NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
845 reports10,000 miles · Apr 21, 2014
Power Train
TRANSMISSION HAS A JERK, AND IT TURNED OUT TO BE DUE TO THE OIL AND COOLANT MIX IN THE TRANSMISSION. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE AND SEVERAL COMPLAINS HAVE BEEN FILED, NO EXTENDED WARRANTY,DEALER OR ANYBODY IS COVERING THE COST. IT IS A VERY EXPANSIVE REPAIR AND I CAN NOT AFFORD TO FIX ON THIS FINANCED VEHICLE. NISSAN MUST…
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TRANSMISSION HAS A JERK, AND IT TURNED OUT TO BE DUE TO THE OIL AND COOLANT MIX IN THE TRANSMISSION. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE AND SEVERAL COMPLAINS HAVE BEEN FILED, NO EXTENDED WARRANTY,DEALER OR ANYBODY IS COVERING THE COST. IT IS A VERY EXPANSIVE REPAIR AND I CAN NOT AFFORD TO FIX ON THIS FINANCED VEHICLE. NISSAN MUST PAY FOR THE REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10584015
120,000 miles · Apr 18, 2014
EnginePower Train
I WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 70MPH. CAR BEGINS HAVE A LARGE RUMBLE. CAN'T TELL IF IT THE REAR END, THE DRIVE SHAFT OR TRANSMISSION. THERE IS NO PATTERN TO THE RUMBLE AND IT CONTINUES FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, SO I TAKE IT TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP. THEY TELL ME THAT I HAVE WATER IN MY TRANSMISSION FLUID,…
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I WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 70MPH. CAR BEGINS HAVE A LARGE RUMBLE. CAN'T TELL IF IT THE REAR END, THE DRIVE SHAFT OR TRANSMISSION. THERE IS NO PATTERN TO THE RUMBLE AND IT CONTINUES FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, SO I TAKE IT TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP. THEY TELL ME THAT I HAVE WATER IN MY TRANSMISSION FLUID, WHICH WAS CAUSED BY A CRACKED LINE IN THE RADIATOR. I AM TOLD TO CHECK ON THE INTERNET, BECAUSE THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM THAT LOT OF NISSAN XTERRA OWNERS ARE FACING. SO, I CHECK IT OUT AND THE ISSUE IS HUGE. I BOUGHT THE XTERRA ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO AND DURING THAT TIME WAS NEVER CONTACTED BY ANYONE WARNING ME OF THIS ISSUE. NOW, AT THE TIME I FIND THAT THERE WAS A SETTLEMENT, MY VEHICLE HAS OVER THE 100,000 MILE LIMIT. FROM WHAT I READ, THE MAJORITY OF THE VEHICLES ARE OVER THE 100,000 MILE LIMIT WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS. MY VEHICLE STILL WILL DRIVE AND ONLY GET THE RUMBLE OCCASIONALLY, BUT I NOW KNOW IT'S FATE. IT'S ASHAMED THAT I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN WARNED BY NISSAN BEFORE FACING COSTLY REPAIRS. NISSAN COULD HAVE SAVED US LOTS OF HEADACHE AND MONEY IF WE HAD KNOW AND BEEN ABLE TO BE PRO-ACTIVE BEFORE THE DAMAGE WAS DONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10583447
103,000 miles · Apr 17, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RADIATOR FLUID WAS INTERCHANGING WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND CAUSING FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RADIATOR FLUID WAS INTERCHANGING WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND CAUSING FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA ODI #10583393
145,000 miles · Apr 17, 2014
Power Train
TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP INTERMITTENTLY, THEN STOPPED SHIFTING ALL TOGETHER. REPLACED TRANSMISSION, BUT QUIT AGAIN AFTER ONLY A WEEK OF DRIVING. TURNS OUT THE COOLING SYSTEM WAS LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION AND CAUSING PARTS FAILURE. HAD TO REPLACE RADIATOR, AND, MULTIPLE TRANSMISSIONS PARTS FOR 2ND TIME.
