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2005 Nissan Frontier transmission complaints

Page 8 of 10: complaints 191 to 220 of 262, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2005 Nissan Frontier transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jan 25, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 88,000 miles · NY

While just merging onto the brooklyn queens expressway in brooklyn at aprox 50 MPH with no previous warning signs to any vehicle problem the transmission went out of gear almost causing a rear end collision. Had to put hazards on and coast across 3 lanes since it was a left lane merge. Vehicle slowed to aprox 20 MPH when transmission began to catch again and was able to exit bqe to a safe location. Brought to dealership and was diagnosed with anti freeze mixing with transmission fluid which is a well known problem now with nissan. It could of all been avoided if radiator was recalled by nissan prior.

Filed Jan 21, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 101,570 miles · GA

When I was driving down the road and at about 45 to 50 MPH, my transmission went out leaving the truck powerless and not being able to make it to a safe place to pull over! I was stranded in the middle of the road, which was a death trap not only for myself but for my wife or daughter as well. I began checking the fluids and I discovered the transmission fluid was a burnt brown strawberry milk shake color. I was very confused about the color of my transmission fluid so I hopped on google to research problems with frontiers transmission. I found list of complaints of the same issue I had just experienced. I immediately called the dealership in gainesville ga. I asked the tech if the truck had any recalls. The tech stated that there where 2 recalls. I asked him if there was any known problems with the radiator and transmission, and of course no was the response. I inquired about the issues I discovered. The tech then replied "well nissan did extend there warranty on that problem". He told me to call nissan n. America. The nissan representative asked all the questions the dealership did and asked about the miles. I replied 101570. The rep. Stated he was sorry I was out of all extended warranty plans. I asked him just because I am 1500 miles over you guys cant help me? The representative replied that it was out of their extended warranty window, so he was sorry they can not assist me. Then he gave me a number to the radiator and transmission hot line. I replied to him by stating, wow this is that big of a problem that nissan specifically has a hotline for the situation? The representative just hang up. I then called the 1877-208-9275 radiator and coolant assist line. They where closed because of martin luther king day. My argument is why has nissan not made a recall about this safety issue?

Filed Jan 12, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 99,150 miles · TN

Transmission and radiator/cooling system to be replaced due to contamination of transmission by radiator fluid. Routine maintenance performed regularly. At 98,000 miles began to experience sporadic vibration when driving, was diagnosed with above state issue. I use the truck to commute with my children everyday on the interstate, while I am thankful that the transmission has not stopped functioning, it has put us at greater risk than usual with a compromised transmission. To have both systems replaced, I have been given "an opportunity" to provide a "co-pay" of $3000.00. I paid nissan once for a functional and reliable transmission and cooling system, I resent having to pay an additional $3000.00 for a design flaw made by nissan. As a consumer, $3000.00 is the type of money used as a down payment for a new car, not what I expect to pay as "routine maintenance" on a vehicle with less than 100,000 miles on it. My payment would have been lower if mileage were lower. It is my understanding that the corrosion happens over time, I'm not sure how much time it takes, but I feel certain it was thousands of miles ago. If I had been made aware of the issue earlier, I could have addressed it, possibly with less damage to my vehicle, less safety/risk to my family, and certainly at less cost regarding the "copay" for me as the copay is based on mileage on the vehicle. The heater has never blown warm air when idling, which is one of the few early signs of this issue from what I understand. This indicates to me that problem has existed for most of the life of the truck.

Filed Jan 10, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 98,000 miles · SC

Discovery of an apparently known issue of failed radiator in this vehicle that contaminates the coolant and transmission fluid resulting in failed transmission requiring replacement of it as well as the radiators. Surprised and extremely disappointed to find this issue happening to my vehicle which I purchased new from this dealer and loyally had the vehicle serviced and maintained at the same place of purchase. This apparently is a known issue and yet my vehicle was never checked for this problem at any of my maintenance intervals by the service department. The initial revealing of the problem was presented to me at full price of the repair. After expressing my disappointment in the findings and the quality of the vehicle to the service department I received a call back stating that I could call the customer care and have the repair performed with a co-pay of $3000 of the $6400 quoted repair. Still unhappy about what I was facing for a vehicle that had not yet reached 100k miles, I was left with no option but to call and go with the offer of partial payment. This is the second major repair I have had to have, first being replacement of timing chain at approximately 80k miles at a cost of $1500.

