9.2

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,910
Average Mileage:
102,400 miles
Total Complaints:
425 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace transmission & radiator (290 reports)
  2. not sure (55 reports)
  3. replace transmission & flush the radiator (27 reports)
  4. replace radiator (14 reports)
  5. repair transmission and add an external oil cooler (13 reports)
  6. rebuild transmission (12 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Nissan dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #105

May 012011

Pathfinder LE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,030 miles

Vehicle started vibrating at different kph/rpm a few months back until u let off the gas. Once I took it out of over drive the problem seamed to be less consistent. Took my vehicle to the local dealer (which has been excellent throughout the years) and they recommended I replace my clutch fan replaced (which did need to be replaced)...that is when they noticed the major issue. oil in my coolant system. They asked me to take my vehicle to a rad shop as they were unaware of this issue with Nissans. the rad shop noticed the major issue. They contacted my Nissan dealer and the vehicle was towed back...Nissan has extended the warranty on the rads to 130,000km and I believe 96 months. It has ruined my rad, hoses, reservoir tank, tranny, thermostat...I have had my vehicle in for all warranty bulletins I receive in the mail...I am disappointed with Nissan as they did not make me the consumer aware of the issue nor my local dealer.

- joeyukon, Whitehorse, Yukon, canada

problem #104

Jul 022011

Pathfinder SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles

Pathfinder starting running odd two days ago, but mostly yesterday, had to step on the gas harder to get it to go, a little bit of vibration. Have had this vehicle since April 2005, maintained, have receipts for all maintenance, used synthetic oil etc. Took it to Kramer Tire to fix since dealer is typically more expensive, but was maintained thru dealer until warranty expired around 72,000 miles. Kramer said this was a common problem with the Pathfinder, poorly designed and unless you caught it early (no symptoms until it is too late) a pricey repair. Recommended we replace radiator and flush coolant and transmission, which we did at $1,061.XX. Then after that, it would not drive, they said couldn't get it in gear, said we would have to replace the transmission at a cost of $6,000.00. So we paid $1,000 and the car still doesn't doesn't run, we are at a crossroad as to what to do next. Don't want to invest $6K to repair it but the car is in great shape--doesn't seem right that one of our options is to sell it to a salvage place. Disappointing that a so called credible automaker like Nissan would make something substandard and the cost to replace through the roof. Very disappointing to say the least.

- debrava, Virginia Beach, VA, US

problem #103

Jul 222010

Pathfinder SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

The car was driving erratic, so I took to my mechanic. He informed me that the transmission and coolant had mixed in my radiator and transmission. But we caught it early enough that only the radiator need replacement. He check with Nissan, but they said it was no longer under warrenty. It cost me $1500 to get it back on the road.

- Josef W., Plymouth, MA, US

problem #102

Apr 242011

Pathfinder SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

Our problem first started with a rumbling in the back-end of the vehicle. We were told it was the tires. We ignored the problem. Then on Easter Sunday I noticed that my RPM's were increasing, but my speed was decreasing. I was told that it could be the transmission fluid. We changed it and seen it was a cream color. We discovered that it was actually water in the transmission. The coolant had leaked into the Transmission. We also discovered that we had oil in the radiator.

- Kimberly S., Franklinton, LA, US

problem #101

May 162011

Pathfinder SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

Thinking that doing scheduled maintenance to my vehicle would prevent such an incident, I must admit that having a service rep at my local Nissan dealer tell me that my vehicle is in need of a transmission and radiator replacement and that it would cost me $6K. WTF Nissan? I will NOT pay a Nissan dealer to replace the poorly designed parts that will probably fail again.

I was considering another Nissan purchase, however I will switch back to my old reliable brand of vehicle - those that run for 10 years the way they should - TOYOTA.

- twlatino, Baton Rouge, LA, US

problem #100

Feb 162011

Pathfinder

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

I, like many others, have had the head ache of dealing with transmission problems with my 2005 pathfinder. I first noticed signs around 86,000 as the transmission started shifting funny. Thought it need flushing and had it flushed around 90,000. Upon futher investgation on the web discovered that pathfinders had a history of the radiator leaking into the transmission. Took it to my local dealer and explained what I thought to be the problem. They advised me to contact Nissan directly and get a case number started on it since I was past any warranty. The dealer finally diagnosed that indeed my radiator had leaked into the transmission. After explaining my situation to Nissan (and that I was a loyal customer - currently own 2 altima's and previouly owned a sentra) they denied my claim and would not help in any way.

