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Nissan Pathfinder Transmission Problems

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  • agentx88agentx88 Member Posts: 1
    I understand everyone's frustration, and had a friend of mine experience this very issue. That was what originally had me researching it to begin with.
    The situation: for the automatic transmission, the transmission fluid is pumped through heat exchangers in the front of the vehicle- one in the bottom of the radiator, one just behind the grill. The heat exchanger inside the radiator begins to leak, allowing antifreeze to enter the transmission fluid and eventually into the transmission itself. The antifreeze seems to have devastating effects on the internals of the transmission over time. Unfortunately, by the time you notice something is wrong, it's too late.
    I'm not 100% sure, but I think the one in the radiator is to help warm the transmission fluid during cold weather to allow for smoother shifting. I don't see how it would help cool the fluid, since the radiator will be warmer during normal operating conditions anyway.
    I just completely bypassed the radiator with a male-male barb fitting. I disconnected the hoses from the bottom of the radiator, connected the two with the barb fitting, clamped them down, and capped the old fittings on the radiator. I then made sure to tie the hose up out of the way, and make sure it wasn't kinked.
    My wife has been driving it without issue for about 2 years now. We don't tow anything of significant size, but the heat exchanger in front behind the grill does enough to keep it from overheating, and I haven't noticed any issues during cold weather shifting.
    For normal around town driving, I don't see that the radiator heat exchanger is needed. I think it was just a stupid design flaw on Nissan's part.
    From what I've seen, the transmission fluid should never be as hot as the radiator at normal temperature, so it gets heated in the radiator, and then cooled down behind the grill before going back to the transmission. I just eliminated the additional heating, as well as the potential for destroying the transmission. And I live in the south east US.
  • lispaivlispaiv Member Posts: 1
    I also have a 2006 Nissan pathfinder and am having the same problem with the transmission it just started happening. I've owed the car for about 3 years. I have 96700 mileages on it. I'm a single mom with two kids and can not afforded a 400.00 payment every month and this added expensive. I went with a pathfinder because I had an x-Terra and had great luck with it. Hoping that something can be done about this.
  • hockeyeasthockeyeast Member Posts: 43
    Just had mine replaced. Nissan covered it. The cost to do the work was over 8 thousand dollars! 71,000 miles, new transmission.
  • nwfindernwfinder Member Posts: 9
    I have not heard of this affecting any Pathfinders beyond 2008. Where did you get your info?
  • unrelentingunrelenting Member Posts: 42
    1) From the allegations in the law suit.....covers 2005 - 2010 Pathfinders.
    2) From a few who have posted the same issues who have 2010 models.
  • path05path05 Member Posts: 2
    I took my 2005 pathfinder to the dealer for the same transmission problems. I bought it with 45000 miles 3 years ago and now has 72000 miles so the dealer told me that they gonna replace the tranny and radiator and give me a rental car fo free since is still under the 80k extended warranty. I guees I got lucky so far. So my main concern now is if this repair is a permanent solution for this problems or it can happen again?
  • pathfinder2008pathfinder2008 Member Posts: 16
    Nissan nor the dealer ever made me aware for an opportunity to repair, before it was too late. Too late is how I found out, after radiator ruptured and vehicle was towed to dealer.
  • tx07pathfindertx07pathfinder Member Posts: 1
    Same here. I know I've been going to this dealer since before 80K. No mail, e-mail, phone call. In fact, the last service I had done was at 90K, a huge one that covered all the fluids, etc. After the pickup and I took it home. I found under the hood a bottle of unopened coolant leak sealer! I shrugged it off thinking it was extra or something and they forgot it under the hood. SO, now here I am and wondering if they did know about it all along and just blew the issue off. I have ammo now and I didn't even realize it. Whether or not they believe me is the problem and I wished I said something about it then. I'm guilty of putting too much trust in these stealerships! Never again, they aren't my friends, ever.
  • pathfinderownpathfinderown Member Posts: 1
    I am facing the same issue with my 2007 Pathfinder.
    Was your's still under warranty?
  • swiftcurrentswiftcurrent Member Posts: 1
    Do you have to be the original owner to use the warranty?
  • babers1babers1 Member Posts: 1
    Got the same problem....didn't know anythingabout this problem until my heat stopped working a couple days ago. I checked my radiator Saturday and sure enough, milky fluid. Called nissan and took it in this morning to have it checked, and when they called me, they confirmed that it was the radiator and tranny fluid mixing.

