9.0
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$4,205.00
Average Mileage:
79,984 miles
Total Complaints:
46 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace transmission and radiator (23 reports)
- not sure (12 reports)
- replace the radiator and transmission (6 reports)
- transmission cooler replacement and flush (3 reports)
- check with salvage and pull transmission and radiator (1 reports)
- radiator replacement/transmission flush (1 reports)
transmission problem
Helpful websites about the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, coolant leaked into transmission
- No one has added a helpful site for this 2005 Pathfinder problem yet. Be the first!
2010Jul 16
Pathfinder SE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
no warning,no reasons to cause concern,just i day vehicle started to jump gears,engine light came on,and thats it no transmission.I bring it in to nissan dealer has 70000 mile first thing mechanic says is oh no warranty left.That a $100 to look at problem.Then proceed to call me two hours later to inform me that vehicle is out of warranty by 10.000miles,and it is 5700 for parts,thats not even labor are you #@!@#!#! kidding me i had this truck 1yr still have a ridicules loan on this piece of #@#! truck.To top it off mechanic says oh it happens. I HAD A FEW THINGS TO SAY TO AT THAT POINT.THE KICKER IS A BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY IS VERY AWHARE OF THIS PROBLEM.YOU CAN ONLY CONTACT THEM FROM 8a.m TO 6 p.m HELLO!!!!!!!WE NEED TO GO WORK TO PAY FOR THE PIECE OF @!@! THAT THEY SOLD US.WELL I WILL NOT TAKE THIS QUIETLY I WILL BE CALLING THE MEDIA AND EVERYONE WHO WILL LISTEN TO US .WE ARE THE CONSUMERS IF WE ALL TAKE A STAND THEY WILL AT SOME POINT HAVE TO STEP UP AND RECALL THE PIECE OF@@!! THAT THEY KNOW THEY ARE SELLING US..THIS WILL NOT BE THE LAST YOU HEAR FROM ME ON THIS MATTER I AM JUST BEGING
2010Apr 13
Pathfinder SE
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
Bought used 2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE at around 81k miles. At the time I was hesitant but eventually talked into purchasing the 36k mile extended warranty for $1800. Less than 1 month and 1k miles later while returning home on the expressway the trans started to slip, engine light came on, and promptly failed entirely. The transmission basically seized up entirely and the transmission fluid entirely drained out the bottom.
After about a 6 week nightmare of working with the dealership and warranty company to get this fixed it was finally done.
Anyways... all in all, the total repairs (including a new U-Joint which was causing the car to vibrate around 70mph) was 5900 base, something about 800 "core charge" that was still being disputed, and a $500 bill on the rental. Total: $7200 dollar problem (more than half of what I purchased the vehicle for)
Out of pocket cost? $112.50 for the deductible on the warranty (not sure where the extra $12.50 came in since it was a $100 deductible, but I didn't even want to try and push it lol) . Still unknown whether or not the rental charge will come back to me or the dealership ultimately agreed to pay it (they didn't confirm one way or the other).
It looks like I got off relatively light myself since the extended warranty company came through, but its worth noting that the same exact transmission problem happened to me, at the same exact average mileage as everyone else. There really should be a recall on this thing, lives are at stake here. I was on the expressway when this thing bombed, who knows what could have happened.
My plan for now? Take it to about 110k miles and try to get an extension on the warranty. If not I'm trading it in for something else. Sorry to pawn the problem on someone else at that point but what can you do, this thing is a lemon and a half and can't be trusted.
It's sad because I really do love the vehicle (when it's running lol). Nissan at this point however has lost all credibility, can't trust them.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Mar 31
Pathfinder ES 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 62,500 miles
I'll keep this short and not so sweet. Pathfinder would shake between 40 - 45 mph. Took it in and they said I need a new transmission. Had the transmission replaced and the truck had the same symptoms 2 months later. Took it in again and Nissan said it was the radiator leaking into the transmission? Just had the radiator replaced and will be picking it up this afternoon. As I see mentioned before I thought it was the road before it got really bad. By that time the 60,000 drive train warranty expired. A recall would be nice! At least Toyota admits their faults and takes care of the problems. Last Nissan I will ever buy!
