NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,050 reports98,000 miles · Nov 14, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THEY REPORT IN ALL INSTANCES THAT THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LOCATED IN THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY THAT ALLOWED COOLANT TO MIX WITH AND CONTAMINATE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID, RESULTING IN DAMAGED INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS AND A DAMAGED INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COMPUTER. THE COMP…
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THEY REPORT IN ALL INSTANCES THAT THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LOCATED IN THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY THAT ALLOWED COOLANT TO MIX WITH AND CONTAMINATE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID, RESULTING IN DAMAGED INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS AND A DAMAGED INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COMPUTER. THE COMPLAINANTS REPORT NO WARNING SIGNS LEADING UP TO OR JUST PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10552265
56,800 miles · Nov 11, 2013
Fuel System, GasolinePower TrainSteering
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO A ROAD,FOR CHARITY, WHILE GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD, THE MORE YOU GAVE IT GAS THE CAR TOOK OFF LIKE A ROCKET. I TOOK THE CAR OUT FOR A TEST RIDE, THE SAME THING HAPPEN,AT THE STOP SIGN THE CAR WOULD RAVEUP.AND TAKE OFF LIKE A .ROCKET. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP TOL…
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MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO A ROAD,FOR CHARITY, WHILE GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD, THE MORE YOU GAVE IT GAS THE CAR TOOK OFF LIKE A ROCKET. I TOOK THE CAR OUT FOR A TEST RIDE, THE SAME THING HAPPEN,AT THE STOP SIGN THE CAR WOULD RAVEUP.AND TAKE OFF LIKE A .ROCKET. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT IS GOING TO COST A LOT TO FIT THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10551819
80,000 miles · Nov 11, 2013
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN SECOND GEAR THE CAR STARTED TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND RUMBLE IN SECOND GEAR. I CONSTANTLY HAD TO PRESS HARDER ON THE GAS TO MAKE IT STOP. WHILE COMING INTO TOWN MY COOLANT WAS SO HOT THAT IT EXPLODED OUT OF THE CAR AND LEAKED EVERYWHERE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10551787
72,224 miles · Nov 10, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline
AFTER FILLING THE VEHICLE UP WITH GAS-THE FUEL GAUGE DROPPED TO EMPTY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I CHECKED THE DISTANCE TO EMPTY ON FUEL GAUGE IT SHOWED BLANKS. AS I BEGAN TO DRIVE THE DISTANCE TO EMPTY STARTED TO INCREASE BUT THE FUEL GAUGE NEVER MOVED TO THE FULL POSITION AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. UPON STOPPING AND TUR…
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AFTER FILLING THE VEHICLE UP WITH GAS-THE FUEL GAUGE DROPPED TO EMPTY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I CHECKED THE DISTANCE TO EMPTY ON FUEL GAUGE IT SHOWED BLANKS. AS I BEGAN TO DRIVE THE DISTANCE TO EMPTY STARTED TO INCREASE BUT THE FUEL GAUGE NEVER MOVED TO THE FULL POSITION AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. UPON STOPPING AND TURNING THE ENGINE OFF THE FUEL GAUGE FINALLY MOVED INTO THE FULL POSITION. THE OWNERS MANUAL SAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SHOULD GO OFF BUT HAS NOT. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO OREILLYS AND HAD THEM RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON IT AND IT SHOWED TO BE THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WAS BAD. THE FUEL GAUGE IS STILL NOT WORKING AND THIS IS ONLY ONE OF MANY PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE. RECENTLY HAD TO HAVE TRANSMISSION REPLACED AND U JOINTS SEVERAL TIMES. THE NISSAN PATHFINDER IS A LEMON AND NISSAN REFUSES TO WORK WITH THEIR CUSTOMERS. I SUGGEST THAT NO ONE BUY A NISSAN PRODUCT. THE COMPANY IS A JOKE AND WILL TRY TO GET OUT OF WARRANTY WORK AND GET EVERY PENNY OUT OF YOU THAT THEY CAN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10551681
150,000 miles · Oct 30, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE VEHICLE HAS FAULTY FUEL GAUGE SENSOR WHICH SEEMS TO BE A VERY VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND I CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY SAID THAT I MUST PAY THAT OUT OF POCKET. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT NOT ONLY DOES THE PATHFINDER HAVE THE PROBLEM BUT SO DOES THE XTERA. NISSAN IS VERY WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND…