    I was really worried that it will not be covered by nissan, since I don't have any warranty at all on my vehicle. My truck is a 2007 pathfinder with 79,988 miles on it. They said they will replace them for FREE since my vehicle has less than 80k miles. They told me that's the cut off on the coverage. It was really a close call. I'm glad the dealer is only a mile away from my house and not 13 miles away. Whew...what a releif.

    I guess what I'm trying to say is if your truck has less than 80k miles, nissan will replace them for free.
  • ted78ted78 Member Posts: 1
    If anyone owns a 2005 nissan pathfinder I strongly recommend you buy a transmission cooler. bypass the radiator and connect transmission lines directly to the cooler mounted in front of the ac condensor- behind the grill. We do this repair to prevent future intermix - transmission failure.
  • norocamponorocampo Member Posts: 1
    same problem bought it on 09 used 05 nissan pathfinder. with extended warranty, I was given different diagnoses every time i came in the shop an average of every 6 months. finally the warranty expired, and thats when they told me I need it a new transmission a month after the warranty expired. I called head quaters and no luck. I went to Aamco for a trans. The problem was not fixed and AAMCO could not figured out the problem because they could not get the right codes, So I was sent to back the dealer, I was told by the dealer I need it a new body valve so I spend $1200 on top of $3300 for the transmission. After a month later (today) my path was leaking orange fluid so I went to the dealer (again) I was told it was the same problem trans./radiator. Tomorrow the service manager is calling the NISSAN head quaters and see what they can do to fix this problem................IF NISSAN DOES NOT GIVE ME AN THE ANSWER, I' M CALLING THE MEDIA!!!!!!
  • path05path05 Member Posts: 2
    Nissan dealer fix the problem by replacing the transmission and radiator at not cost since the car was still under the 80K extended warranty. I think that all the nissan dealers should be aware of this problem by now.
  • lcplorbinatilcplorbinati Member Posts: 23
    edited June 2012
    Okay I have a 2001 LE 4x4 with 141,800+ Since Feb 25 2012 and 136k I have had all kinds of nightmarish crap. Btw I have had it almost 5 years and just over 102,900.

    I have had the fuse blow for the starter about twice, cold start resulting in stalling unless key is turned to start before it hits zero rpms or your on the gas, and for the past 2-3 months I have had the P0740 code coming up.

    I havent had the fuse blow in a while (April 10 2012 is last time).

    Cold Start problem I have no clue- tried replacing fuel pump and fuel filter based on similar symptoms with a work vehicle, replaced the intake hose that was cracked (not known if it was leaking).

    P0740 Code I have not gotten a definitive answer from the few people I have asked about it. I asked the dealer on cost and they said $2300 to replace the solenoid, i later found out that was all the solenoid. I got one educated guess that took a look at the car and they said its about $300.00 to fix.

    Oh yeah anyone loose control of your air conditioner (on/off and fan speed controls non-operational/malfunctioning)??

