Unfortunately I'm now part of the ranks of the dreaded coolant system problem leaking into the transmission and ruining it. The car had been running reasonably well until yesterday when it began to be sluggish as I hit the gas from a stop. It didn't really engage until ~30 mph and took several seconds to get there. After letting the car sit it began to work normally but I took it in anyway and they just confirmed the problem today. I did have an extended warranty when I bought the car (new), but of course the mileage has since gone over. I did not think to contact Nissan as they had previously denied me the repair costs for the fuel sending unit that is known to malfunction on this model year. My repair cost for both transmission and radiator is about $6,000. Currently deciding whether I should repair it or junk it. Generally Nissan has been pretty good, but I've had every bit of scheduled maintenance that you can have on this car and yet this still happens. Is it a design flaw? Not sure why the radiator line could be inside the transmission to contaminate it???

Nissan has really been disappointing in this, they knew about the defective radiator cooler that leaks back and ruins the transmission and done nothing to protect their customers. this was not a break down, this is a know faulty part and should have been voluntary recalled. it is unsafe and unfair to people with 51000 miles to have to put 8000 dollars in their vehicle and it could have all been avoided.

Update from Nov 14, 2011: NISSAN told me that they knew about the problem and "Out of Good Faith" increased the warranty from 60,000 to 80,000miles. i told them i never received any correspondence on the issue. they told me sorry but they would not help me, i said you will not stand behind your product, when you knew about the problem? they said they would not because it was a warranty issue. i asked why there wasnt a recall, and they said it was not a safety issue, i told them it would have been if the car would have hit me when i pulled out. and they said but it didnt.

i dont expect a car to last forever and i dont mind putting maintenance or money in one, my other car is a toyota corolla that has 203,000 miles and i still drive it to work, but if they KNEW there was a problem and if they would have made it public, i could have bypassed the faulty cooler and avoided the entire situation. Consumers should not be treated like this, and NISSAN should man-up

Appears to be common problem both dealerships and another mechanic seemed VERY familiar with the problem all of them bypass the radiator when they fix it, shows how little faith they have in the nissan part that cause the problem in the first place. It's really not a transmission problem it a part insode the radiator that fails and allows the trasmission to become contaminated by raditor fluid and then it ruins the transmission. To top it off Nissan who rebuilds the transmission gives only a one year warranty on the rebuild, shows how little faith they have in their own work.

I now feel that Nissan really made a fool of me especially when my car has only been serviced by dealership and whenever asked they couldn't find anything. Brought back in and the final time when it failed to pull, then they tell me what they think it was. They KNEW!! I didn't have $4000.00 to get a new transmission and they couldn't guarantee that it would fix my problem. I do think they need to come clean and if nothing else pay us for the trouble and the lies they told. Now I have a vehicle sitting in the driveway that I don't know what to do with.

The problem first began with my 2005 Nissan Pathfinder on March 27, 2011, when I first noticed there was no heat in the cabin. Upon inspection, it was realized there was no coolant. Without thinking there was a bigger problem, my husband filled the coolant back up and heat was restored. I continued to drive the vehicle after that point.

On April 29, 2011, while driving on the highway, I noticed my vehicle would not accelerate in excess of 45 mph. It seemed that the transmission was slipping. Once again, my husband inspected the engine and found that there was no transmission fluid. I recently had my transmission fluid changed on February 18th and immediately was on the phone with the service manager from the facility where the work was completed. The manager did not think it was possible for the transmission to fail as a result of changing the fluid. Especially since it had been two months out from when it was last seen, but did offer to look at the vehicle. This was a Friday afternoon, and he could not look at it until the following Monday at the earliest. I did confirm with him that Nissan fluid was used to change the transmission.

At this point, my husband and I decided to purchase transmission fluid from Nissan and see if we could drive it home to park until we can get it serviced. As the Nissan was parked in our garage, we noticed fluid leaking onto the ground. The fluid had a milky white substance in it. After doing some research, we realized that with this particular model, there were known problems with coolant leaking into the transmission. We decided not to drive it until we could have it looked at by Billings Nissan, but before we could do that, we needed to replace the transmission fluid again so that we could drive to Nissan. It took us 2 months from the time we began experiencing transmission problems to seek diagnosis from Billings Nissan because we were not sure how we were going to pay for repairs.

