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.

1.7

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
99,643 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.

2006 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems

engine problem

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2006 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Comments (Page 6 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #47

Jul 312013

Pathfinder

  • 105 miles

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

I was driving my truck on the expressway. The past few days there has been a vibration, a clunking noise and very slow acceleration. Until recently, there have been no signs of engine problems. Today on the expressway the truck started vibrating badly and lost acceleration. I was able to coast over to the side of the road but I almost caused a serious accident. I had an appointment schedule with Nissan on Friday due to the recent symptoms; however, after this morning I took the truck to the dealership. I spoke with someone at the shop who indicated tan extended warranty was issued for radiator and transmission problems. I never received a letter from Nissan and I certainly would have brought the truck in for repair. I almost caused a very serious accident.

- Orchard Park, NY, USA

problem #46

Jul 012013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 149,000 miles
The automatic transmission stopped working. Car has to be driven in 3rd gear. Putting car in drive results in engine revving but not changing gears from 3rd to 4th gear. This will cost me close to $3000 to have the transmission rebuilt.

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #45

Mar 122013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 147,000 miles
Radiator fluid leaked into the transmission fluid causing the vehicle to have issues accelerating. This resulted in over $700 in car repairs.

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #44

Jul 112013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 118,000 miles

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

500 miles away from home on vacation. Went for routine oil change only to find transmission fluid in the radiator and coolant in the transmission. Had to purchase a new radiator and have both systems flushed for a total of $1,300 dollars. The transmission seemed good on the way home, but would like to be reimbursed the $1,300 and have some piece of mind that Nissan will cover the transmission if it goes out.

- Scottsboro, AL, USA

problem #43

Apr 202013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 94,000 miles
I was on vacation in Virginia, heading back to ct when my cars ability to accelerate stopped on the highway. Luckily my husband was driving and could feel the difference in the car. He started changing lanes and glided the vehicle to the shoulder. My husband, our 16 year old son, his friend, and our 4 year old niece and I were in the car. We waited for triple a, were towed to a pepboys facility, (the only facility I could think would be open on a Saturday) for them to tell us that they could not assist us with the issue our vehicle was having. The tow truck towed us to a triple a facility which was closed. We had to get lodging for the evening and pay triple a facility approximately $100 to tell us our transmission was done and it would cost us anywhere between $5000 and $8000 to have repaired. I then had to pay for a rental car, and a addition $1200+ dollars to have our car towed back to ct. I know have $5000 to repair my car to find out Nissan is aware of this issue. My family could have been injured loosing our transmission on the highway that day. It really bothers me that Nissan knew the possibility of this failure. Considering I just brought my car in October of 2011.

- Newington, CT, USA

problem #42

Jun 212013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
Vehicle overheated and radiator fluid contaminated the transmission. I spoke with Nissan and asserted that this is a known factory defect. Nissan refuses to honor or warranty repair costs.

- Cottekill, NY, USA

problem #41

Jun 182013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 116,095 miles

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

After driving around I had milky substance coming out of the over flow. When I checked it, the transmission was dry and it had mixed in the with radiator fluid. On a short trip before it was realized what had happen, the transmission was slipping and shifting hard.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #40

Jan 092012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 160,000 miles
The engine looses power when driving. I took it to a mechanic and he told me that Pathfinder transmission tend to fail or go bad. Transmissions on car should last longer. The Pathfinder there has been cases where at 100,000 miles it already needs a new transmission. My Pathfinder makes a loud noise when im driving. Sometimes it takes a while for it to go at a normal speed. This should not be happening at this point. Nissan should tend to this problem and fix it.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #39

May 092013

Pathfinder

  • 75,000 miles
My 06 Nissan Pathfinder starting shaking and making a shuttering noise at 40mph. Also a squeaking noise coming from the undercarriage at lower speeds. I took my Pathfinder to the dealer to have it looked at. After a few hours the dealership called and told me it was a defect in the transmission cooler built inside the radiator. A line in the cooler cracked letting radiator fluid and transmission fluid to mix together and run all through both my cooling and transmission systems. I have 75,000 miles and was told I'm under the 80,000 mile warranty for these repairs. I was told I would need a new transmission and radiator along with a new thermostat and gasket. I'm one of the lucky ones that will not have to come out of pocket for these repairs. I've been reading post after post about other people having this same problem that are over the mileage warranty and are having to pay co-pays and some that had to pay the full repair bill. Please recall this. There are too many people being affected with this issue.