2010May 04
Pathfinder LE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
It all started with the radiator and the only reason I even knew something was wrong was that my gears were switching weird. I took the car into the dealership, they told me that I needed to get a new radiator and transmission b/c my radiator fluid was leaking into my transmission. They quoted me at $6000. I then took my car to get a new radiator and transmission flush, it helped a little. With me not having $6000 just laying around, that would mean that I need to wait.
My car finally gave out 2 weeks ago. I got it towed to a transmission shop, they told me that my radiator fluid is leaking into my transmission. They took my transmission apart to look at parts and apparently everything is rusted together, not to mention the "computer" in the transmission is fried. You would think that Nissan would recognize an issue when they see that that same part is on backorder b/c I am waiting on a part.
I contacted Nissan North America to file a complaint and a week later, I get that they will not cover the cost of repairs b/c I didn't get my car serviced enough at the dealership. Asked to speak to whomever is in the next level and was denied. I then went to file a complaint with the BBB Autoline, filled out a form with an attorney that is already looking into this matter from several others, and contacted the news.
Nissan is very foul for blowing this off. I guess they figure that most people will not go to the extreme and keep fighting. Whatever you guys do, please do not stop pushing this to the top. File a complaint with BBB Autoline, fill out the form with the attorney who is investigating.
http://www.lieffcabraser.com/defects/pathfinder.php
https://www.auto.bbb.org/lemon-law-complaint-form/
2010Jul 01
Pathfinder LE 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Expected to keep this vehicle another 5 years, before this happened. We no longer have confidence in this vehicle.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009May 29
Pathfinder LS 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 98,348 miles
My transmission failed last May and left me stranded. I was already tired of the dealer from all the repairs I had to endure with the fuel sending unit and electrical problem with the ECM. So I contacted a service center and they had a transmission place overhaul the transmission. After the 3rd try the car was "fixed". Until the same problem surfaced again in March 2010, LESS THAN 1 year after my transmission rebuild.
I didn't realize that the radiator could cause this issue until my own research online after the second transmission fix in March of this year. The problem has resurfaced less than two weeks after replacing my torque converter for the second time.
Nissan should recall this faulty design issue with the radiator. There are countless complaints from Pathfinder owners regarding the issue, but because it seems to be a problem that occurs after the warranty expires they refuse to take responsibility for their mechanical issue.
2010Jun 28
Pathfinder V6
- Automatic transmission
- 68,911 miles
Well, it appears I have the same problem as many of you have had with the coolant fluid leaking into the transmission from an internal defect of the radiator. I just received my anticipated phone call from Nissan Customer Service Rep stating that Nissan was not going to cover the costs of the repair. It seems they are well aware of the problem, but obviously not willing to speak. I was informed that IF a recall was issued, I would be notified in writing. I informed the Nissan CSR that I would not take no for an answer and plan to follow this to the end.
For those of you who have had similar problems with your Nissan Pathfinder, I would highly recommend that you look into the class action law suit that is in the works by the lawfirm of Lieff, Cabreser, Heinmann and Bernstein, LLP.
Don't settle for No from Nissan.
2010May 15
Pathfinder SE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 79,000 miles
Just felt a rumble in our car last week(like driving on a rumble strip) Called our very trusted, family mechanic and he knew exactly what we were talking about. He said to check the transmission fluid and see if it looked milky which it did which would indicate that the radiator was bad and leaking fluid into the transmission. Had the radiator replaced today-not a Nissan one because it will only end up going bad again! And our mechanic flushed our transmission twice. We don't know how much damage was done to the transmission. Nissan knows EXACTLY what is going on because our mechanic said they are no longer using those radiators in the new Pathfinders. I think we all have to keep calling and making our complaints known so they do something about this!
