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Nissan Pathfinder Transmission Problems

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  • petekapeteka Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2010
    Just heard back from the regional specialist about my 2005 frontier with 47000 miles on it that nissan is telling me needs a new radiator/transmission for 5400$$. The regional specialist said to bad, I have since joined the class action lawsuit. As a side note both nissan mechanics admitted to me that this is a known issue and I should call nissan customer service, of course nissan did not help. Thinking I will just replace the radiator and flush the transmission and hope for the best.
  • 99accent99accent Member Posts: 237
    there isn't any recalls or tranny trouble with 2003 models , its the 2005 and o6 that have the problems with the radiator because nissan changed radiator vendors those years.
  • kmonkmon Member Posts: 8
    Good luck with your fontier. How do you become part of the class action lawsuit?
  • 99accent99accent Member Posts: 237
    edited August 2010
    I found this site that shows well illustrated views on pathfinders radiator and transmission line illustration's ,it may help you see or find what and where your problems have started. plus you can order new radiators and other cooling line parts.or give you an understanding of whats going on under that hood. if you click on the part Numbers on each item it will give you more information about it.
    hope this helps for those 2005 and 2006 model years.

    http://www.courtesyparts.com/pathfinder-parts-r50-1996-2004/genuine-nissan-parts- /exhaust-cooling/214-radiator-shroud-fitting/-c-4700_4701_4724_4730.html
  • 99accent99accent Member Posts: 237
    here's a view for the 04 and 05 pathfinder radiators you can get a lot of information from a good picture hope this helps.

    http://www.courtesyparts.com/pathfinder-parts-r51-2005-2010/genuine-nissan-parts- /exhaust-cooling/214-radiator-shroud-fitting/-c-6833_6834_6855_6861.html
  • gharpmangharpman Member Posts: 88
    To all Nissan Pathfinder and truck owners with transmission and radiator problems, just read today that VW/AUDI will pay out more than $80 million green ones to settle a pair of class action suits over leaky sunroofs and faulty drainage systems, involving over 3 million autos. It took three years of litigation.
    $70 million went for reimbursements and modifications and $10 million for the lawyers.

    The suit alleged design defects. For years VW/AUDI blamed customers for not maintaining their cars right. Sounds familiar.

    Nissan will get there's. It's just a question of when.
  • 99accent99accent Member Posts: 237
    edited August 2010
    ">link titlehttp://www.rpmoutlet.com/images/afe300261.jpg