    Cpl Orbinati :confuse:
  • fl116fl116 Member Posts: 3
    I did this fix on my vehicle myself, I had no complicated install issues and so far have had no issues.
  • lcplorbinatilcplorbinati Member Posts: 23
    I guess your entitled to your own opinion but I was honest... I didnt say the car was or is perfect.... But now at 142,500 she is doing well for the problems she has... Running strong. And if i may.. Why you doubt my review?
  • mainegirl1mainegirl1 Member Posts: 4
    same issue here.. mine was shifting really hard and over revving, it has 86000 miles its a 2005... took to dealer and I did buy an aftermarket maintenance policy so dealer calls ins. co for policy and they wont look at it unless it gets flushed. I do that and doesnt help much... so while driving in heavy traffic a few weeks later it totally dies.. I shut it off and it did restart.. took to dealer next day and it went to a transmission shop.. everyone that has driven my truck states definate issue.. but the insurance co says it has to be torn down to pin point where failure occurs.... So this is done and yup everyones jaw drops because they say no mechanical defect to warrant claim... even though there is antifreeze in tranny..I think the radiator held that time when they tested it.... the tranny.bangs into gear and over revvs this isnt normal, I did what i had to do to preserve the tranny and i will prob get stuck with a bill I can not afford......... I bought ins to protect myself and they had no problem taking the premium......... help!!!link">
  • lcplorbinatilcplorbinati Member Posts: 23
    Read further in the Transmission thread. There is a noted defect with the Trans and Radiator. The 2004-2006 models seem to be a problem when it comes to this.

    I will recommend to you that you take it to a dealer ASAP and tell them to fix it. You may have to report it to the NTSB and or look for a recall cause this is a common issue. This needs to be done BEFORE you go over your Standard warranty/extended warranty.

    Cpl Orbinati
  • mainegirl1mainegirl1 Member Posts: 4
    what is NTSB? my tranny is at tranny shop in pieces because the adjuster wanted it torn down to find failure point....
  • dawnma1dawnma1 Member Posts: 11
    Im reading ALOT of complaints on Pathfinders and I now have water leaking into transmission fluid along with the stutter at 40 mph do I've opted to turn the OD off when driving in city. Basically my point is "am I reading all these complaints and ABSOLUTELY NO RECALL HAVE BEEN DONE, correct?
    Who else is having issue of water in transmission? Its not just older models I have '07.
  • lcplorbinatilcplorbinati Member Posts: 23
    National traffic safety board
  • lcplorbinatilcplorbinati Member Posts: 23
    I dont remember if there is any recalls thats why i said check
  • wasuvwasuv Member Posts: 3
    I recently test drove a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder SE Off Road that had a reduced price (below market value, which was kind of a warning) from a local dealer in Centennial Colorado.

    Everything felt fine except at high speeds and decelerating, the transmission kind of jerked. That's what spawned me to question the transmission and research it online. Then found out about this "intermix" issue.

    It is a very poor design to say the least. And since Nissan isn't really covering it as a defect, it is likely your car will be out of warranty before it occurs after 80k.

    I took the car for a pre-sale inspection at a third-party Nissan dealer to have a certified Nissan tech look it over. They informed me that he intermix issue was pretty rare, but occurs on NIssan Pathfinders, XTerras from about 2005-2007 and it is more about the location of the factory where was made than it affecting all vehicles. I have also seen some things about some Frontiers as well online.

    Anyways, the mechanic did mention there is that third party converter to add a radiator for the transmission only and re-route the lines independently as some people mentioned on this thread (est. $300). You need to catch it in time though.

    Superficial signs are "pink slime" and "whitish film" on the radiator cap and on the transmission dip stick. But if the radiator fluid and transmission had recently been flushed (possibly to cover-up the issue by a deceitful seller), it would need to be driven about 100 miles before you could detect the intermix.

    Anyways, the dealer still has the vehicle for sale at the original "reduced" price (now I know why it was reduced), and I think that is very poor business as I have shown them the inspection report and they are aware of the problem.

