NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
337 reportsClear category filter88,000 miles · Aug 29, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
WIFE FIRST NOTICED A VIBRATION ON HER WAY HOME FROM SCHOOL WITH OUR DAUGHTERS. BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. I HAD TIRES, BEARINGS, ETC CHECKED. NO PROBLEMS FOUND WITH ANY OF THOSE. LOOKED ONLINE AND DISCOVERED THAT A LOT OF PATHFINDER OWNERS WERE HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. CHECKED COOLANT AND FOUND THAT IT HAD IN FAC…
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WIFE FIRST NOTICED A VIBRATION ON HER WAY HOME FROM SCHOOL WITH OUR DAUGHTERS. BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. I HAD TIRES, BEARINGS, ETC CHECKED. NO PROBLEMS FOUND WITH ANY OF THOSE. LOOKED ONLINE AND DISCOVERED THAT A LOT OF PATHFINDER OWNERS WERE HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. CHECKED COOLANT AND FOUND THAT IT HAD IN FACT MIXED WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. I SWITCHED THE LINES FROM THE TRANSMISSION TO TRANS COOLER AND RADIATOR TO PREVENT FURTHER CONTAMINATION, AND FLUSHED RADIATOR/REPLACED COOLANT. ALSO HAD TRANSMISSION FLUSHED/FLUID CHANGED. THE VIBRATION IS STILL PRESENT, AS I DON'T HAVE $5000 + FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION/RADIATOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10472915
75,600 miles · Aug 29, 2012
Power Train
I WAS ON BUSY 495 HIGHWAY IN MARYLAND WITH MY FAMILY, ALL OF A SUDDEN MY 2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER STOPPED ACCELERATING, AND THERE WAS A BIG TRUCK BEHIND ME ON HIGH SPEED, MY WIFE AND KIDS STARTED SHOUTING WHEN THEY SAW THE BIG TRUCK ALMOST RAN US OVER. I HAD TOWED THE NISSAN PATHFINDER TO THE DEALER, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT IT'S A…
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I WAS ON BUSY 495 HIGHWAY IN MARYLAND WITH MY FAMILY, ALL OF A SUDDEN MY 2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER STOPPED ACCELERATING, AND THERE WAS A BIG TRUCK BEHIND ME ON HIGH SPEED, MY WIFE AND KIDS STARTED SHOUTING WHEN THEY SAW THE BIG TRUCK ALMOST RAN US OVER. I HAD TOWED THE NISSAN PATHFINDER TO THE DEALER, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT IT'S A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND MIGHT COST ME MORE THAN $6,000 TO FIX. I GOT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW FROM NISSAN IN 2007, AND ONLY HAVE ABOUT 75,000 MILES ON IT. A USED CAR THAT I BOUGHT WITH 105,000 MILES ON IT, AND TOPPED IT WITH ANOTHER 65,000 MILES, MAKING IT 170,000 MILES IS STILL RUNNING GOOD! SOMEONE OUT THERE NEEDS TO SHOUT OUT THAT NISSAN NEEDS TO RECALL THEIR VEHICLES WITH TRANSMISSION ISSUES BEFORE THEY WASTE PEOPLE'S LIVES VIA ACCIDENTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10472864
86,922 miles · Aug 24, 2012
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
START HAVING PROBLEMS IN MID JULY OF 2010. TRANSMISSION WAS JERKING IN GEAR. RADIATOR BROKE DOWN, ALLOWING FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE. ALSO BEEN HAVING PROBLEM WITH FUEL GAUGE. UNABLE TO GET VEHICLE REPAIRED, DUE TO LIMITED INCOME. VEHICLE BECAME INOPERABLE PASSED EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10472386
107,000 miles · Aug 14, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSuspension
I HAVE MAINTAINED MY CAR. IN JUNE, MY NISSAN DEALERSHIP CHARGED ME $1500 AFTER I REPORTED A JOLT IN THE TRANSMISSION. I BROUGHT IT BACK 08/10/2012 AND THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACED. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER SHOP AND THEY SAID THE RADIATOR FLUID HAD LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND RUINED THE TRANSMISSION PRESENTING A F…
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I HAVE MAINTAINED MY CAR. IN JUNE, MY NISSAN DEALERSHIP CHARGED ME $1500 AFTER I REPORTED A JOLT IN THE TRANSMISSION. I BROUGHT IT BACK 08/10/2012 AND THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACED. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER SHOP AND THEY SAID THE RADIATOR FLUID HAD LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND RUINED THE TRANSMISSION PRESENTING A FINANCIAL BURDEN AND A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR UPDATED 09/13/12