2010Apr 01
Pathfinder LE 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 107,000 miles
I have had the same problem as everyone else. However, the nice people from Nissan NA did politely tell me they dont care. The did tell me that if everyone who has this problem sends them an email about this, they might look into doing a recall and possibly fixing this for us. If you have already repaired yours yourself, they might re-imburse you if you still have all the receipts. I had a extended warranty for the powertrain, but since the transmission cooler is not covered and caused the problem, they will not honor my warranty.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010May 12
Pathfinder LE 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
Same problem with the transmission and radiator. The worst part is that there are no warning sign of the problem. I got a diagnostic from autozone. There was three codes from the diagnostic test. Not one of them had anything to do with the transmission and radiator. I think everyone one this complaint page should check out the law firm looking into our cases. I know i will.
2010Feb 14
Pathfinder V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,033 miles
We also started with the 'shimmy' while driving. It rarely happened so we thought it was the road. Until a VERY WARM So CAL Valentine's Day weekend. Driving home on the freeway I guess the radiator was working overtime to try and keep it cool (100 mile trip > which put us just barely over 100,000 miles). Some bozo made us have to slow down to less than 45mph and when we went to speed up NOTHING! I'll we heard was the engine racing but we were actually slowing down. My husbands quick thinking got us off the freeway and out of harms way. Thank goodness we weren't injured ~ OR... WAIT! Maybe some injuries would have made them have to deal with this issue ??
We took it to numerous places ~ had the transmission fluid flushed ~ the radiator flushed ~ replaced air filters and checked fuel lines. But it would still hesitate on 3 out of 5 gears. We started checking the internet for other ideas and "Voila" there it was!
We were advised to call corporate who advised us to take it in. We agreed to pay (how stupid are we) for the diagnostic to determine the actual problem. LIKE THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS GOING TO BE! Our car has been at the dealers shop since April 6th. After 4 weeks and numerous phone calls to both our dealer and corporate there final decision is still "NO". They don't even give a darn that the Pathfinder is our 2ND car. We are currently driving a 2002 Frontier with over 185,000 miles on it. So much for LOYALTY!
I just picked it up today 5/5/10 (was never authorized to be fixed). We will be parking our vehicle outside our local dealer with lemons painted on the windows and a very descriptive notice as to what happened any why. I think we will also be passing out a flyer "advising" other 2005 Pathfinder owners (there are a lot of these in our area) of the "very likely" COSTLY repairs they are in store for.
Update from May 17, 2010: **5/14/10 > UPDATE WE HAVE A POSSIBLE LAWYER!!**
They have set up investigation pages specifically for the 2005 Pathfinder
problems, and have asked people who email him to use these pages
to provide basic info. The links are:
http://www.lieffcabraser.com/defects/pathfinder.php
http://www.lieffcabraser.com/contact/contact-pathfinder.htm
In order to make sure there database is complete please provide the
requested info on the online form.
Please provide these links to anyone who would be interested in contacting us about these problems.
THANK YOU!!
2010Apr 12
Pathfinder ES
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I took my car to Nissan dealership in Kennesaw Georgia, they told me same issue.. i have to pay 4K to replace radiator and transmission. this is the second time i did this. i already paid 4500 dollars about 2 years ago and now this is happening again. this is my last Nissan
2010Apr 08
Pathfinder LE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 56,000 miles
After reading this site I am even more upset. The fact that this is happening to so many people and Nissan is not recalling the problem is huge. Nissan has put us off now for almost 2 weeks waiting on an answer about whether or not they will be covering any of the cost of the repairs. I have 3 small children and am just waiting for the transmission to freeze up while on the highway in the middle of Atlanta. We only have 56,000 miles on our car and take VERY good care of it. Change the oil when required, and YES have all fluid levels check etc... After speaking to a transmission specialist I was told that it would not have mattered if we had the transmission checked or not at the same intervals as oil changes because this problem can happen inside of driving 50 miles.