    I just want to warn a potential buyer, so they don't get suckered into a $6000-$7000 quoted repair for a new transmission and radiator per the inspection.

    beware of this vehicle:
    2006 Nissan Pathfinder SE Off Road
    Black
    VIN 5N1AR18W76C619660
  • snowbird127snowbird127 Member Posts: 9
    The clowns at Nissan dealt with the defect this way. They acknowledged it, put this program together to show they were being fair and honest, but ultimately put the $4500-6000 repair costs on the owners.

    http://www.nissanassist.com/web/Radiator/index.php?menu=20

    NEVER BUY NISSAN again.
  • dawnma1dawnma1 Member Posts: 11
    Ok I can't say I would never buy Nissan again, but did
    Nissan fix this problem? My pathfinder is an '07, I'd consider getting a 2010 if problem had been addressed, other wise I guess I'll look into Armada issues, if any. But if anyone know what years exactly this issue is happening to that would get me a little bit ahead of the game when I take this to Nissan dealer in my town. Thanks a bunch for the feedback, VERY appreciated!!!!!!
  • lcplorbinatilcplorbinati Member Posts: 23
    Jst bewere of it... Pathfinders outside of the 2005-2007 age are fine. I have a 2001 that has been fine up to about 135k but 8k later its doing fine. After having this Nissan i would buy another Nissan.

    My mom had an 02 Xterra and it was good just too big for her.
  • lcplorbinatilcplorbinati Member Posts: 23
    I havent really seen any problems with 2008-2012 Pathfinders but be aware that electrical can be a problem.. I had at least one bad harness and probably have another.
  • wasuvwasuv Member Posts: 3
    I neglected to mention in my previous post that the inspection verified that the Pathfinder I was looking at to purchase suffered from the intermix problem and was in need of a new transmission and radiator. Mechanic did NOT recommend buying it. :sick:
  • valkamavalkama Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2012
    I just had this problem. I have a 2005 Pathfinder with 84,000 miles. Was driving on I 15 when I lost power. I had to go from the left lane to 3 lanes over to the right lane without causing an accident. The pathfinder went into limp mode and would only go into 2nd gear. I went to Oceanside transmissions, the best in the business! They checked and sure enough, the radiator fluid mixed with the trany fluid and it looked like Pepto Bismol. They called Nissan to get them to fix it but they said no. I called Nissan headquarters, and the dealer and nothing. The local rep that was assigned to my case closed it without even talking to me. For me the cost was $4700. The simple fact that Nissan did not even want to talk to me about it has made me decide that they do not deserve my business.

    So my next plan is to get the word out to as many people as possible about their service and this defect. I own an animation firm and am currently having one of my employees model the defective coolant system and then will animate the process and why it fails. I am working with a transmission repair facility and a mechanic to make sure its on spec. If anyone has photos of the failure please contact me as I would like to include them in the final animation.

    Thank you
  • valkamavalkama Member Posts: 5
    I am re-posting part of my previous note to get the word out.

    I own an animation firm and am currently having one of my employees model the defective coolant system and then will animate the process and why it fails. I am working with a transmission repair facility and a mechanic to make sure its on spec. If anyone has photos of the failure please contact me as I would like to include them in the final animation.