Filed Jan 1, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 121,000 miles · CA

Coolant leaked into transmission fluid and destroyed transmission.

Filed Dec 17, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 94,200 miles · SC

Suddenly my truck appeared to have no power; could not accelerate up to traffic speed or effectively get across an intersection. It was scary and dangerous as this could have easily caused an accident. The "service engine soon" light came on and I promptly took my 2005 nissan frontier nismo v6 to my local nissan dealer for service. I had just had the full 90k mile service with radiator flush and no issues where reported to me. So I was shocked when they told me that it needed to have both the radiator and transmission replaced due to "fluids mixing". Antifreeze and water from the radiator had leaked into the transmission and destroyed it. And I was further shocked and angry that it would cost me $3k even after nissan's "extended warranty". (I don't have this kind of money lying around to dump into my 7+ year old truck, that I had bought new in '05.) this is a catastrophic defect in the design - known by the manufacturer and should be made right by the manufacturer. I've found that there are hundreds of complaints about this same issue across the internet for other 2005-2010 frontiers, pathfinders and xterras. Nissan needs to do their consumers right, or risk loosing loyalty. Up until now, I've been really happy with my truck, my service dealer and nissan, but now I'll be looking at other brands that back their products and consumers better.

Filed Dec 17, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 11,600 miles · AL

I purchased my 2005 nissan frontier at approx. 95k in february. The test drives were fine, the car sounded and drove perfectly fine for a few months. It recently began to start shifting roughly . The nissan dealership I purchased the car from did something to cover up the issue which was obviously why they were trying to sell it before 100k and I got burned on it. I purchased the truck from marietta, ga at team nissan. I didn't get it checked until now, but have since discovered the numerous complaints of a recall related to radiator antifreeze leaking into the transmission and causing failure of both. This is a safety issue and it really does baffle me that a whole generation of nissan vehicles from 2005-2010 have this issue and that it could caused some accidents due to high speed transmission failure. I see this as being a safety issue on the same scale as the toyota issues of a few years back. To have this be a limited warranty recall is disgraceful. You can believe nissan knows exactly when these incidents are likely to occur so they extended their coverage up to that point and they fail thereafter. Not to mention that the current recall does not seem to include issues it causes to the transmission. My truck as you can see is out of the extended warranty for the radiator and was when I purchased it.

Filed Dec 16, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 139,000 miles · SC

My 2005 nissan frontier began shifting hard noticeably. I took it to a trusted mechanic to evaluate the cause and learned that there is contamination in the transmission fluid. Coolant from the radiator has leaked into the transmission body, resulting in contamination and corrosion. At this time the transmission still functions, but will not continue to do so for long. This issue requires the replacement of both the radiator and the transmission with an estimated cost of $3,800.

Filed Dec 13, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 166,405 miles · TX

Nissan has a known problem with the radiator and transmission. The date listed is merely the date we discovered the issue. Before jan 31, 2012 we knew nothing about this problem. It is a safety issue. You don't know if this has happened to your truck until it overheats and you find out the fluids have mixed. Replace the radiator. Flush the fluids (3 or more times, since the fluid is now like purple soft serve ice cream). Then the real troubles begin.. It slips out of gear while driving at 70 MPH and the only option is to pull over, turn the truck off, remove the key, then restart the truck and hope it works. This is really dangerous on the highway at the higher speeds but also unsafe on the side roads or in stop and go traffic. I take my kids to school 3.6 miles each way. I have to stop and restart the truck at least 3 times during the round trip. Speed doesn't matter. You stop at a red light and have know idea if it is going to go when you push the gas or not. Pulling out into traffic can be very dangerous since you have to go and you find out you can't. There have been several "warranty extentions" issued by nissan on our truck that we were not aware of until after making the repairs on our own dime. There is a "warrany extention" for this issue due to a class action lawsuit but it does nothing for a lot of the owners since many are over the "extention mileage". I try to never drive the truck on busy roads without shoulders or turn lanes, I fear red lights and traffic but stop signs are the worst... I never know if the transmission is going to work or not. All because a known faulty radiator cracked and leaked fluid into the transmission. But, I'm over the extended mileage so I'm expected to pay over $5k to fix a known issue.