This is a SERIOUS ENGINEERING PROBLEM and Nissan should be stepping up to make this right for their customers. I will never own another one again!!! Especially if we have to pay what we were quoted from the dealer to correct THEIR PROBLEM which was $5100. TOTAL BULLSHIT!!~!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Feb 13
Pathfinder SE Off-Road
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
It is obvious that Nissan knows the problem exists, I suspect that since it seems to be on the Pathfinder, they don't really care to keep those buyers. I had it to the dealer before total failure, asking about exactly this issue, they Flushed the Tran, said no signs of issue. 3 months later I had to back down a 1.3 mile twisty road, with my daughter and grandchildren in vehicle, to get it safely off the road.
2010Apr 13
Pathfinder V6
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
I am having the same issue which is coolant leaking into the transmission. This is happening a lot I have a friend who works for Nissan he told me this occurs a lot but Nissan refuse to do anything about it. I had to replace the radiator twice and do a flush but once the trans gets coolant it is just a matter of time until the transmission dies which is what happen to me. the technician told me they should have replaced the transmission once the coolant went into it. Nissan refuse to assist me with the matter and this started when the path finder was at 44,000 miles.now it is at 102,000miles something has to be done.
2010Apr 02
Pathfinder LE 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
I am still waiting for Nissan to call me . my warranty expired because of my millage. my car overheated and vibrates. the dialer asked me for 7000 to replace and they tell me not to drive it. I have to replace transmission and radiator flashing it is not going to help that what Nissan dealer said. I cant go to work because I don't have a car. I am not to going to pay 7000 to fix this problem they have to fix it .I pay 30.000 plus 7000 it is not worth-it. I am going to take it to lawyer. 7000 it is not 7dollar .This is going to be my last and first Nissan car ever.....
2010Apr 01
Pathfinder SE 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Have had the car in and out of the shop over the last few weeks, still not fixed yet.
2010Mar 19
Pathfinder SE
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
I am not alone in this problem apparently! My 2005 Pathfinder's radiator leaked radiator fluid into the transmission so that both the radiator and transmission have to be replaced to the tune of over $5000.00! I was having trouble with my heater (always have) and when I took the truck to the dealer awhile back, they said that there was air in the system and flushed radiator and re pressurized the system. Since then my truck developed the tell tale shudder and consequently the radiator had cracked allowing radiator fluid into the transmission. I can't believe that Nissan is ignoring this repetitive problem. I am writing a letter to Nissan attaching all of the complaints that I have found on the internet as well as my bill. I am going to copy the BBB, the Attorney Generals office, Consumer Reports, and Car magazines and anyone else that I think should hear about this problem. Maybe if we all inundate them with this issue, something will get done.
2009Dec 01
Pathfinder SE
- Automatic transmission
- 113,000 miles
I have owned 4 Nissan Pathfinders. The 2005 model that I am currently driving is definitely a Lemon. I have had more problems with this vehicle then all three of the others added together. Gas Lights, Gas sensor, radiator leaking into transmission and now transmission is slipping. Nissan is so compassionate-NOT. They could care less, give me 5 grand and I (NIssan) will fix your vehicle that is a lemon. My Last Nissan.
2009Sep 14
Pathfinder SE 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 111,000 miles
2 months before the transmission went out, the radiator had a trans cooling line that broke. seems to be a common problem. we had trans fluid mix with the coolant, and vice versa. we had to replace the radiator and have the trans flushed, with $10 a quart special nissan trans fluid of course. less than 2 months later the transmission started vibrating. after taking it to a trans shop was told that the transmission needed to be replaced. I said what? they cost a pretty penny. No trouble code was present in the computer. we had contacted nissan and was told this is a common problem but no recalls were issued. I made a complaint to them and they just said it was documented. I am pissed off that this problem that should of been a recall is being overlooked. I am pursuing it in a legal matter.
2009Jul 14
Pathfinder SE 3.5L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 87,000 miles
It seems to be a waste of time to contact Nissan USA, they don't care about or value the costumer. I was told by my dealer that my transmission needed to be flush so i allowed them to do it as a result of my decisions my radiator busted and transmission was damage. I took it back to the dealer they said the transmission was good and i only needed to replace the throttle body and tps and two weeks later i am back at Nissan then they say the transmission is bad after i paid out over a $1,000.00 for the throttle body repair. Nissan and Nissan USA needs to be boycotted and blacked balled!
