NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
585 reportsClear category filter96,000 miles · Oct 23, 2012
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DIGITAL PANEL THAT DISPLAYED WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS IN ALSO WENT BLANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR LEAKED C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DIGITAL PANEL THAT DISPLAYED WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS IN ALSO WENT BLANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION, DESTROYING THE MODULATOR. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR AND MODULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO OFFERED TO PAY FOR PART OF THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA ODI #10481988
Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2012
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
MANY INSTANCES OF THE CAR JERKING, JERKING FORWARD WHEN TRYING TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP. THE RPM REVVING UP TO DANGEROUS LEVELS FOR NO REASON AND TROUBLE DRIVING UPHILL. MY CAR HAS BECOME A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. FIRST THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING, WHICH CAUSED ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. NEXT,…
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MANY INSTANCES OF THE CAR JERKING, JERKING FORWARD WHEN TRYING TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP. THE RPM REVVING UP TO DANGEROUS LEVELS FOR NO REASON AND TROUBLE DRIVING UPHILL. MY CAR HAS BECOME A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. FIRST THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING, WHICH CAUSED ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. NEXT, MY CAR STALLED FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING, THAT WAS REPAIRED, SOMETHING TO DO WITH A RELAY SWITCH, NOW THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES, POSSIBLE RADIATOR FAILURE AND THE NEED OF A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN A CAR WITH 100K MILES.... THAT'S INSANE !!! SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED IF THEY DON'T FIX THESE VEHICLES AND PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS LAYING AROUND TO FIX IT. SO, NO FOOD, RENT OR BILLS BEING PAID FOR OVER A MONTH JUST TO PAY FOR REPAIRS IS EVEN MORE OF A HARDSHIP TO FAMILIES. PLEASE HELP US BEFORE SOMETHING HAPPENS. THANKS !!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10480943
92,000 miles · Oct 15, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
RADIATOR LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION CASE COMPLETELY DESTROYING THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. PER NISSAN, THE COST TO FIX IS $5900 AND REQUIRES A NEW RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. FIRST SYMPTOM WAS LACK OF ACCELERATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10480620
70,225 miles · Oct 10, 2012
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION RESPONDED EXTREMELY SLOW WITH SLIGHT HESITATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE DEFECT WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR. THE LEAKING COOLANT FROM THE RADIATOR CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE TRA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION RESPONDED EXTREMELY SLOW WITH SLIGHT HESITATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE DEFECT WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR. THE LEAKING COOLANT FROM THE RADIATOR CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION; HOWEVER THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,225. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10479574
146,316 miles · Oct 8, 2012
Power Train
WAS DRIVING ALONG AND VEHICLE STOPPED PULLING. TOO IT TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD BY MASTER MECHANIC AT NISSAN DEALERSHIP THAT IS WAS ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION IN WHICH THERE IS A RECALL. AND THEN WAS TOLD BY CORPORATION THAT THEY WERE NOT GOING TO HELP ME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10479284
78,000 miles · Oct 6, 2012
Power Train
COOLANT LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10478842
136,000 miles · Oct 5, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
DRIVING VEHICLE AND SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD AND WOULDN'T DRIVE. TAKEN TO SHOP AND SAID DEFECT IN RADIATOR ALLOWED COOLANT INTO TRANSMISSION RUINING BOTH COMPONENTS. THIS IS A KNOWN COMPLAINT WHICH NISSAN FAILS TO ADDRESS. THEY UPED THEIR WARRANTY WHEN PROBLEM WAS SEEN BUT MOSTLY HAPPENS OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY. I SPOKE WITH…
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DRIVING VEHICLE AND SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD AND WOULDN'T DRIVE. TAKEN TO SHOP AND SAID DEFECT IN RADIATOR ALLOWED COOLANT INTO TRANSMISSION RUINING BOTH COMPONENTS. THIS IS A KNOWN COMPLAINT WHICH NISSAN FAILS TO ADDRESS. THEY UPED THEIR WARRANTY WHEN PROBLEM WAS SEEN BUT MOSTLY HAPPENS OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY. I SPOKE WITH A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP AND SHE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10478788
112,973 miles · Oct 4, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXED. INTERNAL RADIATOR FAILURE CAUSED DAMAGE TO TRANSMISSION. CAUSING LOSS OF POWER WHEN DRIVING. NISSAN IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE. IT IS A DEFECTIVE RADIATOR AND IT CAN BECOME VERY DANGEROUS IF IT HAPPENS ON A VERY BUSY INTERSTATE. I HAVE CHOSEN TO LET MY VEHI…
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RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION FLUID MIXED. INTERNAL RADIATOR FAILURE CAUSED DAMAGE TO TRANSMISSION. CAUSING LOSS OF POWER WHEN DRIVING. NISSAN IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE. IT IS A DEFECTIVE RADIATOR AND IT CAN BECOME VERY DANGEROUS IF IT HAPPENS ON A VERY BUSY INTERSTATE. I HAVE CHOSEN TO LET MY VEHICLE SET. I DON'T WANT TO CAUSE A FATALITY TO MYSELF OR MY FAMILY. PLEASE HELP NOT TO LET NISSAN GET BY WITH THIS. *TR UPDATED IVOQ 01/02/13
NHTSA ODI #10478625
95,000 miles · Oct 4, 2012
Power Train
AFTER STARTING OUR PATHFINDER IN A PARKING LOT AND PLACING IT INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE HAD LOST ALMOST ALL ACCELERATION IN FIRST GEAR. AFTER SLOWLY CLIMBING INTO SECOND GEAR, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK AND LURCH ALMOST CAUSING OUR SUV TO STRIKE SEVERAL PARKED CARS. WE IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND WERE TOLD AFTER CAREFUL…
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AFTER STARTING OUR PATHFINDER IN A PARKING LOT AND PLACING IT INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE HAD LOST ALMOST ALL ACCELERATION IN FIRST GEAR. AFTER SLOWLY CLIMBING INTO SECOND GEAR, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK AND LURCH ALMOST CAUSING OUR SUV TO STRIKE SEVERAL PARKED CARS. WE IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND WERE TOLD AFTER CAREFUL INVESTIGATION THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED DUE TO DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE LEAKING OF COOLANT AND WATER INTO THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE FACTORY INSTALLED TRANSMISSION COOLER. EXTENSIVE RUSTING AND DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION HAD CAUSED THE FAILURE. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR ($4000) THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED US TO GET INTO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT HAD WE BEEN TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10478607
110,000 miles · Oct 3, 2012
Power Train
WAS DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN AND WOULD NOT DRIVE FORWARD, CARS HAD TO SLAM ON THERE BRAKES AND WE WERE ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND AND THE LEFT SIDE. WE HAD IT TOWED 20 MILES TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP TO HAVE THEM TELL US RADIATOR FLUID HAS LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND WOULD BE $3500 TO F…
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WAS DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN AND WOULD NOT DRIVE FORWARD, CARS HAD TO SLAM ON THERE BRAKES AND WE WERE ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND AND THE LEFT SIDE. WE HAD IT TOWED 20 MILES TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP TO HAVE THEM TELL US RADIATOR FLUID HAS LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND WOULD BE $3500 TO FIX, NISSAN OFFERED NO HELP OR COMPENSATION, CALLED BOTH THE DEALER AND NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS WITH NO SUCCESS, NEITHER WANTED OR INSISTED ANY HELP WAS TREATED LIKE I DIDNT EXIST, CAUSED EXTREME PAIN FOR MY FAMILY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10478492
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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