2005 Nissan Frontier: jerking or lurching

Filed Sep 22, 2017 · Transmission · 49,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan frontier. While driving various speeds and shifting gears, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the radiator water and coolant fluid leaked into the transmission. The transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and the dealer were not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.

Filed May 5, 2017 · Transmission · 82,500 miles · UT · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan frontier. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the gear shifted abruptly and the vehicle jerked and vibrated. The contact noticed an odor of burning transmission fluid. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission fluid leaked into the transmission. The dealer also diagnosed that the transmission fluid was corrosive and destroyed the components of the transmission. The dealer recommended that the transmission be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,500. ..updated 06/14/17 *bf

Filed May 2, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · 200,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan frontier. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle jerked front to back and then stalled. The engine and other warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was pushed into a parking lot. The driver attempted to start the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was able to be started the next day; however, the failure recurred a week later. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the radiator liquid was leaking into the transmission, which caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who confirmed the mechanic's diagnosis and replaced a faulty sensor. The failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer again, but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Apr 20, 2016 · Brakes, Engine · 94,000 miles · ME

Vehicle shut off while driving on the highway. I was driving down the highway at 65 MPH when the truck made a quick jerk and them completely shut off. I came very close to causing a highway pile up!! I had no power, no steering no nothing. Luckily I was able to get across 3 lanes safely. Cars were slamming on brakes and luckily I didnt kill myself or anyone else. Once I got the the side of the road I was able to get the truck going and safely get to an exit. I creeped home on a wing a prayer and now the truck is sitting in my driveway. I dont dare to use it and I need it. I am scared to drive it, ithas given me anxiety, it was horrific. My truck has 94220 miles on it.

Filed Feb 14, 2014 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan frontier. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle began to slightly jerk as the transmission failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who stated that the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Feb 10, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · CA

This issues is with a 2005 nissan frontier le. Shuddering at approximately 40-45 MPH (seems to be while shifting) and sometimes between 80-85 MPH. The sound and feel of this shuddering is very similar to driving over highway hazard speed bumps. I initially thought that road work had been done in certain areas and didn't realize the effect was emanating from my truck. Loss of horse power and miles per gallon are also a symptom of this issue. Some jerking movements in the lower ranges of shifting. During the shuddering it feels as though the tranny is trying to catch the next gear. If I accelerate or decelerate passed the above ranges the shuddering subsides till the next time I cross those ranges. This description is of the final symptoms at their very worst for my individual experience, leading up to this points has been gradual signs of the same issues beginning at the 50k-60k mileage ranges. Even though, to date, nissan corporate has known of this defect their dealerships/service depts seemed to be completely unaware of the issue till I was well passed the extended warranty (class action lawsuit imposed). At that point they became very informative of the problem and its symptoms. On several occasions (months if not yrs ago) I had mentioned these symptoms and was told fluids were checked and ok'd by techs and service reps, but reading into the issue now I have learned it is very easy to spot if you truly do know what you are looking for or actually check the fluids as I suspect they never did.

Filed Feb 1, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 143,000 miles · NC

I noticed as I was driving vehicle started to have shaking or vibrating/jerking ( at different speeds), it seems to hesitate when I increase speed. My technician thinks something is going on with transmission or torque converter. Concerned vehicle may break / stop running.

Filed Jan 18, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 170,000 miles · FL

The transmission started jerking very bad when it hit 1700 RPM range while driving, so I slowed down...scared. I went and had it checked only to find out it is very common with this truck - fluid in transmission caused from the trans fluid running through the radiator and the heat exchange leaks water into the trans fluid. This is a well documented problem I learned. The repair is not covered by nissan and is a 5000 dollar repair at nissan dealership, a total transmission and radiator replacement is needed.

Filed Jan 4, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 90,000 miles · AL

At 45mph the truck started jerking and I thought it was going to stall out. When I got it to my mechanic we found radiator coolant had contaminated the transmission fluid.

Filed Dec 27, 2013 · Transmission · 118,500 miles · TX

Exited side street onto frontage road, right turn, car shuddered and stopped moving. Transmission was erratic causing car to lurch forward at times and remain immovable at others. Fortunately oncoming traffic was able to stop and alleviate a possible t-bone scenario. Was able to limp car through light and into service station.

Filed Dec 6, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 92,540 miles · NJ

The first week of november 2013 while driving at approximately 50-60 MPH, I would intermittently experience shuddering vibrations like the ones you feel when you drive through those highway strips. I did not pay much attention to eat thinking it probably was a minor problem with the tires. 3rd week of november the truck started slipping. I went online to find out what causes the slip and there it was. Hundreds of not just 2005 nissan frontier owners but also xterra's and pathfinder owners from 2005-2010 having the same problem.internet searches came out that at a certain point in the life of the vehicle at average about 90-100t miles, radiator coolant mixes with the transmission fluid due a crack inside the radiator, and the transmission becomes contaminated and eventually fails. After finding out the symptoms of possible contamination I examined my truck's radiator and transmission and found out that indeed transmission oil and coolant had mixed. I immediately replaced the radiator and flushed the transmission thinking that this could still save the transmission. A week ago while at a stop, with the truck on drive and right foot on the brake pedal, I heard a big bang around the transmission area and felt a violent shake and then the truck jerked forward and I almost hit the car in front of me. I was able to bring the car home.I cannot use the truck now out of fear that the transmission will suddenly fail while I'm driving in the freeway and cause or be in an accident. Many owners have reported that when their transmissions failed, their vehicles suddenly lost power in the middle of the highway and almost got into an accident. I called nissan customer service and I was told that this is a known problem with this vehicle and they have extended the radiator and transmission warranty to 100000 miles with a $3000 co-pay.

Filed Aug 20, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 130,000 miles · ME

The truck lurched ahead while at a stop light, just missing a pedestrian. Took the car to the nissan dealership today. Was told that coolant from a cracked radiator had ruined the transmission and repair would be $5700.00. Car was in perfect condition and always dealer maintained. Dealership said they could do nothing as far as warranty. They gave me nissan north america's number. They refused to do anything. This is a defect. Not a worn out part. This vehicle should be recalled. Not safe.