CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2005-2007 Pathfinder appears to have a widespread defect where coolant leaks into the transmission, causing transmission failure around 90,000 miles. Repair costs are typically upwards of $3,500.

According to the New York Times & a class action lawsuit, the defect actually extends through 2010 model year. More info here.

9.2

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,980
Average Mileage:
114,550 miles
Total Complaints:
232 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace radiator and transmission (152 reports)
  2. not sure (42 reports)
  3. replaced radiator and transmission (17 reports)
  4. replaced radiator (13 reports)
  5. bypassed radiator, added an external tranny cooler (2 reports)
  6. bypass trans cooler/add external cooler/replace pcm (1 reports)
2007 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems

transmission problem

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2007 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Comments (Page 1 of 12)

problem #232

Nov 292019

Pathfinder SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 205,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

What I want to know is how the engine coolant was getting into the transmission?

- David F., Fayetteville, GA, US

problem #231

Jul 012019

Pathfinder

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Super frustrating that all of a sudden, I'm driving my Pathfinder and all of a sudden the speed goes down to zero on the interstate! After having a friend check it because I can't afford a mechanic or can't afford to take it to a Nissan dealership, they told me that the coolant had leaked into the transmission. OMG! I'm on a fixed income, how the hell can I afford to fix my vehicle. The sad thing is that my late husband bought this vehicle for us before he passed away, that's why I treasured this vehicle. It's so unfair that Nissan will not fix defect regardless of the mileage. Nissan got away with this. I won't ever buy a Nissan again!

- Sylvia W., Rio Rancho, NM, US

problem #230

Jul 012016

Pathfinder SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

My Pathfinder would not run. I would be driving and it would lock up. I had to have the truck towed to the dealer who quoted me told me I needed an new transmissions. I got a second opinion and a referred mechanic and he told me the same thing quoted me 6500.00. said the diagnostic said the transmission was leaking into the radiator. So, I took the truck to AAMCO, the said the same thing. They actually called Nissan because they had heard about the recall. They said I didn't qualify. - Finally, after I approved for AAMCO to do the work for 6K,which I had to borrow from my 401K to pay for it. I called Nissan Corp. apparently the last day they said of the recall. But, they said I missed the recall date therefore I did not qualify.

I am barely writing this in 2020, because it still bugs me to this day. I have also been dealing with a very sick husband for the last 3 1/2 years. Now, my timing chain is going out per Nissan and I cannot afford to pay for it. I have only this truck, to take my husband to his appts. and every time I turn on the truck in hearing the clicking from the timing chain.

- mel1nissan, n/a, US

problem #229

Jul 122017

Pathfinder SE 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,567 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Due to defective radiator anti freeze and water got into the transmission fluid and damaging the transmission. Causing over $5,000 damages and can’t afford to fix it. Should be replaced and repaired by Nissan because it was a factory defect.

- Travis T., Bath, US

problem #228

Nov 012017

Pathfinder LE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 172,000 miles

I guess I was "lucky". I made it to 172,000 miles before the transmission failed because of Nissan's stupidity. The truck is really not worth the cost of the repair.

I bought it used in 2010 with less than 36,000. Had to have the timing chain replaced in 2013 due to Nissan's poor design. In 2013, I also had to replace the faulty spiral cable in the steering wheel. In the last few years I've dealt with having to replace the crankshaft and fuel level sensor and the emissions sensor. Both of these problems had an extended warranty, but the problems did not occur in my Pathfinder until after the warranties were no longer valid on my vehicle due to mileage.

I probably should not have hung on to this truck for this long, but it's paid for and I did not want another car payment.

It's frustrating that for the past 7 years I have taken great care of the Pathfinder only to have it pretty much become worthless due to Nissan's negligence.

It's been sitting at the transmission shop for a few weeks. I still have not decided if I'm going to pay for the repair or move on. There should have been a recall on this years ago. Shame on you Nissan. Never will buy another vehicle from you again.

- foprac, Irondale, US

problem #227

Nov 132017

Pathfinder LE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Very inconvenient, my husband has to take me and pick me up from work with traffic and spend more for gas.

- Pamela L., Pittsburg, US

problem #226

Feb 062015

Pathfinder SE 3.2L 6 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have not yet completely fixed vehicle due to the cost. hardship has prevented me from doing so. I feel that Nissan should reimburse and fix this issue. We need a new Lawsuit to help all owners, this was very devastating to me. I missed work, almost lost my job and they think this is ok to do to a customers.

- Bettyliza T., Rochester, NY, US

problem #225

Aug 212017

Pathfinder SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,150 miles

My mechanic just told me that there is a known issue with Pathfinder's in which the coolant from the radiator leaks into the transmission. This wrecks both components and now both need to be replaced. This is at a minimum a $3000 cost! Unfortunately for me, my issue didn't start until the last 2 months or so and this was after the expiration of the extended warranty period.

I've seen where some consider this not to be a safety issue, but what if I am trying to accelerate onto a highway and my transmission blows because of this? Accident will surely happen and hopefully nobody gets severely injured! I feel that this should be a total recall and not just a $3000 copay.

