NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
231 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Apr 26, 2025
EnginePower TrainService Brakes
Oil is getting into the radiator and causing a gray gunk build up in radiator and possibly the engine. I have had the car less than a 1 1/2 years And I've already had to have the same issue fixed 3 × first time. The heater hose blew out caused an air bubble in the radiator which caused us to have to burp the radiator Which is wh…
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Oil is getting into the radiator and causing a gray gunk build up in radiator and possibly the engine. I have had the car less than a 1 1/2 years And I've already had to have the same issue fixed 3 × first time. The heater hose blew out caused an air bubble in the radiator which caused us to have to burp the radiator Which is when we found it the first time had sent it to the mechanic. Had it flushed, had it fixed. it was fine or so we thought until about a month ago. Car overheats radiator fluid spews out everywhere. Fix the hose, add radiator fluid and start. The burping process again and out comes the gray gunk. Sent it back to mechanic had it flush had gaskets to the transmission cooler and Oil cooler fixed. Mechanic cannot find how it's getting into radiator. Break pads wear prematurely due to calipers constantly sticking. Rust is everywhere on frame, suspension, shocks undercarriage and body. Vdc/slip light will come on while driving causing the car to stall at any speed. Fixed those sensors 2 times since I bought the car in December 2023 from a used car lot. State I I've in has no laws to protect people buying from used car lots but they do for new cars even though new cars come with warranties. Should be the other way around protect the people who can't afford the 30000 dollar cars. There's a reason we go to used car lots. Paid 4500 after taxes and registration and have put almost 5000 into it. Nissan is aware of the problem just not enough to deem a recall.
NHTSA ODI #11656933
105,000 miles · Feb 11, 2021
Power Train
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ALL THE SUDDEN THE SUV STARTED LOOSING SPEED UNTIL IT CAME TO A COMPLETELY STOP IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE BALTIMORE BELTWAY 695 WHICH MADE A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ME. CARS FLYING BY ON BOTH SIDES OF ME. HAD A POLICE OFFICER STOP TRAFFIC SO THAT I COULD DRIFT IT BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL TO GET …
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ALL THE SUDDEN THE SUV STARTED LOOSING SPEED UNTIL IT CAME TO A COMPLETELY STOP IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE BALTIMORE BELTWAY 695 WHICH MADE A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ME. CARS FLYING BY ON BOTH SIDES OF ME. HAD A POLICE OFFICER STOP TRAFFIC SO THAT I COULD DRIFT IT BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL TO GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. FOUND OUT IT WAS THE DDEFAULTY RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION THAT NISSAN KNEW ABOUT. IT DIDN'T GIVE ME ANY NOTICE THAT IT WAS ANYTHING WRONG. EXCEPT LEAVING ME STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY. IT COSTS ME THOUSANDS TO GET A REPLACEMENT RADIATOR/TRANSMISSION INSTALLED AT THE NISSAN DEALER. MY VEHICLE HAD 105,000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA ODI #11395808
149,000 miles · Feb 10, 2021
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN PINK FLUID LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR, WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY FLUID LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR TO THE TRANSMI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN PINK FLUID LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR, WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY FLUID LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT CALLED NISSAN OF ST. AUGUSTINE (2755 US-1, ST. AUGUSTINE, FL 32086, (904) 447-2960). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 149,000.
NHTSA ODI #11395607
101,123 miles · Jan 18, 2021
Forward Collision AvoidancePower Train
CATASTROPHIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE.ATTEMPTED TO LEAVE MY HOME,PUT VEHICAL IN DRIVE.APPLIED ACCELERATOR,TRANSMISSION WILL NOT HARDLY PULL,PUT IN REVERSE.OPERATES IN REVERSE PROPERLY, PARKED MY VEHICAL.TURNED ENGINE OFF.ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE TO GET MY VEHICAL TO LEVEL GROUND TO CHECK FLUIDS,ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE,ENG…
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CATASTROPHIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE.ATTEMPTED TO LEAVE MY HOME,PUT VEHICAL IN DRIVE.APPLIED ACCELERATOR,TRANSMISSION WILL NOT HARDLY PULL,PUT IN REVERSE.OPERATES IN REVERSE PROPERLY, PARKED MY VEHICAL.TURNED ENGINE OFF.ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE TO GET MY VEHICAL TO LEVEL GROUND TO CHECK FLUIDS,ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE,ENGINE NOW WILL NOT TURN OVER AT ALL.
NHTSA ODI #11388623
147,257 miles · Dec 4, 2020
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
THE TRANSMISSION COOLER INSIDE THE RADIATOR FAULTED, CAUSING RADIATOR FLUID GETTING INTO THE TRANSMISSION DAMAGING THE TRANSMISSION INTERNALLY.