2009Nov 01
Pathfinder LE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
I had the exact same problem and the only thing that saved me is that I had GEICO extended warranty. The repair would have been around $6k without the warranty. Car was not shifting correctly and the dealer quickly diagnosed the issue. On a visit to the dealer for yet another repair (catalytic converter (also covered and saved $2k)), the dealer said mine was the first repair of this type that he had seen but now he is seeing it a lot more.
2010Mar 04
Pathfinder SE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 56,600 miles
I just took my Pathfinder to the Nissan dealer (where I purchased it) because it was/is still under warrenty, unlil 60,000 miles (I'm at 56,600). I'm having the same problem as everyone else, they are blaming the radiator for ruining the transmission so they are not going to cover any of the cost. I called Nissan of North America directly and am now waiting to hear back. I also contacted a Lemon Law attorney. It seems quite obvious they need to issue a "recall." Has anyone had any luck getting them to pay for their mistakes?
2010Feb 17
Pathfinder LE 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 101,000 miles
this is ridiculous, why wasn't there some kind of bulletin sent out to warn about this issue,or a recall... they really s---------------------------...i hope with issues toyotas and nissan are having that americans will shift back to ford and gm.i know im leaning that way.
2010Jan 27
Pathfinder LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 76,000 miles
Same problem , 2005 Pathfinder started vibrating at 45 MPH in overdrive, called Nissan dealer and took the car in. They stated the same thing,, Radiator coolant and Transmission fluid mixing due to transmission cooler problem. They wanted $1425 to flush the radiator and transmission then stated could not back that it would fix the problem. Then they wanted $6,000 to put in a new radiator and transmission. Advised that I would pick up the vehicle. Still charged me $95 to look at the problem. I pulled up the vehicle in Google and Wow!, This should be a recall from Nissan, I found a mechanic at Apex Salvage, he was very aware of the problem, will pull transmission from Salvaged pathfinder, put in correct radiator and correct transmission cooler, this is going to cost $1,800,, I will never, ever buy Nissan vehicle due to Nissan know there should be a recall on this problem. The Check Engine light should have came on also. Class Action Suit should be in process.
2010Feb 15
Pathfinder SE
- Automatic transmission
- 101,867 miles
My 2005 Pathfinder began vibrating at speeds around 40-45mph and above back in November 2009. I had the transmission flushed and it drove better until January when it started acting up again. I took it to the Nissan dealership where I purchased the vehicle brand new in 2005 and was told they "found an internal failure of the radiator, allowing the transmission and coolant fluid to mix". They recommend the following repairs to start off: replacement of radiator, transmission flush, heater core, and water pump (over $2600). However, they could not guarantee that this would solve the problem. I may still need a new transmission! I have contacted Nissan and my complaint has been sent to the regional specialist. I plan to take this to the BBB in hopes that enough of us have complained to where this situation will be investigated. In the meantime, I will not pay to have my pathfinder repaired, nor will I ever purchase another vehicle from Nissan again!
2010Feb 02
Pathfinder LE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 74,000 miles
I had a front end vibration and a transmission vibration. My mechanic replaced the U joint which fixed the front end vibration, but not the transmission vibration. At the same time, I had the radiator coolant replaced. The mechanic noted that the fluid was very odd, like someone had put in a sealant (which I had not) This seems to the be same problem described by others with radiator coolant mixing with the transmission fluid. I have an appointment at the dealership for this Friday.
2010Jan 12
Pathfinder LE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
We need to make them recall and fix this problem there have been 20 pathfinders in my area with the same problem. If they will not then we need to file a class action law suite this is crazy you pay $30,000.00 for a pathfinder and in 5 years time this happens. This is a defective part.