- Chris K., Chesterfield, MO, US

problem #224

May 302017

Pathfinder V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,000 miles

Trans was running rough. Changed filter and fluid. Ran better, then WAM! Stuck in 3rd gear and got the milkshake of death! Trying to repair by replacing radiator and cleaning TCM.

- flguy, Macclenny, US

problem #223

Apr 062017

Pathfinder

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles

I started having the problem with my 2007 Nissan Pathfinder on April 6, 2017. It was shuddering and it wouldn't move when I stepped on the accelerator or put it in reverse. There were no warning signs before. I had it towed to my mechanic 45 min. away. Later that day I learned that the radiator had broken and the water and gone into the transmission and destroyed the transmission. Someone told me that they had that same problem with their Nissan so I looked online and lo and behold...this was a BIG issue with Nissan. The Nissan dealer referred me to Consumer Affairs for Nissan. They told me that I would have to have it towed from my repair person down to the Nissan dealership to be evaluated. Consumer Affairs for Nissan agreed to have me pay $3,000 copay and they would pay the rest even though my car was 2 weeks past the warranty date and it was 13,000 miles over. I, as a consumer, was never notified that this was an issue with my car. If I had, I probably would have replaced the radiator at $800 instead of the transmission and radiator for $5700. I am still out $3,000 which is a huge amount and two tows for my vehicle.

- Melinda S., Roseville, CA, US

problem #222

Mar 302017

Pathfinder SE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Owned this 2007 Nissan Pathfinder for 3 years. Transmission just went out because radiator leaked coolant into the transmission and ruined it. Online, I found out that this is a common problem with this vehicle and that Nissan was aware of and did nothing about. Since it was out of warranty I had to pay the entire cost of the repair which was very expensive. I know that there was a class action suit but I do not qualify because mileage was over what they allowed for any reimbursement.

I will never purchase another Nissan made vehicle again. I am disgusted that Nissan can sell vehicles that they know have problems and continue on their merry way without any regard for their customers.

Now after reading about more problems with this model, I am concerned about more potential repairs, especially the timing chain going out.

- Thomas P., Birmingham, US

problem #221

Aug 242016

Pathfinder SE 4.Ol V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 138,988 miles

Why are Nissan SUVs, Trucks, and Cars such CRAPPY vehicles? I guess it's because they are the sum of the cheapest materials that they use to make the cheapest parts, so they can make the most money! Ever since mid 1993, their cars turned to GARBAGE, Why do the Korean cars, take Kia and Hyundai for instance, cost much less and are so much better? My 2007 Nissan Pathfinder has the "check engine" light on, throwing 4 engine codes: U1000 (main harness grounding problem) is the one I will mention today. (The ECM won't even show all the transmission problems, the technician says it won't communicate with the ODB2 scanner) never the less, this heap will turn over, but will not start ....it could be the P0850 code (Park / Neutral starter switch) or Maybe the P2101 code (electric throttle control not operative) or the P0507 code it's also throwing (idle air control system inoperative) BUT, if it did start... it wouldn't be able to go anywhere, because the transmission fluid is a combination of anti-freeze, water and even small amounts of transmission fluid!!!....How can an SUV made in 2007 with 138K miles have this many things wrong with it? Oh wait, I think I know why.....IT'S MADE BY NISSAN!!! This company is a TOTAL DISGRACE to Japan, and what a shame that is.....the Japanese People are as nice and polite as the Canadians! I have a 2003 Ford Expedition with 215,000+ miles on it and it has NO CHECK ENGINE CODES, NO leaks, burns NO oil and runs better than a new Nissan!!!!! Henry Ford was a real innovator, that made cars that the whole world could afford....Nissan is just a greedy HOG of a car company that takes advantage of people all over the world! SO if you must have a foreign car, get a Kia or a Hyundai, you will be so glad you did (especially if you ever had the misfortune of owning a Nissan)

- Karen R., Slidell, LA, US

problem #220

Jan 302017

Pathfinder SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,600 miles

My transmission went out around January 30, 2017. It just lost power. I never knew about any leakage from radiator into transmission problems. I often took it to Nissan for a radiator flush, oil change and to have the fuel gauge fixed, because it wasn't registering how much fuel was left in the tank. However, I had to come out of pocket about $235.00. My transmission went out and I had a mechanic of my choice check it out, did some cleaning of the transmission, fluids and all. He suggested after driving it, that it was shot. We find another one with a 1 year warranty. He installed it, cost me 2300 for the transmission, 1600 for labor. The transmission was still not working properly. Something mentioned about TCM need programming. I had it taken to the dealer to program it, would cost 120.00, but the tech couldn't program it. Says something wrong with that transmission. So the dealer wants to charge me to break it down, to see what's wrong and quoted me that it would probably cost $2200 for another transmission with a year warranty. So, I had it towed back to the original mechanic, to take back to the parts company that sold the transmission. I could have told the dealer , go ahead, paid $3690 and nothing was guaranteed. So,as of March 1, 2017 there is still no solution and the Pathfinder right now is useless.