    transmission cooler before its to late

    bottom line not Nissan
  • 99accent99accent Member Posts: 237
    did this happen to older pathfinders ,hearsay some did, I was with a fellow pathfinder owner at the beach today, he has a beautiful well cared for 96 SE wheel drive. he was told from a few older pathfinder owners that he met in in his travels that they had transmission and radiator problems back then in 1993 and 1996 , so he had an oil cooler installed and bypassed the radiator could this be true I hope not for my 2003 SE [have has anyone heard of this with the older pathfinders? :confuse:
  • ohownerohowner Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2010
    WOW, I am so glad i've found this forum and appreciate all the input from all of you Pathfinder owners. I had an issue this week with my '05 pathfinder where i believe the fuel pump went out, it started and shut down then wouldn't restart and after a numerous attempts had it taken towed to my mechanic. However he replaced it friday and is still having the problem starting up. The mechanic can start it with starting fluid for a short time but it seems the pump must not be functioning to supply the system. was thinking electrical but I've checked the fuses and they are all good. Have any of you had this problem?
    As many of you have stated about the shuddering and vibration it has become noticeable within the past few months at 40-50 mph as well. I guess i am going to be proactive and get the radiator replaced and tranny flushed and check the u-joints. I sure hope this will avert what seems many of you have had to deal with which is bull@**%. Nissan, as someone else said, needs to step up and deal with the problem they know is an obvious manufacturer defect, and almost seemingly negligence now at this point! I love my pathfinder but i surely don't want to be paying for it again in major repair bills and judging by the way Nissan handling this i won't own another! I will post back what i find as well and may be joining the class action suit with you all!
  • gmc1973gmc1973 Member Posts: 2
    I am curious to know what peoples' view are on (1) whether or not a new radiator will avoid the coolant/transmission problem posted here and (2) whether, where a new transmission and radiator have already been installed, the car is "fixed" with respect to these known transmission problems? In other words, would one be crazy to buy a 2005 Pathfinder with a new transmission and radiator replaced at about 55K miles? It is now at 65K with no apparent problems. Thank you.
  • 99accent99accent Member Posts: 237
    if the pathfinder has been fixed by the dealer and is warren teed ,i would say buy it
  • 99accent99accent Member Posts: 237
    will checking the color of the trans fluid every 1 or 2 weeks or so at least let you know if you have a potential problem starting like if you see a milky strawberry color of the fluid,or will just bypassing the radiator completely with a good transmission oil cooler kit with a thermostat on it solve this underlying problem for good.?
  • kmonkmon Member Posts: 8
    Nissan called me back today. Just what I expected. They will not assist in the repair of the radiator or transmission problem. I was told by the regional specialist that she is not aware of what Nissan will do in the future as this problem becomes more of a concern with customers of Nissan Pathfinders. I hope that Nissan gets nailed to the wall with this and has to pay out millions to fix all the faulty radiator in the 2005 and 2006 Pathfinders in a recall. I will be the first one in line.
  • grantinigrantini Member Posts: 8
    Two years ago, I had this problem with our 05 Pathfinder. Had the radiator replaced by Nissan and NO love from them on the repair. Everything worked fine until a couple weeks ago. NOW I've learned that as a consequence of the radiator fluid in the transmission two years ago, our tranny is cooked and needs 4k worth of repairs. Bottom line, if you think you have fixed it by replacing the radiator, you probably haven't.
  • kmonkmon Member Posts: 8
    I just had someone replace the radiator, drain the trans. The Trans is better but not completely 100%. I will see how it goes. The trans seems to be improving every day. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
  • 99accent99accent Member Posts: 237
    edited August 2010
    for what its worth I would have the transmission flushed and new fluid changed for about the next 2 weeks ,you may just have caught it on time because usually one flush and change isn't enough,the torque converter may has some contaminated fluid still in it.
  • kmonkmon Member Posts: 8
    Thanks 99accent, if all goes well the next few weeks I will take it to have the system flushed to remove all the fluid including what is in the torque converter. When the trans was drained there was no visual sign of water. The fluid was just a brown color. I will let you all know how I make out in the next few weeks.

    Kmon.
  • meahlariemeahlarie Member Posts: 1
    Our 2005 Pathfinder (87K mi) was recently diagnosed with the same issue everyone is having. The dealership wants to replace the radiator, flush everything, and then check on the trans. We'd like to have a shot at Nissan helping us out, but we can't wait on them to respond before we start the repair. The dealership is giving us two options on a radiator 1. Nissan brand, 2. other brand. Questions:

    1. If we start the repair now, which brand should we go with? (keep in mind we'd like nissan to reimburse us for the repair)
    2. Has nissan actually reimbursed anyone for a repair, or has everyone who's had nissan assistance waited on them to make the calls re: repair and pay directly?
    3. Any other advice.

    Thanks for the help!
  • quesocorequesocore Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2010
    I wouldn't wish a pathfinder on anyone. I regret buying mine. I have 45k miles and I had a ujoint replaced (under warranty), did the radiator and flush as a precaution for $600. Just a few days ago the heat/air blower motor stopped working. I removed it and it was rusted out. Found out that the fresh air intake cover isn't seated very well so it's probably going to be a recurring problem in hard rains. Too early in the game for me to have these issues. Not to mention the gas mileage is horrible but I knew that going in. You're better off getting a V8 in the same class SUV. I've heard they get better gas mileage. Look for a 4Runner.

    For what these are "valued" at they aren't worth the money. Up to you but I would pass.
  • quesocorequesocore Member Posts: 7
    I went with the Koyo A2807 radiator instead of the Nissan (Calsonic). I would imagine this was a bad batch of radiators from the manufacturer and doubt any new ones have the same defect but I still don't trust them. Maybe it was 2005s manufactured late in the year and 2006 manufactured early. Maybe a particular plant.