NHTSA ODI #10470520
Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2012
Power Train
STARTED NOTICING IN MARCH 2007 A NOISE LIKE RUNNING OVER A RUMBLE STRIP FOR BRIEF PERIODS THAT WE THOUGHT WERE EITHER OUR NEW TIRES OR ROAD SURFACES. LATER WE NOTICED IT STARTED GETTING LONGER AND IT SEEMED LIKED IT HAD A HARD TIME SHIFTING GEARS. WE TOOK IT TO OUR NISSAN DEALER WHO INFORMED US THAT THERE WAS A LEAKAGE BETWEEN T…
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STARTED NOTICING IN MARCH 2007 A NOISE LIKE RUNNING OVER A RUMBLE STRIP FOR BRIEF PERIODS THAT WE THOUGHT WERE EITHER OUR NEW TIRES OR ROAD SURFACES. LATER WE NOTICED IT STARTED GETTING LONGER AND IT SEEMED LIKED IT HAD A HARD TIME SHIFTING GEARS. WE TOOK IT TO OUR NISSAN DEALER WHO INFORMED US THAT THERE WAS A LEAKAGE BETWEEN THE COOLING SYSTEM AND THE TRANSMISSION WHICH IN TIME WILL CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. WE ALSO FOUND OUT THEY WERE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM,BUT WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED. NOW THEY TOLD US EVEN WITH AND EXTENDED WARRANTY TO 80K WE WERE PAST THAT AT 81K. I FEEL THEY SHOULD BE FORCED BACK TO UP THEIR KNOWN DEFECTS AND ISSUE A RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10468455
80,000 miles · Jul 27, 2012
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
THIS VEHICLE HAS APPROX 80K MILES WHEN HEAT STOPPED WORKING AND TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING HARD. I WAS INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC THAT COOLANT HAD MIXED WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THAT IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AT NISSAN. WE REPLACED THE RADIATOR AND FLUIDS. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE TRANSMISSION IS INOPERABLE AND NISSAN HAS REFU…
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THIS VEHICLE HAS APPROX 80K MILES WHEN HEAT STOPPED WORKING AND TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING HARD. I WAS INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC THAT COOLANT HAD MIXED WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THAT IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AT NISSAN. WE REPLACED THE RADIATOR AND FLUIDS. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE TRANSMISSION IS INOPERABLE AND NISSAN HAS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE. MY MECHANIC AT MIDAS OF RICHMOND VA INFORMED ME THAT HE SEES THIS PROBLEM ALL THE TIME AND THAT NISSAN IS DOING NOTHING. CLEARLY, NISSAN KNEW THIS WAS A PROBLEM AND HAS REFUSED TO TAKE ANY ACTION DUE TO THE HIGH COST OF THE REPAIR. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS A KNOWN DEFECT ISSUE. I CANNOT BELIEVE THE MANUFACTURER WOULD BE ALLOWED TO INSTALL A MAJOR VEHICLE COMPONENT WITH A KNOWN DEFECT AND FOR THE CUSTOMER TO HAVE NO RECOURSE.
NHTSA ODI #10468621
Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I UNDERSTAND NOW THAT NISSAN PATHFINDER OWNER (05-07) HAVE EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION FAILING DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS. I NOW HAVE TO HAVE MY TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF $7000+. WHY HAS THERE BEEN NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10467776
75,875 miles · Jul 26, 2012
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FILTER RADIATOR CAUSED THE COOLING TO LEAK, WHICH DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED THAT HE WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE TYPE OF FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FILTER RADIATOR CAUSED THE COOLING TO LEAK, WHICH DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED THAT HE WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE TYPE OF FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,875.
