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.

9.1

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,940
Average Mileage:
118,800 miles
Total Complaints:
81 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace radiator & transmission (68 reports)
  2. not sure (8 reports)
  3. no solution. transmission and radiator must be replaced (5 reports)
  4. install external cooler (1 reports)
2008 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems

transmission problem

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2008 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Comments (Page 3 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #41

May 012015

Pathfinder LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

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

I have been without my car since July. It was repaired in May when it happened, and I was told that it was caught in time. Now, the part needed to get back on road is not available. I have contacted NHSC, BBB, State Attorney General and NISSAN, countless times. This is a documented issue, which should have been addressed and my car was in dealership two weeks before.

- Beth B., Stony Point, NY, US

problem #40

Sep 282015

Pathfinder LE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2009 FROM A NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN THE USA. I HAD IT SERVICED IN ONTARIO, CANADA WHICH IN TURN SHOULD HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH NISSAN. I NEVER EVER RECEIVED ANY TYPE OF RECALL OR ANY OTHER LETTER FROM NISSAN BESIDES THE SERVICE REMINDERS AND THE SALES BROUCHER. NICE!

I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT A SAFETY AND A COSTLY ISSUE WOULD NOT HAVE PRIORITY OVER A SALES BROUCHER.

THEY MADE SURE I GOT THE SERVICE REMINDER AND THE NEW CAR SALES BROUCHER. NOW I FIND OUT THAT THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY AND MY TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR ARE BOTH BAKED.

WHY DIDN'T THEY AT LEAST SEND OUT LETTERS OR PLACE AN AD IN THE NEWSPAPERS ADVISING CUSTOMERS TO KEEP AN EYE OUT OR REPLACE YOUR RAD.I AM SO UPSET WITH NISSAN THAT I WILL REFUSE TO PURCHASE ANY MORE OF THEIR VEHICLES AND WILL DETER OTHER PEOPLE FROM IT ALSO.

- Paul C., Vaughan, ON, Canada

problem #39

Jun 012015

Pathfinder SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 157,000 miles

It blow that this is a "regular" problem on these vehicles and they know it and won't offer to pay for the repairs. They are a bunch of thieves! The price that Nissan tries to charge is outrageous and deplorable! I dont know if I will ever purchase a Nissan again! I am single mother with 2 kids and this just ran me $2800 to fix, and this is not the only problem. Lets not talk about the timing chain issue. There is a class action lawsuit about that, and I am going to try to get in on it, that was ANOTHER $2300!

- Joyce A., Houston, TX, US

problem #38

Sep 212015

Pathfinder ES V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,950 miles

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

I have owned this truck since 2009 and have kept up on all maintenance. Now I have to pay $4700 to get a new transmission!! Then I find out that Nissan was offering assistance since this is a known problem with Nissan's across the board. This was my first and will be my last Nissan vehicle ever!!!

- warnerct, Middletown, CT, US

problem #37

Sep 102015

Pathfinder V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

As like other Nissan owners radiator cracked which led to fluid in the transmission. The truck is at Nissan now, they want $9800 to repair it. I dos not have that kinda of money

Update from Nov 16, 2016: All said and done $6,000 for a re-built transmission. Nightmare.

- John A., Babylon, NY, US

problem #36

Jul 082015

Pathfinder LE 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 147,000 miles

It was really disheartening when I found out the problem, and even more disheartening that it was not due to any wear or tear of the vehicle that I put on ti, but because of the manufactured design of the vehicle. What turned out to be the most faithful and well liked vehicle our family owned, it has turned out in the last 4 months to have become a savings depletion. The Pathfinder I own has given me a small amount of trouble, but of course I have taken really good care of it, kept all the maintenance up, oils changes, tires replaced, braked done, etc. and when I found out the extent of what it would cost me, $5900 out of pocket, with no warranties, I was devastated.

