CarComplaints.com Notes: While there are fewer "radiator leaked into transmission" complaints for the 2008 model year, they are starting to pile up. Buyer beware.

Nissan has extended their radiator warranty on 2005-2010 Pathfinders to 8 years/80,000 miles. However the average mileage for transmission failure for earlier model years is 95,000 miles, which conveniently (for Nissan) is just past the limit of their extended warranty. Owners beware.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
106,660 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2008 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Comments (Page 3 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #113

Sep 082017

Pathfinder

  • 83,000 miles

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

While driving vehicle at about 40mph, the vehicle would shutter when changing gears and lose power. Vehicle was taken to the dealer and we found out that coolant had leaked into the transmission through the radiator. Nissan has extended the warranty for this issue, but with a whopping $3000 deductible. I was surprised to hear this is a known failure but Nissan will not take full responsibility for their product.

- Macungie, PA, USA

problem #112

Jun 012017

Pathfinder

  • 122,000 miles
We bought a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder, with 97,000 miles. Zero issues at the time of purchase. At about 123,000 miles we noticed the transmission began to stuffer. Upon further investigation we discovered that the transmission fluid and coolant fluid have mixed together. The transmission will need to be replaced. We are currently financing this vehicle, making monthly payments, and now among millions of other Nissan consumers are in a horrible spot. Nissan should have issued a recall for cracked radiators. I work 12 hour swing shifts, live in a small town, and have 4 children. Nissan needs to make this issue right with consumers due to the shear volume of defective vehicles and the immense cost and unfortunate position it's putting hard working american in.

- Clyde, NC, USA

problem #111

May 012017

Pathfinder

  • 106,534 miles
Cracked radiator leaking fluid into transmission. This is causing transmission failure. Transmission slipped when trying to accelerate or at a low gear switch. This caused me alarm and I was unsure if my car could accelerate properly if I was in a critical situation. www.nissanproblems.com/trends/coolant-leaks-destroy-transmission/ keep the care or turn it in? buy Nissan again, or another brand...

- Bryn Mawr, PA, USA

problem #110

Mar 162017

Pathfinder

  • 90,000 miles

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

I just learned of an issue with the radiators failing on the model I have causing coolant to leak into the transmission and thus causing damage to the transmission. After further investigation I found that I would have to pay a $3000 co-pay due to the milege and age of my vehicle. Discovering that Nissan had know of the issue since 2007 and I purchased the vehicle in 2010 I am quite unhappy with level of customer service to take care of this issue properly. If feel that Nissan has not done enough to remedy these issue for consumers. I was driving my vehicle to pickup my children when the incident occured without any warning. The vehicle began to overheat spilling coolant mixed with transmission fluid onto the street. I might as well buy and install the transmission and radiator myself with the co-pay that Nissan wants to charge. Very unhappy with what Nissan is offering to fix this problem.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

problem #109

Feb 072016

Pathfinder

  • 120,000 miles
Problems start after I ended payments on my car; the surround sound got bad and I have to replaced it $500. Cost me. Takata recall I did called the dealer and told me my VIN number isn't in the recall so they said nothing to worry, then another situation came up about the fuel pump, I did called the dealer and they said my VIN number isn't in the recall either and I had pay $600. In May 9, 2016 first time I was driving my car and broke down in the middle of the intersection, also another time I was driving on the bridge and when I was driving the car was going down on the bridge broke down out of not where, was very scary, police and other people help push my car to a safety area. Both time was because I run out of gas cause the gear pump wasn't telling me I run out of gas. Next one was the radiator and trans service. They said radiator was crack need to replace I spent $800. Next problem P1774 said low coast brake-fastens solenoid valve function. All this time engine light came on and charged me $50. To reset light. Then next problem is the transmission now is 4 gear come with issues and is in the mechanic now, June 6, 2017 I need to replace it and charging me $3,200. But they still working own cause they don't know yet if doesn't work I will need to pay more. This is ridiculous cause this car only have 8 years and I keep maintaining my car since I got it, so disappointed and I shouldn't didn't pay for all this cause is a recall and my car is 2008 and all the problems my car had is in the recall just cause my VIN number isn't that isn't fear. Hope anybody understand my frustrations and find the solution of this problems. Pay me back what I being putting in to this car.

