NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
561 reports110,000 miles · Jan 15, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO JERK WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A SAFE LOCATION AND INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE RADIATOR COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, WHICH CONTRIBUT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO JERK WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A SAFE LOCATION AND INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE RADIATOR COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE INTERNAL DAMAGE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA ODI #10493014
117,947 miles · Jan 3, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
LEFT MOTEL AT 7AM, VEHICLE SEEMED TO HAVE TROUBLE SHIFTING, HIGH RPM..PULLED OVER TO CHECK..WOULD NOT START..TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE RADIATOR FAILED. UPDATED IVOQ 01/14/13
NHTSA ODI #10490936
120,000 miles · Jan 3, 2013
Power Train
CAR WAS GIVING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. TWO DAYS LATER I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND CAR WOULDN'T GO PAST 10 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER JUST OUT OF THE WAY OF SPEEDING TRAFFIC. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON FOR IT TO START AND SLOWLY SHIFT GEARS. STILL WAS ONLY ABLE TO GO UP TO 15MPH AT FIRST, ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE…
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CAR WAS GIVING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. TWO DAYS LATER I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND CAR WOULDN'T GO PAST 10 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER JUST OUT OF THE WAY OF SPEEDING TRAFFIC. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON FOR IT TO START AND SLOWLY SHIFT GEARS. STILL WAS ONLY ABLE TO GO UP TO 15MPH AT FIRST, ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF MY LOCATION. ONCE I KEPT GOING IT STARTED TO SPEED UP TO NORMAL SPEED. IMMEDIATELY I CALLED NISSAN, BUT BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THEM MY CAR FAILED TO START. I WAS SENT THE RECALL LETTER IN 2012 FOR MY MAKE/MODEL/YEAR. NOT RIGHT BECAUSE BY THAT TIME I RECEIVED THE LETTER I HAD ALREADY GONE OVER THE MILEAGE. EVEN IF I WAS WITHIN MILEAGE HOW CAN YOU MAKE THE BUYER PAY UP TO $3000 DOLLARS FOR A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. ONE PROBLEM IS STARTING TO LEAD TO ANOTHER. FIRST BAD TCM THEN RELAY. I'M FED UP WITH TRYING TO FIX A VEHICLE THAT I KEPT MAINTAINED WITH THE NECESSARY MAINTENANCE CHECKS. I DID EVERYTHING RIGHT AS AN OWNER, IF MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN INSTALLED WITH GOOD HARDWARE (TRANSMISSION/RELAY/ETC.) THEN I WOULD STILL HAVE A GOOD RUNNING VEHICLE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN AGAIN!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10490917
115,400 miles · Jan 2, 2013
Power Train
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP AFTER STARTING A VACATION TRIP. VEHICLE WILL NOT BACK UP AND ONLY MOVES FORWARD VERY SLOWLY ON LEVEL SURFACE, WILL NOT CLIMB HILLS. WE HAD TO HAVE THE NISSAN PATHFINDER TOWED 60 MILES, IMPACTED OUR HOLIDAY VACATION AS WE HAD TO RETURN HOME EARLIER THAN PLANNED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10490727
120,000 miles · Dec 31, 2012
Power Train
CAR WAS GIVING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. TWO DAYS LATER I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND CAR WOULDN'T GO PAST 10 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER JUST OUT OF THE WAY OF SPEEDING TRAFFIC. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON FOR IT TO START AND SLOWLY SHIFT GEARS. STILL WAS ONLY ABLE TO GO UP TO 15MPH AT FIRST, ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE…
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CAR WAS GIVING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. TWO DAYS LATER I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND CAR WOULDN'T GO PAST 10 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER JUST OUT OF THE WAY OF SPEEDING TRAFFIC. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON FOR IT TO START AND SLOWLY SHIFT GEARS. STILL WAS ONLY ABLE TO GO UP TO 15MPH AT FIRST, ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF MY LOCATION. ONCE I KEPT GOING IT STARTED TO SPEED UP TO NORMAL SPEED. IMMEDIATELY I CALLED NISSAN, BUT BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THEM MY CAR FAILED TO START. I WAS SENT THE RECALL LETTER IN 2012 FOR MY MAKE/MODEL/YEAR. NOT RIGHT BECAUSE BY THAT TIME I RECEIVED THE LETTER I HAD ALREADY GONE OVER THE MILEAGE. EVEN IF I WAS WITHIN MILEAGE HOW CAN YOU MAKE THE BUYER PAY UP TO $3000 DOLLARS FOR A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. ONE PROBLEM IS STARTING TO LEAD TO ANOTHER. FIRST BAD TCM THEN RELAY. I'M FED UP WITH TRYING TO FIX A VEHICLE THAT I KEPT MAINTAINED WITH THE NECESSARY MAINTENANCE CHECKS. I DID EVERYTHING RIGHT AS AN OWNER, IF MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN INSTALLED WITH GOOD HARDWARE (TRANSMISSION/RELAY/ETC.) THEN I WOULD STILL HAVE A GOOD RUNNING VEHICLE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN AGAIN!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10490565