    I did mine as a precaution so couldn't really go after nissan for the money but if I did I would probably just no accept no for an answer and bother them daily about it.
  • gharpmangharpman Member Posts: 88
    After intensive negotiations with Nissan Corp, I wound up paying $450 for a trans and radiator on my 2005 Pathfinder. The dealer worked with me on this. One of the reasons I got the deal was that I only had 38k on the vehicle. I then brought my Pathfinder to an excellent trans shop where they reversed the trans cooler hoses.
    So far so good.

    Find out who makes the other radiator and how it's rated. make your choice on quality and have Nissan give you the same warranty, no matter which radiator you choose. Have them change your hoses. Sometimes the trans flush has to be done a number of times and it doesn't work because the transparts are too contaminated.. Hope you have an honest dealer. Good Luck.
  • mfollomfollo Member Posts: 1
    its very interesting to read how many people out there are having the same issues as me...wow!! I had no idea...I had an issue 2 yrs ago with my 05 nissan pathfinder, it wouldnt accelerate as it should and then the a/c and heat stopped working. I brought it in and they said it was the radiator and transmission fluids mixing and they ended up keeping the car for about a week to repair the problem. It wasnt supposed to be so long but everyday that it was supposed to be ready they called to say the problem was not yet fixed and that it was complicated. They did do it all under warranty and I did not have to pay anything at the time (this by the way is in Canada). This weekend I ran into a major problem with the car while in the USA and actually had to leave the car there at a Nissan dealership to have the repairs done because there was no way I would have made it home. The transmission and radiator all need to be replaced, due to the rad leaking and fluids mixing again and this time they damaged the transmission beyond repair! 4 days for parts to come in and 2 days labour, estimate worse case scenario is $7000 US...yep...I just got back and now will investigate whether any of this is covered, and it doesnt sound good based on the comments posted here....looks like there is definitely a huge issue here! anyone out there with same issue in canada pls post details as I need all the info I can get...thanks
  • gharpmangharpman Member Posts: 88
    Since initial repair was under warranty, you could argue that this the same problem and should be treated the same way. I would definitely fight for this one. And if you have it done, have a reliable tranny place switch the cooler hoses to make sure it doesn't happen again.
  • 99accent99accent Member Posts: 237
    mfollo (Aug 24, 2010 4:40 pm)
    you stated something interesting to me [quote,have a reliable tranny place switch the cooler hoses to make sure it doesn't happen again. ]

    Could you please tell us what switching the cooler hoses will do when everything was replaced on the guys car with an updated radiator and I'm sure they blew out the transmission hoses please explain this thanks . :confuse:
  • ktz4ktz4 Member Posts: 5
    This is getting way too old .. the check engine light just won't go off ..
    for a 2005 pathfinder LE .. this is too much
    within a year .. where do I begin?
    Jan catalytic converter 1200$
    June Fuel gauge sensor 700$
    July U Joints replaced 200$
    August Raditor replaced & Transmission flush $1274.75
    present (august not over yet) .. the dealer told me I need to replace the "other" catalytic converter, I didn't know there is another catalytic converter, for 1200$
    man .. that's it for Nissan
  • gharpmangharpman Member Posts: 88
    How old is the battery? Have your battery checked. If a battery is going bad, your "check engine" and other warnings will start to appear.
  • ktz4ktz4 Member Posts: 5
    oops .. forgot to mention battery was replaced 2 weeks ago (walmart) which is a bright side because it was replaced for free (with in 3 years - defected battery) .. so the sun do shine after a big storm (or least peek out a bit)
  • 99accent99accent Member Posts: 237
    wow its costing out as much as getting an older 2003 or 4 pathy without the radiator problem and less of every other problem you have had, you should fix it cheap as possible dump it on a respectable dealer because there isn't any ,and then go for and older model or a different model. that tranny bill will come to $5,000. ;)
  • phanfamphanfam Member Posts: 1
    I am reading all these post and i am getting very upset with my 2005 Nissan pathfinder! I had problems with my Pathfinder in 2009 and i brought my car to the dealership and they told me that i needed to replace my transmission and radiator cuz the fluids were mixed. I was furious because this is my first brand new car I bought and paid off in 3 yrs. I have bought plenty of used old cars and never had to change a transmission. So you can imagine how i felt when they they told me this. So we went ahead and flushed out the transmission and changed some hoses. It cost us around $900. Well yesterday i took my 3 kids to the park and my car started to shutter and having the same problem it was having last year. I know for a fact that its the transmission again. my car stalled out 4 times before i was able to make it home. Now after reading these post i'm going to have a talk to the dealership to see what they can do about replacing the transmission and radiator..
    I did read some of the post about the lawsuit. Should i call them too? if anyone has suggestions please let me know.
    Wish me luck dealing with Nissan tmrw! ( fingers cross)
  • archerwarcherw Member Posts: 1
    Hi I have a 2005 Pathfinder, and I am having the same problem.I took my truck to the Nissan dealership in March. Why? because I had a trimble when coasting around 40mph.The dealership told me that my Radiator was mixing with the Transmission and they would have to rebuild it and replace my radiator at the price of 5,000.00.So I asked around and got a local mechanic to fix it for 3,300.00.However,it didn't last for long and it's back doing the same thing.And now I have another problem it wont start and they tell me it's the DMP, that is not allowing it to start.