- Lexington Park, MD, USA

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problem #108

Jul 032015

Pathfinder

  • 108,000 miles
Vehicle began lurching and shuddering driving a low speeds ~40 mph in town, until gear shift occurred then sporadically at highway speeds. At first the shuddering/jerking was periodic and started to occur more often at random at that speed. The mileage on the vehicle was about 108,000 miles in fall of 2014. This occurred over a period of 6-8 months and then progressed to issues with cabin heater blowing cooler air when thermostat set to 90 degrees. Took to dealership to address issue with heater and upon test drive dealership determined that the issue was due to the radiator fluid leaking into the transmission causing the fluids to mix. Replaced both radiator and transmission to the tune of $5000.

- Lewisberry, PA, USA

problem #107

Mar 152017

Pathfinder

  • 92,000 miles

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

Ill just be added to the list im sure, but my transmission suffered a total failure due to the radiator issue that leaks into the transmission. Apparently its a well known problem and Nissan looked the other way. Cost me $4000 to rebuild the transmission and replace the radiator. Im at a loss for words the way Nissan handled this. But Nissan could have been in much more trouble. My wife got stuck with the truck on the parkway on the side with oncoming traffic whizzing past her at over 55 mph with my 10 year old son and 8 year old son in the truck. She called me in panic. Nobody thinks that such a failure could pose such a danger like this!! whats it going to take for a recall" a terrible accident???" luckily she was able to get the truck moving slowly off the parkway and make it home. How there is no recall on this is beyond me.....never again buying another Nissan!!

- Wantagh, NY, USA

problem #106

Mar 162017

Pathfinder

  • 136,000 miles
The internal radiator has small cracks that leak coolant and damage the transmission. It started developing issues when shifting into 2nd gear and then would not drive at all.

- Sunrise, FL, USA

problem #105

Feb 112017

Pathfinder

  • miles
Vehicle shutters when trying to change gears. This occurs when driving at high and low speeds (it has an automatic transmission). If the vehicle is cold and I put it in drive, the transmission will not engage. When idling, the car blows cold air in the front, even if its set on the warmest temperature. The car consistently blows cold air in the back, whether its idling or being driven. After having my car looked at, the problem was found to be caused by a cracked radiator that leaked coolant into the transmission. Not only causing damage to the transmission, but also to the heater hose which is beyond repair and needs replacement. After doing research, I have found that this has been a major issue for Nissan with a year of 2005 to 2010, and although they did not do a recall, they offered an extended warranty up to $80,000 and 100,000 with a customer co-pay. But for most people that problem did not start occurring until after 100,000 miles... like myself. There was a class action lawsuit on this which settled in October of 2012. I bought my car from a Nissan dealership in April of 2011. Why was I not made aware of this at the time of purchase?!

- Deep River, CT, USA

problem #104

Mar 112017

Pathfinder

  • miles
Low power when going uphill. Difficulty and "hard clunking" when changing gears such as going from drive to / from reverse, decreased power when driving. When gears are shifting, transition is not smooth and car is sluggish with each shift. In addition clunking with deceleration. When stationary and shifting into reverse heavy clunking.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #103

Jan 272017

Pathfinder

  • 147,693 miles

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

"takata recall" the car stared to vibrating while I was driving I can feel that the gear were not working properly I stopped the car call a tow truck took the car home call the mechanic and he explain to me that the problem is the coolant went into the transmission also tale me that it is a very common problem in this car. To fix it is extrimely expensive it is more that the value of the vehicle. I just fund out that almost everybody that has a Nissan Pathfinder O xterra had has the same problem. Definitely is a factory problem and we should not pay for it the company should fix it.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #102

Jan 012017

Pathfinder

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shook uncontrollably and independently shifted without warning. In addition, the heating system became inoperable and caused an abnormal odor to emit inside the vehicle, which irritated the contact's eyes. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission fluid leaked into the radiator. As a result, the transmission and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

- Forest Hills, MD, USA

problem #101

Jan 012017

Pathfinder

  • 117,000 miles
Radiator leaking causing tranny to fail, after tranny is replace the transmission control module starts failing in just less than 2 years causing the car to have tranny issues again Nissan should be accountable for all this defects on this car, it posses a safe issue because transmission control module makes the car run if this fails while car running a huge accident could happen.

- Burlingame, CA, USA

problem #100

Dec 142016

Pathfinder

  • 125,000 miles
My raditor leaked and had to be replaced. They flushed the transmission and a week later I need a new transmission.