Filed Nov 25, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 140,000 miles · CA

My 2005 nissan frontier with a 140,000 on it's been a good truck up till know. So it just sits in the yard collecting dust.going to cost about $6000 to fix. This is something they should fix,for they knew they got problems with these radiator in these trucks and SUV.and the transmission too help please now I am laid off so I do not have work or money to fix this truck so nissan has to fixed for free help all those who pass the 80,000 miles and I still need to make 7 more payments on it.

Filed Nov 23, 2012 · Driver assistance, Suspension · 54,000 miles · MA

While driving at a speed of 60-65 on the highway my 2005 nissan frontier feels like the transmission slips out of gear and starts to grind. This occurs only under acceleration and I do not mean hard acceleration. I am simply at a cruising speed on the highway and trying to simply maintain a speed and the noise occurs daily. I am not positive that the noise is coming from the transmission because I am no mechanic, but the sound is a grinding sound which means it is a gear grinding somewhere. I took the vehicle to a nissan dealer three times and all I was told is that the transmission is okay. I do not have a service engine light on so maybe that is the reason, but I was able to show the dealer the noise and still no help. All I wanted when I bought this truck is a reliable car and I do not have one. Nissan should be held responsible for putting out a subpar product. I know based on the online forums that I am not alone in these issues with the truck.

Filed Nov 19, 2012 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · AL

Transmission stuck in high and slipping. I checked the dipstick and found that fluid was gray and watery. With metal shavings on the end of the dipstick..

Filed Nov 8, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 120,000 miles · FL

My transmission is slipping. I have been told by a dealer I have radiator fluid in my transmission fluid. Apparently, this is a known problem with certain model year nissan vehicles, due to a break in a transmission line that runs through the radiator. Please force nissan to recall and repair this issue!!!

Filed Oct 24, 2012 · Transmission · 99,000 miles · TN

In the month of september, 2012 I noticed my 2005 nissan frontier started stalling out at intersections and red lights. When I attempted to accelerate the vehicle would not go, I had to really press down on the accelerator to get it going. So this continued for about a week, then I began to hear a thumping sound coming from the transmission so I took it to a local maintenance shop and they ran a test on it and they said that the transmission was bad. Then I took it to another shop this was a recommended transmission shop and they ran test on it and they said they could not figure out what's was wrong with it. They recommended that I take it to an electrical shop so I did. The electrical shop told me that the computer inside the transmission was not working. I then took it to a nissan dealership and had their service department check it out, the service manager told me that the transmission had radiator coolant in it and that it along with the radiator had to be replace. The total cost would be $4800. I was devastated and call nissan consumer affairs office and reported the problem to them. They told me that they would look into and get back with me. Two days later they called me back and informed me that there was nothing they could do because the warranty had expired. This is a safety issue because it could cause in accident if the vehicle stalls out in traffic.

Filed Oct 24, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 118,434 miles · MD

I took my frontier truck in for a 120000 mile schedule maintenance check and oil change. The deal told me that the radiator coolant and transmission fluid had mixed together due to a problem with the radiator. I was told that they would flush the radiator and transmission and try to clean out most of the mixed fluid. I was informed that I need to replace the radiator and transmission might have to be also replaced. The cost for the replacement would be around $8400. I began to do some research into the problem and found out that nissan know that there was a problem with the radiator and that the fluid could leak into the transmission and damage the transmission. I saw that nissan would extend the warrant to cover the cost if you had less that 8 years and 80000 miles. This warrant would now help me, due tot the fact I have almost 119000 miles on my truck. I think if nissan knew about this problem they would have a recall on all frontiers, pathfinders and xterras from 2005-2010 and pay for them to be fixed . It will cost me over $6000 to have a new transmission put into my frontier truck. My truck is a 2005 frontier le. I am having the radiator assy replaced ($991.84) oil cooler assy replaced ($498.49) transmission and cooling system flushed ($421.52). The 120000 mile service a/t will cost me $400. I am going to search around to see how much a new transmission for my truck would cost. The dealer said the cost for replacing my transmission would be $6155.14. They would sell me the transmission for their cost which would save me $925. I think that nissan should a lease help pay for half or 2/3 of the cost for me to get my truck fixed.

