NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
845 reports105,000 miles · May 7, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
CAR HESITATES GOING INTO GEAR, VERY ROUGH SHIFTING (IT IS AN AUTOMATIC). VERY DANGEROUS AT INTERSECTIONS AND ON HIGHWAY- CANNOT DRIVE IT. BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICE. WHEN MECHANIC ATTEMPTED TO FLUSH THE TRANSMISSION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE RADIATOR FLUID HAS BEEN LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILED ON THIS …
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CAR HESITATES GOING INTO GEAR, VERY ROUGH SHIFTING (IT IS AN AUTOMATIC). VERY DANGEROUS AT INTERSECTIONS AND ON HIGHWAY- CANNOT DRIVE IT. BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICE. WHEN MECHANIC ATTEMPTED TO FLUSH THE TRANSMISSION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE RADIATOR FLUID HAS BEEN LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILED ON THIS COMPLAINT, REIMBURSEMENT ONLY UP TO 100,000 MILES OR 10 YEARS, WHATEVER IS LESS, AND ONLY COSTS ABOVE 3000K COVERED! THIS IS AT LEAST A $5200K REPAIR JOB AND THAT MAY NOT EVENT REMEDY ALL COMPONENTS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN AFFECTED. ADDITIONAL PROBLEM IS THAT MY MILEAGE WAS 5K OVER WHAT THE LAWSUIT ALLOWS. THERE WAS NO WAY TO KNOW WHEN THIS PROBLEM EVEN STARTED OCCURRING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510912
85,000 miles · May 2, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
APPROXIMATELY 4 MONTHS AGO MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE TOOK IT TO NISSAN AND IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. THAT WAS $700, THEN 2 WEEKS LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON WE TOOK IT TO NISSAN AND IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, THAT WAS $1800. HERE WE ARE 4 MONTHS LATER ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON WE TAKE IT TO NISSAN AND NOW I'M TOLD…
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APPROXIMATELY 4 MONTHS AGO MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE TOOK IT TO NISSAN AND IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. THAT WAS $700, THEN 2 WEEKS LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON WE TOOK IT TO NISSAN AND IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, THAT WAS $1800. HERE WE ARE 4 MONTHS LATER ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON WE TAKE IT TO NISSAN AND NOW I'M TOLD IT IS THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. THIS IS GOING TO COST $2500.00! I COME TO FIND OUT THAT THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION AND NISSAN HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS SINCE 2007. MY COMPLAINT IS IF NISSAN KNEW ABOUT A DEFECT, AND IN MY OPINION A SAFETY HAZARD, THEN WHY DIDN'T THEY RECALL THE DEFECTED PARTS? WHY IS THE CONSUMER BEING PENALIZED FOR A DEFECT? NISSAN NEEDS TO RECALL THESE KNOWN DEFECTIVE PARTS AND FIX THEM! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510449
98,188 miles · May 2, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE VERY BADLY APX 40 MPH. I TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR AND FOUND OUT THAT THE RADIATOR HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND ALLOWED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE DAMAGE WAS NON REPAIRABLE. MY CAR IS IN THE SHOP NOW WAITING TO HAVE THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510340
115,000 miles · May 1, 2013
EnginePower Train
RADIATOR LEAKED ONTO TRANSMISSION. LEARNED ABOUT THEIR FAULTY RADIATORS JUST TODAY. NOW I'M IN A $6200 BIND TO GET A NEW RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY XTERRA AND I AM SO APPALLED WITH NISSAN I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MYSELF. A $600 FIX TURNED INTO A $6200 FIX. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510332
102,000 miles · May 1, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
WHILE DRIVING ACROSS COUNTRY FROM CALIFORNIA TO VIRGINIA NOTICED THE XTERRA BEGIN TO SHAKE WHEN SWITCHING TO OVERDRIVE. A SERVICE SHOP IN VIRGINIA DETERMINED THAT COOLANT FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION. NOTIFIED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP OF THE PROBLEM. THEY WERE FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM AND STATED THAT THE RADIATOR …
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WHILE DRIVING ACROSS COUNTRY FROM CALIFORNIA TO VIRGINIA NOTICED THE XTERRA BEGIN TO SHAKE WHEN SWITCHING TO OVERDRIVE. A SERVICE SHOP IN VIRGINIA DETERMINED THAT COOLANT FROM THE RADIATOR LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION. NOTIFIED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP OF THE PROBLEM. THEY WERE FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM AND STATED THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACE AT AN APPROXIMATE COST OF $6500-$7000. WHEN ASKED IF FLUSHING THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HELP, THEY STATED THAT THEY HAVE TRIED THAT ON OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT TRANSMISSION FAILURE ULTIMATELY OCCURRED. CONTACTED NISSAN ABOUT EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT ODOMETER READS 102K MILES WHICH DISQUALIFIES FOR THE 9YR/100K WARRANTY EXTENSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510234
