NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
106 reportsClear category filter118,000 miles · May 9, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AND ENGAGED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO INDICATED THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AND ENGAGED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO INDICATED THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000. KMJ
NHTSA ODI #10587389
86,500 miles · May 7, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
SUV STARTED VIBRATING BADLY WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS NEAR 60 MPH. THIS HAPPENED FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS. TOOK VEHICLE TO SHEEHY NISSAN IN ANNAPOLIS, MD TO HAVE INVESTIGATED AND WAS TOLD COOLANT HAD MIXED WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID DUE TO A FAILURE IN RADIATOR. I WAS TOLD THAT A COSTLY REPAIR IS MY ONLY OPTION, AND THAT WHILE I CAN DRIVE …
Read full complaint
SUV STARTED VIBRATING BADLY WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS NEAR 60 MPH. THIS HAPPENED FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS. TOOK VEHICLE TO SHEEHY NISSAN IN ANNAPOLIS, MD TO HAVE INVESTIGATED AND WAS TOLD COOLANT HAD MIXED WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID DUE TO A FAILURE IN RADIATOR. I WAS TOLD THAT A COSTLY REPAIR IS MY ONLY OPTION, AND THAT WHILE I CAN DRIVE IT NOW, A TOTAL FAILURE AT "SOME POINT LATER" IS IMMINENT. HOW CAN I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ON THE STREETS KNOWING THAT AT ANY MOMENT THE TRANSMISSION COULD FAIL??/ *TR
NHTSA ODI #10587080
120,000 miles · Apr 23, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
RADIATOR CRACKED AND LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION. BOTH RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION DAMAGED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10584535
106,000 miles · Apr 14, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
CAR WAS NOT ACCELERATING PROPERLY AND WAS SHAKING. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP. THE RADIATOR HAD FAILED ALLOWING COOLANT INTO MY TRANSMISSION AND RUINING MY TRANSMISSION. REPAIR WILL COST $4102 + TAX. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10579715
152,000 miles · Apr 9, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO CONTAMINATION BY ENGINE COOLANT. THE SOURCE OF THE CONTAMINATION IS A CRACKED LINE THAT RUNS THROUGH AN ENGINE COOLANT CHAMBER IN THE RADIATOR. RESULTING IN HAVING TO REPLACE RADIATOR AND NOW THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION. CURRENT THERE IS A RECALL HOWEVER I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF RECALL. MY CAR IS UNDER 8 YE…
Read full complaint
TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO CONTAMINATION BY ENGINE COOLANT. THE SOURCE OF THE CONTAMINATION IS A CRACKED LINE THAT RUNS THROUGH AN ENGINE COOLANT CHAMBER IN THE RADIATOR. RESULTING IN HAVING TO REPLACE RADIATOR AND NOW THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION. CURRENT THERE IS A RECALL HOWEVER I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF RECALL. MY CAR IS UNDER 8 YEARS OLD AND HAS APPROX. 152,000 MILES, HENCE, DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE SETTLEMENT OF CLASS ACTION SUIT ORDERING NISSAN TO REIMBURSE REPAIRS. I AM NOW OUT $4,000 EVEN THOUGH NISSAN IS AWARE THIS IS A PURE MECHANICAL ERROR ON THEIR PART. I WAS DRIVING WITH MY YOUNG DAUGHTERS IN THE CAR AND ALMOST CAUSED A PILE UP! SHAME ON YOU NISSAN! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10578767
76,693 miles · Apr 9, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE WARRANTY EXTENSION NOTICES SENT OUT BY NISSAN. THEY ARE FOR A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR THEY MAY GO INTO THE TRANSMISSION..MY RADIATOR WAS REPLACED BECAUSE THE DEALER SAID IT HAD A LEAK. THERE WAS NO FLUID IN MY GARAGE OR DRIVEWAY.. NOW MY TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED 76993 MILES. AFTER DEALING WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE THEY TO…
Read full complaint
I HAVE WARRANTY EXTENSION NOTICES SENT OUT BY NISSAN. THEY ARE FOR A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR THEY MAY GO INTO THE TRANSMISSION..MY RADIATOR WAS REPLACED BECAUSE THE DEALER SAID IT HAD A LEAK. THERE WAS NO FLUID IN MY GARAGE OR DRIVEWAY.. NOW MY TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED 76993 MILES. AFTER DEALING WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOT A RELATED PROBLEM..THERE HAS BEEN A CLASS ACTION IN AGAINST NISSAN FOR THIS PROBLEM.THE COST WAS $4500.00.IF YOU NEED ANY OTHER QUESTION ANSWERED PLEASE CALL ME AT [XXX]..I AM LOOKING FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF TRANNY REPAIR..ALL WORK WAS DONE BY MIKE BARNEY NISSAN 3676 SHERIDAN DRIVE AMHERST,NY 14226. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10578485