    Archer from Florida
  • spinynormanspinynorman Member Posts: 5
    Update - Now gone about 6,000 miles after flushing AT fluid and replacing radiator, with 500 of those miles towing a 3500 lb camper. So far so good.
  • 99accent99accent Member Posts: 237
    I checked my dip stick for my auto tranny , and the fluid is not burnt or mixed , its just than compared to the cars I ave had like toyotas fords chevy , the Nissan fluid is tanish or amber in color , and between your fingers its kind of on the thick consistency side more like a 20 weight motor oil, is this normal because everything is working good, I know you can substitue the Nissan fluid with dextron mercron ii , but that type fluid is red and very thin in comparison, in just curious that the Nissan fluid is normally a little thicker?
  • iknowiknow Member Posts: 1
    I had the same problem last fall. On Monday I was having the same problem again. Took it to my wonderful (he really is, I would never take it to the dealership) mechanic, he flushed the transmission again (to the tune of $321) and it is working fine for now. I emailed Nissan directly and they told me the would "open a file" about my problem. Laugable at best! My mechanic told me if he were buying a car for his own wife. He would buy first Honda, then Toyota then Nissan. He says he repairs Honda's least often and when he does have to repair them, even major repairs are usually 25% less to fix. Good luck to you! I'm going to keep mine for the remainer of the extended warrenty and then dump it like a hot rock!
  • gharpmangharpman Member Posts: 88
    Ask your mechanic about switching the two trans cooler hoses. May further help you.
  • gmc1973gmc1973 Member Posts: 2
    Dear all - anyone aware of the cause of the transmission/radiator problem? E.g., Defective radiator? Or, bad engineering such as bad placement of radiator or radiator hose? How does the '07 differ from the '05 and '06 in terms of this design flaw?
    My '05 Pathfinder has already received a new (not rebuilt) tranny and new radiator at 59000. It now has 71000 with no noticeable problems. But, what if anything can I do to prevent it from happening again? Feedback would be appreciated!! Thanks
  • gharpmangharpman Member Posts: 88
    Bad batch of radiators;but Nissan won't admit it.Recall would mean replacing radiators, tranny's and hoses. Cost 100's of millions. THey will stall as long as possi ble
  • 99accent99accent Member Posts: 237
    imagethey should by rights recall Al those bad vehicles, its not the public's fault its Nissan's and they have millions or can always get a bailout from Obama. here's a tip if you are buying used or new next time by ratings and repairs, its Honda first , Toyota, and Nissan last maybe we should just replace Nissan with Hyundai :lemon:
  • 3cho3cho Member Posts: 2
    edited September 2010
    Same issue with my 2005 xterra. Just got slapped with the over $5,000 repair bill on this car. Had to finance a high interest rate loan to have the repairs done. This is unexcusable!

    ---- Someone Please Inform Me on How I Can Join This Class Action Lawsuit-----
  • ohpathfinderohpathfinder Member Posts: 4
    Count me in on the Class Action Lawsuit. It’s Hard to believe that Nissan is unwilling to step up and make a recall to this issue.