We had the Pathfinder diagnosed on June 3, 2011 by Billings Nissan. We had informed the service department at Nissan that we were suspecting the transmission was contaminated with coolant. Nissan informed us that it was impossible for the coolant to leak into the transmission because they are separate units and that the milky white substance in the transmission was a result of air entering the transmission. When we had asked why the transmission would go out with only 83,000 (approx. at the time) miles, the service advisor informed us that he had been in the business for 18 years, and that this is not something unusual. He was very arrogant in his response and seemed to not want to help answer our questions about our vehicle. We left feeling like we had no options and no real explanation as to why our vehicle was inoperable. We also felt that the customer service at Billings Nissan was extremely poor and were made to feel like we were wasting their time.

After much despair, we decided to trade in our vehicle and took a huge loss on the trade-in value. We felt that if we decided to replace the transmission, and that the radiator was in fact damaged and also needed to be replaced, that we would only be faced with the same issue down the road and would need to replace the transmission a 2nd time. We did not want to take the chance on replacing the transmission only to find out the problem really was a result of the radiator leaking coolant into the transmission; a fact we later learned when we traded in the vehicle on June 10, 2011.

On June 28, 2011, we received a report from the dealership that we traded the Pathfinder at stating the transmission was indeed contaminated with coolant and that the radiator and transmission both needed replacing.

If only we had received proper diagnosis from Billings Nissan initially, our course of action may have been different and would have thought about fixing the Pathfinder versus trading it in. As a result, we have lost money on the trade in value, and have incurred an unexpected expense of a new vehicle (payments, registration, insurance). The exact mileage of the vehicle when the problems began is not known. Regardless, the vehicle only had 83,000 miles when it was traded which is not much more than what the warranty extension covers. It seems that Nissan would want to stand behind their product regardless of mileage, especially when it has been admitted there is a problem with the radiator/transmission on this particular vehicle.

From the day I purchased my Pathfinder, I absolutely loved it! I am saddened by my loss of vehicle and am reluctant to purchase a Nissan in the future. It is my hope to have this complaint resolved and my confidence in Nissan restored.

My 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER began to have a strange rattle noise could be heard at 2200 rpm. I had it checked during the 60k mile service last year, nothing was found. The noise continued and escalated to erratic shifting into a lower gear when going down hill (I don't have hill descent control option). Finally I began to experience slipping and a strong shudder all the while It felt like I was towing a house. At 69k miles the amber check engine light came on. I'm now waiting for a new radiator and transmission as with many others the coolant line leaked into the tranny. Fortunately I'm below the 80k mileage and was just under the 70k of my extended warranty. Radiator will be covered by MFR and the rest should be covered by the EW. The extended warranty folks are requesting proof of maintenance, I'm glad It was done a a Nissan dealer as they were able to print me what I needed. I don't think I will by another Nissan as this was only the latest in problems I've had with this SUV.

I never had a major problem with my Pathfinder until now and I don't feel it's fair that they know the problem with the vehicle and didn't do a recall on them. I love my Pathfinder I would buy another one if they would face the problem and fix it. Nissan is going to make everybody turn against them and not buy the vehicle anymore. My car still looks brand new. I take very good care of my vehicle its a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder Red with leather seats and running boards.I had no idea there was a problem with the transmission and radiator leaking until my car started having problems They need to recall all the pathfinder before someone gest hurt driving long distance and their vehicle puts them down. I just can't believe they knew about this and are not doing anything, I am glad they have a class action lawsuit against them and hopeful my car can get fixed through this lawsuit because this will cost about $4,000 dollars. In that case I will buy another vehicle and it won't be a Nissan.

Same problem like everyone else here. Had the coolant leaked into the transmission and now is at the shop for a new radiator and transmission. The cost is estimated to be 3500.00. Should have done my homework and checked on this SUV before buying it, but then again Nissan was a company that had a good rep. for good quality cars, so I ignored it. Definitely will have to do some research from now on when getting a new/used car. Don't even want to sell it because still have a loan on it and now spending the 3500.00 on a part that was poorly made.

