NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
106 reportsClear category filter130,000 miles · Apr 12, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO MY TRANSMISSION. THIS CAUSED AN ENTIRE SHUTDOWN OF MY TRANSMISSION. I WAS TOLD BY NISSAN THAT IT WOULD TAKE UP TO $5,000 TO REPAIR. THE RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED DUE TO A DEFECT THAT NISSAN COULD HAVE EASILY RECALLED AND AVOIDED. I HAVE CONDUCTED RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THOUSANDS OF OTHER NISSAN OWNERS…
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RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO MY TRANSMISSION. THIS CAUSED AN ENTIRE SHUTDOWN OF MY TRANSMISSION. I WAS TOLD BY NISSAN THAT IT WOULD TAKE UP TO $5,000 TO REPAIR. THE RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED DUE TO A DEFECT THAT NISSAN COULD HAVE EASILY RECALLED AND AVOIDED. I HAVE CONDUCTED RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THOUSANDS OF OTHER NISSAN OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND NISSAN IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST EVEN THOUGH THIS COULD HAVE BEEN EASILY AVOIDED BY NISSAN MANUFACTURERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10508079
60,000 miles · Feb 26, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMIS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION AND COOLANT SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10500130
156,037 miles · Feb 23, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
LIKE HUNDREDS OF OTHER XTERRA OWNERS, OUR RADIATOR LINE LEAKED COOLANT INTO OUR TRANSMISSION AND IT TOTALLY DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION, AS WELL AS THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. ALL TOLD, $4,000 TO REPAIR (AND THAT WAS WITH A HEFTY DISCOUNT FROM AAMCO). IT HAPPENED ON AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND WE WERE LUCKY NOT TO END UP IN A WRECK. …
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LIKE HUNDREDS OF OTHER XTERRA OWNERS, OUR RADIATOR LINE LEAKED COOLANT INTO OUR TRANSMISSION AND IT TOTALLY DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION, AS WELL AS THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. ALL TOLD, $4,000 TO REPAIR (AND THAT WAS WITH A HEFTY DISCOUNT FROM AAMCO). IT HAPPENED ON AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND WE WERE LUCKY NOT TO END UP IN A WRECK. IN THE TWO DAYS IT TOOK AAMCO TO FIX OUR CAR, WE SPOKE WITH TWO OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAD THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPEN TO THEIR XTERRA'S. I AM AMAZED THAT THIS IS SUCH A COMMON PROBLEM AND HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED IN A MORE SATISFACTORY MANNER BY NISSAN. I HOPE THIS INVESTIGATION HELPS DRIVE NISSAN TO DO A RECALL ON THESE PARTS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10499802
149,240 miles · Jan 6, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
DUE TO A CRACKED RADIATOR, COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. LUCKILY, WAS ABLE TO TAKE VEHICLE OUT OF SERVICE BEFORE MORE DAMAGE COULD OCCUR, AS A RESULT THE FIRTH GEAR WAS DEEMED INOPERATIVE. THE CRACKED RADIATOR WAS REPLACED, AND A NEW TRANSMISSION WILL HAVE TO BE INSTALLED. THE VE…
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DUE TO A CRACKED RADIATOR, COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. LUCKILY, WAS ABLE TO TAKE VEHICLE OUT OF SERVICE BEFORE MORE DAMAGE COULD OCCUR, AS A RESULT THE FIRTH GEAR WAS DEEMED INOPERATIVE. THE CRACKED RADIATOR WAS REPLACED, AND A NEW TRANSMISSION WILL HAVE TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE, BUT GAS MILEAGE HAS SIGNIFICANTLY BEEN REDUCED BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF THE FIFTH GEAR. I TALKED TO NUMEROUS REPAIR AND TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST, AND THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. RESEARCHING ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE A ACTIVE INVESTIGATION WAS FOUND UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER # DP12004. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10491584
116,000 miles · Jan 3, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
DUE TO A CRACK IN THE INTERNAL RADIATOR, MY TRANSMISSION FAILED. I WAS ALMOST SIDE SWIPED PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT BECAUSE MY XTERRA WOULDN'T GO INTO 1ST GEAR. THE CRACK IN THE COOLANT CORD IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, BUT NISSAN REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE COST OF THIS PRODUCT DEFECT AND CORRELATING DAMAGES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10490874
154,000 miles · Jul 9, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