2009Dec 22
Pathfinder LX
- Automatic transmission
- 62,000 miles
husband has no way to work. i have three kids and no car for emergencies. we should band together and demand a recall or go for a class action suit. Nissan is laughing at us all.
2010Jan 01
Pathfinder V6
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
It sucks that so many people are having this problem and Nissan is not recycling these vehicles or at least covering some of the cost!
2010Jan 09
Pathfinder SE 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 73,455 miles
I JUST HOPE THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVER EVERYTHING.
2009Dec 17
Pathfinder SE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
I have been dealing with this issue of my car for the last month. 1st the heater was not staying warm so the mechanics replaced my thermostat, then my car would not even defrost my windshield so they flushed my radiator and put in new fluids. Then, they replaced my radiator and flushed the transmission. Now, I am having my car towed to Nissan as we speak. I have already dished out $1,500. But, now after reading all of this stuff posted on the internet I think that I maybe okay. It looks like my transmission is under warranty so hopefully this mess will end soon. Does anyone know if Nissan is doing anythink about this problem?
2009Nov 02
Pathfinder Limited V6
- Automatic transmission
- 74,565 miles
Same problem with 2005 Pathfinder Transmission, is anyone going to take names and fight this with Nissan?
2009Feb 26
Pathfinder
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
Exact same story as everyone else with this problem. A few months before the problem was "diagnosed", I took it to the Nissan dealership where they kept it for a week running tests, and told me they couldn't find any reason why the vehicle was vibrating. Also the engine was revving up on its own. Two months later it had gotten worse, so I took it to another dealership (I had moved to another town about an hour away). They told me the radiator was leaking fluid into the transmission, and both were ruined. They said it was not covered under the warranty and Nissan would do NOTHING to help. I am still paying every month for this, as I had to take out a loan to pay for the replacement of the radiator and transmission.
2009Oct 22
Pathfinder V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
My 2005 Pathfinder needs the transmission and radiator replaced because of the coolant leaking into the transmission. Im tired of even thinking of this problem...I just can't believe that Nissan won't help out in this situation....I am awaiting a call back but after reading all this I am not optimistic.
2009Oct 12
Pathfinder SE 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 117,000 miles
This is really awful. Nissan should have initiated a recall on this problem. The service light did not even give a warning when this thing happened. The cost to repair is just buying another car. I am not going to buy Nissan anymore.
2009Oct 12
Pathfinder SE 4
- Automatic transmission
- 117,000 miles
This thing suck. I go to the dealership for service on a regular basis. But they have not diagnose the problem on time. This type of problem should be considered a lemon. I cant believe that you have to spend $8000 for fix such problem.I really furious about this. The service light only lit when the damage has already been done.
2009Jun 03
Pathfinder SE 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
My 2005 pathfinder transmission failed because the faulty radiator fluid leaked into the transmission which caused the transmission to fail, I went to the dealer where I bought the Truck they told me it would cost $8,400.00 WOW they did not even know what was wrong with the truck, had it looked at some transmission shops , they said right away radiator fliud leek into the trans and It would cost around $4,000.00 Called Nissan and told them about the problem and they said your on your own. Why not have some recall on this problem I have read about many complaints and Nissan does not not seam to back up their products.