To fix the problem I would need a new radiator and probably transmission. An estimate of over $5800 from the dealer. NOT GOOD NEWS. I had the radiator replaced and the transmission flushed twice. I was hoping this would do the trick but the transmission is slipping and shifting hard. Waiting as long as possible to get the transmission repaired. Can't take this nice vehicle out of town for fear of it breaking down. Nissan knows it has a BIG problem with this but is taking no resposiblility at all. Very disappointed in NISSAN.

- nnapier, Somerset, KY, US

problem #99

Aug 142010

Pathfinder

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles

Could not believe that the radiator was leaking into my engine, took it to the dealer and was told that there was nothing wrong but instead offered routine service. I had to take it to a non Nissan mechanic to get the work done cause at that point I was not trusting anything they told me. I had no idea that the problem that started earlier in the year was going to cause me so much heartache and money with no acknowledgement of such by the dealer. Awful customer service. Never another Nissan.

- Raphaelle D., Pembroke Pines, FL, US

problem #98

Jan 152011

Pathfinder

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

Because of Nissan's piece of crap design, the radiator fluid leaked into the transmission, destroying it. This is a joke that they have not recalled this. It makes them look like a bunch of fools!! This is not anyone fault but Nissan's that this problem exists.

- Jessica B., Midvlae, UT, US

problem #97

Sep 092010

Pathfinder LE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

I was in the same category as other 05 pathfinder owners. What a mess the whole thing turned out to be. I experience the feeling and sound that you ran over the rumple bar as well and then the not changing gears correctly. All would work better if you turned the over drive off. After my several not so wonderful trips to the Nissan dealership for other various things I decided to have a heavy end mechanic take a look. Yep! You guessed it radiator fluid in the transmission! Transmission ruined going to cost more to replace than I owed on the vehicle. Replacing all parts was not a guarantee of the new problem not happening in the repaired parts which means this could just turn into one vicious cycle. Decided to fix the Nissan problem the correct way: 1) have mechanic flush all fluids 2) Drive to GMC dealer trade in on new 2010 Sierra.

Solved the problem for me. Oh did I mention that during this time I worked for one of the major suppliers of Nissan parts and they were aware this was a problem long before it became a consumer issue?? Just like the paint coming off and the problems with the fuel gauges? There slogen during that time should have been Drive Shift Bend Over! Nissan

- Kelly G., McMinnville, TN, US

problem #96

May 152010

Pathfinder

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

Problem began and finally this week transmission failed. Dealer did not acknowledge my complaint when I first reported it, technician dismissed my complaint and did not record my complaint during the visit since he claimed he found nothing wrong. These are trained crooks. Now a year later my car is out of warranty and I am being quoted $4619.00 to repair what is obviously Nissan's issue. Never another Nissan.

- Raphaelle D., Pembroke Pines, FL, US

problem #95

Apr 062011

Pathfinder SE 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,238 miles

Purchased this vehicle new in 2005 and paid cash. On 4-6-11 my Pathfinder overheated in front of an auto repair shop. As I am outside extended warranty at 108,000 miles I pulled in for assistance. Later told that heater hose and assembly were blown due to radiator clogged with transmission fluid. Had heater hose and assembly replaced and cooling system flushed in order to get vehicle home. Cost was $532.00. Took to Nissan dealership where purchased and was told that radiator was cracked and allowing transmission fluid to exchange with radiator coolant. Cost to replace radiator and transmission is additional $4773.00. Still under powertrain warranty but after numerous calls with Nissan America, they will not honor powertrain warranty because radiator caused problem (which is outside warranty) and because I did not have my servicing done at the Nissan dealership. Car was serviced and oil changed every 3 to 4 thousand miles at independent business. Problem would not have been noticed by anyone servicing the vehicle whether Nissan dealership or private mechanic. Nissan is well aware of this problem and refuses to accept responsibility for flawed radiators.

