NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
837 reports142,320 miles · Feb 22, 2016
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSTANTLY REMAINING STUCK IN FIRST GEAR AND IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE AND THEN TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED BY MORE THAN ONE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANICS ALL IN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSTANTLY REMAINING STUCK IN FIRST GEAR AND IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE AND THEN TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED BY MORE THAN ONE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANICS ALL INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE IN THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO THE RADIATOR HAVING AN INTERNAL PREMATURE FRACTURE, WHICH CAUSED THE COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,320.
NHTSA ODI #10837419
165,500 miles · Feb 16, 2016
Power Train
KNOWN PROBLEM BY NISSAN WHERE RADIATOR FLUID LEAKS INTO TRANSMISSION AND RUINS TRANSMISSION. REPAIR COST OF $3900.00. NO RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #10836492
Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2016
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED ON MY 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER DUE TO A POOR ENGINEERING ISSUE FROM NISSAN. THIS PROBLEM IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. TRANSMISSION CAN FAIL AT ANYTIME.
NHTSA ODI #10825031
154,000 miles · Feb 6, 2016
Power Train
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND QUITE PULLING IN TRAFFIC AND WAS ALMOST HIT FROM REAR ON THE INTERSTATE. FOUND OUT RADIATOR FAILED AND FILLED TRANSMISSION FULL OF COOLANT AND CAUSED COMPLETE FAILURE OF BOTH SYSTEMS.
NHTSA ODI #10824668
157,000 miles · Feb 3, 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO COMPLETE A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR HOSE CRACKED AND LEAKED FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH CONTAMINATED THE TRANSMISSION. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A COMPONENT WIT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO COMPLETE A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR HOSE CRACKED AND LEAKED FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH CONTAMINATED THE TRANSMISSION. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A COMPONENT WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
NHTSA ODI #10823929
Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2016
Engine And Engine Cooling
2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONING SYSTEM PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, SHE HEARD A STRANGE RATTLE AND HISSING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER HAD HER LOCAL REPAIR SHOP INVESTIGATE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED WITHOUT TAKING T…
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2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONING SYSTEM PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, SHE HEARD A STRANGE RATTLE AND HISSING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER HAD HER LOCAL REPAIR SHOP INVESTIGATE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED WITHOUT TAKING THE MOTOR APART, IT APPEARED THE MOTOR WAS FAILING. THE CONSUMER STARTED INVESTIGATING THE ISSUE AND DISCOVERED PATHFINDER'S FROM 2005-2015 HAD PROBLEMS WITH TIMING CHAIN, GUIDES AND SHOES. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10836213
150,500 miles · Jan 30, 2016
Power Train
RADIATOR FAILURE 1/7/2011 AT 73,958 MILES, CAUSING TRANSMISSION FAILURE, REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY BY NISSAN DEALER, THEN AGAIN FAILURE AT 1/15/2016 150,500 MILES - SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10823261
Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2016
Unknown Or Other
I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED HUNDREDS OF TIMES. I HAVE OVER 100,000 MILES, AND WAS PUT IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHILE DRIVING MY CAR. AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN ACROSS TWO LANES AND INTO THE PATH OF ONCOMING VEHICLES, THE CAR STUTTERED, ALL OF THE LIGHTS WERE FLASHING, POWER STEERING WENT OUT, AND THE…
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I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED HUNDREDS OF TIMES. I HAVE OVER 100,000 MILES, AND WAS PUT IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHILE DRIVING MY CAR. AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN ACROSS TWO LANES AND INTO THE PATH OF ONCOMING VEHICLES, THE CAR STUTTERED, ALL OF THE LIGHTS WERE FLASHING, POWER STEERING WENT OUT, AND THE GAS NOR BREAK WOULD WORK. I WAS HALFWAY THROUGH MY TURN WHEN I REALIZED MY PATHFINDER JUST SHUT DOWN-I HAD NO WARNINGS, OR TROUBLE WITH THE CAR COMING UP TO MAKING MY TURN. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT I WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE STREET I WAS TURNING ONTO IT WAS BY THE GRACE OF GOD I DIDN'T GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. COME TO FIND OUT THE RADIATOR LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING IT TO CONTAMINATE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND ESSENTIALLY BLOW THE TRANSMISSION. REPAIR IS OVER $7000 FROM TWO DIFFERENT BODY SHOPS AS WELL AS A NISSAN CERTIFIED SERVICE CENTER. I OF COURSE WAS NOT HAPPY WHEN I WAS TOLD MY MILEAGE EXCEEDED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. I WAS ALSO SAD TO FIND OUT NISSAN WASN'T DOING ANYTHING FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS, DESPITE THE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS AND LAWSUITS FILED AGAINST NISSAN WASN'T DOING ANYTHING FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS, DESPITE THE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS AND LAWSUITS FILED AGAINST THEM. THEY DON'T SEEM TO CARE ABOUT CONSUMER SAFETY'EVEN AFTER THE EXACT SAME ISSUE IS HAPPENING WITH HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF THEIR VEHICLES. I AM HOPING NISSAN WILL DO THE RIGHT THING, AND MAKE IT RIGHT. THEY SHOULDN'T BE WAITING FOR PEOPLE TO DIE BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE TO MAKE A CHANGE. IT SEEMS LIKE THEY DON'T CARE TO DO ANYTHING AND LESS THERE IS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAUSED BY THIS ISSUE
NHTSA ODI #10822772
109,112 miles · Jan 22, 2016
Power Train
VEHICLE JERKS AND STALLS AND EVEN CUTS OFF DURING DRIVING. I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND WENT TO CHANGE LANES AND THE ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF. I TRIED TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD QUICKLY BUT I HAD NO ENGINE POWER. I COASTED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND CALLED MY HUSBAND TO PICK ME UP. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECH…
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VEHICLE JERKS AND STALLS AND EVEN CUTS OFF DURING DRIVING. I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND WENT TO CHANGE LANES AND THE ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF. I TRIED TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD QUICKLY BUT I HAD NO ENGINE POWER. I COASTED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND CALLED MY HUSBAND TO PICK ME UP. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC AND HE ADVISED US THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD CONTAMINATED THE ANTI-FREEZE AND VICE VERSA AND THAT I'D NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR INSTALLED FOR $5500.00. HE ALSO ADDED THAT NISSAN HAD JUST LOST A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLES AFFECTED BUT THE CATCH IS THAT YOUR VEHICLE CAN NOT HAVE OVER 100,000 MILES ON IT. FROM MY RESEARCH IN THE FORUMS, THE ISSUE DOES NOT ARISE UNTIL THE VEHICLE MILEAGE EXCEEDS 100,000, SO WE'RE BASICALLY SCREWED FOR REPAIRS ON OUR NISSANS WITH 100,001 MILES OR MORE. I'M DOUBLE SCREWED AS I HAVE 2 2006 NISSAN'S. MY OTHER VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY INOPERABLE DUE TO ATF CONTAMINATION.
NHTSA ODI #10821814
Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2016
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE DETAILS OF THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA ODI #10820337
Official recalls
3Oct 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.
Mar 3, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 AND MODEL YEAR 2008 FRONTIER, XTERRA AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBOSSMENT MOLDED INTO THE TANK SHELL CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN TRAFFIC, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW ONE THAT HAS A MODIFIED FLOAT ARM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 22, 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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