84,900 miles · May 1, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT AN INTERSECTION ON EXIT#407 IN TN. 250 MILES AWAY FROM HOME. THE TRANSMISSION NEVER HESITATED OR SLIPPED..NO WARNINGS AT ALL. JUST GOT TO THE INTERSECTION AND IT WOULDN'T GO. IT FINALLY CAUGHT AFTER CAUSING OTHER VEHICLES TO STOP AND I GOT IT TO A PARKING SPOT THANK GOD. I TOWED THE CAR HOME TO …
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THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT AN INTERSECTION ON EXIT#407 IN TN. 250 MILES AWAY FROM HOME. THE TRANSMISSION NEVER HESITATED OR SLIPPED..NO WARNINGS AT ALL. JUST GOT TO THE INTERSECTION AND IT WOULDN'T GO. IT FINALLY CAUGHT AFTER CAUSING OTHER VEHICLES TO STOP AND I GOT IT TO A PARKING SPOT THANK GOD. I TOWED THE CAR HOME TO BOB RICHARDS NISSAN IN NORTH AUGUSTA SC AND WAS TOLD THE RADIATOR CRACKED CAUSING MY RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION FLUIDS TO MIX. NISSAN COVERS IT 100% UNDER 80K MILES AND WOULD NOT HELP ME AT ALL SINCE I AM AT 84,900....I CAN ONLY HOPE TO GET REIMBURSED THE $2500 CO-PAY. NISAN NEVER MENTIONED THIS DEFECT AND ITS A $100 FIX. MY 2008 FRONTIER IS ALSO EFFECTED BY THE RADIATOR. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510231
84,900 miles · May 1, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT AN INTERSECTION. EXIT #407 IN TENNESSEE. 250MILES AWAY FROM HOME. THE TRANSMISSION NEVER HESITATED OR SLIPPED....JUST GOT TO THE INTERSECTION AND IT WOULDN'T GO. IT FINALLY CAUGHT AFTER ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND I GOT TO A PARKING SPOT BUT THE TRANSMISSION WOULDN'T GO INTO GEAR AFTER THE FAC…
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THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT AN INTERSECTION. EXIT #407 IN TENNESSEE. 250MILES AWAY FROM HOME. THE TRANSMISSION NEVER HESITATED OR SLIPPED....JUST GOT TO THE INTERSECTION AND IT WOULDN'T GO. IT FINALLY CAUGHT AFTER ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND I GOT TO A PARKING SPOT BUT THE TRANSMISSION WOULDN'T GO INTO GEAR AFTER THE FACT. I TOWED THE CAR HOME TO BOB RICHARDS NISSAN IN NORTH AUGUSTA AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RADIATOR CRACKED CAUSING A MIXTURE OF RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION FLUID. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510229
160,000 miles · Apr 30, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR STALLED. PRESSED ON THE GAS AND CAR WOULD NOT MOVE JUST HUMMING SOUND. I KNEW THAT IT HAD TO BE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. HAD CAR TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SHOP. THEY NOTIFIED ME THAT THERE HAD BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE NISSAN. AFTER LOOKING AT THE CAR THEY SAW THAT THE RADIATO…
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I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR STALLED. PRESSED ON THE GAS AND CAR WOULD NOT MOVE JUST HUMMING SOUND. I KNEW THAT IT HAD TO BE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. HAD CAR TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SHOP. THEY NOTIFIED ME THAT THERE HAD BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE NISSAN. AFTER LOOKING AT THE CAR THEY SAW THAT THE RADIATOR HAD A CRACK AND THAT COOLANT HAD LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION. AFTER TAKING THE TRANSMISSION APART I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE SEALS, VALVES, TORQUE CONVERTER, INCLUDING THE COMPUTER WERE ALL DAMAGED, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE FLUSHED REPLACED OR REPAIRED, THE RADIATOR FLUSHED REPLACED OR REPAIRED, THE ENGINE FLUSHED. ALL THIS COSTING ABOUT $4,000. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN KNOWN TO NISSAN AND I WAS NEVER INFORMED. I'M 65 AND ON FIXED INCOME. I NEED THIS CAR AND NEED HELP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510132
58,000 miles · Apr 30, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE GAS GAUGE GOES FROM HALF FULL TO EMPTY AND LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE CAR IS IN IDLE. THE GAUGE DOES NOT RE-SET UNTIL THE TANK IS FILLED AND DRIVES FOR ABOUT 100 MILES. I BELIEVE IT IS AN ISSUE WITH THE SENDING UNIT. IS THERE ARE RE-CALL? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510026
124,000 miles · Apr 24, 2013
Engine
MY CAR STARTED SHAKING AND I LOST POWER. I HAD THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS FOR 10 DAYS AND IT COST $3,700.00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10509436
Official recalls
3Oct 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.
Oct 5, 2005
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NISSAN ACCESSORY TOW HITCH, INADEQUATE QUALITY OF SOME WELDED JOINTS IN THE HITCH ASSEMBLY MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE HITCH FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN BEING USED TO TOW.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE TRAILER SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TOW HITCHES. ON OCTOBER 17, 2005, OWNERS WERE SENT AN INTERIM LETTER ADVISING THEM NOT TO USE THE TOW HITCH UNTIL IT CAN BE REPAIRED. ANOTHER LETTER WAS SENT OUT ON NOVEMBER 21, 2005, NOTIFYING THEM TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR REPAIR. 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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