NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,050 reports115,000 miles · Oct 21, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
AS I WAS DRIVING ON A MOTOR WAY, THE CAR JUST START SHAKING AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING FROM THE DASHBOARD. A MESSAGE "SERVICE SOON" STARTED DISPLAY ON THE DASHBOARD. THIS SEEMS LIKE A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I COULDN'T MOVE THE CAR FROM THAT SPOT ON THE MOTOR WAY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE MECHAN…
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AS I WAS DRIVING ON A MOTOR WAY, THE CAR JUST START SHAKING AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING FROM THE DASHBOARD. A MESSAGE "SERVICE SOON" STARTED DISPLAY ON THE DASHBOARD. THIS SEEMS LIKE A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I COULDN'T MOVE THE CAR FROM THAT SPOT ON THE MOTOR WAY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE MECHANIC AND HE DIAGNOSE THE CAR AND COULDN'T FIND ANY FAULT ON THE CAR. I AM SCARE TO DRIVE THE CAR AND THE CAR IS STILL AT THE AUTO MECHANIC SHOP NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548699
229,247 miles · Oct 19, 2013
EnginePower Train
SPENT $1067.22 ON RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION REPAIR ON WHAT LATER WAS RECALLED. NOW THEY STATE I AM NOT ELIGIBLE BECAUSE OF MILEAGE BUT LOGIC WOULD DICTATE THAT THE HIGH MILEAGE CARS WOULD EXHIBIT THE PROBLEM FIRST AS MINE DID. NISSAN ADMITTED A PROBLEM WITH THE RECALL AND I EXPERIENCED IT AND PAID TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. WHY W…
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SPENT $1067.22 ON RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION REPAIR ON WHAT LATER WAS RECALLED. NOW THEY STATE I AM NOT ELIGIBLE BECAUSE OF MILEAGE BUT LOGIC WOULD DICTATE THAT THE HIGH MILEAGE CARS WOULD EXHIBIT THE PROBLEM FIRST AS MINE DID. NISSAN ADMITTED A PROBLEM WITH THE RECALL AND I EXPERIENCED IT AND PAID TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. WHY WOULD IT NOT BE COVERED? I SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO NISSAN WITH CASE NUMBER [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548537
102,600 miles · Oct 18, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LOCATED IN THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY THAT ALLOWED COOLANT TO MIX WITH AND CONTAMINATE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE RADIATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548479
82,000 miles · Oct 17, 2013
EnginePower Train
I TOOK MY CAR TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP COMPLAINING ABOUT ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. I WAS TOLD THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG- HOWEVER THE NISSAN TECHNICIAN WAS FULLY AWARE OF THE ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION RADIATOR COOLANT AND FAILED TO INFORM ME OF THE POSSIBLE ISSUE. WHY NOT JUST REPLACE THE RADIATOR BEFORE IT CAUSES …
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I TOOK MY CAR TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP COMPLAINING ABOUT ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. I WAS TOLD THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG- HOWEVER THE NISSAN TECHNICIAN WAS FULLY AWARE OF THE ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION RADIATOR COOLANT AND FAILED TO INFORM ME OF THE POSSIBLE ISSUE. WHY NOT JUST REPLACE THE RADIATOR BEFORE IT CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO GO BAD. FINALLY THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 130K MILES AND OF COURSE I AM TOLD THAT I AM OUT OF LUCK AND $4200. I THINK IT IS REALLY SAD THAT NISSAN OFFERED EXTENDED WARRANTIES FOR CUSTOMERS UNDER CERTAIN MILES AND LEFT OTHERS OUT IN THE COLD. IF THERE WAS ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO PROVE THEY WERE AWARE OF THE DEFECT ALL ALONG THEN CUSTOMERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AT NO COST TO THEM REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548203
136,000 miles · Sep 30, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
SUDDEN JERKING IN THE VEHICLE WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED TRANSMISSION COOLER WHICH ALLOWS COOLANT TO MIX WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, CAUSING INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPONENTS. NOTHING HAPPENED BEFORE, BUT THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING 5TH GEAR AND NO GOING INTO IT, NOW 4 AND…
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SUDDEN JERKING IN THE VEHICLE WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED TRANSMISSION COOLER WHICH ALLOWS COOLANT TO MIX WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, CAUSING INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPONENTS. NOTHING HAPPENED BEFORE, BUT THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING 5TH GEAR AND NO GOING INTO IT, NOW 4 AND THIRD FINALLY JUST STOPPED MOVING... REPAIR COST IS GOING TO BE 6500$ AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND THEY WILL NOT ADMIT A KNOWN ISSUE.... *TR
NHTSA ODI #10546248
62,880 miles · Sep 30, 2013
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CON…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,880.
