NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
231 reportsClear category filter92,500 miles · Jan 18, 2014
Power Train
I HAVE A 2007 NISSAN XTERRA WITH A COMMON ISSUE...THE FAULTY RADIATOR LEAKS INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THIS CAN CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO SEIZE UP LEAVING A MOVING CAR TO LOSE SPEED RAPIDLY WHICH IS AN UNSAFE SITUATION. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED TO ME YET AS I CAUGHT THE ISSUE AND AM FIGHTING WITH NISSAN FOR…
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I HAVE A 2007 NISSAN XTERRA WITH A COMMON ISSUE...THE FAULTY RADIATOR LEAKS INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THIS CAN CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO SEIZE UP LEAVING A MOVING CAR TO LOSE SPEED RAPIDLY WHICH IS AN UNSAFE SITUATION. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED TO ME YET AS I CAUGHT THE ISSUE AND AM FIGHTING WITH NISSAN FOR THEM TO FIX DEFECT..UNTIL THEN I AM STUCK WITH THIS AS MY CAR. GREAT. NISSAN HAS ASKED ME TO PAY A $3K "CO-PAY" TO SHARE IN FIXING THE FAULT... *TR
NHTSA ODI #10560518
91,875 miles · Dec 26, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
SUDDEN LOUD NOISES/BANGING WHILE DRIVING. PULLED OVER, HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO MECHANIC. RADIATOR FOUND TO BE CRACKED. RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO AND CONTAMINATED TRANSMISSION CAUSING SUDDEN TRANSMISSION FAILURE. LEARNED NISSAN WAS/IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS NOT NOTIFIED ANYONE OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES TO PREVENT FAILURE OF …
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SUDDEN LOUD NOISES/BANGING WHILE DRIVING. PULLED OVER, HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO MECHANIC. RADIATOR FOUND TO BE CRACKED. RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO AND CONTAMINATED TRANSMISSION CAUSING SUDDEN TRANSMISSION FAILURE. LEARNED NISSAN WAS/IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS NOT NOTIFIED ANYONE OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES TO PREVENT FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION. "EXTENDED WARRANTY" RESULTING FROM CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REQUIRES $3000 COPY FOR VEHICLES WITH 90,000-100,000 MILES. MY MECHANIC SAYS THIS IS A JOKE BECAUSE RADIATORS NOT CRACKING UNTIL AT LEAST THIS TIME. NOW I HAVE TO PAY $3000 I DON'T HAVE TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION WHICH I COULD HAVE SAVED HAD I BEEN NOTIFIED TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR. I WILL NOT EVER PURCHASE A NISSAN AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10557319
120,000 miles · Dec 18, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED AND DISGUSTED WITH THE WAY NISSAN HAS HANDLED THIS PROBLEM. MY XTERRA 2007'S TRANSMISSION DID NOT GO BAD UNTIL IT REACHED OVER 120K MILES. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING CROSS COUNTRY WITH MY CHILDREN AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN SHE FELT THE GEARS SLIPPING WHILE DRIVING IN A MAJOR INTERSTATE. LUCKILY SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE …
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I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED AND DISGUSTED WITH THE WAY NISSAN HAS HANDLED THIS PROBLEM. MY XTERRA 2007'S TRANSMISSION DID NOT GO BAD UNTIL IT REACHED OVER 120K MILES. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING CROSS COUNTRY WITH MY CHILDREN AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN SHE FELT THE GEARS SLIPPING WHILE DRIVING IN A MAJOR INTERSTATE. LUCKILY SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME SAFE. I FOUND OUT SHORTLY AFTER THIS ALMOST CATASTROPHIC EXPERIENCE THAT THERE WERE MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING NISSANS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I GUESS THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THAT ONLY COVERED VEHICLES UNDER 100K MILES. WHY IS NISSAN ONLY PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO VEHICLES UNDER 100K MILES IF THERE IS A THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION COOLANT. THEY SHOULD COVER ANY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE MILEAGE IS. I TOOK MY XTERRA TO AAMCO BECAUSE THEY CHARGE BE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS LESS OF WHAT A NISSAN DEALERSHIP WOULD HAVE CHARGED ME. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL NISSAN OWNER SINCE 2003 AND WILL NEVER BUY A VEHICLE FROM THEM AGAIN. IN FACT, I HAVE CONVINCED FRIENDS AND FAMILIES NOT TO BUY NISSAN VEHICLES BECAUSE OF THE POOR SERVICE THAT THEY HAVE PROVIDED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10556563
110,000 miles · Dec 2, 2013
Power Train
MY CAR WAS JARRING AND MAKING A RUMBLING NOISE SO I TOOK IT IN TO GET FIXED. THERE WAS WATER DETECTED IN MY TRANSMISSION SO I HAD IT FLUSHED TWICE. THE RUMBLING CONTINUED SO THEY REPLACED THE RADIATOR. THAT COST A TOTAL OF ABOUT $1,000. A FEW WEEKS LATER IT GOT WORSE AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THAT WILL BE BET…
