NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,050 reports82,300 miles · Jan 25, 2014
Power Train
ON 1/17/14,WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY SLOWED TO A CRAWL.I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND AVOID A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I LIVE CLOSE BY AND WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME. WE TOOK OUR VEHICLE TO OUR DEALER THE NEXT DAY. THEY TO…
Read full complaint
ON 1/17/14,WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY SLOWED TO A CRAWL.I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND AVOID A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I LIVE CLOSE BY AND WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME. WE TOOK OUR VEHICLE TO OUR DEALER THE NEXT DAY. THEY TOLD US THEY WOULD LOOK AT OUR VEHICLE ON MONDAY. IN FOUR HRS., THE SVC.REP.CALLED AND SAID THE RADIATOR FAILED AND DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION.THEY FOUND A WHINING SOUND AND SAID THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE COST WOULD BE $3,200 FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND $2,000 FOR THE TIMING CHAIN. WHY DID THEY RUSH TO INSPECT THE SUV? WE WONDER IF THEY JUMPED ON THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A LARGE REPAIR. PRIOR TO THIS, WE TOOK OUR SUV IN FOR SCHEDULED MAINT.IN 8/13 AT THIS DEALER. WE WERE TOLD EVERYTHING WAS FINE AND NO REPAIRS WERE NEEDED. THE MILEAGE IS NOW 82,300 MILES, AND WE PLANNED TO KEEP IT FOR MANY MORE YEARS. WE CALLED THE NISSAN HOTLINE AND SPOKE WITH THE REG. CUST.SVC.REP. SHE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING NISSAN WOULD DO AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. WE DISCOVERED THAT NISSAN WAS INVOLVED IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT THAT WAS RECENTLY SETTLED REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE NISSAN RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION COOLER LITIGATION, CASE NO. 10-CV-07493. WHY WEREN'T WE NOTIFIED BY NISSAN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY? PER THE SUIT, THE COST FOR REPAIRS OVER 80,000 MILES IS $2,500. IF THIS PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED DURING OUR SCHEDULED MAINT. WE WOULD HAVE AVOIDED ALL THESE PROBLEMS AND EXPENSES. THIS MAKES US WONDER IF NISSAN AND THE DEALER CONSPIRED TO KEEP THIS INFO. QUIET UNTIL AFTER THE VEHICLE PASSED 80,000 MILES. WE ALSO DISCOVERED A NEW CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED ON 6/26/13 INVOLVING THE PREMATURE FAILING OF THE TIMING CHAIN. WE WILL PURSUE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO GET REIMBURSED FOR THESE PROBLEMS THAT NISSAN WAS AWARE OF. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10561455
77,483 miles · Jan 25, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I NOTICED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS READING A LITTLE HIGH SO I TOOK IT TO A FRIEND AND HE SAID THERE WAS OIL IN THE RADIATOR WHEN THE CAP WAS REMOVED. HE RECOMMENDED THAT I TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER SAID I HAD TO PAY A CO-PAY OF $2500.00 TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAD …
Read full complaint
I NOTICED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS READING A LITTLE HIGH SO I TOOK IT TO A FRIEND AND HE SAID THERE WAS OIL IN THE RADIATOR WHEN THE CAP WAS REMOVED. HE RECOMMENDED THAT I TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER SAID I HAD TO PAY A CO-PAY OF $2500.00 TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10561448
106,500 miles · Jan 10, 2014
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE REVVED ERRATICALLY, THEN JERKED THEN CUT OFF . TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS "RADIATOR FULL OF OIL AND TRANSMISSION FLUID AND SMELLS BURNT-FLUIDS MIXING-NEED TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10559355
Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR HAS GONE UP IN MY TRUCK. IT HAPPENED IN DECEMBER 2012. I CANNOT TELL WHETHER I HAVE GAS IN THE TRUCK OR NOT. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED AS I CANNOT AFFORD THE REPAIR. I HAVE NOTICED THAT OTHER 2005 PATHFINDER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558797
90,100 miles · Jan 6, 2014
EnginePower Train
WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES PER HOUR I FELT LIKE I WAS RIDING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS IN THE ROAD. THE ROAD WAS SMOOTH, SO THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT I HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THAT THE RADIATOR COOLANT FLUID LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AN…
Read full complaint
WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES PER HOUR I FELT LIKE I WAS RIDING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS IN THE ROAD. THE ROAD WAS SMOOTH, SO THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT I HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THAT THE RADIATOR COOLANT FLUID LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND DESTROYED BOTH THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM EXPERIENCED BY MANY OTHER NISSAN PATHFINDER OWNERS (YEARS 2005 - 2010). THIS IS DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT NOT RECOGNIZED BY NISSAN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558703
