NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
585 reportsClear category filter115,063 miles · Mar 1, 2013
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2012 I HAD MY NISSAN TRUCK SERVICED. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID, REPLACE CABIN AIR FILTER, REPLACE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES, AIR FILTER, PERFORM ENGINE COOLANT EXCHANGE , TRANSMISSION FLUID EXCHANGE, POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUID EXCHANGE, PERFORM BRAKE SYSTEM FL…
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DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2012 I HAD MY NISSAN TRUCK SERVICED. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID, REPLACE CABIN AIR FILTER, REPLACE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES, AIR FILTER, PERFORM ENGINE COOLANT EXCHANGE , TRANSMISSION FLUID EXCHANGE, POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUID EXCHANGE, PERFORM BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID EXCHANGE, AND FUEL INJECTION . I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WHICH WAS DONE BY NISSAN. I HAD ALL OF THESE SERVICES PERFORMED BY THE NISSAN AUTOMOTIVE DEPARTMENT. ON FEBRUARY 28 2013, MY SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON ALONG WITH SENSOR LIGHT INDICATING A DOOR IS OPEN. HOWEVER, NO DOORS WERE OPEN. I TAKE THE TRUCK BACK TO NISSAN, AND THEY TELL ME THE TRANSMISSION IS ABOUT TO GO OUT!!!! HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN MY TRUCK TO NISSAN TO PERFORM THE SERVICE . I AM OUTRAGED!!!! ALL OF THE SERVICE NEEDED HAS ALWAYS BEEN PERFORMED BY NISSAN. PLEASE HELP!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10500967
144,000 miles · Feb 28, 2013
EnginePower Train
MY PATHFINDER BEGAN TO SHUDDER AND MAKE A DEEP RUMBLING NOISE WHILE TRYING TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED ANYWHERE BETWEEN 40-55PMH. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING AND WAS TOLD THIS AFTERNOON THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE INTERCOOLER INSIDE THE RADIATOR AND IT HAD LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. IT HAS CAUS…
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MY PATHFINDER BEGAN TO SHUDDER AND MAKE A DEEP RUMBLING NOISE WHILE TRYING TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED ANYWHERE BETWEEN 40-55PMH. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING AND WAS TOLD THIS AFTERNOON THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE INTERCOOLER INSIDE THE RADIATOR AND IT HAD LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. IT HAS CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED. THE TECH SAID THE ESTIMATED COST WILL BE $5300. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10500860
78,241 miles · Feb 25, 2013
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE RPM READING BEGAN TO INCREASE AS THE VEHICLE SHIFTED HARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE RA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE RPM READING BEGAN TO INCREASE AS THE VEHICLE SHIFTED HARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP12004 (POWER TRAIN) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,241.
NHTSA ODI #10499950
Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE RADIATOR IN VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE SENT NISSAN A LETTER REGARDING HIS CONCERNS ABOUT RADIATOR COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. NISSAN RESPONDED BY SAYING THEY WOULD NOT COVER ANY REPAIRS UNTIL THE LEAKED DEVELOPED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10498682
86,670 miles · Feb 6, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
WHILE DRIVING THE PATHFINDER AT 45MHP IT STARTED TO SHAKE AND SLOWED DOWN EVEN WHILE PRESSING GAS PEDAL DOWN... FELT LIKE THE BRAKES WERE ON.. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE HOME I DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF... IF WE WERE ON THE INTERSTATE AT HI…
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WHILE DRIVING THE PATHFINDER AT 45MHP IT STARTED TO SHAKE AND SLOWED DOWN EVEN WHILE PRESSING GAS PEDAL DOWN... FELT LIKE THE BRAKES WERE ON.. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE HOME I DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF... IF WE WERE ON THE INTERSTATE AT HIGH SPEEDS IT COULD OF BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10496634
93,000 miles · Feb 2, 2013