- Houma, LA, USA

problem #38

May 062013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 124,005 miles
The car had been having some jerking issues. We brought it to dealer. They made us spend more than one thousand dollars without fixing the problem. On our way home, we called them to tell them we are experiencing the same problem. They told us to bring it back. Due to time constraint, we parked the unsafe car until we found a convenient time. On Monday, May 6, 2013, we brought it back and found out the real problem has been the "radiator internal coolant that is leaking in the transmission". we called Nissan. Consumers relations department. They told us it is too late even we were sold a defective and unsafe product (car) at time of purchase. The case # is[xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Crestview, FL, USA

problem #37

Apr 162013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 110,231 miles

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

The vehicle started to lose power and come back on while traveling with 6 passengers on the 101 fwy in North los angeles county. Then it's gauge showed it running hot (no smoke or loss of power) and a check engine light was on. Then the gauge said it wasn't running hot and no power loss. I continued down the freeway and made it home with no more problems. I studied and research this problem for hours on the web. I brought the car to the dealer service department the next day. My research turned up valid. This 2006 Nissan Pathfinder SE vehicle should have been recalled by the manufacturer. Nissan knew about this problem. Instead Nissan extended a warranty to 100K and passed these flaws on to the consumer. Shame on Nissan! the problem is what is described as a fluid intermix. This is because the transmission fluid has cooling coils that run through the radiator. For a year or two Nissan had produced defective product and was not forced to recall. Now me the consumer is stuck with a six to nine thousand dollar repair bill on my vehicle with 110K miles on it. Recall these vehicles please Nissan. Whistle blowers just ask the service people about this particular no Nissan did. This is consumer abuse by corporate tough guys.

- Thousand Oaks, CA, USA

problem #36

Apr 282013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 103,588 miles
While driving our vehicle it would not produce any forward movement, the engine would rev, and the transmission would free spin. We had it towed to the mechanic and he stated that there is a transmission code for a faulty servo. He checked the transmission fluid and found it to be abnormally dirty. Nissan has an extended warranty for radiator coolant leaking into the transmission that was a result of a class action lawsuit. My problem is that I am over the 100,000 mile cap for the warranty and Nissan will not grant a waiver. I also feel that Nissan should issue a recall and be required to pay for the full replacement cost of these items. Even if I was under the 100,000 mile cap I would still have to pay a $3,000 deductible.

- Centreville, MD, USA

problem #35

Jan 152013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 98,000 miles
Under body vibration reported in January with less than 100K miles. Told it was due to the crack in my back bumper. Then 2 days ago, drove the car back to Nissan dealership at 112K miles where they told me my radiator cracked which lead to fluid going into the transmission - a widely known Nissan problem. Will have to replace transmission $5500 + radiator $700 because they are ruined. Fuel sensory gauge stuck also and will have to replace - also a widely known Nissan problem.

- Mooresville, IN, USA

problem #34

Apr 022013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 94,400 miles
Radiator failed coolant leaked into transmission. Transmission and radiator need to be replaced. Nissan is aware of this problem and never informed me of this issue. If I was made aware of the problem I would have had radiator replaced. There should have been a recall. I am sure more similar situations will continue to occur until there is an official recall. Who loses? the customer. This is unacceptable. Nissan needs to be held responsible.

- Valencia , CA, USA

problem #33

Mar 132013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 115,000 miles
I have the 06 Pathfinder, there was a recall that I was not aware of, until I start searching after the car have accelerating issue that almost cause an accident multiple occasions, anyway I went to my dealership and they said Nissan only cover U to 100000 miles. Our is 15000 miles over, the problem was a defected radiator and that leak coolant into the transmission. It would cost us $7600 to repair it, and way over our budget. I start check online and there is a lot of complaints on this issues. Hope my complaints help us and many others that help same misfortune.