Why, well because, I had just purchase the car of my dreams two weeks earlier and put down almost this much to not have a substantial car note. I work hard, so I deserve it. And was going to rely on the Pathfinder to drive in the winter months and keep the nice car far the summer, just to reserve and keep low miles on it. I trusted Nissan, and have been a loyal customer. There was a time I was thinking about purchasing another vehicle, but not after this fiesta. The Nissan dealership pretty much told us to take a hike, it's your problem, not our problem. And because unlike Nissan, I am a woman of integrity, I want try to put this problem off on anyone else, I'll just fix it and keep, only to hope that I can get another 147K miles out of it after we take care of this problem, this is their problem, NEVER WILL I BUY A NISSAN AGAIN

- bonebutt52, Minneapolis, MN, US

problem #35

Apr 262015

Pathfinder S 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles

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

What a pain in the ass this issue has been. I had bought the vehicle with under 100k miles. Well, with my current mileage being over the "Extended Warranty Limit", it is now sitting at a dealership waiting for me to come up with the $5,722 to replace the transmission and radiator, not to include the $468 in "Initial Diagnostic Checks". It was more at first (+$1,600) because they initially thought the ECU had sh*t the bed since there was no connection with it while using the scan tool. I called the consumer affairs office and spoke to at least 3 different people before finally getting a call back telling me "Nissan unfortunately is unable to help in this matter. We have, however, elevated your case to our manager and Nissan would like to offer you the opportunity to purchase a new Nissan using our Employee Vehicle Purchase Program". that! Fix YOUR defect and stay the hell out of my wallet.

- mswitzer26, Fairfield, ME, US

problem #34

Aug 182015

Pathfinder S V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

I noticed a shudder when my Pathfiinder shifted from 2nd to 3rd gear - but seem to drive normal otherwise. I contacted Nissan service department and scheduled the first available appointment, which took exactly 1 week from date first symptom. On the morning of my appointment, my car would not shift gears at all once I got on the highway, causing very dangerous situation for both myself and other drivers. Since I live close, I was able to coast my car to the dealership where I was later informed from the service department that a faulty radiator leaked fluid and contaminated the transmission fluid, resulting in a failed transmission. Repair costs would be $5230, but the manager would agree to do it for $4165 (for which I was appreciative). I was told at the dealership they were aware of faulty radiator in the 2005-06 models but were unaware other models had the same issue. I had already researched the problem, to find that NUMEROUS complaints had been filed regarding 2005-2010 Pathfinder, Xterras, and Frontier and Nissan had settled a class action law suit by offering an extended warranty for the Radiator Assembly.

Since I was barely outside of the extended warranty, I contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs to inquire about assistance with Goodwill Repair since the transmission failure was the result of a manufacturing defect. I was informed by the Regional Specialist she would need 1 week to review the case. One week to the date, she returned my call inquiring if I would be willing to pay the copay listed in the extended warranty and I informed her YES, as it would be a big help and greatly appreciated. She then inquired if I would be interested in a possible VPP discount on a 2015 Nissan automobile. I informed her I was interested in all options in order to make the best choice for my situation. She asked for TWO more days to review case and returned my call two days later to tell me Nissan was unable to provide any type of assistance to me in my repairs. Needless to say, I was fuming that she asked for 2 additional days to review the case (making it 1 week exactly- in which time, I was paying for a rental) and called me back to tell me there would be NO assistance at all, even after I informed her I WAS willing to pay the copay.

I'm appalled that Nissan Corporation chose to settle the class action law suit by providing only an Extended Warranty and failed to inform owners that the radiator leak could cause the transmission to FAIL. The frustrating thing is that most people have NO clue there is contamination until the first symptom, at which time the transmission is already in failure mode. Nissan accepted NO responsibility in correcting the faulty radiator assembly unless it does in fact leak, thus damaging the entire transmission. Nissan did NOT notify owners of this fatal risk and when I attempted to seek some Goodwill Repair Assistance since I was under the 10 years but barely over the 100,000 miles - I was at 109,000 - the Regional Specialists tried to tell me no $ was available since I had not had my car serviced regularly at the dealership. I informed her I had my car serviced regularly and had receipts to prove it - and although it was not serviced at the dealership it would not have mattered because my transmission failure was the result of a manufacturing defect - not an oil change!!! She further tried to put responsibility on ME for not purchasing an extended warranty. She further told me if I was not satisfied to contact Better Business Bureau and the CEO of Nissan Corporation by mail and I AM in the process of doing that now - as well as making complaints such as on safecare.com.