    Thank you

    Jason
  • unrelentingunrelenting Member Posts: 42
    Join our lawsuit...it is in process in NY. The judge combined our suit which now includes Texas, NY, and CA. This is a big deal. A defective part is not a reason to extend a warrant....it is a reason to recall the units affected. It covers 2005 thru 2010 Pathfinders...for those of you thinking you may not be affected in your 2008 thru 2010 models....they are beginning to have the same issue. Again, a big deal.....
  • mainegirl1mainegirl1 Member Posts: 4
    Can I have more info on this lawsuit... I am having issues with having my tranny repaired, It was acting up pretty bad and myextended warranty is denying my claim thus far. They are claiming no failure because nothing is broken or cracked in my tranny.......They want physical internal damage even though my policy claims it pays for repairs out of operating tolences...... very very frustrated... The dealer I purchased car from is now on board trying to help me but I want to join the lawsuit... shame on nissan...... I had my transmission fail in traffic .. I shut the engine off and luckily was still able to drive it..
  • felomonfelomon Member Posts: 2
    edited July 2012
    How do we go about info on the lawsuit and joining it.
    I have a 2006 just spent $5,600 on repairing the transmition a new radiator and a new Torque converter
  • kjmac16kjmac16 Member Posts: 1
    We have encountered the same problems with our 2006 Pathfinder. The truck has 91K miles and started having issues going into reverse about a month or so ago. We took it to our mechanic who spoke with a tech that advised him of the issues with leaking fluid / water into the transmission. Our mechanic flushed the radiator twice ($250) and advised that we had some serious problems when the "oily" fluid kept appearing. We then took it to a transmission specialist who replaced the radiator in order to stop the leakage. ($1300). A couple of days after we started experiencing issues with the truck dropping out of gear while driving (will reset when you turn off most of the time) & refusing to go into reverse. We are facing having to replace the transmission $3000-$4000. A phone call and visit to our dealer's were not helpful as no one knew anything about the issue.

    Any information that could be shared regarding a class action lawsuit would be greatly appreciated. - Albany, NY
  • unrelentingunrelenting Member Posts: 42
    Good news for you is just around the corner.....if you did or do have cross contamination....stay tuned.....
  • lcplorbinatilcplorbinati Member Posts: 23
    Look at page 52 of this forum. This is the first I am hearing about a Nissan lawsuit when it comes to the 2004-2010 Pathfinders. Contact that user for the information.
  • wasuvwasuv Member Posts: 3
    I have been informed by mechanics and from the extended warranty website ( http://www.nissanassist.com/web/Radiator/index.php?menu=20 ), that it affects 2005-2010 Frontiers, Pathfinders and Xterras. Not all of them though, just a small percentage, but not sure what the number is.

    A salesman tried to say it only affected 2005, but he was obviously not very knowledgable since the 2006 I took in for an inspection had the problem, including many others on this forum.

    A mechanic told me that another sign other than the "milky-chocoloate milk-like" radiator fluid (NEVER check radiator when hot!) and "pink slime" in the transmission (you can check the transmission dipstick located near firewall on passenger side - requires loosening bolt 6mm), the transmission typically jerks or is rough when shifting between 30-40mph. Although, the Pathfinder I test drove had a shifting bump when decelerating from 70mph down to 60mph and it suffered from this issue.

    If you own one under those criteria, I would recommend taking it in for inspection. You can get the aftermarket kit which is about $300 to prevent it and have some peace of mind.

    note: the extended warranty that another user posted looks like it only applies towards the radiator assembly, no mention of the transmission.
  • dawnma1dawnma1 Member Posts: 11
    It is a safety issue, Pathfinders should be recalled for faulty radiator and transmission issues, say your going on family vacation and your transmission locks up, what do you do? I bought my '07 from decent dealer in my hometown and it wasn't that way when I purchased it has happened in the 1yr I've owned it, makes me sick that there's no recall, customers cannot make this happen it's parts that Nissan bought and built their vehicles with, it should be their pocket being picked for it
  • lcplorbinatilcplorbinati Member Posts: 23
    edited July 2012
    if enough owners complained to the NTSB and reported the situation then the NTSB may start investigation into the vehicle and force Nissan to recall the situation. I know there is the start of a class action against Nissan (See page 51) because of the situation. I agree it should be a recall cause the situation is common from 2004-2010 Pathfinders, Fronteers and Xterras.
  • lauracpalmerlauracpalmer Member Posts: 35
    I so completely agree. Nothing wrong with the lawsuit(s) but if everyone reported This to http://www.ntsb.gov/ and most important to NHTSA https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ and so critical is to point out the safety issues you had more then the cost. We were in the middle of heavy traffic on Memorial Day weekend last year when our SUV lurched forward violently. Thankfully my husband managed to control the car or it would have been a tragic scene due to the speed of the traffic flow. If this appears to be mostly about money it is not going to get taken seriously. We have to prove that Nissan not only does not care about loyalty to customers but has no ethics when it comes to the possible loss of life or injury.">link title
  • lauracpalmerlauracpalmer Member Posts: 35
    Nothing wrong with the lawsuit(s) but if everyone reported This to http://www.ntsb.gov/ and most important to NHTSA https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ and so critical is to point out the safety issues you had more then the cost. We were in the middle of heavy traffic on Memorial Day weekend last year when our SUV lurched forward violently. Thankfully my husband managed to control the car or it would have been a tragic scene due to the speed of the traffic flow. If this appears to be mostly about money it is not going to get taken seriously. We have to prove that Nissan not only does not care about loyalty to customers but has no ethics when it comes to the possible loss of life or injury.
  • hockeyeasthockeyeast Member Posts: 43
    I have a 2006 frontier that they covered. 9 grand...better fight for it!!
  • lauracpalmerlauracpalmer Member Posts: 35
    Frustrating trying to keep the links together and working. Hopefully this will be better.