117,208 miles · Jan 2, 2014
EnginePower Train
PURCHASED THIS SUV FROM A PRIVATE OWNER WHO REPLACED THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION COOLER YEARS AGO, HAD IT CONFIRMED FROM THEIR MECHANIC AND WHEN I DROVE THIS PATHFINDER IT HAS A BUMP IN THE TRANS. WAS TOLD BY NISSAN OF PADUCAH, AUTOZONE OF PADUCAH THAT IT WAS THE CAT CONVERTER WAS PLUGGED. REPLACED THE CAT CONVERTER, STILL HAS…
Read full complaint
PURCHASED THIS SUV FROM A PRIVATE OWNER WHO REPLACED THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION COOLER YEARS AGO, HAD IT CONFIRMED FROM THEIR MECHANIC AND WHEN I DROVE THIS PATHFINDER IT HAS A BUMP IN THE TRANS. WAS TOLD BY NISSAN OF PADUCAH, AUTOZONE OF PADUCAH THAT IT WAS THE CAT CONVERTER WAS PLUGGED. REPLACED THE CAT CONVERTER, STILL HAS THE BUMP/SLIP IN THE TRANSMISSION. FOUND OUT THROUGH SEVERAL WEBSITES AND FORUMS THAT NISSAN NEEDS TO DO A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. I'VE BEEN PART OF Z CLUBS IN THE USA FOR OVER 25 YEARS AND A LOYAL NISSAN OWNER AND CAN'T BELIEVE NISSAN WON'T TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM IN THEIR SUV'S AND SMALL TRUCKS... *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558189
115,431 miles · Dec 31, 2013
EnginePower Train
TRANSMISSION FAILED AT INTERSECTION LEAVING VEHICLE UNABLE TO MOVE. PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY RADIATOR FLUID MIXING WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. I CONTACTED NISSAN ABOUT THE ISSUE AND THEY DENIED ANY CLAIM FOR REPAIRS. NISSAN HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE ISSUE AND SETTLED THE CLAIMS FOR A SMALL NUMBER OF PEOPLE. THEY MADE IT BASICALLY IMPOSS…
Read full complaint
TRANSMISSION FAILED AT INTERSECTION LEAVING VEHICLE UNABLE TO MOVE. PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY RADIATOR FLUID MIXING WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. I CONTACTED NISSAN ABOUT THE ISSUE AND THEY DENIED ANY CLAIM FOR REPAIRS. NISSAN HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE ISSUE AND SETTLED THE CLAIMS FOR A SMALL NUMBER OF PEOPLE. THEY MADE IT BASICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO RECOVER ANY DAMAGES BECAUSE THEY REQUIRE A DEDUCTIBLE OF $3000 BEFORE THEY PAY ANYTHING. THEY ALSO WILL NOT COVER ANYTHING ABOVE 100,000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558006
110,000 miles · Dec 26, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND WHEN ON THE ONRAMP OF THE FREEWAY, THE CAR LOST POWER AND SHUT DOWN. NISSAN DEALERSHIP SAID THE RADIATOR LEAKED FLUID ONTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING IT TO LOOSE POWER. THEY SAID I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR BUT WILL NOT COVER THE WARRANTY WHICH WAS SETTLE IN US DISTRICT COURT OF NEW YORK. TH…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND WHEN ON THE ONRAMP OF THE FREEWAY, THE CAR LOST POWER AND SHUT DOWN. NISSAN DEALERSHIP SAID THE RADIATOR LEAKED FLUID ONTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING IT TO LOOSE POWER. THEY SAID I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR BUT WILL NOT COVER THE WARRANTY WHICH WAS SETTLE IN US DISTRICT COURT OF NEW YORK. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $5300 FOR THE REPAIRS. THIS IS CLEARLY A FAULTY DESIGN OF THE NISSAN PATHFINDER SERIES AND WEBSITE SEARCHES VERIFY THAT THE PROBLEM EXITS FOR THOUSANDS OF NISSAN PATHFINDERS FOR THE YEARS OF 2005-2010 IN RELATIONS TO A RADIATOR CRACK AND FLUID LEAKING ONTO THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10557356
96,000 miles · Dec 19, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
LOST ALL ACCELERATION POWER; BARELY MOVED WITH FULL GAS. DIAGNOSED AS RADIATOR FLUID LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10556742
123,007 miles · Dec 16, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TRANSMISSION JUST OUT OF NO WHERE STARTS JERKING AND OVER HEATING TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT COOLANT/TRANSMISSION FLUID CROSS CONTAMINATION DUE TO INTERNAL RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER FAILURE TO FIX THE PROBLEM IT WILL COST 4700.00 AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH HAVE FOUND THAT THERE IS MORE NISSAN OWNERS HAV…
Read full complaint
TRANSMISSION JUST OUT OF NO WHERE STARTS JERKING AND OVER HEATING TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT COOLANT/TRANSMISSION FLUID CROSS CONTAMINATION DUE TO INTERNAL RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER FAILURE TO FIX THE PROBLEM IT WILL COST 4700.00 AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH HAVE FOUND THAT THERE IS MORE NISSAN OWNERS HAVING THIS VERY ISSUE PLEASE NISSAN YOU NEED TO DO A RECALL ON THESE TRANSMISSIONS IF NOT ILL NEVER BUY A NISSAN EVER AGAIN. I MEAN WHO HAS THAT KIND OF MONEY TO SPEND ON A PART THAT IS INTERNAL AND NOT ABLE TO BE MAINTENANCED HOW DO WE KNOW ITS GOING BAD? OH YEA IT JUST STOPS WORKING I HAVE A FAMILY OF 5 AND WE TRAVEL THE INTERSTATE ALOT IM GLAD I WASN'T ON THE INTERSTATE AT THIS PARTICULAR TIME. COULD HAVE BEEN VERY TRAGIC IF SOME ONE HIT US BECAUSE OF A MALFUNCTION LIKE THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10556273
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