NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
9 reportsClear category filter86,000 miles · Sep 26, 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at speeds over 40 MPH, the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the radiator fluid had leaked into the transmission causing severe damage to the transmission. The contact was informed that the…
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The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at speeds over 40 MPH, the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the radiator fluid had leaked into the transmission causing severe damage to the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 86,000.
NHTSA ODI #11486366
88,779 miles · Mar 30, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
HEARD A HIGH PITCHED WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE OF MY NISSAN 2008 CREW CAB 4 WHEEL DRIVE FRONTIER. MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE ISSUE EVALUATED AT THE SAME NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE (NISSAN OF ATLANTIC CITY - FORMERLY ADMIRAL NISSAN). I PURCHASED THE USED FRONTIER IN JUNE 2011; APPROXIMATE MI…
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HEARD A HIGH PITCHED WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE OF MY NISSAN 2008 CREW CAB 4 WHEEL DRIVE FRONTIER. MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE ISSUE EVALUATED AT THE SAME NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE (NISSAN OF ATLANTIC CITY - FORMERLY ADMIRAL NISSAN). I PURCHASED THE USED FRONTIER IN JUNE 2011; APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 40 - 41K. I ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AT THAT TIME - 48 MONTHS, 48 THOUSAND MILES (EXPIRATION 6/15/15). AFTER EVALUATING THE PROBLEM, A NISSAN SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE TIMING CHAIN AND ITS COMPONENTS - COST OF REPAIR $1900.00 - 2000.00 PLUS 7% SALES TAX. I ASKED HIM IF THE REPAIR WAS COVERED BY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I PURCHASED. HE SAID NO! HE INFORMED ME THAT MY EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED FOR MILEAGE; I WAS OVER BY A FEW HUNDRED MILES. THIS IS AN EXISTING PROBLEM. NISSAN HAD KNOW OF, AND BEEN DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE WELL BEFORE I PURCHASED MY 2008 FRONTIER IN JUNE 2011. HOWEVER, THIS INFORMATION WAS NEVER MADE AVAILABLE DIRECTLY TO THE CONSUMER. WHEN THE ENGINE WHINE FIRST BEGAN IT WAS LOW - BARELY NOTICEABLE, BUT THE MORE I DROVE THE WORSE IT GOT. IF I HAD BEEN AWARE OF THE SERVICE BULLETINS SENT TO THE DEALERS ABOUT THIS ISSUE, I WOULD HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED OUT BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED; THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD A $50.00 DEDUCTIBLE. MY FINAL COST FOR THE REPAIR ON 3/28/15 WAS $1974.16. NISSAN OF AMERICA IS AT FAULT AND SO IS THE DEALERSHIP - NISSAN OF ATLANTIC CITY. THEY ARE BOTH RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE THEY BOTH HAD THE INFORMATION ABOUT EXISTING TIMING CHAIN PROBLEMS AND FAILED TO DISCLOSE IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10702543
123,000 miles · Feb 5, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AS I WAS DRIVING HOME ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON. WITH IN AN HOUR, AND ALMOST ARRIVING HOME... THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 25MPH. I STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND FELT A VERY LARGE BANG UNDER THE TRUCK. AS I TRIED TO ACCELERATE FROM THE LIGHT I COULD ONLY GET UP TO 25MPH.…
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MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AS I WAS DRIVING HOME ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON. WITH IN AN HOUR, AND ALMOST ARRIVING HOME... THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 25MPH. I STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND FELT A VERY LARGE BANG UNDER THE TRUCK. AS I TRIED TO ACCELERATE FROM THE LIGHT I COULD ONLY GET UP TO 25MPH. THEN THE TRUCK STALLED COMPLETELY, IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY STREET. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS CLOSE BEHIND ME AND I HAD MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON, OTHERWISE THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A SURE CRASH. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO CHECKED AND INFORMED ME THAT MY RADIATOR WAS FAULTY AND HAD CONTAMINATED AND RUINED MY TRANSMISSION. I PAID $2900 TO HAVE IT FIXED. NO HELP, OR MONEY BACK FROM NISSAN, NOT EVEN AN APOLOGY FOR THEIR FAULTY PARTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10681485
Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling
