CarComplaints.com Notes: In a very limited selection on small pickup trucks, the Frontier is one of the best options except -- and I cannot emphasize this enough -- for one problem that makes it an avoid-at-all-costs pain in you know what: the radiator ruptures and leaks coolant into the transmission, killing it. Such a buzzkill.

This problem affects most 2005-2008 (and maybe beyond) Frontiers.

9.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,790
Average Mileage:
104,000 miles
Total Complaints:
189 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace radiator and transmission (122 reports)
  2. not sure (22 reports)
  3. replace radiator and transmission due to oil contaminati (14 reports)
  4. replace transmission (7 reports)
  5. fix it and compensate owners for full expense (5 reports)
  6. extended warranty announced by Nissan on 10/15/10 (4 reports)
2005 Nissan Frontier transmission problems

transmission problem

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2005 Nissan Frontier Owner Comments (Page 3 of 10)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #149

Jun 032015

Frontier Nismo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,576 miles

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

How did Nissan inform owners of this design/engineering problem?

- kiknpa, Hampton, VA, US

problem #148

May 012015

Frontier Nismo V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

NISSAN NEW THEY HAD A PROBLEM FOR YEARS WITH CROSS CONTAMINATION BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RADIATOR. AFTER A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THE FIX WAS TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY OUT TO 10 YEARS BUT YOUR COPAY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS STILL $3000 OF YOUR HARD EARNED DOLLAR. THE TRUCK WAS WELL MAINTAINED OVER THE YEARS AND ONLY HAD 67000 MILES ON THE TRANSMISSION. NEVER TOWED OR PLOWED SNOW WITH THE 2005 FRONTIER NISMO MODEL. I JUST MADE THE 10 YEARS BY ONE MONTH.

WHEN THEY ASKED ME IF I WAS GOING TO FIX IT AT THE DEALERSHIP I PONDERED THE THOUGHT AND ASKED WHERE WAS MY TRUCK ON THE LOT. AFTER POINTING IT OUT I SAID YOU KNOW I COULD GET MORE FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY IF I JUST SET IT ON FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!

SHE THOUGHT I WAS SERIOUS. I THEN SAID I HAVEN'T HITCHHIKED SINCE I WAS A TEENAGER SO YA FIX THE DAMN THING. DONE BUYING NISSAN.

I DID FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB IN TENNESSEE JUST TO ANNOY THE COMPANY AND LEAVE THE COMPLAINT UNSOLVED. THEY HAVE YET TO GET BACK TO ME BUT IT WILL HAPPEN.

I'M GOING TO CHECK WITH A LAWYER TO SEE IF HE WILL SUE ON A CONTINGENCY BASIS. SUE FOR THE $3000 IF HE WINS IT'S HIS. IT'S MADE IN AMERICA WITH BIG PROBLEMS.

Update from May 19, 2015: AFTER FILING COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB IN TENNESSEE I WAS CONTACTED BY NISSAN EXECUTIVE OFFICE. I WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER AND TALKED WITH A EXECUTIVE SPECIALIST. THIS BY THE WAY IS SOMEONE WHO SAYS I UNDERSTAND YOUR FRUSTRATION AND YADA YADA YADA.

LONG STORY SHORT THEY ARE WRITING ME A CHECK FOR $1500 HALF OF THE COPAY WHICH WAS $3000. I WAS INFORMED I HAD LOW MILES THIS WAS THE REASON. 2005 NISMO WITH 67K AND IT NEEDED A NEW RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION WTF.

IF I CAN GET NISSAN TO GIVE BACK SOME OF MY MONEY OTHERS CAN ALSO. FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB IN TENNESSEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- bt, Bristol, US

problem #147

Jun 062015

Frontier V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

I have read several complaints from other Nissan truck owners regarding the same problem that I'm having and makes me furious that there has not been a recall regarding this issue!!! My mechanic spoke to someone at our local Nissan dealer and he told my mechanic that this problem with the radiator leaking fluid into transmission and ruining it is a frequent and well know problem! Yet Nissan offers less then nothing about it! If there is ever a lawsuit against them regarding this I want in!! Nissan needs to take accountability for their negligence.

- define, Saint Charles, MO, US

problem #146

Apr 272015

Frontier Nismo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

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

We just bought this truck less than one year ago. There were no real warning signs, and this week the truck will not start at all. We hooked it up to a code reader and looked online and found several forums warning us that this was pretty much a catastrophe. We had it towed to the dealer and they state it will be $8,000 to repair. The Truck is only worth $11,000 and we just bought it. What the hell? Nissan is the worst. How are we supposed to afford to pay $8,000 to repair a truck we just bought? I cannot even believe this has not been recalled.