- Sharon B., Live Oak, TX, US

problem #94

Mar 032011

Pathfinder SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,682 miles

I am one of many thousands who are experiencing problems with radiator leaking fluid into the transmission! Currently I am driving my 2000 Chevy Impala which hasn't put us down yet despite of its minor issues it still gets us where we need to go. My 2005 Nissan started giving my problems when I was at a store and was going in reverse...when I put it in drive it hesitated. As I tap the gas the engine roared but yet it wouldn't budge. I turned it off and waited. When I started it up again it was as if nothing happened until a few weeks later it really started getting worse. Taking my daughter to school and leaving my yard the truck wouldn't let me get past 25mph! I took it to Nissan and they told me that the radiator was leaking fluid in the transmission. I was so hurt and crushed knowing that it was going to cost alot of money. I paid $952.20 for the replacement of the radiator, radiator flush and transmission flush. Well that didnt last thinking that I was going to be ok....feww weeks later the knocking and hesitating go even worse. I took it back and was given an estimate of $4,349.17 for the transmission. Unfortunately I had to take my truck to another repair shop for a more reasonable cost repair because what they we offering was outrageous! I still had to take out a loan and having the work done for $3,913.00. I saved a few hundred dollars but the repair shop I went to showed more concern about me and family. Nissan I must say you are doing a HORRIBLE JOB with having concern for your customers! IF YOU WOULD HAVE MADE OR MANUFACTURED THE PARTS THE RIGHT WAY USING THE BEST QUALITY PART YOUR COMPANY WOULDN'T BE SCREAMED AT FOR LOW LEVEL AND DEFECTIVE PARTS! QUIT TRYING TO MAKE YOUR MONEY BUY USING CHEAP PARTS AND GIVE YOUR CUSTOMERS VEHICLES THAT ARE SAFE FOR OUR FAMILIES!!!!!!!! WE TRUSTED YOU!!!!!!! ALL YOU ALL WORRY ABOUT IS MONEY MONEY AND MORE AND MORE MONEY AND IT ITS HURTING US NISSAN CONSUMERS! QUIT GETTING RICH OFF OF US WHILE YOU SIT BACK KNOWING THAT THE VEHICLES YOU SELL TO US IS GOING TO PUT US DOWN SOONER THAN EXPECTED! SHAME ON NISSAN! ME AND MY FAMILY WILL NOT BE PURCHASING YOUR VEHICLES AGAIN I PROMISE WHICH MEANS YOU WILL NOT GET ANOTHER DIME OF OUR MONEY THAT YOU DON'T DESERVE! MY 2000 CHEVY IS IN BETTER CONDITION.......GET THE HINT....TAKE NOTES AND FIND OUT WHAT OTHER DEALERS ARE USING TO MAKE THEIR PARTS GENUINE! APPARENTLY YOU NISSAN WASN'T PAYING ATTENTION! WAKE UP AND STOP STEALING FROM US! I DROPPED THE MIC AND IM DONE! IM OUT! PEACE!

- kimoni edwards, Fort Benning, GA, US

problem #93

Feb 232011

Pathfinder SE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,441 miles

I took the Pathfinder in for a full service - reporting that there was a transmission issue, vibrating and idling issue in top gear - 37 - 45 mph. $1075 service cost - changed spark plugs, flushed transmission, new antifreeze in radiator - everything that was highlighted as an issue by the mechanic was fixed. Drove to Vermont for a skiing weekend, on the way back, had to switch the overdrive to avoid really bad vibration through the transmission. Once home, drove straight back to the dealer. They said that there was nothing wrong! At the weekend, surfed around on the web and found this website - only to find that 170 people had had the same problem. Printed off the site page, took the vehicle back to the dealer. Nissan would not admit liability, but Pine Belt Nissan in Toms River did a fantastic job for me. It still wasn't cheap - considering the fault lies with a poorly designed radiator and badly engineered parts. After a new trans and new radiator - everything is now good. I just hope the new parts last longer than the original ones!

- fazza, Bayville, NJ, US

problem #92

Jan 112011

Pathfinder LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,212 miles

same problem as others report - the coolant leaked into and ruined the transmission .