2009Jun 01
Pathfinder LE 4.6L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 48,000 miles
My wife told me one day that the vehical had started to vibrate, i asked if she had it fully engaged into drive or possibly left the shift selector in between drive selections, we went out and drove it around a while and it began to shudder and vibrate violently. I checked the fluids in the engine and the tranny, checked to see if the 4 wheel drive selector had inadvertantly moved to 4 wheel full time, or 4 wheel low. In other words, i checked everything I could with out taking something apart or removing drain plugs. We decided to see if it went away, maybe bad gas, so we ran a couple tank fulls of premium unleaded, problem remained if not slightly worse espeicialy on the freeway, which was rare because most of the vehicals use was confined to in town under 40 mph. We took the vehical in for an oil change and service at our local jiffy lube, and had them check tranny, front, and rear diff. fluids. They topped off the coolant as they usually do and we didnt bother to ask how the fluid looked. We took the car into the dealership where we bought the vehical and told them what was happening, and I took a nissan certified mechanic for a drive, and even he said that it sounded and felt awfull. We allowed them to do a diagnostic search for the problem, although there search was quit fast and the overall diagnostic memo that they had typed up was even faster because I believe they knew exactly what the problem was before we went on our little drive, I had no sooner gotten back to work that day when they called to tell me what they found. They had just enough time to call nissan corporate headquarters to find out what they should say and report back to us. This whole thing stinks like sh*t, a big stinking cover up to keep from honoring their warranty, which by the way states that the vehical drive train is covered for 5 years and/or 60,000 miles. Well, our pathfinder is well under 60,000 miles and the service manager told us that the vehical wont turn 5 years old until next january and they had also prepared an estimate to replace the transmission and the radiator to the tune of $7000.00. We were surprised that they didnt even offer to cover some of the cost until i was refered to a rep outside our city, where they said they would call back at a certain time and didnt, all the while thinking that maybe there was someone with a backbone lobbying on our behalf after i explained to them that technically, the transmission cooler inside the radiator had failed, not the radiator itself and that the cooler for the transmission should be considered a part of the transmission since its primary function was to cool the transmission fluid which is paramount to the overall functioning of the transmission/drive train. I told them that since the radiator is a 3 year 36,000 mile warranteed part, and that we were over that milestone, i would gladly take resposibility for the radiator, if they would take care of the so called warranteed part. Nissan headquarters called me back and said the best they could do is kick in 1000.00 towards repair costs. I told them immediatly, that was unacceptable, and that they needed to go back to whoever makes that decision and tell them we would be contacting our attorney, and telling other people in the community that we know who also drive nissans, how we were being treated by nissan and the dealership. They then responded with an offer to provide a new transmission as long as we paid them to do the work. We thought about it and decided that they should cover all transmision related expense as a matter of principle and urged the dealership manager to restore our faith in nissan and his dealership to no avail. The service manager told us that the characteristics of the transmission would not change and remain consistantly the same and that the vehical would continue to be operable although irritating. Coming home on the freeway, the vehical began blowing tranny fluid and smoking. I now have time and money involved with towing the vehical because i was affraid if i drove it any further, i would be jeapordizing my families safty if it were to catch on fire. I understand that things break and wear out, but if a company says that you should buy there vehical because they will stand behind it, and that they believe that they have a quality product that you can count on, then they should do as they say and stand behind there vehical. But as far as I can tell, nissan doesnt give two sh*ts about honor, and would rather spend thier time thinking up ways to get out of having to repair their so called warranted vehicals, pass the blame onto a part thats not under warranty as the culprit, which is, ironicly warranteed for 3 years/ 36,000 miles, but isnt due to be serviced, or even looked at until the 60,000 mile milestone. Nissan definitly has a problem that they need to acknowledge, or else the stellar reputation for making reliable vehicals will go down the drain. And at times like now, people will remember more than ever, who you can count on and who you cant.
2009Jun 04
Pathfinder SE 3.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
i had the transm flushed (200.00 w/coupon) as regular maintenance, the high pressure caused leakage of coolant into transmission. New radiator, 2x radiator flush, 2x trans flush <900.00. Funny knocking sound when shifting at high gears, replaced cellanoid and flushed, 440.00.still not fixed
2009Jun 01
Pathfinder LE 3.5L
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
After reading the Horror stories I brought mine into to my Mechanic to do a checkup. The symptoms were starting....shuddering in between 4th gear and OD (5th gear) shift. (about 50-60 mph, 2000 rpm). He confirmed that I had a Milky substance in my radiator. Then confirmed that the transmission cooler within the radiator was leaking. Replace radiator, flush radiator, flush transmission + brake all around 1750.00. I'm driving this hunk of crap to Carmax as soon as I pick it up.
What really chaps my butt is that this is an off-road capable vehicle with a towing package, I never been off road with it and I never towed anything and this type of failure happens at 72,000 miles....You got to be kidding.
