINE AND E…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND NOTICE A DEFECTIVE EMS RELAY. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE EMS RELAY. AFTER THE REPAIR THE CONTACT NOTICED NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. 10V517000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO SEE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOR THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,648.
NHTSA ODI #10561676
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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