THERE IS SOME SORT OF EMISSION CONTROL BEHIND THE REAR TIRES. IT SEEMS TO GET PLUGGED AND ENGAGES MY SERVICE LIGHT TO COME ON. WELL SINCE I LIVE ON A DIRT ROAD IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP IT FROM BEING PLUGGED. I'VE HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED THREE (3) DIFFERENT TIMES. IT REALLY IRRITATES ME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10650764
84,400 miles · Aug 13, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I JUST HAD TO HAVE THE RADIATOR REPLACED AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION REBUILT AT A COST OF ALMOST $3,000 IN MY 2008 NISSAN FRONTIER SE 4V 2.5 WITH ONLY 84,000 MILES BECAUSE OF THE CROSS CONTAMINATION. ACCORDING TO CARCOMPLAINT.COM, THE AVERAGE OWNER IS BECOMING AWARE OF A PROBLEM AT 94,565 MILES. IF NISSAN WOULD HAVE RECALLE…
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I JUST HAD TO HAVE THE RADIATOR REPLACED AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION REBUILT AT A COST OF ALMOST $3,000 IN MY 2008 NISSAN FRONTIER SE 4V 2.5 WITH ONLY 84,000 MILES BECAUSE OF THE CROSS CONTAMINATION. ACCORDING TO CARCOMPLAINT.COM, THE AVERAGE OWNER IS BECOMING AWARE OF A PROBLEM AT 94,565 MILES. IF NISSAN WOULD HAVE RECALLED THE RADIATORS IMMEDIATELY UPON KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEFECT, IT WOULD HAVE SAVED THEM FROM DEALING WITH NUMEROUS TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENTS AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CONCERNS. I BROUGHT MY TRUCK TO THE NISSAN DEALER AND I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CAUSED BY CONTAMINATION AND I SHOULD GET HELP FROM NISSAN WHO LATER ON DENIED HELP FOR ME. THE NEXT DAY I BROUGHT MY NISSAN FRONTIER TO A SHOP EXPERT IN TRANSMISSIONS AND THEIR DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE FAILURE IN MY TRANSMISSION WAS CAUSED BY AN "ANTI-FREEZE CONTAMINATION, CODE 1751". NISSAN KNEW THAT THEY HAD A FAULTY RADIATOR AND INSTEAD OF RECALLING THE RADIATOR, THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY KNOWING THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE CARS WOULD SURPASS 80,000 MILES BEFORE THEY STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. NOW LOOKING AT HIGH COST TO FIX THE TIMING CHAIN COVER SEAL. NISSAN KNOWS ABOUT BOTH OF THESE ISSUES AND IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY AND WON'T HELP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10621910
126,000 miles · Apr 25, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. FUEL SENSOR REPORTED. 2008 NISSAN FRONTIER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10584898
85,000 miles · Oct 17, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
KNOWN DEFECT BY NISSAN. RADIATOR FLUID LEAKS INTO TRANSMISSION CAUSING COMPLETE FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION. THEY HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR NEW TRANSMISSION BUT COMES WITH A $2500 DEDUCTIBLE. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING WHEN THEY KNOW THEY MADE A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548280
Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE IN TWICE NOW DUE TO THE SMELL OF LEAKING ANTI FREEZE AND HAVE BEEN TOLD NO PROBLEM ,NOW WE HAVE GOTTEN TWO DIFFERENT THINGS ABOUT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION I HAVE CALLED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER THEY GAVE AND THEY TOLD ME TO LOOK FOR LEAKS OR CHECK FLUID FOR MILKY COLOR,THERE NEEDS TO BE A TOTAL RE…
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I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE IN TWICE NOW DUE TO THE SMELL OF LEAKING ANTI FREEZE AND HAVE BEEN TOLD NO PROBLEM ,NOW WE HAVE GOTTEN TWO DIFFERENT THINGS ABOUT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION I HAVE CALLED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER THEY GAVE AND THEY TOLD ME TO LOOK FOR LEAKS OR CHECK FLUID FOR MILKY COLOR,THERE NEEDS TO BE A TOTAL RECALL ON THESE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10492326
Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
REPORTS OF TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO COOLANT FROM RADIATOR ENTERING TRANSMISSION VIA THE INTERNAL AT COOLER, LOCATED IN THE RADIATOR. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10421672
Official recalls
5Feb 10, 2023
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the drivers airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.
Sep 10, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR 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.
Jan 25, 2008
NISSAN IS RECALLING 5,523 MY 2008 TITAN, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.' THE TIRE PLACARD LISTS AN INCORRECT VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES REQUIREMENTS FOR TIRE SELECTION TO PREVENT OVERLOADING.
Remedy: NISSAN WILL MAIL A CORRECT TIRE PLACARD AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2008. 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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