127,000 miles · Dec 28, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TRANSMISSION FAILURE FROM RADIATOR FLUID LEAKAGE INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE COOLING SYSTEM FOR THE TRANSMISSION RUNS THROUGH THE RADIATOR. WHEN THE RADIATOR FAILS RADIATOR FLUID LEAKS INTO THE TRANNY FLUID AND DESTROYS THE INTERNAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH PLATES AND TORQUE CONVERTER. NISSAN EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FROM 36K TO 80…
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TRANSMISSION FAILURE FROM RADIATOR FLUID LEAKAGE INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE COOLING SYSTEM FOR THE TRANSMISSION RUNS THROUGH THE RADIATOR. WHEN THE RADIATOR FAILS RADIATOR FLUID LEAKS INTO THE TRANNY FLUID AND DESTROYS THE INTERNAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH PLATES AND TORQUE CONVERTER. NISSAN EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FROM 36K TO 80K MILES OR 8 YEARS ON THE RADIATOR, KNOWING THERE WAS A PROBLEM, BUT NO NOTICE FROM THEM TO OWNERS OF THIS PROBLEM. WHEN THE PROBLEM STARTS, IT IS TOO LATE, RESULTING IN $6800 - $7500 IN PERSONAL EXPENSES TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. NISSAN WILL NOT CONSIDER FIXING AFTER 80K MILES. I HAVE 127000 AND ONLY 5 YEARS OLD VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM WAS ACKNOWLEDGED TO AFFECT 2005 - 2010 PATHFINDERS. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE ON FORUMS, WHICH I FIND AFTER I HAVE THE PROBLEM. NISSAN SHOULD RECALL THE RADIATORS AND FIX THE PROBLEMS. IT IS A DEFECTIVE $300 RADIATOR THAT DAMAGES A $7000 TRANSMISSION!... THIS IS UNFORTUNATE AND IRRESPONSIBLE FOR NISSAN AND IS BASICALLY A BAND-AID ON A SERIOUS HAZARD. NOW MY $30,000 VEHICLE IS WORTH $3,000 TO THE DEALER FOR TRADE IN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10490317
90,000 miles · Dec 26, 2012
EnginePower Train
PATHFINDER STARTED HESITATING AT 40 MPH REGARDLESS OF CITY OR HIGHWAY DRIVING, HAD TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED AND WAS ADVISED BY MY MECHANIC THERE IS A LEAK FROM RADIATOR INTO TRANSMISSION LINE, HAVE SINCE THEN SEEN TRANSMISSION FLUID A MILKY COLOR AND I CANNOT DRIVE VEHICLE WITH OVERDRIVE ON, WHEN IT DROVE WITH OD ON AT ABOUT 4…
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PATHFINDER STARTED HESITATING AT 40 MPH REGARDLESS OF CITY OR HIGHWAY DRIVING, HAD TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED AND WAS ADVISED BY MY MECHANIC THERE IS A LEAK FROM RADIATOR INTO TRANSMISSION LINE, HAVE SINCE THEN SEEN TRANSMISSION FLUID A MILKY COLOR AND I CANNOT DRIVE VEHICLE WITH OVERDRIVE ON, WHEN IT DROVE WITH OD ON AT ABOUT 40 MPH THERE IS NO SHIFTING OF GEARS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10490111
84,000 miles · Dec 26, 2012
Steering
GOING OVERBRIDGE OVERPASS STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY STARTING AT 40 MPH CAUSING ME TO SWERVE INTO NEXT LANE NISSAN CLAIMS ITS TRANS PROBLEM FROM RADIATOR BYPASS AND THAT ITS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE!!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10490105
100,251 miles · Dec 3, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED A GRINDING SOUND WHEN I REACHED SPEEDS OF 40-45 MPH. WHEN I PULLED IN TO PARK THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A LOUD GRIND AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AFTER CHECKING THE FLUID LEVELS I FOUND THAT THE ENGINE COOLANT AND THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WERE MIXING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10486771
104,000 miles · Nov 26, 2012
Power Train
TRAVELING ON I-95 WHEN TRANSMISSION STARTED TO FAIL, VEHICLE DROPPED SUDDENLY IN SPEED WHILE IN VERY HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE FAR LEFT LANE, CARS DIRECTLY BEHIND STARTED SWERVING INTO THE MIDDLE LANE AND IT WAS A MIRACLE THAT I OR SOMEONE ELSE WASN'T INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT TRYING TO GET MY VEHICLE TO THE FAR RIGHT LANE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10486033
Official recalls
1Dec 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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