- Jeff H., Springfield, US

problem #145

Jul 152010

Frontier SE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

I bought my Nissan Frontier brand new in 2005, Stoked that it was named 4X4 Mid Size Truck of the year in 4Wheel Drive Magazine & 267 Horse Power. More Horsepower than It's competition,The Toyota Tacoma... Because of such great reviews on & off road & most Important horsepower, because it would be used to tow my 20ft Power fishing boat, was what convinced me to purchase. Previously I've owned 3 other Nissans in the past, 2 Hard Bodies Both lasting over 250,0000.00 miles & a Sedan, so I've always been a loyal Nissan customer.

In Hawaii, I was driving East Bound, uphill on the H3 Freeway with my 4 year old Niece & 8 year old Nephew, along with 2 of my lady friends when all off a sudden the transmission started to slip severely & there was no power to both rear wheels. I was driving on the far left Fast Lane & had to traverse 3 lanes to the right to pull off to the side, but by doing so I almost got cleaned out by a semi truck & two other vehicles, luckily the other drivers were able to drive defensively & avoid cleaning me out. All I could do was use the forward momentum that I had left in the vehicle to move off to the side.

Tried getting the vehicle back going but there was no power going to the rear wheels, had to cancel all my plans & pay $250.00 to have the vehicle Towed back home. The Next Day I Towed my 05 Nissan Frontier with a Tow Strap with my other vehicle to the Local Auto repair Shop, Dansons Auto Repair, who is a Friend & Somebody I trust & Told him what had Happen. So the 1st thing he said was let's get it up on the lift & pull the transmission Pan Screw & see what's up. When the fluid was draining I was shocked to see the Transmission fluid coming out brown chocolate! I'm like, it's supposed to be Pink! Danson my Mechanic said he had seen this several times with this make & model & said. It's an Engineering Defect on Nissan's part on this vehicle, the radiator is used to cool both the engine & transmission, something goes wrong in the radiator & the radiator fluid goes in to the transmission. Mixes with the transmission fluid causing the transmission to eventually completely fail & even if you properly maintained your Vehicle, there is no way to have prevented it. @ the time the 05 Frontier had about 92.000.00 miles so manufactures warranty was expired & I had still had almost two years left of payments & full coverage insurance towards paying off the vehicle.

I couldn't afford tp have the work done & make car payments @ the same time. The Truck ended up Sitting While I worked hard to pay it off. It made me sick to see the truck sitting idle while I was still making payments while unable to drive it...... Meanwhile I wrote a formal letter to Consumer Affairs Nissan North America, to let them know what had happen & see if they could do anything to help, Because I had Complained that I maintained the vehicle to the best of my ability but yet I could not prevent this from happening it was a manufacturer's engineering defect! I Explained if this has happened to any other Frontier owners & I didn't get any answer. Even after explaining, Consumer affairs said my warranty had expired & there was nothing they could do financially to have the repairs done. I was pissed cause I was still making payments on a car that was inoperable......

The truck still sitting & I finally pay it off, so now I'm Saving the money that I would otherwise have to use for payments towards having the car repaired. Meanwhile I'm dong more research & find that Nissan had changed the Mileage warranty cut off from 65.000.00 miles to 80.000.00 miles, which still didn't help me @ all... Totally depressing because I get no breaks & the vehicle is sitting 4 almost 3 years. As I'm doing more research I find out that Nissan is Charging a $3000.00 deductible & the work would be done to replace the radiator & transmission to Factory specs. New Hoses, Clamps & Thermostat not included, & have to also pay for those items.

I Finally Save enough Money, $3500.00, so I have my truck Towed to the Dealership, Another $165.00 to Tony Nissan & FINALLY get the work done!!! So I get the Truck Back, I'm Super Stoked after the long long wait. Feels so good to get behind the wheel again. I get home, I look carefully @ the paper work & the receipts to find that the dealerships highly recommends Timing Chain replacement & cost is $1,300.00!!!! & That will be a whole other Complaint & Story!!! Stay Tuned!!!!

In Conclusion: this Problem With the Frontiers comes down to a Safety Hazard & it will be just a matter of time before Lives will be lost because others might not get as lucky as I was when trying to pull off the road safely.

- marzolhi, Waianae, HI, US

problem #144

Mar 182015

Frontier XE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 132,000 miles

Transmission cooler failed, transmission failed. Replaced transmission and radiator. Added external transmission cooler. Had to rent car. Nissan won't take responsibility. Called Av Nissan. Bakersfield Nissan. Nissan USA. No compensation, recourse, nothing. Will tell my 150 High School seniors per year in my economics class "about" Nissan. For the next 20 years.