Filed Sep 9, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 104,000 miles · IN

While driving my frontier, the transmission starting making noise. It started slipping when I was taking off, after having stopped for a red light. Then the service light and indicator lights came on. I could tell that 2nd gear was gone. The truck was towed to a certified nissan dealer. They informed me that the truck was not covered under warranty and gave me a $5190 estimate. This does not include the $300 for the rental I have had to get for this first week, or the $101 for the towing and diagnostic testing. I have since discovered that the coolant was leaked into the transmission and has caused it to fail. I have also learned that hundreds, if not thousands, have registered complaints that this was due to a radiator failure that was known by nissan. I did not receive a recall notice or any other notification concerning this problem. I called nissan consumer affairs and received a case number. After 24 hrs. They called to tell me that they had extended the warranties on the radiators up to 8 yrs. And 80,000 miles, but that they would not be able to help me with my case. I have since found out online that nissan did not issue recalls on this. My truck had been properly serviced at my nissan dealership, and both the radiator and transmission was flushed at 30,000 and 60,000 miles. The power-steering was also flushed at 60,000 miles. I believe my dealership should have made me aware of the problem when my truck was in for servicing, and then I could have had the radiator taken care of under the warranty period before all the transmission damage was done. And nissan should have issued a safety recall, as my truck stopped at 35 MPH; and was almost rear ended. I would have normally been on the highway, except once the noise started, I decided to take an alternate route in order to get my vehicle to a safe area. Nissan should have to pay for this period!

Filed Sep 8, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 95,000 miles · GA

Had to replace radiator and transmission. Fluids leaked between the two.

Filed Sep 3, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 65,000 miles · RI

Brought vehicle in to mechanic because of rough sound happening occasionally. It turns out it was the transmission, and that radiator fluid leaked into transmission which has caused transmission issues. Cost to repair will be approximately $4,000. This should not happen to a vehicle with 66,000 miles.

Filed Aug 28, 2012 · Transmission · 84,000 miles · NC

Stopped on hill behind another vehicle, they took off, I tried to pull up to stop sign but had no forward movement. Luckily no one was behind me so I backed down to a driveway to get out of the road. I had reverse at this time. After trying to figure out what happened, I put truck into gear and drove the five miles to work. Service engine soon light came on. Left work and had no problems until my driveway, steep incline and again no forward movement. No reverse this time. Had it towed to transmission shop and they have diagnosed that the radiator fluid was leaking into the transmission. Surprise! I did not receive a letter from nissan last year. They should recall and pay for all the charges. They know there is a problem and don't want to own up to their failure to provide a safe vehicle. Hope the federal safety agency looks into the problems with the nissan vehicles. I was happy I wasn't on an inter-state. No indication of a problem until I had no forward movement! Very dangerous for everyone on the road!

Filed Aug 27, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 95,994 miles · VA

Was traveling at 55mph in my 2005 nissan frontier when it was as if the transmission was put in neutral. Had to stop in the highway, nowhere to pull off. As luck would have it was near my destination and managed to get there going about 10 to 15mph. It was at night so luckily not much traffic when it occurred. Towed to dealership next day and was told the radiator failed and coolant was allowed to enter transmission thus also causing transmission failure. Vehicle had exceeded the 80,000 mile warranty but also found out that warranty had been extended from the original 36,000 mile warranty because of problems. Only the radiator and transmission were issued the 80,000 extended warranty, but my vehicle had 95,994 miles thus no warranty coverage, and repair cost would run $6,900.00. Contacted nissan consumer affairs but was denied reimbursement. Although dealership worked with me and got the price down to $4,800.00 this is a major expense to me on a vehicle that should have been taken care of by the nissan corp., due to the large number of complaints about this exact problem on vehicles with more than 80,000 miles. Have yet to find any consumer that has been compensated for this problem.

Filed Aug 26, 2012 · Transmission · 104,000 miles · PA

The problem began with a growling noise accompanied by a shuddering sensation. I had the problem diagnosed at the dealership as transmission fluid contamination. They advised me to take the vehicle out of service for repairs at an estimated cost of $6500. I could not afford this so I had my local asme certified mechanic replace the radiator and power flush the transmission at a cost of $900. The problem persists and I expect a catastrophic transmission failure at any time.

