NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
290 reportsClear category filter108,254 miles · Feb 22, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
TRANSMISSION COOLER LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION THE TRANSMISSION COOLER ON THE NISSAN PATHFINDER 2005 AN THE FRONTIER 2005 IS LOCATED IN THE RADIATOR. THERE IS A DEFECT IN EITHER MATERIAL OR MANUFACTURING CAUSING THE LINE FROM THE TRANSMISSION COOLER TO TRANSMISSION TO FAILED PREMATURELY. THE EFFECT IS OF THE FAILURE IS SLIPPING…
Read full complaint
TRANSMISSION COOLER LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION THE TRANSMISSION COOLER ON THE NISSAN PATHFINDER 2005 AN THE FRONTIER 2005 IS LOCATED IN THE RADIATOR. THERE IS A DEFECT IN EITHER MATERIAL OR MANUFACTURING CAUSING THE LINE FROM THE TRANSMISSION COOLER TO TRANSMISSION TO FAILED PREMATURELY. THE EFFECT IS OF THE FAILURE IS SLIPPING OF THE TRANSMISSION AND EVENTUALLY FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312679
75,000 miles · Feb 22, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY NISSAN PATHFINDER (2005) STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A COMPUTER SENSOR AND THEY REPAIRED IT. MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON A WEEK LATER- I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AGAIN AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED A CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND FIXED IT. NOW 3 WEEKS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE L…
Read full complaint
MY NISSAN PATHFINDER (2005) STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A COMPUTER SENSOR AND THEY REPAIRED IT. MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON A WEEK LATER- I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AGAIN AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED A CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND FIXED IT. NOW 3 WEEKS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312599
20,500 miles · Feb 19, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER 4WD SUV SUDDENLY DOWN SHIFTED OUT OF 2WD DRIVING MODE WITH A SUDDEN DECELERATION INTO 4WD MODE. 4WD WARNING LIGHT AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOUND TRANSMISSION COOLER IN RADIATOR FAILED AND LEAKED FLUID INTO TRANSMISSION DAMAGING TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE.. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312298
73,000 miles · Feb 19, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS PROBLEMS WITH ANTIFREEZE LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE OF SOME DESIGN FLAW. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS OCCURRING WITH THIS SAME PARTICULAR MODEL. THE TRANSMISSION STARTS TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE AND THEN WILL START SLIPPING. NISSAN IS AWARE OF TH…
Read full complaint
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS PROBLEMS WITH ANTIFREEZE LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE OF SOME DESIGN FLAW. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS OCCURRING WITH THIS SAME PARTICULAR MODEL. THE TRANSMISSION STARTS TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE AND THEN WILL START SLIPPING. NISSAN IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONE THAT HAS DIAGNOSED IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN, BUT HAVE REFUSED TO ISSUE A TSB OR RECALL. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS DEFECT AND IS COSTING PEOPLE 5 TO 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIX. MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AWAITING REPAIR. THIS WILL COST ME $5500 TO FIX AND NISSAN WILL NOT ASSIST. NISSAN SHOULD CONSIDER THE PROBLEMS THAT TOYOTA IS HAVING RIGHT NOW AND ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312234
65,000 miles · Feb 12, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS PROBLEMS WITH ANTIFREEZE LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE OF SOME DESIGN FLAW. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS OCCURRING WITH THIS SAME PARTICULAR MODEL. THE TRANSMISSION STARTS TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE AND THEN WILL START SLIPPING. NISSAN IS AWARE OF T…
Read full complaint
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS PROBLEMS WITH ANTIFREEZE LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE OF SOME DESIGN FLAW. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS OCCURRING WITH THIS SAME PARTICULAR MODEL. THE TRANSMISSION STARTS TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE AND THEN WILL START SLIPPING. NISSAN IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONE THAT HAS DIAGNOSED IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN, BUT HAVE REFUSED TO ISSUE A TSB OR RECALL. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS DEFECT AND IS COSTING PEOPLE 5 TO 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIX. MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS JUST BEGUN THE TELL TALE SYMPTOMS OF THIS COSTLY PROBLEM. NISSAN SHOULD CONSIDER THE PROBLEMS THAT TOYOTA IS HAVING RIGHT NOW AND ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10310114