I have a huge concern that the average mileage for this problem, according to carcomplaints.com, is 95,000 - the warranty only covers free replacement of radiator/transmission up to 80,000 miles/8 years; 80,000-90,000 customer copay of $2500; and 90,000-100,000 customer copay of $3000. How is that appropriate since it was a MANUFACTURING DEFECT and was there from the beginning? It's also the number 2 complaint in 2012! I also read that the trend will grow as 2008 models are just now to the average mileage to experience these issues - and my guess is the 2009 and 2010 will soon follow. From my research and in my belief, Nissan settled quickly in 2012 through their extended but very limited warranty so they could do the least possible action to look as if they tried to appease some upset customers who first experienced the failed transmission.

I'm very disappointed that Nissan Corporation is failing in their mission to "enrich people's lives, building trust with our....customers". At this point in my experience, I have almost ZERO trust that "Nissan provides unique and innovative automotive products and services that deliver superior measurable values to all stakeholders" as they claim they do.

- foxwv, Huntington, WV, US

problem #33

Jun 012015

Pathfinder SE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,852 miles

We recently found out about this issue when we were going to trade in on a new vehicle and the dealership asked us if we had the problem or had it fixed. At that time we didn't even know about it and our vehicle was fine - about 121,000 miles. They would not give us much for a trade in so we opted not to trade. Within the next 1000 miles we got the problem. Took it to a Nissan dealership and they diagnosed at cross contamination of engine coolant, ATF and milky radiator cap. Recommend replacement of transmission, radiator, trans cooler and thermostat. Quoted us $6400 to repair. We certainly don't have that kind of money and also can't afford a car payment. Think it is ridiculous that Nissan will not cover this when they know for a fact that this is a problem!!!!!!

- Thomas N., Hanover, PA, US

problem #32

May 272015

Pathfinder V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 132,000 miles

The coolant from radiator is leaking into the transmission causing total replacement damage. Nissan is extending warranty but this issue happens on all other complaints as well as this one after the mileage warranty expires thus forcing us to pay $3000 on a $6000 repair. This total replacement repair is not from wear and tear of vehicle but by a known defect with these Nissan makes and models as its a global problem. Nissan of Omaha mechanic even states this is a defective repair not caused by wear and tear by any means.

This is unacceptable and Nissan needs to cover this expense ASAP. I did not spend $36,000 on a new vehicle for them to use defective parts causing my transmission and radiator need total replacement.

Update from Nov 16, 2016: I was on vacation with my children in the mountains I was turning left in front of oncoming traffic and pushing my gas petal I couldn't move and the pedal was all the way to the floor. We all could of been hit and luckily we weren't but this is a major safety concern and for anyone to say it isn't needs to drive one themselves with their children while its having these problems I bet they would re-think an investigation if their children were in that vehicle.

- Heather B., Omaha, NE, US

problem #31

Apr 012015

Pathfinder LE 4.3L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,000 miles

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

Total transmission failure, engine shut down without warning, no warning signs. Dealer says there are no warning signs and no notification of a pending failure from Nissan.

- Kenny H., Bushnell, US

problem #30

May 182015

Pathfinder Le 4x4 4L Dohc V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,792 miles

Since this is a problem caused by Nissan, not abuse, neglect, or not having the vehicle serviced, I do not think I should be responsible for the $2675.00. It took almost two weeks for Nissan to conclude that this was my financial obligation. I need the vehicle so I reluctantly paid the bill. Nissan would not issue a recall as this would have been all their expense. This is a one sided resolution.

- rapmlp, New Kensington, PA, US

problem #29

May 112015

Pathfinder LE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 127,223 miles

I bought a Pathfinder with almost 60 thousand miles on it. I have had minor problems here and there. But one day a week or so ago I am driving on the freeway and my car feels like it is going to blow up. I pull over and call my father who is a mechanic. He tells me to let it sit. So on the side of the freeway with 4 small children I have to sit for an hour even though no lights came on, its wasn't running hot. I was to terrified to drive it.

My husband came and drove it home so and my children and I could be in a different vehicle if there was a problem. If you hit 30 to 40 it begins to shake and act like it needs to shift. Then you hit 60 and it is big time shakes. I can't drive on the freeway and I have to drive under 30 anywhere I go to avoid it from shaking. I have taken the car in 5 times to have the tires checked balanced and I have taken it to 3 different places 2 of which told us the problem and we wanted a second opinion.