    After the runaround for well over a month with Nissan and two different dealerships Nissan is unwilling to admit to a manufacturing defect.

    Nissan claims to compete in the same market as Honda and Toyota, but unfortunately do not share in the same quality or customer service.
  • 99accent99accent Member Posts: 237
    yes , what happened during the years of and 2005-2006 Nissan changed Vendors for there pathfinder radiators, and they all had a flaw in them of leaking in the internal cooling line inside the bottom and thus causing the automatic transmission fluid to mix in with the antifreeze they should make good for this or seek a obama bail out if they cant financially afford to fix there problem with these year pathfinders, however the previous models older to 2004 and after 2006 the 2007 up to date are OK
  • sstanisstani Member Posts: 11
    We joined the class action lawsuit a few months ago and today I received an email from Lieff Cabraser indicating they had about 300 people that had joined this lawsuit. I sure hope they get a recall going on this! We haven't had our car for months because of this. We live in north Atlanta,GA. does anyone have any recommendations for a good mechanic in our area that can help us with our transmission? I can't afford $5000 from the Nissan dealer.
  • agggaggg Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2010
    how do i get in on the lawsuit i have a 2005 pathfinder and my transmission just messed up same problems with radiator that leaked causing my transmission to mess up pls let me know me and my husband have three children and no other means of transportation and waiting around to see of the mechanics can fix it not knowing this was happening to evryone
  • tseyffstseyffs Member Posts: 12
    I joined this class action against Nissan months ago, after having to replace my transmission and radiator (both sets of ujoints as well, but thats another story)
    and in going to check today, I don't see any progress.
    Has this been closed out?

    http://www.lieffcabraser.com/contact/contact-pathfinder.htm
  • sstanisstani Member Posts: 11
    I have the contact name for Lieff Cabraser who emailed me recently. This is still open. Here is copy from the email she sent me last week and her contact info is below.

    "'We now have about 300 people who have contacted us regarding problems with their Nissan Pathfinder. If we file a class action against Nissan, it would be a nationwide case including all 2005/2006 Nissan Pathfinder owners who have experienced the defect.''

    Best regards,

    Wenjie Cai
    wcai@lchb.com
  • sstanisstani Member Posts: 11
    Here is the link to the Lieff Cabraser contact form to report Nissan Pathfinder transmission issues.

    http://www.lieffcabraser.com/forms.php?id=549
  • tseyffstseyffs Member Posts: 12
    Thank you very much. I really hope it goes somewhere.
    I know there has to be more than 300 Pathfinder owners who have run into
    this defect.
    Meanwhile I will keep watching.
  • sbrooks05sbrooks05 Member Posts: 1
    Thank you so much I filed too, I have same problem and the cost is 6,000.00 and Im going through a divorce and now my car wont go in reversed. So I have four kids and no car. This was to be a reliable suv for the price and it is a piece of sh........
  • agggaggg Member Posts: 3
    thank you i contacted the lawyers too i hope we get somewhere with this anyways what makes me mad is that i only had a year and a half left to pay it off it is still in the shop not knowing how to make it run and we had to purchase another vehicle so im stuck do i still pay on it or let it go i have never been late on a pyment in 5yrs and this is what happens im so depressed about the situation
  • dbussell78dbussell78 Member Posts: 4
    From what Nissan told me, they will not do a recall because there were not that many vehicles. But they did tell me when my vehicle goes in that they would work with me getting it repaired and possibly covering part of the bill or all of it. My situation was different, I was already a Aamco with my warranty company (stay away from Aamco, they suck). I wish I paid them the money to put the trans back together and taken it to Nissan.

    Anyway, Call Nissan directly, tell them your situation and you know there was a bad batch of radiators delivered and this was the cause. Push them, be nice but firm.
  • maryellis83maryellis83 Member Posts: 4
    Just a FYI- keep a very close eye on it...I did the same repair on my 06 Pathfinder (new radiator, complete flush) Feb of 2010....in May problem re-occured now need new tranny...if warranty is close to expiring I would get it in quick, probably a matter of not "if", but "when".
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