NHTSA ODI #10583267
72,890 miles · Apr 14, 2014
Power Train
TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSING A CRASH.VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FINE THEN SUDDENLY WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. VEHICLE HAS NO INDICATIONS OF PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS CONTAMINATED WITH ENGINE COOLANT ACCORDING TO THE SHOP THAT REPAIRED IT. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10579580
1,000,750 miles · Apr 5, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THE VEHICLE DOESN'T MOVE,DESPITE ACCELERATION, NO ENGINE LIGHT. WENT TO THE DEALER AND AFTER DIAGNOSIS THEY SAID THE RADIATOR WAS CRACKED AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING. THE COST COMES TO $7500. CONTACTED NISSAN THEY SAY ITS NOT WITHIN WARRANTY. THESES IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN ON THE RADIATOR. UPDATED 05/01/14
NHTSA ODI #10577705
112,800 miles · Apr 2, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
INTERNAL RADIATOR TRANSMISSION COOLER CRACKED LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND DESTROYING IT, RENDERING IT USELESS. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED ON ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE GAVE ME ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANY INDICATION OF AN ISSUE OCCURRING WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I HAD NO ADVANCE NOTICE SO I WAS UNABLE…
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INTERNAL RADIATOR TRANSMISSION COOLER CRACKED LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND DESTROYING IT, RENDERING IT USELESS. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED ON ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE GAVE ME ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANY INDICATION OF AN ISSUE OCCURRING WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I HAD NO ADVANCE NOTICE SO I WAS UNABLE TO AVOID ANY DAMAGE TO MY TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10576888
90,000 miles · Mar 31, 2014
EnginePower Train
TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO A PROBLEM WELL KNOWN BY NISSAN. COOLANT ENTERED THROUGH A FAILED RADIATOR AND CAUSES FAILURE OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. TIMING CHAIN FAILURE ALSO WELL KNOWN BY NISSAN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10576053
120,000 miles · Mar 31, 2014
EnginePower Train
I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE SHOP BECAUSE OF A RUMBLING NOISE AND SHAKE THAT WAS HAPPENING WHILE DRIVING. IT FEELS LIKE HITTING THE SAFETY STRIPS ON THE EDGE OF THE ROAD BY THE SHOULDER. THE MECHANICS PULLED THINGS APART AND IDENTIFIED THAT THERE WAS RADIATOR FLUID AND ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING INTO MY TRANSMISSION. THERE WERE ALSO METAL…
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I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE SHOP BECAUSE OF A RUMBLING NOISE AND SHAKE THAT WAS HAPPENING WHILE DRIVING. IT FEELS LIKE HITTING THE SAFETY STRIPS ON THE EDGE OF THE ROAD BY THE SHOULDER. THE MECHANICS PULLED THINGS APART AND IDENTIFIED THAT THERE WAS RADIATOR FLUID AND ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING INTO MY TRANSMISSION. THERE WERE ALSO METAL SHAVINGS MIXED IN WITH THE FLUIDS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10576041
79,103 miles · Mar 28, 2014
Engine
DRIVING WITH FAMILY ON INTERSTATE 5 ON THE RIGHT LANE GOING 60-62 MPH. WITHOUT NO LIGHT SENSOR WARNING FROM THE XTERRA OR NO OTHER WARNING WHATSOEVER, IT SLOWED DOWN DRASTICALLY FROM 60MPH TO 30MPH, AND I CAN SEE FAST MOVING VEHICLES PASSING ME. THERE WAS A HUGE SEMI TRUCK BEHIND US, HE STARTED TO FLASH HIS HIGH BEAM ON US FROM…
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DRIVING WITH FAMILY ON INTERSTATE 5 ON THE RIGHT LANE GOING 60-62 MPH. WITHOUT NO LIGHT SENSOR WARNING FROM THE XTERRA OR NO OTHER WARNING WHATSOEVER, IT SLOWED DOWN DRASTICALLY FROM 60MPH TO 30MPH, AND I CAN SEE FAST MOVING VEHICLES PASSING ME. THERE WAS A HUGE SEMI TRUCK BEHIND US, HE STARTED TO FLASH HIS HIGH BEAM ON US FROM BEHIND. I TRY TO ACCELERATE BUT IT WOULD NOT, IT JUST MAKE A VERY LOUD ENGINE SOUND. THE SEMI TRUCK SO CLOSE BEHIND US, I GOT SCARED, I SIGNAL RIGHT TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND DOING SO WE ALMOST GOT HIT BY ANOTHER CAR THAT WAS MERGING TO THE FREEWAY BECAUSE THE XTERRA WAS VERY SLOW. WE PULLED TO THE SHOULDER, PUT IN PARK AND THE XTERRA HAS A WEIRD SMELL COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE FRONT. I TRY TO SHIFT TO DRIVE BUT IT DIDN'T MOVE. I TRY TO SHIFT TO REVERSE TO PARK THE XTERRA IN A BETTER POSITION OFF THE FREEWAY BUT IT DIDN'T MOVE. TWO HOURS LATER, THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVE. I WAS EXTREMELY UPSET OUR ENTIRE FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILL BECAUSE THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10575280
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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