- Cypress, TX, USA

problem #32

Jan 092012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 83,349 miles
I have a Pathfinder 2006 with 110,000 miles on January 9, 2012 I take it to the dealership because it was shaking ones I drove over 60 mph the dealer did a multi- point vehicle inspection and they determined that everything was ok except from the four-wheel-drive chaff joint got excessive play and replace it for new one and yesterday March 7, 2013 I took my Pathfinder 2006 to royal palm Nissan and the service advisor [xxx]estate it that my car radiator is leaking coolant into the transmission and though that I had to replace it for a new ones and is going to cost me $6400 and he states that that's a common issue with the path finders so if it's a common issue and they do an extended warranties wish there are no good to no body how can they spect a costumer to pay 6400 for a part the they should recall I'm sure I'm not along on this issue and just hope the some busy like you guys can make them do the right thing and stand by their products to avoid any accidents with thousands of vehicles on the road thanks so much for reviewing this lines I appreciated and I hope to hear back from you guys thanks ever such lots. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Dunnellon , FL, USA

problem #31

Feb 262013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 126,203 miles
Observed milky puddle under radiator and thick milky pink fluid in radiator and overflow reservoir. Observed during the last 3000miles intermittent vibrations similar to hitting the "wake-up" strips on the side of a highway shoulder or washer-board road texture. Vibrations happened at various times between 1250 to 2250 RPM and 50 to 60mph. Tire balance was ruled out as a cause of vibration by mechanic. Dealer diagnosis verified cross contamination of the engine coolant and transmission fluid caused by an internal transmission cooler in the radiator split apart. A mechanic described the damage that would be caused to the transmission from the cross contamination would include severe corrosion. Transmission failure is imminent because of the severe leakage. Transmission failure is also sudden, because the vehicle was operable even with the presence of a leak. Repair of this condition requires replacement of the radiator and transmission and flushing the coolant system. I would not want to replace a faulty radiator with the same, but our mechanic verified that the Nissan replacement radiator has been be changed from the original part number. Therefore, Nissan has revised their radiator but not issued a recall. Nissan dealer quotes for repair was $9983.

- Tolleson, AZ, USA

problem #30

Feb 252013

Pathfinder

  • 101,000 miles
We took our 2006 Nissan Pathfinder into the local dealer and they told us that we have to change the transmission because the oil is mixing with the fluid in the radiator and transmission. Was estimated at $10,000 to repair.

- Barrigada, GU, USA

problem #29

Feb 012013

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 96,000 miles
This issue is related to NHTSA action number : DP12004 my 2006 Nissan Pathfinder started having transmission issues at roughly 96,000 miles on 2/1/2013. While driving, the car will sometimes shake and rumble when traveling between 40-55 mph. The car has progressively gotten worse in the 2 weeks that the problem started happening. I took my Nissan for repair at berlin city Nissan in portland, Maine on 2/19/2013 and they stated that the problem is a known issue. The known issue was a design flaw with how the radiator and transmission are integrated together. In summary when there is a cracked atf line in the vehicle, that engine coolant will run through the transmission ultimately causing permanent damage and requiring that the radiator and transmission be replaced. The quote I got today to get the items repaired is $6,700. Nissan is aware of this issue and rather than having a recall they increased the warranty duration to 80K miles. From reading on-line, it appears that most people that have had this issue (like me), experience this problem after 80K miles. Therefore, Nissan does not have to pay for the repair. From reading on-line and talking with the Nissan service staff, the problem with my 2006 Nissan Pathfinder is only going to get worse and ultimately present a driving hazard. I need to make a decision soon whether to make the costly repair or get a new vehicle. I am concerned about the car failing putting myself and my passengers at risk.

- Falmouth, ME, USA

problem #28

Feb 182013

Pathfinder

  • miles
Traveling at approximately 40mph. Noticed that car shuddered when I accelerated, but then it stopped as I sped up. Service engine soon light came on and car lost power while I was driving in high traffic. Nearly rearended by the vehicle behind me. Cars has to swerve to miss hitting me. The rpms were high when I applied the accelerator, but the car would only go about 10 mph. Took car to mechanic nearby. Was told there was a problem with the transmission and the car was dangerous to drive. Advised to have the car moved to a local transmission business for further inspection. Received a class action lawsuit notice against Nissan for the very make and model SUV I own. At the time, I had no problems. I have maintained the vehicle well. This very costly transmission problem came on suddenly with no warnings, which I read is typical of this Nissan defect. I believe that these cars should be recalled and all expenses paid for by Nissan as they were aware of the defective radiators. Not only are the costs to their consumers unacceptable ($6,000 repair on a vehicle with little over 100,000K miles), but they are putting people's lives at risk with this defect.

- Hermitage, TN, USA

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