NHTSA ODI #11377925
241,300 miles · Jul 26, 2020
Power Train
RED COLOR IN RADIATOR (SEE PHOTO) . WHEN DRIVING TRANSMISSION WOULD RACE LIKE IN OVERDRIVE. LET OFF GAS TO LIKE CATCH UP.
NHTSA ODI #11341499
110,000 miles · Jun 8, 2020
EnginePower Train
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE JULY 2019 FROM OWNER. AFTER 3 WEEKS TRANSMISSION STARTED ACTING WEIRD WHILE ON VACATION TRANSMISSION SEIZED DUE TOO COOLANT LEAKING FROM RADIATOR COOLER INTO TRANSMISSION. TOTAL REPAIRS TOW COSTS AND RENTAL CAR RENTAL EXCEED $5000.00. I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR TRANSMISSION AND COO…
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PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE JULY 2019 FROM OWNER. AFTER 3 WEEKS TRANSMISSION STARTED ACTING WEIRD WHILE ON VACATION TRANSMISSION SEIZED DUE TOO COOLANT LEAKING FROM RADIATOR COOLER INTO TRANSMISSION. TOTAL REPAIRS TOW COSTS AND RENTAL CAR RENTAL EXCEED $5000.00. I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR TRANSMISSION AND COOLING SYSTEM RELATED PROBLEMS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAD APPROX. 100,000 MILES ON IT WHEN PURCHASED. AND ONLY HAS APPROX. 128,000 ON IT. NOW. CAN I GET ANY TYPE OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR COSTS PAID OUT OF POCKET???? *TR
NHTSA ODI #11327823
179,000 miles · Mar 30, 2020
Power Train
THE CORNER CUTTING DESIGN FLAW THAT CAUSED THE ISSUE COMMONLY KNOWN AS SMOD (STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE OF DEATH, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THE COOLANT MIX IN BOTH THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION) HAS CAUSED THE TCM TO BECOME DAMAGED, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER TO THE WHEELS GOING UP A HILL THEN WOULDNT START AFTER TURNING IT OFF, WEVE…
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THE CORNER CUTTING DESIGN FLAW THAT CAUSED THE ISSUE COMMONLY KNOWN AS SMOD (STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE OF DEATH, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THE COOLANT MIX IN BOTH THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION) HAS CAUSED THE TCM TO BECOME DAMAGED, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER TO THE WHEELS GOING UP A HILL THEN WOULDNT START AFTER TURNING IT OFF, WEVE CHANGED THE FILTER, FLUID AND SOLENOIDS ON THE VALVE BODY, BUT THE TCM STILL ISNT WORKING. WE CAN START THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE IT AROUND A BIT, ONCE IT GETS TO 3RD GEAR IT RUNS FINE, BUT IN LOWER GEARS (EXCEPT FOR WHEN IN REVERSE) IT STRUGGLES, THEN AFTER SHUTTING THE VEHICLE OFF THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATS BECAUSE THE TCM ISNT WORKING PROPERLY, THIS ISSUE PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM STARTING AGAIN WITHIN ABOUT 1 HOUR OF TURNING IT OFF. AS STATED EARLIER THIS TCM ISSUE CAME TO LIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO GO UP A HILL, IF TRAFFIC WERE ANY WORSE THAN IT WAS THIS COULDVE POTENTIALLY LED TO A DISASTER THAT WOULDVE MADE HAVING TO WAIT ABOUT AN HOUR FOR PICKUP SEEM LIKE NOTHING. THIS ISSUE WAS CAUSED BY NISSAN CUTTING CORNERS AND ITS A COMMON ISSUE THATS LED TO MANY OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE HAVING TO COVER REPAIRS OR JUST GIVE UP ON THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11319694
190,000 miles · Jan 22, 2020
Power Train
TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN MAKING A LOUD NOISE, A LOUD "CLUNK" PERIODICALLY WHEN IN MOTION AND MORE PREVALENT GOING UPHILL. THE MECHANIC STATED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED DUE TO RADIATOR FLUID LEAKING INTO TRANSMISSION AND HAS RUINED TRANSMISSION.HE STAND TRANSMISSION FLUID IS CONTAMINATED.
NHTSA ODI #11301032
113,000 miles · Oct 19, 2019
Power Train
ALL THE SUDDEN MY XTERRA WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND SHUT DOWN. TOWED TO GARAGE TO FIND OUT COLLECT LEAKED WITH OIL AND DAMAGED TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. CALLED DEALERSHIP WHO PROVIDED NO HELP AND QUOTE FOR $5800.
NHTSA ODI #11269539
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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