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THE VEHICLE HAS FAULTY FUEL GAUGE SENSOR WHICH SEEMS TO BE A VERY VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND I CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY SAID THAT I MUST PAY THAT OUT OF POCKET. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT NOT ONLY DOES THE PATHFINDER HAVE THE PROBLEM BUT SO DOES THE XTERA. NISSAN IS VERY WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND SO THEY SHOULD FIX IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10550143
86,000 miles · Oct 29, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
DUE TO A DESIGN DEFECT, I HAVE RADIATOR FLUID LEAKING INTO AND RUINING MY TRANSMISSION. I LEARNED THAT NISSAN HAS RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM AND HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY. HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAS ABOVE 80,000 MILES I HAVE A CO-PAY OF $2,500. I FIND THIS UNFAIR. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT DUE TO MILES DRIVEN OR OPERATOR ERROR. …
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DUE TO A DESIGN DEFECT, I HAVE RADIATOR FLUID LEAKING INTO AND RUINING MY TRANSMISSION. I LEARNED THAT NISSAN HAS RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM AND HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY. HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAS ABOVE 80,000 MILES I HAVE A CO-PAY OF $2,500. I FIND THIS UNFAIR. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT DUE TO MILES DRIVEN OR OPERATOR ERROR. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT AND TO REQUIRE CUSTOMERS TO PAY THOUSANDS TO FIX NISSAN'S ENGINEERING PROBLEM IS WRONG. I FEEL I HAVE BEEN TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF. NISSAN SHOULD COVER THE FULL COST OF THE REPAIR REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE BECAUSE THE PROBLEM RESULTS FROM A DESIGN FLAW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10549992
95,000 miles · Oct 28, 2013
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 30 MPH INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 30 MPH INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING INSPECTED BY THE DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
NHTSA ODI #10549852
80,000 miles · Oct 25, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEMS BETWEEN 50-60 MPH. LOCAL SERVICE CENTER DIAGNOSED IT AS A DEFECTIVE RADIATOR WHICH ALLOWED RADIATOR FLUID TO GET INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. AFTER TALKING TO OTHER PATHFINDER OWNERS AND CHECKING THE INTERNET APPARENTLY NISSAN WAS AWARE OF THEIR DEFECT AND TRIED TO KEEP IT HIDDEN RE…
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I EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEMS BETWEEN 50-60 MPH. LOCAL SERVICE CENTER DIAGNOSED IT AS A DEFECTIVE RADIATOR WHICH ALLOWED RADIATOR FLUID TO GET INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. AFTER TALKING TO OTHER PATHFINDER OWNERS AND CHECKING THE INTERNET APPARENTLY NISSAN WAS AWARE OF THEIR DEFECT AND TRIED TO KEEP IT HIDDEN RESULTING IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT WHICH WAS SETTLED. UNFORTUNATELY I AM OUT $1,500 FOR REPAIRS AND THERE IS NO GUARANTEE I WON'T BE REPLACING MY TRANSMISSION SOON! CAN YOU HELP? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10549496
95,937 miles · Oct 24, 2013
EnginePower Train
I REPORTED A COMPLETE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER. THE AUTO REPAIR DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LOCATED IN THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY THAT ALLOWED COOLANT TO MIX WITH AND CONTAMINATE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID, RESULTING IN DAMAGED INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS AND A DAMAGED INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COMP…
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I REPORTED A COMPLETE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER. THE AUTO REPAIR DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LOCATED IN THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY THAT ALLOWED COOLANT TO MIX WITH AND CONTAMINATE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID, RESULTING IN DAMAGED INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS AND A DAMAGED INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COMPUTER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10549415
85,000 miles · Oct 24, 2013
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RADIATOR FLUID ENTERED THE TRANSMISSION COOLING RESERVOIR, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED MECHANIC WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RADIATOR FLUID ENTERED THE TRANSMISSION COOLING RESERVOIR, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED MECHANIC WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,200.
NHTSA ODI #10549347
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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