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MY CAR WAS JARRING AND MAKING A RUMBLING NOISE SO I TOOK IT IN TO GET FIXED. THERE WAS WATER DETECTED IN MY TRANSMISSION SO I HAD IT FLUSHED TWICE. THE RUMBLING CONTINUED SO THEY REPLACED THE RADIATOR. THAT COST A TOTAL OF ABOUT $1,000. A FEW WEEKS LATER IT GOT WORSE AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THAT WILL BE BETWEEN $4500-$5000. NISSAN HAS BEEN UNDER INVESTIGATION REGARDING COOLANT MIXING IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THERE TO BE A RECALL! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10554418
125,000 miles · Nov 15, 2013
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
MY RADIATOR WENT OUT IN THE STARBUCKS DRIVE-THRU. I HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP & WAS TOLD IT IS A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW BY NISSAN WHERE THE FLUIDS ARE MIXING & THE ONLY THING I CAN DO NOW IS REPLACE THE RADIATOR & "HOPE" THE FLUIDS DID NOT GO INTO THE TRANSMISSION. GOT THE NEW RADIATOR & HAD A TRANS FLUSH 3 TIMES & PAID ABOUT $1800. IT …
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MY RADIATOR WENT OUT IN THE STARBUCKS DRIVE-THRU. I HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP & WAS TOLD IT IS A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW BY NISSAN WHERE THE FLUIDS ARE MIXING & THE ONLY THING I CAN DO NOW IS REPLACE THE RADIATOR & "HOPE" THE FLUIDS DID NOT GO INTO THE TRANSMISSION. GOT THE NEW RADIATOR & HAD A TRANS FLUSH 3 TIMES & PAID ABOUT $1800. IT IS NOW A MONTH LATER & MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. TODAY, I AM TOLD I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION WHICH WILL COST $3800. THIS IS OUR ONLY CAR. WE DO NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO PAY FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. FOR SAFETY REASONS, WE URGE YOU TO PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS POOR DESIGN BY NISSAN WHERE THE FLUIDS ARE MIXING & CAUSING SAFETY CONCERNS TO THE CONSUMERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10552319
99,000 miles · Nov 11, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
RADIATOR LEAK TO TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10551810
102,000 miles · Nov 6, 2013
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2007 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED IN THE TRANSMISSION WHERE THE RADIATOR FLUID WAS MIXED WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2007 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED IN THE TRANSMISSION WHERE THE RADIATOR FLUID WAS MIXED WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED THE 100,000 MILES WARRANTY REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
NHTSA ODI #10551145
110,521 miles · Nov 4, 2013
Power Train
AUTO TRANSMISSION NOT WORKING ,SEEMS A LT OF COMPLAINTS AND NOT RECALL .I CALLED NISSAN AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE INVESTIGATION GOING ON ,BUT WILL NOT PAY FOR IT SINCE IT IS 10521 MILES OVER THEIR 100K WARRANTY .I WAS TOLD TO SEND A COMPLAINT BUT IS BEEN 120 DAYS AND NO RESPOND WHAT WILL IT TAK…
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AUTO TRANSMISSION NOT WORKING ,SEEMS A LT OF COMPLAINTS AND NOT RECALL .I CALLED NISSAN AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE INVESTIGATION GOING ON ,BUT WILL NOT PAY FOR IT SINCE IT IS 10521 MILES OVER THEIR 100K WARRANTY .I WAS TOLD TO SEND A COMPLAINT BUT IS BEEN 120 DAYS AND NO RESPOND WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR THE NHTSA TO ORDER A RECALL ? HOW MANY MORE COMPLAINTS FOR THEM TO START DOING THEIR JOB ? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10550869
95,800 miles · Sep 27, 2013
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
ENGINE COOLANT GOT INTO TRANSMISSION. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE FOR A MOMENT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. FELT LIKE I HIT BLACK ICE. TRANSMISSION WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10545751
137,541 miles · Sep 16, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN YOUR CURRENT INVESTIGATION OF THESE MODELS. AN ATF LINE EMBEDDED IN THE RADIATOR CRACKED, AND ATF FLUID WAS ALLOWED INTO THE COOLANT, AND COOLANT WAS FORCED INTO THE ATF. THE CARD STARTED SLIPPING IN GEAR, THEN IT STARTED SHUDDERING UNDER ACCELERATION, THEN IT STARTED REFUSING TO GO INT…
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I HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN YOUR CURRENT INVESTIGATION OF THESE MODELS. AN ATF LINE EMBEDDED IN THE RADIATOR CRACKED, AND ATF FLUID WAS ALLOWED INTO THE COOLANT, AND COOLANT WAS FORCED INTO THE ATF. THE CARD STARTED SLIPPING IN GEAR, THEN IT STARTED SHUDDERING UNDER ACCELERATION, THEN IT STARTED REFUSING TO GO INTO GEAR. I GOT IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP, AND WHEN THEY OPENED IT UP, THE GUTS OF THE TRANSMISSION WERE RUSTED, AND THE CLUTCHES HAD DE-LAMINATED. THE COOLING SYSTEM WAS NEARLY PLUGGED UP WITH OILY TRANSMISSION RESIDUE. THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REBUILT, AND THE RADIATOR AND ALL ASSOCIATED HOSES HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALL IN ALL, A $5500 FIX FOR A PROBLEM THAT SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10543904
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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