NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
39 reportsClear category filter106,403 miles · Oct 23, 2014
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
MY CAR WAS RUNNING FINE AND NORMAL BUT WHEN I TRIED TO START IT, NOTHING HAPPENED. I TRIED TO JUMP THE BATTERY AND I REPLACED THE STARTER. AFTER THOSE ATTEMPTS I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A NEARBY DEALERSHIP WHO TOLD ME THAT COOLANT FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND MIXED FLUID, DAMAGING BOTH THE TRANSMISSION AND…
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MY CAR WAS RUNNING FINE AND NORMAL BUT WHEN I TRIED TO START IT, NOTHING HAPPENED. I TRIED TO JUMP THE BATTERY AND I REPLACED THE STARTER. AFTER THOSE ATTEMPTS I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A NEARBY DEALERSHIP WHO TOLD ME THAT COOLANT FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND MIXED FLUID, DAMAGING BOTH THE TRANSMISSION AND ECM. CAR WILL NOT START AND THE IS NO COMMUNICATIONS WORKING. THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED I GET A NEW RADIATOR, IPDM MODULE, AND TRANSMISSION WHICH WAS ESTIMATED AT A COST OF $5,500 AFTER PARTS AND LABOR. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR A SECOND OPINION AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING AS THE DEALER HAD SAID. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10649447
111,000 miles · Aug 24, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
DRIVING DOWN ROAD AND CAR QUITS STEERING WAS DIFFICULT HIT A CURB. THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN CAME BACK ON? HAS DONE THIS TO ME SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL I PARKED IT NOW. DANGEROUS SITUATION. LUCKY NO VEHICLES WERE AROUND ME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10627832
80,000 miles · Jul 21, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING EVEN WITH THE SEATBELT ON PROPERLY. THIS VEHICLE HAD NEVER BEEN IN CRASH ONCE OR EVER. I AM VERY CONCERN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10614887
64,000 miles · Mar 8, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEN WHEN I FILLED VEHICLE WITH FUEL GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY AND LOW FUEL LIGHT CAME ON. GAUGE DOES NOT COME BACK ON U TIL VEHICLE IS DRIVEN FROM 85 TO 125 MILES AND THEN TAKES AWHILE TO REACH UP TO AROUND 3/4 FULL. NEVER REALLY SURE HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN TANK. WAS ADVISED TO CHANGE THE FUEL TANK CAP AND…
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CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEN WHEN I FILLED VEHICLE WITH FUEL GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY AND LOW FUEL LIGHT CAME ON. GAUGE DOES NOT COME BACK ON U TIL VEHICLE IS DRIVEN FROM 85 TO 125 MILES AND THEN TAKES AWHILE TO REACH UP TO AROUND 3/4 FULL. NEVER REALLY SURE HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN TANK. WAS ADVISED TO CHANGE THE FUEL TANK CAP AND DID TWICE BUT STILL NOT WORKING. HAVE TO RELY ON TRIP GAUGE TO KNOW IF I HAVE ENOUGH FUEL. THIS SEEMS RISKY FOR AN ALMOST 75 YEAR OLD WOMAN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10567957
10,000 miles · Oct 24, 2013
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)EngineFire
JUST BOUGHT AUTO FROM USED CAR DEALER DAY BEFORE. DROVE IT 30 MILES PULLED IN VISITED THEN WENT OUT TO START AUTO. WOULD NOT START TRACED BACK TO BLOWN FUSE, CHANGED FUSE TRIED STARTING AGAIN, BLEW FUSE AGAIN, ONE MORE TIME THEN WHEN AUTO STARTED SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER HOOD. AFTER 3 MONTHS OF REPLACING ELECTRICAL WIRING FR…
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JUST BOUGHT AUTO FROM USED CAR DEALER DAY BEFORE. DROVE IT 30 MILES PULLED IN VISITED THEN WENT OUT TO START AUTO. WOULD NOT START TRACED BACK TO BLOWN FUSE, CHANGED FUSE TRIED STARTING AGAIN, BLEW FUSE AGAIN, ONE MORE TIME THEN WHEN AUTO STARTED SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER HOOD. AFTER 3 MONTHS OF REPLACING ELECTRICAL WIRING FROM FRYING NARROWED DOWN TO RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION (FUSE THAT BLEW) THE COOLANT HAD BACKED UP AND TORE UP TRANSMISSION. IF IT HAD BEEN ON THE ROAD THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A FULL BLOWN FIRE ON A HIGHWAY WITH POSSIBILITY OF HUMAN DAMAGES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10549388
55,455 miles · Apr 13, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
JUST FILL UP GAS AND FUEL GAUGE INDICATES ALMOST EMPTY. CANNOT TELL IF I STILL HAVE ENOUGH FUEL. DANGEROUS SITUATION IF I'M DRIVING AND SUDDENLY RUN OUT OF GAS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10508132
Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
GAS GAUGE HAS QUIT WORKING...COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE AUTOMOBILES...WHY NO RECALL? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10504347
81,300 miles · Mar 15, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
I NOTICED THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COME ON 3/13/2013. TODAY, 3/15 I TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP THAT I GET MY VEHICLE SERVICED AT AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT IS MALFUNCTIONING AND THE PRICE TO FIX IT. THEY ALSO MENTIONED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM A FEW TIMES NOW WITH OTHER XTERRA MODELS. I MENTIO…