It is sad to find out that Nissan did not have the ethics to notify its customers of the issue that any customer who purchased a 2005 Pathfinder would be faced with. We bought our family truck in February 2005 it was a Valentines gift to me from my husband. On our way back from a family trip at a stop sign when my husband accelerated to go the truck stalled and appeared to not shift gears, luckily it was late in the evening and there were no cars in the intersection. If not, I don't even want to think what could have happened to us. We took the truck to our mechanic and we were informed that water/coolant from the radiator leaked into the transmission, he advised us to take it to the Nissan dealership shop. We had to pay $96 for a diagnostic test because the Nissan Corporate office would not accept our mechanics report. Currently the truck is still at the Nissan Shop and I have been on and off the phone with a Supervisor from their corporate office, and sadly to say no positive outcome yet. Can you believe it, they had the nerve to try and blame us for not taking the truck in to the Nissan Shop for the regular maintenance. They stated that if we would have taken in to the Nissan Shop they would have run the VIN # and informed us of the extended warranty. But what good does the warranty do me if my truck is at 115K miles and the extended warranty only covers up to 80K miles. Their extended warranty is a joke, Nissan knows of the issue at hand and they should take care of the issue. How can anyone explain that a 6 year old car would be having these type of issues. I expect this from my 1992 Pathfinder but not my 2005.

05 Pathfinder started to 'roar' a bit when it warmed up like it was slipping as if it was low on transmission fluid, well it was slipping alright, coolant into the transmission via internal radiator failure. My car buddies are horrified "the radiator fails... internally!?!" how the heck are we gonna catch that? Thanks for heads up on this one Nissan... NOT... tho there aint gonna be help for me with 131 k mikes know this, it is the age of the vehicle not the milage, they rust and deteriote whether they are driven or not, depending on the component they may age faster on frequent short trips or just sitting. I've called Nissan and asked them to warn all Pathfinder owners 05+ of this problem... now will they or wont they... ;) Dont know if I have the kahunas to flush and trade in, will likely fix as cheap as I can cause I like the vehicle... er... just remembered the horrible mileage... maybe a palm reader can give me some good advice... Nissan certainly didn't bother...

I spoke with NISSAN consumer affairs on 8/12/11 after using up my last free tow with AAA (all on the same issue). Today, August 17, 2011, they say they will not help me as the vehicle is out of warranty.

I took my 2005 Nissan Pathfinder into the dealer on 12/15/10 for brakes and 5/04/11 for fuel sending unit replacement. On both occasions I asked the dealer to check the transmission. In December, they could not duplicate the problem. In May they did notice the problem, but “could not condemn” the transmission at that time.

Now, the car will not start. Turning the key produces no noise, nothing. Coincidentally, I got a letter in the mail last week from NISSAN North America extending the warrantee to 80K for the radiator assembly issue in automatic transmissions where a “crack in the radiator assembly might occur at higher mileages leading to internal leakage of the engine coolant.”

The dealer confirmed that the transmission fuse is blown because the transmission is full of water/coolant. They say the transmission cooler pipe runs through radiator. Their assumption is that the pipe cracked in the radiator and the pressure of the radiator caused coolant and water to cross contaminate. They stated that because the transmission computer is not working, the mechanical part of the transmission does not register the car being in park, so the car will not start. They also stated that since the car does not register the transmission being in reverse, the back up light fuse is burnt.

I have had two quotes for the repair: $5,300 from the dealer and $7,023 from a private mechanic. I am not in a position to come up with this money, or to buy a new car, which has been offered as an alternative.

I am also an owner of a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder.I was warned of the problem, while having an oil change. The tech. told me I had water or some type of fluid mixed in with my transmission fluid. Before then I had been feeling this rumble.I finally addresed the problem and had to get a new radiator and transmission rebuilt with a transmission shop.I had to take my vehicle back to the mechanic several times to get the repairs made correctly. Two Nissan dealership told me this was my problem. I was no longer under warranty and could not afford the repairs with Nissan. I am still experiencing problems. Please let me know if there is a class action suit with Nissan . This is unfair too consumers to have to deal with a major problem so soon. I am at the end of my loan contract. I guess I am almost finish paying for a lemon. I have no confidence in Nissan . They have let the consumers down.