My car is not worth what the stupid dealership charged me for and now I can't trade it in because I will lose 3 grand on it. Why can't Nissan own up to the problem and help fix it.

- Jessica K., Spanish Fork, UT, US

problem #28

May 192015

Pathfinder LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 157,000 miles

I've been driving a Pathfinder since 1994 and never once had the kind of issue I am having now. Worse, Nissan knew this was a problem and offered a bandaid fix. I am outraged to find that I have to pay nearly $3000 to fix a problem in a 7-year old vehicle. The warranty and settlement won't help me because I missed the date. In fact, I received no notice of the problem nor any notice of a warranty option. Not that it would have made any difference since the only financial assistance Nissan offered was $800!! I am so outraged by this. Others need to complain. Maybe, just maybe, Nissan will do the right thing by its loyal consumers!!!!!!!!!!

- cbgreeneii, Sicklerville, NJ, US

problem #27

May 102015

Pathfinder S 4L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 74,148 miles

HOW is this not a recall?? I'm driving down the freeway with my family in the vehicle and the transmission decides to start shaking and slip right out of gear, as I am in the far left lane trying to get over to stop the car!! Almost causing a huge accident!! I listened to all every one telling me I should trade in my GMC for an import. "They are so much better" I can wait to by another GMC and will never shop Nissan again!!

- Stewart W., Maple Ridge, BC, Canada

problem #26

Apr 032015

Pathfinder SXE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 173,434 miles

$4,300 to replace radiator and rebuild transmission! Very frustrating!

- Douglas M., Charleston, SC, US

problem #25

Jan 022015

Pathfinder 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,428 miles

I am very disappointed in the way Nissan handled the coolant leaks AND timing chain issue. Boo for Nissan. I don't think I will ever buy another.

- Jessica C., Hortonville, WI, US

problem #24

Mar 152015

Pathfinder LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 146,000 miles

RADIATOR CRACKED AND DESTROYED TRANSMISSION. PROBLEM ORIGINALLY OCCURRED IN DECEMBER, 2013. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BUTLER NISSAN, WHERE WE THOUGHT THE ISSUE WAS REPAIRED. UNFORTUNATELY, NISSAN USED SUBSTANDARD AND USED PARTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM, AND THE ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN IN MARCH, 2015. NISSAN NOW REFUSES TO HELP FIX THE ISSUE THEY CREATED.

THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM TO NISSAN. WE'VE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THEM MULTIPLE TIMES. THEY REFUSE TO ASSIST, SAYING THEY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR VEHICLE, EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE WELL AWARE THIS ISSUE EXISTS. THIS ISSUE HAS HAPPENED TO THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES, AND NISSAN WAS ULTIMATELY NAMED IN A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT. THE SETTLEMENT TO THAT LAWSUIT WAS WORTHLESS AS NISSAN WAS REQUIRED ONLY TO OFFER EXTENDED WARRANTIES UP TO 100,000 MILES. PROBLEM IS THAT THE RADIATOR CRACKS AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES AND THEREFORE NISSAN CLAIMS ITS SIMPLY NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.

NISSAN KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM, USES SUBSTANDARD PARTS TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, THEN REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN. NISSAN DOESN'T CARE ABOUT PUTTING AN UNSAFE CAR ON THE ROAD.

AND THEIR RESPONSE TO US? IF WE DON'T LIKE WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY, WE CAN CONTACT THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU.

- Keri L., Sto, NY, US

problem #23

Apr 232015

Pathfinder SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 139,000 miles

I guess this is a known issue for Pathfinders of various years. I am pissed that this happened as I just spent $700 changing all of the fluids in the car and no one identified the problem then. A week later the car fails to move.

Nissan should be ashamed at this, thought I am sure they could care less. The car is 7 years old and has 139,000 miles, but I was told when I bought it 4 years ago that it should last for 200K+ miles without problem. Ha!

- Craig S., Milford, MA, US

problem #22

Feb 012015

Pathfinder 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 129,000 miles

We have had 2 Pathfinders and both times we have trouble that Nissan knows about but refuses to fix. This one is looking costly $$$$$.

- Roman N., Mt. Hope, WV, US

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