NHTSA ODI #10546147
Mileage unknown · Sep 29, 2013
Power Train
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY SUV STALLED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT POPPED UP, TOOK TO A SHOP AND MENTIONED THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10546113
75,000 miles · Sep 22, 2013
Air BagsService BrakesStructure
I HAVE CHANGED 2 CEPAIRATLOTAY COVERTER AT 8600 THEN 6 MOS LATER MY TARMISSIONS NEED TO BE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED
NHTSA ODI #10544812
109,000 miles · Sep 10, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
MY CAR WOULD NOT START ONE MORNING SO I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE IT TO MY MECHANIC, HE CALLED ME TO TELL ME THAT THE RADIATOR WAS ALLOWING MOISTURE OR WATER TO GO INTO THE ELECTRICAL PART OF THE TRANSMISSION AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS COMPLETELY FRIED. I GOT A QUOTE OF $4000 TO $6000 TO FIX OR REBUILD IT. HE THEN TOLD ME TH…
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MY CAR WOULD NOT START ONE MORNING SO I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE IT TO MY MECHANIC, HE CALLED ME TO TELL ME THAT THE RADIATOR WAS ALLOWING MOISTURE OR WATER TO GO INTO THE ELECTRICAL PART OF THE TRANSMISSION AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS COMPLETELY FRIED. I GOT A QUOTE OF $4000 TO $6000 TO FIX OR REBUILD IT. HE THEN TOLD ME THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF ARTICLES ONLINE ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THAT SINCE MY CAR WAS AT 109,000 MILES THERE WAS NOTHING NISSAN WOULD DO ABOUT FIXING IT EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NOTHING I DID TO CAUSE THE PROBLEM!!! I STILL OWE $8500, AS I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 2 YEARS, AND I SURE CAN'T GO BUY ANOTHER CAR. I HAVE 3 SMALL CHILDREN SO NOW I HAVE NO CAR, CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER AND NISSAN WILL DO NOTHING TO HELP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10542936
137,000 miles · Sep 10, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I WAS DRIVING .IT DID A CLICK SOUND WHEN CHANGING SHIFTS FROM 1 TO SECOND. I TOOK THE MECHANIC AND I WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION HAD LEAK SOME FLUID DAMAGE BECAUSE THE RADIATOR HAD A LEAKAGE. I CHANGED THE RADIATOR AND HEATER ASSEMBLY HOSE THAT IT WAS DAMAGE, TOO. TO REPLACE A RE-BUILD TRANS. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEED 5K THAT I DON'T…
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I WAS DRIVING .IT DID A CLICK SOUND WHEN CHANGING SHIFTS FROM 1 TO SECOND. I TOOK THE MECHANIC AND I WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION HAD LEAK SOME FLUID DAMAGE BECAUSE THE RADIATOR HAD A LEAKAGE. I CHANGED THE RADIATOR AND HEATER ASSEMBLY HOSE THAT IT WAS DAMAGE, TOO. TO REPLACE A RE-BUILD TRANS. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEED 5K THAT I DON'T HAVE IT RIGHT NOW. BUT, SOONER OF LATER I HAVE TO REPLACE IT. I CALLED MY DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT I'M IN MY OWN.BECAUSE MY CAR HAS 137K MILES. I FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE MORE THAN A FEW OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10542928
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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