NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
262 reportsClear category filter89,000 miles · Oct 7, 2016
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK WITH OUT NOTICE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE, LEAVING ME WITH OUT CONTROLL OF THE PICKUP, WHILE I WAS IN MOTION , THE ENGINE RACED BUT LOST CONTROLL OF THE DRIVE, WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS. I FOUND OUT AFTER THE FACT, THAT NISSAN HAD BEEN IN A CLASS ACTION LAW SUITE BECAUSE OF THIS P…
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WHILE DRIVING TO WORK WITH OUT NOTICE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE, LEAVING ME WITH OUT CONTROLL OF THE PICKUP, WHILE I WAS IN MOTION , THE ENGINE RACED BUT LOST CONTROLL OF THE DRIVE, WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS. I FOUND OUT AFTER THE FACT, THAT NISSAN HAD BEEN IN A CLASS ACTION LAW SUITE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT ONLY REMEDY THE PROBLEM WHEN YOU BREAK DOWN OUT OF CONTROLL. I WAS TOLD 3 MONTHS BEFORE I BOUGHT IT , NISSAN SHOULD HAVE NOTIFIED SOMEONE, AND THE DEALER PUSHED IT OFF TILL THE 6 MON. WARRANTY RAN OUT FROM HALDEMAN FORD OF ALLENTOWN. THE NISSAN DEALER AT ROTHROCK NISSAN IN ALLENTOWN SAID IT WAS A NISSAN PROBLEM, BUT NISSAN CORP REFUSED TO HELP BECAUSE THE PICKUP BROKE DOWN A FEW MONTHS TOO LATE AFTER A 10 YEAR PERIOD OF FIXING THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS..THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES AT THE RADIATOR LEEK FLUID BACK INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND THEN WIDTH NO WARNING FAILS TO ENGAGE WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #10914796
81,000 miles · Sep 6, 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ABNORMAL VIBRATION. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXED WITH THE RADIATOR FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ABNORMAL VIBRATION. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXED WITH THE RADIATOR FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXED WITH THE RADIATOR FLUID AND STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10903904
159,000 miles · Aug 24, 2016
Power Train
TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO RADIATOR LEAKING COOLANT INTO TRANSMISSION FLUID.I REPLACED THE RADIATOR A YEAR PRIOR TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM FROM HAPPENING AT THE STRONG RECOMMENDATION OF THE DEALERSHIPS SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND STILL THE PROBLEM OCCURRED.
NHTSA ODI #10898242
Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2016
Power Train
RADIATOR OF 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER ALLOWED TRANSMISSION FLUID AND ENGINE COOLANT TO MIX. 1ST I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW RADIATOR AND NOW I AM HAVING TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS TYPE OF MULIPLE FAILURES WHICH CAUSE MULTIBLE PROBLEMS. PAID $$$$ FOR RADIATOR REPAIR NOW $4300.00 FOR TRANSMISSON AT M…
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RADIATOR OF 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER ALLOWED TRANSMISSION FLUID AND ENGINE COOLANT TO MIX. 1ST I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW RADIATOR AND NOW I AM HAVING TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS TYPE OF MULIPLE FAILURES WHICH CAUSE MULTIBLE PROBLEMS. PAID $$$$ FOR RADIATOR REPAIR NOW $4300.00 FOR TRANSMISSON AT MY EXPENSE. I WOULD NOT BE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING ANOTHER NISSAN.
NHTSA ODI #10896261
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINEERING ISSUES WITH CROSS CONTAMINATION FLUIDS BETWEEN RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. *SMD
NHTSA ODI #10891435
120,000 miles · Jun 28, 2016
EnginePower Train
TRANSMISSION OIL LEAKING INTO COOLANT SYSTEM AND COOLANT LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA ODI #10877152
112,000 miles · Jun 16, 2016
EnginePower Train
RADIATOR LEAKING FLUID INTO TRANSMISSION . NOTICES SLIGHT SHUTTER AT HIGH SPEED, APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, IN THE TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BY DEALER AT 89,000 MILES WITHOUT ANY ISSUE AT THAT TIME . DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE RADIATOR DUE TO NO PROBLEM AT THAT TIME. VEHICLE IS AT 112000 AND NOW RADIATOR FAILS. NISSAN WOULD NOT…
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RADIATOR LEAKING FLUID INTO TRANSMISSION . NOTICES SLIGHT SHUTTER AT HIGH SPEED, APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, IN THE TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BY DEALER AT 89,000 MILES WITHOUT ANY ISSUE AT THAT TIME . DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE RADIATOR DUE TO NO PROBLEM AT THAT TIME. VEHICLE IS AT 112000 AND NOW RADIATOR FAILS. NISSAN WOULD NOT COVER DUE TO OUT OF EXTENDED WARRANTY. FAULTY DESIGNED SYSTEM AND POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD IN MY OPINION. VEHICLE AT MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR NEW RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION FLUSH OUT TO SEE IF IT WILL FIX PROBLEM. MAJOR EXPENSE FOR POOR DESIGN PASSED ONTO CUSTOMER. I WILL NOT SPEND ANY MORE MONEY WITH NISSAN.
NHTSA ODI #10874642
Mileage unknown · May 31, 2016
Power Train
DESIGN DEFECT IN RADIATOR OF 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER ALLOWED TRANSMISSION FLUID AND ENGINE COOLANT TO MIX. RESULTED IN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION. DEALER STATED SINCE VEHICLE HAS MORE THAN 100,000 MILES, THE $4 - 5,000 EXPENSE IS MINE. LAST NISSAN WE'LL EVER BUY AFTER 40 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI #10871505
75,000 miles · May 24, 2016
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO D…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE FUSE BOX. THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA ODI #10870655
103,000 miles · May 17, 2016
Power Train
RADIATOR LEAKED FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION... BROKE DOWN ON HIGHWAY AT 103,000 MILES.... WELL KNOWN AND DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL
NHTSA ODI #10865394
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.
Mar 30, 2006
ON CERTAIN KING CAB TRUCKS, IN A SEVERE SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT DEFORMATION OF THE VEHICLE'S BODY COULD CAUSE THE FUEL FILLER CAP TETHER TO BE STRETCHED TO THE POINT OF UNSCREWING THE FUEL FILLER CAP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN A FUEL SPILL WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL CAP TETHER PIN ASSEMBLY WITH A MODIFIED ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2006. 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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