NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
290 reportsClear category filter59,000 miles · May 19, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
NISSAN PATHFINDER 2005, 59K MILES - EXPERIENCED VIBRATION AND SHUTTERING OF THE VEHICLE DURING ACCELERATION, TOOK IT INTO NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE COOLANT LINE CRACKED CAUSING THE FLUID TO MIX WITH THE TRANSMISSION CREATING REPLACEMENT OF BOTH RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT BY THE …
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NISSAN PATHFINDER 2005, 59K MILES - EXPERIENCED VIBRATION AND SHUTTERING OF THE VEHICLE DURING ACCELERATION, TOOK IT INTO NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE COOLANT LINE CRACKED CAUSING THE FLUID TO MIX WITH THE TRANSMISSION CREATING REPLACEMENT OF BOTH RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT BY THE CONSUMER! HOPEFULLY NISSAN WILL ISSUE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR WORSE, IT WOULD BE PRETTY SAD IF IT HAD TO COME TO THAT. EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERED THE TRANSMISSION BUT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE RADIATOR $950.00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10331188
78,000 miles · May 5, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH APPROXIMATELY 78,000 MILES DEVELOPED A VIBRATION AND SHAKING WHEN DRIVING AT A CONSTANT SPEED ON ANY ROAD, HOWEVER; WHEN DRIVING WITH OVERDRIVE OFF THE VIBRATION AND SHAKING IS NO LONGER PRESENT. WHEN VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS MIXING WITH…
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2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH APPROXIMATELY 78,000 MILES DEVELOPED A VIBRATION AND SHAKING WHEN DRIVING AT A CONSTANT SPEED ON ANY ROAD, HOWEVER; WHEN DRIVING WITH OVERDRIVE OFF THE VIBRATION AND SHAKING IS NO LONGER PRESENT. WHEN VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS MIXING WITH THE ENGINE COOLANT AND VICE VERSA. UPON DIAGNOSIS OF THIS PROBLEM THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WOULD BE ABOUT $6,000 TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR AND FLUIDS. LUCKILY MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERED THIS. I AM NOT THE FIRST PERSON TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F177B6C/0 HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NISSAN/PATHFINDER/2005/TRANSMISSION/COOLANT_LEAKED_INTO_TRANSMISSION.SHTML FOR PROOF OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10328913
78,092 miles · May 4, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE TAKEN MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER TO MY DEALER ,BECAUSE OF A RUMBLING SOUND;THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE RADIATOR HAS A INTERNAL DAMAGE AND CAUSE THE ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK TO THE TRANSMISSION. I DO HAVE A EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT THE DEALER ALSO REFUSE TO TAKE BECAUSE THE RADIATOR IS NOT COVER BUT THE TRANSMISSION IT IS,BUT THEY S…
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I HAVE TAKEN MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER TO MY DEALER ,BECAUSE OF A RUMBLING SOUND;THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE RADIATOR HAS A INTERNAL DAMAGE AND CAUSE THE ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK TO THE TRANSMISSION. I DO HAVE A EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT THE DEALER ALSO REFUSE TO TAKE BECAUSE THE RADIATOR IS NOT COVER BUT THE TRANSMISSION IT IS,BUT THEY STILL WILL NOT REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10328773
74,500 miles · Apr 29, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH 74,500 MILES NEEDS TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT AND RADIATOR DUE TO LEAKING OF RADIATOR COOLANT INTO TRANSMISSION, MIXING UP WITH TRANSMISSION OIL DAMAGING TRANSMISSION. LOOKING AT CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS ONLINE, IT LOOKS AS EVERY PATHFINDER WITH ABOVE 60,000 MILES SUFFERS THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10328139
80,000 miles · Apr 26, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
VEHICLE SHUTTERS AND SHAKES IN OVERDRIVE AT @ 40/45 MPH AND DOES NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE GEARS DURING OPERATION OF VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION FAILS DURING NORMAL NAVIGATION THROUGH TRAFFIC. CONFIRMED FACTORY DEFECTIVE RADIATOR LEAKED COOLANT INTO TRANSMISSION CAUSING RUINED TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10327641
90,000 miles · Apr 16, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL-*HE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIATOR COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION; BOTH THE TRANSMISSION AND R…
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TL-*HE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RADIATOR COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION; BOTH THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #10326060
65,000 miles · Apr 15, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 55 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR READING FUEL LEVELS AT EMPTY AFTER SHE HAD FILLED THE FUEL TANK MOMENTS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE MILEA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 55 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR READING FUEL LEVELS AT EMPTY AFTER SHE HAD FILLED THE FUEL TANK MOMENTS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
NHTSA ODI #10325818
70,000 miles · Apr 7, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
I WAS EXPERIENCING A SHUTTER IN MY TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION COULD BIND WHILE RIDING. THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON NEARLY 9 MONTHS UNTIL IT BROKE WHILE AT THE TRANSMISSION SHOP AND WE HAD TO GET IT TOWED BECAUSE WE COULDN'T AFFORD TO BUY A TRANSMISSION AT THE TIME. WE WERE TOLD THA…
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I WAS EXPERIENCING A SHUTTER IN MY TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION COULD BIND WHILE RIDING. THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON NEARLY 9 MONTHS UNTIL IT BROKE WHILE AT THE TRANSMISSION SHOP AND WE HAD TO GET IT TOWED BECAUSE WE COULDN'T AFFORD TO BUY A TRANSMISSION AT THE TIME. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE RADIATOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION WHICH RUINED THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10324153
74,000 miles · Apr 5, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN VIBRATING ABNORMALLY AND SHAKING VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE ABS SENSOR WHICH WAS REPLACED. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN POSSESSION OF THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE WAS INV…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN VIBRATING ABNORMALLY AND SHAKING VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE ABS SENSOR WHICH WAS REPLACED. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN POSSESSION OF THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE RADIATOR THAT ALSO CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
NHTSA ODI #10323873
83,000 miles · Apr 1, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN FEBRUARY 2010 WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE BEGAN TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY. THE FASTER THE CONTACT DROVE, THE WORSE THE SHAKING BECAME. WHEN THE CONTACT SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN, THE SHAKING SEEMED TO STOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIG…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN FEBRUARY 2010 WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE BEGAN TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY. THE FASTER THE CONTACT DROVE, THE WORSE THE SHAKING BECAME. WHEN THE CONTACT SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN, THE SHAKING SEEMED TO STOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED TO INDICATE WHAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD BE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE RADIATOR HAD BEEN LEAKING FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND BOTH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS BEING REBUILT WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE REGARDING THE REPAIRS SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN OUTSIDE REPAIR SHOP INSTEAD OF AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 83,000.
NHTSA ODI #10323343
Official recalls
2Oct 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.
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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