- bwendell, Tehachapi, CA, US

problem #143

Apr 062015

Frontier Nismo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

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

Nissan knew there was a defect, but did not fix it. That resulted in the transmission being ruined and $3000 out of pocket due to the vehicle age/mileage. I will never own a Nissan again due to their lack of responsibility over this issue. Of course when the dealer originally called with the repair estimate, they did not offer the extended warranty price, so I had to call and complain. Very shady at best.

- bowsah13, Vandergrift, PA, US

problem #142

Mar 302015

Frontier

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

It's a documented Nissan problem. Class action lawsuit settlement was a joke. We purchased used from the Nissan dealer without mention of this problem.

- Donald H., Pawleys Island, SC, US

problem #141

Jan 022015

Frontier SE 6 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,000 miles

Radiator failed at 50K miles before the recall was announced. Had to pay $1500 out of pocket to fix. Eventually was reimbursed as part of the recall but damage was already done. Transmission started failing at 130K miles. Nissan should be responsible to repair all transmissions. I will never buy another Nissan unless they make this right.

- Tim K., Stormville, NY, US

problem #140

Mar 042015

Frontier LX 3.2lV6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,000 miles

I own a 2005 Nissan frontier. About two years ago I had a problem with my transmission where the coolant had mixed with the trans fluid. went to Nissan dealer wanted 6800.00 to fix. Even though I had purshured a extended warranty. Needless to say I was very upset did not know what to do. So my husband and a friend, which are both very good mechanics replaced the radiater and flushed the transmission. That worked just fine until March 2,2015,the same thing happened again,because of the radiator. So I had no choice but to have it fixed,that cost me over 4700.00. The shop I took it to had 6 either frontier or pathfinders years 2005 -2006 within two weeks with the same problem.This should never have happened and I feel that Nissan should have too pay for all repairs,because it is there fault.I hope that something can be done about this. I could say a lot more but I am sure it would be deleted if you know what I mean.

- cathygarcia, Custer, Wash, US

problem #139

Feb 262015

Frontier Nissmo V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

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

VEHICLE MADE A NOISE WHAT SOUNDED LIKE DRIVING OVER A RUMBLE STRIP. IT THEN FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND I WAS FORCED INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO SHOP AND WAS INFORMED OF THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES. RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND NOW ITS JUNK. IT WILL NOW COST ME $3400 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR. I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE ISN'T A RECALL OUT FOR THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A COMPLETE DISREGARD FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION.

Update from Mar 19, 2015: VEHICLE MADE A NOISE WHAT SOUNDED LIKE DRIVING OVER A RUMBLE STRIP. IT THEN FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND I WAS FORCED INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO SHOP AND WAS INFORMED OF THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES. RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND NOW ITS JUNK.The total cost for this repair was $3992.73 and had to replace the transmission and radiator. Nissan will not reimburse any money for the this issue even though this vehicle has on 71,200 miles on it.

- johnnysalami, Lowell, MA, US

problem #138

Feb 022015

Frontier S V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles

Same old story as many others. Transmission shuddering at 40-50 mph. Dealer diagnosed as coolant leaking into transmission via heat exchanger in radiator. BTW- I asked for, and was given the old radiator which I promptly dismantled and inspected. The heat exchanger appears to be made of some sort of aluminum alloy. If so, then duh! Aluminum expands and contracts with temp changes. Leak was very small and located in one end. Apparently it doesn't take much of a leak over a period of time to do the damage. Bottom line is that Nissan knew about the problem and kept under wraps. The extended warranty ($3500 deductible, really?) was too little too late for me. My third and LAST Nissan!

Update from May 19, 2016: Just wanted to say that we bought the wife a new car in 2015 and it was NOT a Nissan product. No longer dealing with a company that has no integrity.

- pwg1952, Alexandria, LA, US

problem #137

Jan 052015

Frontier Nismo 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 134,000 miles

Nissan did not communicate this issue very well and it appears to be a significant issue that's tainting an awesome truck outside this issue.

- Justin P., Sand Srings, OK, US

problem #136

Jan 202015

Frontier Nismo 4.0L V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 96,000 miles

Same old story, engine coolant leaked into transmission fluid through crack in radiator tube weld at 96000 miles. My truck started shuddering in fifth gear and clunking in and out of 5th gear. Drove with O/D off for a few months and now up shifting rough between 1&2 @ 2&3 and a hard down shift clunk between 1&2. Took it in to the dealership for diagnosis, transmission ruined and also new radiator needed. Since I am under 100,000 miles and 9 years, dealer is covering 2,236.34 and I am left paying the remaining $3,000 under the recall settlement.