I felt the Nissan service manager who wanted to do more work on it offering me to buy another transmission, but a 1 year warranty. Felt like I was buying another faulty product. However, during the week we talked, he mentioned before I did about the complaints with radiator fluid leaking into the transmission when he did the research. Still he wanted to do the work for $3690. on the 2007 Pathfinder. So, $1650 spent on labor, $2300.00 on what is suppose to be a bad transmission, $800.00 on car rentals to get back work brings up to about $4750.00. Just money right? I'm not saying I wouldn't buy another Nissan, because that particular year just may have been a bad product, but if I do buy a Nissan, it won't be a brand new one off the lot again. At this point all I can do is seek legal help or just cut my losses and move on.

- Banks, B., Lithonia, GA, US

problem #219

Feb 032017

Pathfinder LE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 128,000 miles

Vehicle was purchased used in 2014, then began to notice issue with transmission not changing gear smoothly and very slow to come out of first gear... then I discover this is a chronic Nissan problem for years, and the car is now basically worthless for trade or resale!!!

Can this not fall under the lemon laws of a given state of sale???

- tbrandon, Enterprise, AL, US

problem #218

Nov 012016

Pathfinder LE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

Huge flaw in design, cost $$$ to repair on already depreciated car

- Daniel V., San Marcos, CA, US

problem #217

Dec 282016

Pathfinder V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

Car started to shudder while accelerating, heater would get cold when car was sitting, shuddering and shaking. Garage said radiator cracked and fluid got into transmission fluid and destroyed engine. Fix is so expensive we are going to donate the car to charity. Nissan was well aware of this issue, even settled a class action suit. I do not understand why they did not notify owners so we could try to get it repaired before it completely destroyed the engine. Would never consider a Nissan again.

- Marianne S., Albany, OR, US

problem #216

Jul 082013

Pathfinder SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

This was my third Nissan and just purchased my fourth in the last year. At 83000 miles in July of 2013 I had the dealership flush the transmission and perform other tasks. I specifically told them something did not feel right and a short time later returned because it was worse. They stated the trans fluid was down a liter and topped it off, nothing to worry about. Recently it has gotten bad at 45 mph. shuttering. I just had the auto body valve and solenoid replaced on my 06 Maxima and the trans guy told me the bad news. I was not aware of the recall/court case and now have approached Nissan considering I was there at 83000 miles getting work done they should have told me. the dealership said they are the last to know... NICE. Nissan called yesterday to tell me I am SOL, I escalated and if necessary will file a small claims suit next week.

I have owned or currently own 4 Nissans and will be in the market for two new cars within the next four years... Probably my last cars but all my children will likely each buy three to four cars in their lifetime...

Nissan told me they could not supply me with their decision in writing because it is proprietary information. Let's see if they have someone show up at Magistrate court in my little county... Total bill from the dealership $5600+, could reach $8K the guy told me... The car is not worth that much even in excellent condition. I expect the first answer to be no, I hope the second is yes. I am still awaiting a call, then the President of Nissan then the local judge.

They state that they are forbidden to provide any help to anyone over 100K by the court settlement, I was not part of the court settlement and therefore take the position that they cannot limit my rights especially when I was in there at 6 years and 83000 miles for transmission work well within all this taking place.

dS

- ngaguy12, Gainesville, GA, US

problem #215

Sep 172016

Pathfinder ES 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

While driving, I noticed a heavy vibration while accelerating, a problem that progressively has been becoming more frequent. I suspected a transmission problem and started to research online and found a class action suit against Nissan for using a defective radiator tank that is leaking coolant into the transmission and eventually destroying the transmission. I contacted Nissan and they had me get a diagnosis ($135) from a Nissan dealer and sure enough that was the problem.

This is a major safety hazard with the potential of transmission failure while driving, I do not feel safe driving my children around and they refuse to do a recall and want to charge me $3,000 for a new transmission. This is a well documented issue and they're failure to do what's right and replace free of charge has made me and many other consumers furious.

Please help investigate this ongoing problem and demand a recall. Thank You for your time.

Erin

- Erin K., Township Of Washington, NJ, US

problem #214

Oct 022016

Pathfinder ES 3.2lV6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

Nissan MUST address this issue. The class action lawsuit settlement is a joke. This is a $4,000 fix for a vehicle that was well-maintained. It worked well one day and wouldn't start the next. Nissan has been aware of this problem since 2007 when we bought our vehicle. What kind of unethical, self-serving, money-grubbing, incompetent jerks are they? This is clearly a design flaw. Are their engineers that incompetent? Did they do it on purpose in order to keep all of their employees working and making money (mechanics, salesmen, assembly line workers, etc.)? I'm appalled. I equate this with not warning people that their timing belts/chains could fail. That's a standard maintenance task for a reason. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I would definitely join a class-action lawsuit.

- pmckee, Conway, AR, US

problem #213

Jul 072016

Pathfinder SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124,000 miles

Nissan doesn't want to take responsibility for their problem. They caused a lot of people to have to spend $5800 dollar to repair the radiator and transmission.

- sharonmoore, Ahoskie, NC, US

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