PURPLISH FLUID IN RADIATOR, TOOK TO DEALER, TRANSMISSION LINE INSIDE RADIATOR HAD BROKEN AND COOLANT HAD MIXED WITH TRANSMISSION FLIUD. PAID $1300.00 TO GET NEW RADIATOR, TRANSMISSION FLUID FLUSH, RADIATOR FLUSH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10464667
85,279 miles · Jun 19, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
ON JUNE 7, 2012, NISSAN TOLD ME THAT MY RADIATOR FAILED CAUSING MY TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. I HAVE 3 CHILDREN AGES 7 WEEKS TO 5 YRS AND COUNT MY SELF LUCKY THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED BEFORE A POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON BUSY LOS ANGELES COUNTY STREETS OR FREEWAYS. I WAS LATER APPALLED TO FIND OUT THAT …
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ON JUNE 7, 2012, NISSAN TOLD ME THAT MY RADIATOR FAILED CAUSING MY TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. I HAVE 3 CHILDREN AGES 7 WEEKS TO 5 YRS AND COUNT MY SELF LUCKY THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED BEFORE A POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON BUSY LOS ANGELES COUNTY STREETS OR FREEWAYS. I WAS LATER APPALLED TO FIND OUT THAT NISSAN KNEW OF THE ISSUE, BUT COVERED IT UP AS EVIDENCED IN A NY TIMES ARTICLE DATED 8/24/2011. THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR SITUATION WAS AN ISSUE THAT HE HAD SEEN BEFORE. I AM NOW BEING TOLD THAT IT WILL COST ME $4000 FOR MY CAR TO BE REPAIRED DUE TO A KNOWN DEFECTIVE RADIATOR THAT WOULD HAVE COST A FRACTION OF THAT TO REPLACE. I AM STILL WITHOUT A CAR AFTER 11 DAYS. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10462197
78,000 miles · Mar 20, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolinePower Train
WE BROUGHT OUR NISSAN 2006 XTERRA IN TO THE BOARDWALK AUTO CENTER. REDWOOD CITY, CA - NISSAN TO HAVE THEM CHECK ON WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS ANOTHER TRANSMISSION ISSUE (NISSAN REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, AT THEIR EXPENSE OVER $8000, ONCE AND THE FUEL GAUGE TWICE PLUS A COUPLE OF OTHER RECALL ITEMS). WHEN WE PICKED UP THE CAR THEY T…
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WE BROUGHT OUR NISSAN 2006 XTERRA IN TO THE BOARDWALK AUTO CENTER. REDWOOD CITY, CA - NISSAN TO HAVE THEM CHECK ON WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS ANOTHER TRANSMISSION ISSUE (NISSAN REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, AT THEIR EXPENSE OVER $8000, ONCE AND THE FUEL GAUGE TWICE PLUS A COUPLE OF OTHER RECALL ITEMS). WHEN WE PICKED UP THE CAR THEY TOLD US WE NEEDED A NEW TIMING CHAIN FOR ABOUT $2000 (WE HAVE HEARD THESE ARE NOT NORMAL ITEMS TO BE REPLACED AND SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR). WE CAN'T BELIEVE THERE IS YET ANOTHER MAJOR EXPENSIVE PROBLEM PART WITH THIS CAR! WHEN DOES THIS CAR BECOME A LEMON AND HOW MANY MAJOR ITEMS ARE GOING TO NEED TO BE REPLACED? WHAT IS HAPPENING TO NISSAN? HAS THE TIMING CHAIN ISSUE BEEN INVESTIGATED AND HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM? *KB
NHTSA ODI #10452401
53,000 miles · Feb 26, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling
SECONDARY TIMING CHAIN SHOE FAILURE. KNOWN PROBLEM WITH MULTIPLE NISSAN VEHICLES DUE TO INFERIOR QUALITY PRODUCT, AS EXPLAINED BY SERVICE TECHNICIAN. TECHNICIAN STATED THAT MULTIPLE NISSAN VEHICLES COME IN TO THE SHOP WEEKLY WITH THIS ISSUE. IT OCCURS SO OFTEN, THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN HAD EXAMPLES OF THE INFERIOR AND WORN PARTS I…
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SECONDARY TIMING CHAIN SHOE FAILURE. KNOWN PROBLEM WITH MULTIPLE NISSAN VEHICLES DUE TO INFERIOR QUALITY PRODUCT, AS EXPLAINED BY SERVICE TECHNICIAN. TECHNICIAN STATED THAT MULTIPLE NISSAN VEHICLES COME IN TO THE SHOP WEEKLY WITH THIS ISSUE. IT OCCURS SO OFTEN, THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN HAD EXAMPLES OF THE INFERIOR AND WORN PARTS IN THE CABINET TO SHOW CUSTOMERS. EXPENSIVE AND TIMELY ISSUE TO FIX. IF LEFT UNFIXED, WILL CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO ENGINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10449371
86,500 miles · Feb 1, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
COOLANT LEAKED FROM THE RADIATOR INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND CAUSED TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10446208
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.
Mar 3, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 AND MODEL YEAR 2008 FRONTIER, XTERRA AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBOSSMENT MOLDED INTO THE TANK SHELL CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN TRAFFIC, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW ONE THAT HAS A MODIFIED FLOAT ARM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 22, 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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