At first I was happy to own my first SUV, then the rumbling started. No dealer could find the problem. Then the transmission started to slip. More dealers-their solution was to turn off the overdrive. Still had problems. Then more mechanics. Then they tried a sensor, still not working properly. Then still more problems. The RPMs started to race and when at a stop or when turning it wouldn't go. I mean, when we were at a stop sign and flooring it, it would not move! We haven't been able to use the vehicle for weeks now and had to go purchase a new vehicle. NOW WHAT TO DO WITH THIS PIECE OF CRAP? HELP OUT THERE?

Guess what. I got the same problem as all of you guys. Looks like this is a common problem with 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. I own several Nissan vehicles from 1997 and 2007 and this is the worst vehicle and the most expensive Nissan I own. After this I am going back to Toyotas.

Vacation planning started a week before.. getting the car ready for the trip. Our problem started on Aug. 7 on our way to Chicago from Sandusky, Ohio. Truck started slow on an incline and slowly pick up speed, check engine light goes on. I figured maybe bad gas since I have little gas left on the tank. Filled it up with Premium. Problem continues. Have it checked by a local mechanic (dealer closed-Sunday) and told me it's about transmission which is only a dealer code??? After a few drives around town it appears OK and decided to drive it to Chicago (Was I LUCKY!!). Drove around Chicago, NO PROBLEM. I decided to search online regarding my problem. BEHOLD. I am NOT alone. Aug. 8 I decided to have it checked by the dealer. Made an appointment. Before going I decided to check the fluids and the radiator. Transmission fluid mixed with the coolant. I decided to have it towed to Mid-City Nissan. I have to leave the car, Technicians on lunch break. I took the CTA train to downtown to meet my family and continue the Chicago tour.2:30: I did not receive a call from the dealer and since I am worried I called them back. Here's the good news.... almost $8000.00 in repair cost. With my luck, I'm out of warranty. Fluids flushed, replace transmission, radiator, etc with NO guarantee if it will be OK. Since I don't have the money.. I decided on the fluids flushed and radiator replacement for $1500.00. NO GUARANTEE!!! I know how much repairs cost, I think I am charged more since I'm from out of town. Now I am not sure how to go back home. Options:1. Transport the truck $700.00 and rent a car $400.00. 2. Rent a tow, which cost about the same. 3. Drive it back to NJ (which I think is stupid and dangerous). 3. Trade the car in Chicago. I might save some $$$ and the headache. May NOT get a fair trade in price. WELL, that's the last Nissan in my garage.Nissan should own up and replace the defective parts. For those pursuing a class action lawsuit, you can count this in. Good luck and be safe.

Same problem as everyone else I just felt the tremble and took it into the shop to see the oil and antifreeze mixed up in the radiator. I just feel like I got ripped off I just bought the car six months ago and had it checked out by two mechanics. The fact that this is a problem that has been identified and not fixed is unfair I could have avoided this problem if Nissan would have just admitted the faulty radiator was in my truck. It's called negligence to avoid a issue that has been identified and not fixed. Where is the report on CNN on this, who is looking out for the consumers!!!! I'll be joining any lawsuit that is out there and getting in touch with the BBB. Nissan has got to pay.

We've had numerous problems with our 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. Here's just a few of the major problems. Last year while driving on the interstate the whole vehicle completely shutoff. I had the vehicle towed to a Nissan dealership where they told me the ECM & IPMB box was fried and had to be replaced which cost $2000. Plus, I had to pay a tow bill and car rental. Now we've been informed by the Nissan dealership that the radiator and transmission need to be replaced. The cost $5000 +. Contacted Nissan Corporate and they said we could apply for financial assistance which was later declined. I asked to speak to a supervisor to appeal the decision and the rep said she'd have him call within 1-2 business days. It's now been 2 weeks and still no call. We are very upset with Nissan!!! The company's slogan is "Nissan, Shift_the way you move". Unfortunately, Nissan, due to your defective radiator leaking into the transmission we are unable to shift or move in any direction. Do the right thing and take care of the problem that wasn't created by us but by you!

same old prob, bought it not knowing of the problem, started shuddering just a little the day after I bought it. I researched it, found the common problem with coolant leaking in the trans oil cooler. Went to local tranny shop and had it flushed, waiting on nissan to get back with me then I'll put an aftermarket tranny cooler on it after the warranty is done and paid. The cooler is only going to cost me $40, so how much would it have cost nissan to put one on A 4wd vehicle with a towing package? Glad I caught it before 80k miles.