This is an OBVIOUS Design flaw with Nissan, as these failures are popping up all over edmunds and other sites. Nissan will do nothing and therefore I want nothing to do with them. Goodbye Nissan. A good lawyer should be able to take a product liability claim suit to the bank. I am an engineer and there is an obvious oversight on Nissan design team overlooking material compatibility with the transmission cooler.
Going to buy an older american pickup truck, they may break down just as much, but the parts cost half as much. either that or a toyota.
2009May 27
Pathfinder
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
A Nissan malfunction that they are not standing behind. Will never purchase another Nissan product. Same leakage problem, same vehicle!! If you have already had this problem correct, get rid of you vehicle before it happens again!
2009Apr 15
Pathfinder SE
- Automatic transmission
- 76,000 miles
noticed car shifting strangely on way to work when vehicle lost power and started revving like it was in neutral, but it was in drive. dealer stated that anti freeze had leaked into transmission because transmission cooler is located in radiator and it may have ruptured.
2009Apr 13
Pathfinder SE V6
- Automatic transmission
- miles
Truck would not heat at idle. Took it to Nissan, and they stated that the radiator leaked into the transmission. New radiator with transmission flush costs $900. Then they can test the transmission.
I called Nissan America and asked for a good will replacement on the radiator and an extended warranty on the transmission if they don't replace it. Waiting for respsonse.
Update from May 2, 2009: Nissan refused to honor the powertrain warranty. They stated that the transmission fault was due to the radiator failure! I was provided with a letter and they advised me to contact the BBB. I purchased a radiator and had a radiator flush performed. Again NO indications were given for this failure ie...no high temperature on engine. I will not purchase another Nissan again. They do not stand behind their product.
2009Jan 15
Pathfinder LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Transmission failed and damaged associated electronics. This Car was 10000 K out side of warranty (Second Pathfinder I owned with the same problem). Dealership diag said I needed new transmission and radiator New $7000 used with 70K and 6mo warranty $ 4800
I decided to find a local shop that said that they could do it for $3k however the car is now in a no start condition. I now have it at a Nissan dealer and they are going to try to replace it again. I have since filed a complaint with BBB and Nissan I doubt I will get anywhere. I would not recommend this product to anyone.
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your transmission problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Feb 01
Pathfinder LE 4.0L V6
I'm experiencing the same symptoms as many previous Pathfinder owners has posted about, my transmission is shaking violently when I'm driving about 60-70mph. It was not that noticeable at first but the problem is getting worse and I'm afraid that the transmission will give out any day now.
I've tried flushing the transmission and adding some Lucas transmission additives but it quieted the transmission for a day or two and then went back to the shaking right away. I've contacted the Nissan Consumer Affairs and was contacted by their regional specialist but they told me that I had to get the dealerships diagnosis before they can even consider any type of assistance and also pretty much told me that due to me "not being a good customer" since I didn't spend enough money at the dealership for servicing and due to the high mileage on my vehicle, any type of assistance would be highly unlikely. I complained to them about 3 common Pathfinder problems: Transmission, Engine whinning noise (secondary timiing chain) and the fuel level sensor and the dealership told me I would have to pay $107 for each diagnosis to just get an esimate of how much it would cost to fix these problems. Without a guarantee from Nissan Consumer Affairs that they would assist me in fixing these issues, there was no way I was going to pay $320+ to find out what the problem is when I already know from my independent service technician which Nissan Consumer Affairs won't take as a real diagnosis.
These are dangerous problems that are common to many 2005 Pathfinder models that Nissan is simply refusing to take responsibility to do a recall and repair the defective parts. We as owners really need to step up and orgnaize a class action suit against Nissan to make them pay for their lemons. I've posted my complaint to the lawyer (link) who is already investigating this issue as well as bbb and other public consumer protection sites. This was a horrible experience and I would never buy another Nissan product.
http://www.lieffcabraser.com/contact/thankyou.htm
Chris C.
Fountain Valley, CA, USA
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