Filed Aug 10, 2012 · Transmission · 109,535 miles · CA

This problem is in the automatic transmission. Due to nissan producing a faulty and very poorly engineered cooling system for the 2005 nissan frontier, pathfinder, and xterra automatic transmissions they eventually get contaminated with radiator coolant and makes the transmission slip and clunk during shifting. Mine slips from 2nd into third and when I accelerate in any gear. There is no power unless I baby it along. This has been hazardous twice now when entering the freeway and changing lanes. A semi-truck was in the lane I needed to get into and I could not accelerate enough to merge properly. Nissan refuses to admit the problem is theirs even though the consumer complaints are numerous. If you are not already aware of this just go online and you will find horror stories from people with the same problem.

Filed Aug 6, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 145,000 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 nissan frontier. While driving approximately 45 MPH up an incline, the transmission failed to down shift. There were no prior warnings. The failure only occurred when driving up an incline. The contact replaced the radiator and there was no longer a malfunction with the transmission. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

Filed Jul 26, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 100,865 miles · CA

Transmission cooler failing and contaminating the transmission, repaired transmission cost was more that I can paid, fixed anyway but still not 100% good, haven't bought a new radiator, don't want the same problem again. *tr I hope this will be a recall so I can have my transmission repair by nissan and a radiator replace.

Filed Jul 16, 2012 · Transmission · 88,000 miles · PA

Transmission oil cooling lines inside radiator failed, contaminating the transmission, radiator, and engine. Transmission and radiator need replaced, engine needs flushed, $6,000 estimate. Nissan refuses to help with payment even though they are aware of a rampant problem. They increased the warranty to 80,000 miles, but I have 88,000 miles on the vehicle.

Filed Jul 7, 2012 · Transmission · 81,000 miles · WA

I was traveling back from a trip in my 2005 nissan frontier. Coming over a mountian pass I let up on the gas to coast and the rear end of the vehicle starting shacking so bad that I almost drove off the road. I had to decrease my speed because I could not travel the posted speed limit safetly. I have not driven this vehicle on the freeway since because I am concerned for the vehicle and that it could seize up and cause and accident.

Filed May 31, 2012 · Transmission · 107,384 miles · CA

I notice there was a milky substance in the radiator of my truck. After doing some research on line it looks like a lot of nissan frontier owners have the same problem. I called two nissan dealers near my house (garden grove and costa mesa) and they are well aware of this problem. I also called about seven independent transmission repair shops and most of them are aware of this problem. Nissan dealers say they would charge me around $7000 to make the repairs. The independent shops said they would charge me anywhere from $2000 to $3500 to rebuilt the transmission. I cannot afford to have my truck fixed at this time and am looking to make nissan USA responsible for this. I called nissan and they said I need to have the truck inspected at the nissan dealer and the chances of them taking liability for a faulty radiator are slim. My truck has a little over 107,000 miles on it which is over the 80,000/8 year warranty. I would like to make others that are facing the same situation aware of nissan's negligence. Nissan as lost a customer and many others as I am working hard to let as many people as I can avoid making a nissan purchase. If nissan does not take responsibility for this I will be looking for others like me to boycott nissan automobiles!

Filed May 3, 2012 · Acceleration, Transmission · 95,634 miles · IA

Nissan has a know radiator problem. Internal leakage into the transmission cooler. Causes catastrophic transmission failure. Pulling away from stop sign. Transmission shifted hard twice. Then had no forward motion, engine would rev up, but not move the vehical. Truck has 100,000 mile nissan extended powertrain warranty. Was first told by the dealer. 100% covered. Less than an hour later, was told not covered. Cost $5000 plus. Contacted nissan customer service. Gabby at nissan siad they would look into it. Took a week for them to finally call back. They asked me to cover $2000. They would not cover the whole bill, even though it is a known defect. And the truck has the extended warranty. I paid $2192.43 to have the transmission and defective radiator replaced. Asked if the radiator was an updated part. Waiting on a call to find out if it is a better radiator or just a new one with the same defect. Right now. Its a ticking time bomb, if the failure occured in traffic on an interstate, a major crash could have happened.

Filed Apr 24, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · NY

2005 nissan frontier. Consumer writes in regards to malfunction in the radiator leaking, that resulted in completely damaging the vehicle's transmission

Filed Apr 4, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 154,000 miles · SC · fire

In november 2010 my transmission failed and had to be replaced. 3 months after having the transmission replaced I started having problems with the new transmission, I discovered I had to have the radiator replaced but it was too late. The new transmission has been ruin due to a faulty radiator install in the 2005 frontiers by nissan.

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