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I NOTICED THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COME ON 3/13/2013. TODAY, 3/15 I TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP THAT I GET MY VEHICLE SERVICED AT AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT IS MALFUNCTIONING AND THE PRICE TO FIX IT. THEY ALSO MENTIONED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM A FEW TIMES NOW WITH OTHER XTERRA MODELS. I MENTIONED TO THEM THAT I CANNOT AFFORD THE REPAIR AT THIS TIME AND THEY SUGGESTED I KEEP IT FULL AND IT SHOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM. I GOT HOME AND LOOKED UP THE PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE AND IT SEEMS THAT A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, AND NOT ONLY WITH XTERRAS BUT WITH PATHFINDERS AND FRONTIERS AS WELL, AS THEY ARE ALL BASED ON THE SAME DRIVETRAIN. NISSAN IS NOT COVERING THIS PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH ITS VEHICLES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10503153
108,500 miles · Oct 26, 2012
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
RECENTLY THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TURNING OFF WHILE IN USE (DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD) AND WE HAVE TO THROW IT IN NEUTRAL, CRANK BACK UP, THEN PUT IT BACK IN GEAR. THIS IS NOT SAFE. TOOK IT IN TO GET IT DIAGNOSED AND THE SCAN CAME BACK READING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS COULD BE GOING OUT (2 ON EACH SIDE, PRETTY SURE ONLY ONE SIDE IS AFFE…
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RECENTLY THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TURNING OFF WHILE IN USE (DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD) AND WE HAVE TO THROW IT IN NEUTRAL, CRANK BACK UP, THEN PUT IT BACK IN GEAR. THIS IS NOT SAFE. TOOK IT IN TO GET IT DIAGNOSED AND THE SCAN CAME BACK READING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS COULD BE GOING OUT (2 ON EACH SIDE, PRETTY SURE ONLY ONE SIDE IS AFFECTED). THEN WERE TOLD ABOUT AN ECM RELAY RECALL. MECHANICS HAVE TOLD US THAT THIS CAN CAUSE THE CATS TO FAIL. NISSAN SAID TO TAKE IT TO A DEALERSHIP AND SEE WHAT THEY SAY. WHAT?! OF COURSE THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IS GOING TO REPLACE ONLY THE ECM COMPONENT OF THE RECALL AND SAY IT WON'T AFFECT THE CATS, WHILE OTHER MECHANICS AT NON DEALER AFFILIATED SHOPS HAVE MORE THAN A FEW TIMES SAID IT CAN BE A DIRECT EFFECT OF THE ECM. SO WE HAVE A "CASE" NUMBER WITH NISSAN AND NISSAN WILL "INVESTIGATE" AND LET US KNOW IF THEY ARE WILLING TO PAY ANY TOWARDS THE REPAIR, OR IF A RECALL IS ISSUED IN THE NEAR FUTURE WE'LL GET REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR... HOW ABOUT YOU JUST MAKE A VEHICLE WITHOUT FAULTY PARTS AND IF A FAULTY PART CONTRIBUTES TO ANOTHER PART GOING OUT, YOU REPAIR THE PARTS AFFECTED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10482363
105,000 miles · Sep 21, 2012
Electrical SystemPower Train
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A BUSY LOS ANGELES STREET DURING RUSH HOUR, MY CAR SUDDENLY LOST DRIVABILITY. THE ENGINE RPM'S INCREASED, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE. NEARLY GOT INTO MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS TRYING TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE A STRAWBERRY MILK COLOR LIQUID WAS FOUND IN THE TRANSMISSION. WAS T…
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WHILE DRIVING DOWN A BUSY LOS ANGELES STREET DURING RUSH HOUR, MY CAR SUDDENLY LOST DRIVABILITY. THE ENGINE RPM'S INCREASED, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE. NEARLY GOT INTO MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS TRYING TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE A STRAWBERRY MILK COLOR LIQUID WAS FOUND IN THE TRANSMISSION. WAS TOLD COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXING WAS THE CAUSE. REQUIRED TO REBUILD TRANSMISSION, REPLACE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION CONTROL VALVE. REPAIR COST ESTIMATED AT $5050 PLUS TAX. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10476694
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.
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.
Oct 5, 2005
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NISSAN ACCESSORY TOW HITCH, INADEQUATE QUALITY OF SOME WELDED JOINTS IN THE HITCH ASSEMBLY MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE HITCH FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN BEING USED TO TOW.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE TRAILER SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TOW HITCHES. ON OCTOBER 17, 2005, OWNERS WERE SENT AN INTERIM LETTER ADVISING THEM NOT TO USE THE TOW HITCH UNTIL IT CAN BE REPAIRED. ANOTHER LETTER WAS SENT OUT ON NOVEMBER 21, 2005, NOTIFYING THEM TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR REPAIR. 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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