- Daniel F., Meridian, ID, US

problem #135

Jan 122015

Frontier Crew Cab V6, 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 127,000 miles

This is a known problem and I remember I got something 2 or 3 years ago saying that there was a minor radiator problem but was not prevalent. Well now i find out it is a common problem and there was resolution if the radiator did leak water/anti-freeze into transmission. No help for me because I'm over 100,000 miles. Nissan should have recalled vehicles and put in transmission cooler that bypassed radiator. This should have never happened.

About safety, I was stuck on a hill in traffic and could have caused problem. I had to back down hill because I could not go forward. This was on a 2 lane street.

- Gerald T., El Cerrito, CA, US

problem #134

Nov 042014

Frontier LE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,003 miles

2005 NISSAN FRONTIER TRANSMISSION / RADIATOR CROSS CONTAMINATION HAPPENED AT 117,003 MILES. NISSAN SHOULD HAVE REPLACED RADIATORS. I WAS AWARE OF THIS POSSIBLE PROBLEM. I WAS GOING TO REPLACE RADIATOR MYSELF. BUT I NEVER DID. DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU. TAKE YOURS TO ANY AUTO OR RADIATOR SHOP AND SIMPLY REPLACE RADIATOR BEFORE IT FAILS! ! !

- garyminnesota, Max, MN, US

problem #133

Nov 072014

Frontier SE/LE 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

THIS TRUCK CAUSED MY FRUSTRATION, UNRELIABLE, RUINED MY VACATION. IT MIGHT BE MY FIRST AND LAST NISSAN THAT I HAVE TO DEAL WITH. BESIDE THIS PROBLEMS, IT IS TERRIBLE ON GAS SINCE THE GAS PRICE IS EXPENSIVE. I WILL TRY TO GET THE DEALER TO FIX IT AND HOPEFULLY IT WILL LAST FOR A WHILE.

- Houmphanh V., Windsor Locks, CT, US

problem #132

Nov 012012

Frontier 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

CALLED NISSAN TRIED TO TO GET SOME HELP AND GUESS WHAT? ALL I GOT WAS SORRY. I HAVE OWNED 5 NISSAN CARS AND TRUCKS - THOUGHT THEY WOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. GUESS I WAS WRONG. I WILL NOT BE BUYING A NISSAN AGAIN.

- Eric D., McHenry, MS, US

problem #131

Jul 012014

Frontier LE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 182,618 miles

On May 29th 2014 I went to Community Ford in Mooresville, Indiana and bought a 2005 Nissan Frontier. On July 1st I noticed the service engine light on and the engine jerk.

I Googled 2005 Nissan Frontier issues and it was at that time that I read about the antifreeze getting in the transmission fluid. So we checked the dipstick on the transmission fluid I could smell the antifreeze and we took the cap off the radiator the cap had a milky substance on it. Then I took the truck to a Nissan dealer in Clarksville, Indiana and he said the transmission needs rebuilt, auxiliary cooler and new valve cover $3,300. Since I just bought the truck I still have payments for 5 years, I don't have the money to repair this. The warranty I purchased with my vehicle will not cover it because of the water in the transmission.

I called the manufacturer Nissan they said because of the mileage they could not help. I've only put 2000 on it myself. I pray to God every day for a recall on this and that the transmission does not go out all the way on me. Put a new radiator in transmission fluid then flushed the transmission fluid out and put new in again but still need a transmission.

- Kimberly K., Louisville, KY, US

problem #130

Dec 032014

Frontier SE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles

BOUGHT MY TRUCK NEW AT MY NISSAN DEALER AND NOW THEY TELL ME THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT COVERED BECAUSE EVEN THO I DON'T HAVE THE MILEAGE I AM PAST THE TIME AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT...NISSAN KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND FAILED TO LET ME KNOW --IF THEY LET ME KNOW I WOULD HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH A 200.00 DOLLAR FIX AND THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THAT. BUT NOW THAT I NEED A TRANSMISSION AND A NEW RADIATOR PLUS ALL THAT LABOR, THEN IT IS BEYOND WORDS AT THIS TIME WHEN THE FIX COULD HAVE BEEN SO EASY. WHAT ARE THE TECHS DOING ABOUT THIS BIG PROBLEM WITH ALL THESE CARS AND TRUCKS THAT ARE GOING BAD FOR NO GOOD REASON?????

- Thomas B., Springfield, MA, US

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