    Check this out. NHTSA has begun an investigation re: the transmission/radiator nightmare.

    http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/06/nissan-suvs-under-nhtsa-investigation- -for-transmission-issues.html

    http://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2012/nissan-transmission-investigation-possibl- e.shtml

    However it is critical that those who have experienced this nightmare report it to NHTSA. And if you had even a close call to what was or could have been a dangerous situation, this is so important to note. NHTSA looks at the dangers, not the cost. I know we are far from the only owners who came close to what could have been tragic due to the vehicle lurching forward in heavy 40 MPH traffic. Others have reported their transmissions dying while in the middle of heavy traffic. We finally have a chance to get these vehicles either off the road or fixed and also hopefully be reimbursed. Below is the site to the report starting the NHTSA investigation. This is where you can file a complaint: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/index.xhtml

    http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/defect/defectresults.cfm?start=1&Sear- chType=DrillDown&type=1&year=2005&make=NISSAN&model=PATHFINDER&component_id=171&- summary=true&PrintVersion=YES
  • dawnma1dawnma1 Member Posts: 11
    Thank you, I will be getting on and filing a complaint!!
  • lauracpalmerlauracpalmer Member Posts: 35
    I don't know where this will go but after a year of getting over what we went through and now everyday seeing others going through the same is painful and sadly keep worrying something tragic will happen after our close call. And finding now reports of this same issue have gone on since 2005. I work for the State and someone in another state office has the same vehicle as ours and since last year I've been tempted to call that dept and connect with her to see if she's gone through the same. And running into others simply in parking lots I've been tempted but knew just talking about it wasn't going to help. Even if in the end we don't win we will live but now I feel good about passing on information to others. By the way, maybe I'm doing something wrong but in checking the value of our Pathfinder after seriously considering trading it in now that it's "fixed" but the value dropped approx. $6000.00 since last year. Leading us to believe that even after paying what we have to "fix" Nissan's problem, now the value has dropped. We paid a couple dollars short of $6000.00 and it appears this is the average since we first had to deal with this. Good luck to all!!!!
  • lauracpalmerlauracpalmer Member Posts: 35
    I've been following this for some time wanting to not only report to the government pushing for a recall but also a lawsuit but unfortunately I have not had a response ever since this suits were brought up, and I've tried several times. Maybe it's due to be in Vermont???
  • valkamavalkama Member Posts: 5
    GREAT NEWS! I am Hopeful something comes of this. Since this has happened i am having a host of other electric issues that they cant figure out why. Not fun.
  • lauracpalmerlauracpalmer Member Posts: 35
    This is our concern and we keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.
  • unrelentingunrelenting Member Posts: 42
    There is much more I could say...but, I need to sit and watch. I have other info...but, I do not want to post here. Maybe we need FB accounts specific to Nissan issues......
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