EnginePower Train
RADIATOR CRACKED AND COOLANT LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION. I DID SOME RESEARCH, THIS HAPPENS TO ALL 2005-2010 PATHFINDERS. VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10496166
74,000 miles · Jan 30, 2013
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE FLUSHED AND THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE RE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE FLUSHED AND THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
NHTSA ODI #10495234
101,000 miles · Jan 24, 2013
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
I PURCHASED MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER IN MARCH OF 2011. HAD DONE GREAT FOR AWHILE. REPLACE A EXHAUST SENSOR IN AUGUST OF 2012. ALWAYS SMELLED HOT AFTER BEING DRIVEN, LIKE SOMETHING ELECTRICAL BUT COULD NEVER PINPOINT IT. THEN AROUND NOVEMBER 2012 NOTICED A DELAYED REACTION IN ENGAGING WHEN GOING INTO REVERSE AND A SLIGHT HESITAT…
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I PURCHASED MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER IN MARCH OF 2011. HAD DONE GREAT FOR AWHILE. REPLACE A EXHAUST SENSOR IN AUGUST OF 2012. ALWAYS SMELLED HOT AFTER BEING DRIVEN, LIKE SOMETHING ELECTRICAL BUT COULD NEVER PINPOINT IT. THEN AROUND NOVEMBER 2012 NOTICED A DELAYED REACTION IN ENGAGING WHEN GOING INTO REVERSE AND A SLIGHT HESITATION COMING OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE. DIDN'T THINK MUCH ABOUT IT AT TIME. BUT HAS SINCE GOTTEN WORSE, SHUTTERS FROM TIME TO TIME DRIVING, AND HESITATES MORE OFTEN. I CALLED THE LOCAL NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT TODAY, JAN 24, THE MANAGER THERE TOLD ME I SHOULD CALL THE NISSAN CONSUMER OFFICE BECAUSE THE COMPANY WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. SO I DID. THE FIRST PERSON I STARTED TALKING TO HUNG UP ON ME AS SOON AS I MENTIONED MY VEHICLES MAKE AND MODEL. I CALLED BACK GOT SOMEONE ELSE, ALTHOUGH SHE DIDN'T HANG UP ON ME, SHE WAS NO HELP. SHE SAID BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS OVER 100000 MILES, THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. SO I GOT IN TOUCH WITH THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THEY ARE LOOKING INTO IT FOR ME AS WELL. THIS IS WRONG THE WAY NISSAN IS TREATING PEOPLE. IF THEY TRULY WANTED GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY WOULD VOLUNTARILY RECALL THESE AFFECTED VEHICLES AND MAKE IT RIGHT. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER NISSAN PRODUCT OR RECOMMEND THEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10494652
70,450 miles · Jan 13, 2013
Power Train
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS FAILING. FAILURE FIRST APPEARED AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 40 AND 50 MPH AND NOW EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION FAILURE FROM 30 MPH TO 60 MPH. PATHFINDER NOW HAS 71560 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10492404
111,849 miles · Jan 13, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
ON 11/15/11 NISSAN FLUSHED THE RADIATOR. ON 7/11/12 THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT DUE TO THE COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. NISSAN SHOULD HAVE 100% RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS ISSUE. NISSAN HAS KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE FOR YEARS AND THEY EXTEND THE WARRANTIES TO THE MAX OF 100,000 MILES. MOST OF THESE ISSUES OCCUR AFTER 100,000…
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ON 11/15/11 NISSAN FLUSHED THE RADIATOR. ON 7/11/12 THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT DUE TO THE COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. NISSAN SHOULD HAVE 100% RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS ISSUE. NISSAN HAS KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE FOR YEARS AND THEY EXTEND THE WARRANTIES TO THE MAX OF 100,000 MILES. MOST OF THESE ISSUES OCCUR AFTER 100,000 MILES. NISSAN NEEDS TO REIMBURSE AND OR RECALL ALL 2005-2010 PATHFINDER'S, XTERRA'S AND FRONTIER'S AS THIS CAN BE A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILS. MY WIFE ALMOST GOT REARENDED BECAUSE THIS ISSUE. I WANT TO BE REIMBURSED OF THE REPAIRS THAT WERE DONE ON MY VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10492380
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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