100,000 miles · Jan 27, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2005 PATHFINDER ON THE HWY I NOTICED SMOKE ( A LOT)COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS ALSO LOSING RPMS (LIKE THE TRANNY WAS SLIPPING) THE SHOP SAID THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND FRIED THE TRANSMISSION ($7000).NISSAN HERE LOCALLY STATED THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE IN THE MODE…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2005 PATHFINDER ON THE HWY I NOTICED SMOKE ( A LOT)COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS ALSO LOSING RPMS (LIKE THE TRANNY WAS SLIPPING) THE SHOP SAID THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND FRIED THE TRANSMISSION ($7000).NISSAN HERE LOCALLY STATED THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE IN THE MODEL. THE ENGINE STOPPED SMOKING AFTER 20 MINUTES, HAD TO EVACUATE FOUR CHILDREN ON THE HWY. THIS IS SECOND POSTED COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THE SHOP STATES THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW.*CW
NHTSA ODI #10302467
77,000 miles · Oct 2, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO A WIDESPREAD MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN NISSAN PATHFINDER AND FRONTIER MODELS IN PRODUCTION AND SALE PRIOR TO 2008. THE ISSUE IS THE FAILURE OF TIMING CHAIN MECHANISMS DUE TO INFERIOR QUALITY PLASTIC GUIDES THAT HAVE FAILED ON A HUGE SCALE WORLDWIDE. NISSAN'S RECOGNITION OF THIS PROBLEM WAS REFLECTED IN…
Read full complaint
THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO A WIDESPREAD MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN NISSAN PATHFINDER AND FRONTIER MODELS IN PRODUCTION AND SALE PRIOR TO 2008. THE ISSUE IS THE FAILURE OF TIMING CHAIN MECHANISMS DUE TO INFERIOR QUALITY PLASTIC GUIDES THAT HAVE FAILED ON A HUGE SCALE WORLDWIDE. NISSAN'S RECOGNITION OF THIS PROBLEM WAS REFLECTED IN TSB NOS. NTB07-042 AND NTB07-042A. RECOGNIZING THE DESIGN FLAW, NISSAN CHANGED THE PARTS IN 2008 AND FORWARD. OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY TIMES, NISSAN REFUSES TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE RELEVANT PARTS AND, APPARENTLY, HAS NOT NOTIFIED CUSTOMERS OF THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM OF CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE THAT COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTS INVOLVING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH AS A RESULT OF SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE. AS DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET, MANY FAILURES OF THESE COMPONENTS ARE OCCURRING POST-WARRANTY AND MOST CONSUMERS HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE IMPENDING DANGERS BECAUSE NISSAN APPEARS TO HAVE NOT PUBLICLY ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM. FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO DO BECOME AWARE OF THE PROBLEM POST-WARRANTY, THEY ARE FACING REPAIR COSTS OF APPROXIMATELY $2500.00 WHICH IS AN ECONOMIC BURDEN PLACED UPON THEM BY NISSAN EMANATING FROM NISSAN'S OWN INTERNALLY-RECOGNIZED DESIGN FLAW. REQUEST IS HEREBY MADE THAT THIS SITUATION BE INVESTIGATED AND THAT NISSAN BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE ECONOMIC AND SAFETY DANGERS IT HAS PERPETRATED BY ITS ADMITTED DESIGN FLAWS. OUR OWN 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER IS FACING THIS PROBLEM AT THE PRESENT TIME. AT A MINIMUM, NISSAN SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO ADVISE ALL OWNERS OF THE RELEVANT VEHICLES ABOUT THE NEED TO AVOID ENGINE FAILURE, ESPECIALLY FOR THE LARGE NUMBER OF AFFECTED PARTIES WHO ARE POST-WARRANTY AND UNAWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE NHTSA SHOULD ALSO DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF PARTS FAILURES PRE- AND POST-WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10286104
71,110 miles · Jun 16, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE-OR AND THE RADIATOR FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION. I HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR AND HAVE BOTH SYSTEMS FLUSHED 2X EACH. THE RPMS WERE HESTATING WHEN EXCELLING OVER 45MPH. THE NISSAN DEALER TRIED RIPPING ME OFF SAYING I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION-SO I WENT TO A REPUTABLE GARAGE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10274067
59,000 miles · May 2, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER THAT THE OIL COOLER LEAKED RADIATOR FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10267551
53,987 miles · Mar 16, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Other
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH MEANT THAT THERE WAS NO GASOLINE IN THE TANK. HOWEVER, SHE HAD RECENTLY FILLED UP THE VEHICLE WITH FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL SENS…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH MEANT THAT THERE WAS NO GASOLINE IN THE TANK. HOWEVER, SHE HAD RECENTLY FILLED UP THE VEHICLE WITH FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR FAILED. THE FUEL SYSTEM SENSOR WAS RESET. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER, WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A TECHNICIAN TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE COMPENSATION BECAUSE THERE WERE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 53,987. UPDATED 4/23/09 *CN UPDATED 04/28/09.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10261974
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.
Illustration