100,000 miles · Apr 1, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TRANSMISSION DAMAGE ATTRIBUTED TO CONTAMINATION BY ENGINE COOLANT. THE SOURCE OF THE CONTAMINATION IS A CRACKED ATF LINE THAT RUNS THROUGH AN ENGINE COOLANT CHAMBER IN THE RADIATOR. RESULTING IN HAVING TO REPLACE RADIATOR AND NOW THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION. CURRENT THERE IS A RECALL CAMPAIGN # 10V517000, HOWEVER I WAS NEVER NOTIFIE…
Read full complaint
TRANSMISSION DAMAGE ATTRIBUTED TO CONTAMINATION BY ENGINE COOLANT. THE SOURCE OF THE CONTAMINATION IS A CRACKED ATF LINE THAT RUNS THROUGH AN ENGINE COOLANT CHAMBER IN THE RADIATOR. RESULTING IN HAVING TO REPLACE RADIATOR AND NOW THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION. CURRENT THERE IS A RECALL CAMPAIGN # 10V517000, HOWEVER I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF RECALL. MY CAR ACTUALLY IS 8 YEARS OLD AND HAS APPROX. 105,000 MILES, HENCE, DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE SETTLEMENT OF CLASS ACTION SUIT ORDERING NISSAN TO REIMBURSE REPAIRS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10576319
144,000 miles · Feb 15, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR CAUSING LOSS OF SPEED AND NEAR COLLISIONS FROM FOLLOWING VEHICLES. DIAGNOSIS WAS A FLAW IN THE RADIATOR THAT ALLOWED COOLANT TO ENTER THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10564534
130,000 miles · Feb 3, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE A 2006 NISSAN SE XTERRA 4.0 4X2 AUTOMATIC -I STARTED NOTICING WHEN GETS SPEED UP TO 45 MILES IT IS MAKING A HARD SHIFTING AND WHEN SLOWING DOWN MAKING A HARD DOWN SHIFTING AS WELL. I MOSTLY NOTICE THIS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ALREADY WARMED UP AND STOP AND GO TRAFFIC IS WHEN IT STARTS ACTING UP, LIKE A CLUNK NOISE AND FEEL LI…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 2006 NISSAN SE XTERRA 4.0 4X2 AUTOMATIC -I STARTED NOTICING WHEN GETS SPEED UP TO 45 MILES IT IS MAKING A HARD SHIFTING AND WHEN SLOWING DOWN MAKING A HARD DOWN SHIFTING AS WELL. I MOSTLY NOTICE THIS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ALREADY WARMED UP AND STOP AND GO TRAFFIC IS WHEN IT STARTS ACTING UP, LIKE A CLUNK NOISE AND FEEL LIKE IT IS LOOSING POWER IN THE TRANSMISSION. IT WAS A COLD DAY AND WHEN LEAVING WORK AND I BACKED UP AND THEN PUT IN DRIVE AND STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT FELT LIKE I HAD LOST POWER TO THE TRANSMISSION. (BOGGED DOWN FEELING) I HAD TO PRESS FURTHER DOWN ON THE PEDDLE TO GET THE XTERRA TO DRIVE. I DROVE HOME SLOWLY WITH MY FLASHERS ON PRAYING TO GOD I WOULD NOT BREAK DOWN WITHIN THE 7MILES. THE NEXT DAY I DROVE 2 MILES TO ORIELLYS TO PULL THE CODE P1754 WITH SEVERAL OTHERS.I DROVE TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND WAS GIVEN A "WORSE CASE SCENARIO" CHARGE OF ABOUT $3300.00 -I STILL OWE $6000.00 FOR IT! I STARTED TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE ONLINE WITH ALL OF THE FORUMS/PARTS/REBUILDS AND SUCH AND FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS THE ISSUE WITH THE COOLANT LINE IN RADIATOR CRACKING AND LEAKING ATF INTO TRANSMISSION CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH CORROSION IN THE VALVE BODY AND TRANSMISSION (O RINGS/SEALS) CAUSING TO BE REPLACED WHICH IS (FAULTY ENGINEERED/MANUFACTURED HIGHLY EXPENSIVE DEFECT) AT AROUND 100,000 MILES AND COST IS $1100.00 FOR BODY VALVE, REBUILDING TRANSMISSION ($2800.00-($5000.00 FOR NEW) AND REPLACING THE RADIATOR $ 260.00 AND LETS NOT FORGET ABOUT THE LABOR AT ABOUT $110.00 AN HOUR FOR AROUND 13 HOURS. WHO HAS THIS KIND OF MONEY FOR THIS REPAIR?? I LOVE MY XTERRA BUT NOT AT THIS COST SINCE I FOUND OUT THAT EVERY 100,000 I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE $1100.00 TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY (SOLENOIDS FAILING)!! I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH NISSAN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10562803
100,000 miles · Dec 8, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
AS I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY, I FELT A JERK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN OVER HEATED. PULLED OVER AND LET SET FOR A MINUTE. RESTART AND LIMP TO WORK PLACE. AFTER CALLING DAD FOUND RADIATOR FLUID IN TRANSMISSION. THE REST IS HISTORY!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10555246
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.
Illustration