NHTSA ODI #10467762
Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2012
EnginePower Train
AT FIRST STARTED NOTICING HESITATION IN TRANSMISSION AT 40 MPH, CONFIRMED BY 2 MECHANICS TRANS FLUID IS MILKY COLOR AND CHANGED FLUID AT A LOCAL SERVICE STATION THAT HAD TO GO TO NISSAN AND GET THEIR TRANSMISSION FLUID TO FINISH JOB. NOW BACK TO MILKY TRANSMISSION FLUID, HAVE TO TAKE OVERDRIVE OFF BECAUSE GEARS WILL NOT SHIFT, …
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AT FIRST STARTED NOTICING HESITATION IN TRANSMISSION AT 40 MPH, CONFIRMED BY 2 MECHANICS TRANS FLUID IS MILKY COLOR AND CHANGED FLUID AT A LOCAL SERVICE STATION THAT HAD TO GO TO NISSAN AND GET THEIR TRANSMISSION FLUID TO FINISH JOB. NOW BACK TO MILKY TRANSMISSION FLUID, HAVE TO TAKE OVERDRIVE OFF BECAUSE GEARS WILL NOT SHIFT, I ALSO CARRY GALLON OF WATER BECAUSE AT ANY TIME RADIATOR FLUID LEVELS CAN BE LOW; HAVE TO TURN AIR OFF AT LONG STOP LIGHTS SO TEMP GAUGE DOESN'T GO UP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10467576
133,000 miles · Jul 24, 2012
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
WHILE DRIVING WITH THE AC ON, MY VEHICLE STARTED TO BLAST OUT HOT AIR THROUGH THE VENTS AND OVERHEAT. MY CAR HAS NEVER RAN HOT BEFORE, I HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS SINCE I'VE HAD IT. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY AND LET THE CAR COOL DOWN. MY HUSBAND REMOVED THE RADIATOR CAP AND NOTICED A MILKY LIQUID IN THE RADIATOR. WE HAD TO H…
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WHILE DRIVING WITH THE AC ON, MY VEHICLE STARTED TO BLAST OUT HOT AIR THROUGH THE VENTS AND OVERHEAT. MY CAR HAS NEVER RAN HOT BEFORE, I HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS SINCE I'VE HAD IT. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY AND LET THE CAR COOL DOWN. MY HUSBAND REMOVED THE RADIATOR CAP AND NOTICED A MILKY LIQUID IN THE RADIATOR. WE HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP AND THEY NOTIFIED US OF THE RECALL ON THE NISSAN (2005-2010 MODELS) RADIATORS. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT THEY HAVE BEEN SEEING WHERE THE COOLANT MIXES WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUIDS AND CAUSE A MAJOR REPAIR PROBLEM. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE RADIATOR, TRANSMISSION, TRANSMISSION KIT, THROTTLE, VIAL BODY, AND TORQUE CONVERTER WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I FEEL PETRIFIED TO KNOW THAT NISSAN KNEW ABOUT THIS EXISTING PROBLEM BUT REFUSED TO HAVE THESE ISSUES REPAIRED RATHER THAN TAKING THE EASY WAY OUT AND EXTENDING THE WARRANTY. WE BOUGHT OUR TRUCK BRAND NEW FROM THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND WE ALSO PAID FOR THE 5YR/100,000 MILE WARRANTY. I HAVE HAD MY TRUCK FOR 5 YRS AND 2 MTHS, SOMETHING SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE ABOUT THIS. WE THE CONSUMERS HAVE TRUSTED THIS BRAND FOR MANY YEARS AND WE DEPEND ON OUR VEHICLES ON A DAILY BASES. MY FAMILY AND I WERE ALL IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED WE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HARMED IN A HIGH RISK SITUATION. WE HAD THE 90,000 MILEAGE MAINTENANCE COMPLETED WHERE THEY FLUSHED THE RADIATOR, CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION, & ETC. AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. MY HUSBAND HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN MY CAR IN FOR TIMELY MAINTENANCE AND NO ONE HAS EVER MENTIONED THE RADIATOR ISSUES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10467255
Official recalls
1Dec 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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