- Bel Air, MD, USA

problem #99

Nov 072016

Pathfinder

  • 94,550 miles
Takata recall ?? the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder radiator and transmission failure and breakdown due to coolant leak into the transmission. Purchased pre-owned with nothing listed on car facts (carfax), or with any advisement to the issues with radiator coolant leaking into transmission. After a $1,017 bill from aamco for a diagnostic to find the issue, (in which they had to pull the tranny and inspect it was damaged due to fluid from radiator getting inside compromising transmission seals) I discovered, online, this ongoing well know problem..called Nissan North America and discovered my vehicle was covered under the 100K mileage (94955 actual) and good through 8-2017, from a previous filed complaint or class action, not sure which. However, apparently I only qualify for a co/pay of $3,000 on a vehicle valued at tops, $7,500. Needless to say I would have never purchased this vehicle, had I known this was an issue. I have been in touch with my bank, the dealership I purchased it from, and Nissan North America and no one is willing to assist. I suppose I will contact my attorney at this point (lemon law, tort laws, something) because I cant' seem to find anyone understanding to me, the consumer, whom is not at fault on this deal for help. I am extremely unhappy that Nissan has allowed this to happen. They should at least put a carfax warning or something to notify potential buyers or owners of this problem. I understand that parts get worn and go bad, however, this in not something that I have neglected to fix, maintain, check, or anything. This is a bad part/design flaw in the coolant system and should in all rights be fixed at 100% by Nissan. Beware.

- Valley Center, KS, USA

problem #98

Apr 292016

Pathfinder

  • 100,000 miles
My only one family vehicle suffered the now known 2008 Nissan Pathfinder radiator and transmission failure and breakdown due to coolant leak into the transmission. I've purchased this vehicle pre-owned from np Mazda in san antonio Texas. They did not inform me of this known issue which involved several year models for the Pathfinder. I've spent a little over $5K of loaned money to have this resolve via independent transmission specialist as gunn Nissan presented me with a much higher price quote. I recently found out from a local Nissan service specialist that my vehicle currently have an extended warranty designed specifically for this and as a result of October 2012 class action lawsuit settled by court and Nissan Corp. I am attempting to have Nissan help me with some of recently mentioned financial impact regarding their well known defect.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #97

Sep 132016

Pathfinder

  • miles
Coolant fluid leaked from radiator cap into transmission causing the radiator and transmission to have to be replaced. Vehicle has 122,000 miles and has never had any issues before this. The fluid in radiator and transmission is gunk.

- Reidsville, NC, USA

problem #96

Aug 122016

Pathfinder

  • 113,000 miles
Failed transmission fluid cooler located in the radiator assembly that allowed coolant to mix with and contaminate the automatic transmission fluid, resulting in damaged internal transmission components and a damaged internal transmission computer. The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder had to be towed to the repair shop since it would not start. The Pathfinder had 113K miles. It cost me $2841.27 to repair.

- Carmel, NY, USA

problem #95

Aug 242016

Pathfinder

  • 177,000 miles
In the middle of a heavy storm from the wake of an F3 tornado that swepted through, my wife and I were stuck in heavy wind and rain in an open area unable to start our 2008 Pathfinder after pulling over. Just prior, our transmission started shifting hard and slamming into gear. I got out in the wind and rain and after looking over the vehicle after it cooled down, thats when I noticed oil and water were mixed in the radiator.the Pathfinder now sits because the vehicle will not start. It went from parked and running to dead on thie side of the road.

- Yoder, IN, USA

problem #94

Aug 052016

Pathfinder

  • 123,000 miles
Wow, I am amazed that my story is so similar to the ones I'm reading here. I also purchased a 2008 Pathfinder brand new. And I experienced the same issue with the radiator leaking into my transmission. And Nissan has turned their back on me as well. After doing some digging, I found out that Nissan knew about this issue in 2007. And yet when I bought my vehicle that had 13 miles on it from the dealership, never was this issue brought to my attention. I believe they issued extended warranties in 2010 and 2012. But never contacted us. If I had known it was a possibility of an issue, I would have had the correct repair done in advance to prevent this. But now I find myself with a destroyed transmission and nowhere to go. I can not currently pay out for this repair. I also am leading with Nissan to fix this problem. But they keep telling me " Nissan is not in a position to help me right now". the funny thing is that my family has bought 5 Nissan vehicles in the last 17 years. Some loyalty to a member of their family. I urge you people to do what I did. Issue a formal complaint with the better business bureau and most important the attorney generals office. Eventually we will have to be heard. I have also made it my mission to print out all the documents I have read regarding this issue and hand it to every person I I see driving a Nissan. And if it's parked, I leave it under the wiper. I drive everyday and go from manhattan to montauk. So far I have spoken with or left information for over 200 Nissan vehicles. And I'm not going to stop until there is enough complaints that we can get this thing fixed. Frank O

- Centereach, NY, USA

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