- Paul M., Denver, CO, US

problem #91

Apr 012011

Pathfinder SE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles

Car shifting hard, starts jerking. Read online that there is a design issue and that Nissan knows it is a design issue but they refuse to do anything about it. I also read that there is a lawsuit regarding this issue against nissan. Anyway.... we are picking up parts to bypass the radiator which I hate to do because I am so afraid it will cause the car to overheat but I can't afford to replace everything so I have no other choice! THIS IS DEFINITELY THE LAST NISSAN I WILL EVER OWN!!!!!!

- robinc, Roanoke, AL, US

problem #90

Apr 162011

Pathfinder SE 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,800 miles

I found the problem after I had to tow my daughter home after her car wouldn't move when in gear. I looked on the Internet for answers to transmission issues and was directed to check the radiator for transmission fluid. Lo and behold, there it was, as soon as I cracked the seal on the radiator cap. I had it serviced 800 miles ago and the dealer marked the inspection forms concerning fluid levels under the hood as "Might need future attention" with no notes as to what they noticed.

With the rash of recalls and warranty extensions (all of which came too late in regards to mileage already on the vehicle) I have received since I owned this vehicle, I will never buy another Nissan vehicle.

- Tony W., Weatherford, TX, US

problem #89

Feb 092011

Pathfinder LE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,250 miles

I am a new victim of the of the coolant leaking into the transmission. I have an estimate of 4500.00 plus tax and that is for a rebuilt transmission and a new radiator. I called Nissan customer care voiced my complaint. I still owe on my pathfinder and we paid quiet a bit of money for it and i was hoping to have it for aleast 200,000 miles. I am waiting to get my return call on the repair if they are going to fix it or not but it seems to be a defect and should had them all recalled radiators before they went defective. I do not have 5000.00 to have this repaired. It just makes me sick. Wish me luck.

- joediv, Brookfield, OH, US

problem #88

Apr 042011

Pathfinder

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Adding our complaint with our 2005 Nissan Pathfinder to the many others on this site - transmission needs to be replaced. Started hearing "rumbling noise" at about 40-50 mph - "sounded like you were running over rumble strips".

Took to the mechanic, have now had spark plugs replaced, 4 new catalytic converters replaced, and - still have the noise. NOW mechanic says it is the transmission. Cost to fix: approximately $5,000. Of course; our vehicle has 90,000 miles - so we are out of warranty.

Addendum: About 3 months ago we noticed that our heat took forever to come on, then when it started getting warm outside - noticed that our air conditoner would blow cold air; then for no reason would start blowing warm air. We thought we might have a radiator/thermostat issue. We then received a notice from Nissan re: the radiator recall - however, we were past the 80,000 miles - OF COURSE. I cannot believe that Nissan is aware of this issue - and refuses to cover this defect. They obviously have figured out that the issue is occuring past the 80,000 mile mark - and therefore have placed the extended warranty so that it STILL DOES NOT COVER THIS ISSUE! We will never buy Nissan again.

- Melissa L., Knoxville, TN, US

problem #87

Mar 162011

Pathfinder LX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

Another case of the radiator allowing coolant into the transmission. Having just received the letter from Nissan, indicating that the warranty was extended to 80K miles, I was on alert when things started sounding strange. Although coolant got into the transmission, it was not too significant and it was flushed 3 times. We replaced the radiator and have our fingers crossed. So far so good. The transmission could still fail. At a minimum, I'm sure it's life has been shortened.

- John M., Kingsville, MD, US

problem #86

Mar 112011

Pathfinder LE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,637 miles

Transmission failed due to cracked radiator leaking fluid into transmission. I had received a warranty notification extending the warranty from 3 yrs/ 36,000 miles to 8 years 80,000 miles. Unfortunately, mine happened at 92,637 miles. I contacted consumer affairs- they were no help since I was over the mileage. They obviously know this is a HUGE problem to extend the warranty by 5 years- but why did they lower the mileage from 12,000 miles a year to 10,000 miles a year. If they would have kept it at the 12,000 miles a year I would have been covered. I believe they lowered the miles because they know that it happens in great numbers past the 80,000 mile mark.

Very frustrating that Nissan does not stand behind their product. I will never buy another Nissan again.

- Elizabeth C., Rockford, TN, US

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