Transmission failed due to radiator leakage into transmission fluid. Just out of warranty! Nissan claims powertrain warranty will not cover since it is a radiator problem which causes the failure. ----- leaking coolant causes transmission failure an alarming number of nissan xterra, pathfinder and frontier owners are stepping forward with stories about how cracked radiators are causing coolant to leak into the transmission. Once mixed with the transmission fluid this lethal combination kills the valves, seals and torque converter -- rendering your entire transmission useless. This issue is currently contained to the 2005'2010 model years. Some articles online claim that being aware of the proper warning signs may help prevent your nissan from needing a rebuilt transmission. These warning signs are: heavy vibration while shifting heavy vibration while accelerating abrupt stalling shuddering noises car doesn't warm up when sitting owners who have had their radiator crack are claiming that even if you catch it early, your transmission is still doomed trouble due to this engineering / manufacturing defect. You can read their stories over at carcomplaints.com for the three nissan models that are showing the defect: pathfinder: 2007, 2006, 2005 xterra: 2005, 2006, 2007 frontier: 2005. 2006, 2007 perhaps even more troubling is owners who have already had their transmissions "repaired" by an authorized nissan dealer are still reporting catastrophic transmission failure. Through no fault of their own, nissan owners who are out of warranty are left to cover the hefty repair bill, which can be over $4,500 when all is said and done.
2007 Nissan Frontier engine complaints
Page 4 of 6: complaints 71 to 100 of 133, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I was driving down a back road. While traveling up a slight hill the truck slipped out of gear. When I pressed the gas pedal the engine would rev but it would not accelerate. I pulled to the side of the road and turned off the truck. When I restarted and put it in drive I started rolling backwards. I ended up getting towed to my mechanic. If this was the original transmission I could understand that at 155k miles it could fail, however this truck has now gone through the factory transmission as well as a factory refurbished transmission all within 7 years. I read online about many frontier owners having the same issue as I have. I brought the truck to my mechanic who informed me that the radiator fails which causes the transmission to fail. I feel lucky that I was on a back road because the failure happened quickly, had I been on a highway with moderate traffic I could easily been stranded in the middle of the road.
The transmission cooling unit in the radiator leaked. My coolant system became a brown sludge due to having transmission fluid leak into it. My transmission fluid had coolant leak into it and transmission is damaged.
Transmission abruptly stopped transferring power. Owner checked transmission fluid after incident in which it was filled with radiator coolant and radiator had a mix of coolant and transmission fluid.
Truck suddenly running rough. Plugs replaced. Took in for relearn idle. Told me also 3 of 4 cats clogged and coolant in the transmission. Knew nothing of this issue with these trucks until I looked online to try and figure what was happening with my truck. I am so angry right now. There should be a recall as it truly is a safety hazard. To imagine the thought of driving on the freeway and have your trannie lock up...? Hello! This has caught me unaware and I didn't know about this until now and at 127k miles, I am sol on any kind of refund, repair, or anything? They should be liable as I should not be in this position with no recourse for a known safety issue that is now going to cost me more money that I can afford. This is their issue and they should fix it, not me. They knew and they should fix. Regardless, who knows how much actual damage this has caused my engine now? I am so angry right now.... Don't know what I am going to do now. But if I buy another truck, I don't think it will be a nissan...too many cover ups...no responses or fixes...
I recently purchased a 2007 nissan frontier and have only had it since feb 2014 and all of a sudden there is a strong vibration at 40 MPH in the rear end. So I had the tires balanced then re balanced thinking it was the tires. Even went as far as replacing the rear tires. After that did not correct the issue I then took it to a nissan dealership and they determined that it was a failure in the radiator that leaked coolant into the transmission. They told me that my radiator and transmission need to be replaced. If I have it done before my truck reaches 100k it will only cost me 3000 to get it fixed and nissan will pick up some of the cost. But if I go over 100k I will be responsible for the full repair cost. My current mileage is 98910. I had purchased an extended warranty through the place I had purchased the truck and because they don't cover the radiator I am now liable for the repairs. So now I am at a loss, just started paying on the vehicle and now I have to spend 3000 at min to get it fixed. I should not be putting this kind of money into this truck after owning it for less than 6 months.
Coolant backed up into transmission and destroyed the transmission and radiator.
I took my truck into the dealership for a diagnostic test. I was told that I need a new timing chain. Nissan has been aware that the timing chain systems installed in the subject nissan vehicles are prone to premature failure, and nissan continued to install defective timing chain systems in the subject nissan vehicles knowing that they were prone to premature failure. Nissan not only refused to disclose the problem, but also actively concealed knowledge of it. Nissan undertook affirmative efforts to conceal the failures through, among other things, technical service bulletins issued to repair facilities. Although nissan was aware enough of the problem to issue multiple technical service bulletins to repair facilities, informing them of the need for timing chain systems to be replaced, nissan selectively chose not to inform consumers of this fact. Nissan concealed this so that the warranty period on the subject nissan vehicles would expire before owners become aware of the problem. Through this practice, nissan unlawfully transfers the cost of replacement from itself to the owners of the subject nissan. The fact that the timing chain systems were prone to sudden premature failure is material to consumers because it presents a serious safety issue and places the driver and passengers at a risk of harm.
I have a 2007 nissan frontier which has only a 122,431 miles on it and something went wrong with the transmission. When I was going up the hill it was like it just stalled out on me. I've been doing research on it and it seems like alot of other people is having the same problem and it seems like nissan is just trying to hide the problem. If its something that their at fault with they should be the one who fixes it. I depend on my truck everyday to get me to work and if its the coolant and transmission fluid is mixing its a very expensive fix which I can't afford and the other people shouldn't be reliable for so I wish u would consider this and do and investigation on it and try and get this problem fixed before it messes anybody else's up and puts them out alot of money. There's just to many people on the internet with the same problem and if u all don't do something about it nissan is just going to keep doing the same thing til someone does something about it. Thank you for your time
Transmission started to rumble when shifting to overdrive. Looked into the issue and heard about the cross contamination issue. Looked for symptoms and found that water had gotten into the transmission and flud in my radiator. I have spend hundreds on flushing them out and bypassing the radiator. Transmission is still rumbling. The extended warranty does me no good, for I am over the covered milage limit. [xxx] 'parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'
The automatic transmission started shifting "hard" and the heater stopped working. I took it to a local shop and they told me that the radiator fluid had contaminated the transmission fluid, and visa versa. I needed to have a transmission shop look at it. They told me the same thing as the previous shop, but also that I would be needing a new transmission and radiator system, at the cost of $4848.00. This was due to a failed transmission fluid cooler located in the radiator assembly that allowed coolant to mix with and contaminate the automatic transmission fluid, resulting in damaged internal transmission components and a damaged internal transmission computer. After researching, this has occurred to hundreds of nissan vehicles, including 2005-2010 nissan pathfinder, frontier and xterra vehicles. Nissan has been aware of this problem since 2007 and has undertaken no preventive measures to protect consumers from failure.
The transmission had been shuttering and slipping for a couple of months. It was getting worse so I took it to kings transmission on 3-13-14 to have it looked at. They discovered water in the fluid and informed me that this model of vehicle had a wide spread problem with the radiator failing and leaking coolant into the transmission cooling lines. The truck is now at a nissan dealer getting a new transmission and radiator.
No power to wheels...transmission coolant and engine coolant mix together due to malfunction in radiator causing catastrophic transmission failure. Cost to replace radiator and transmission is $5200...research on this matter indicates that nissan corp. Knew of the problem and that a class action law suit coving this defect has been approved, but, the deadline to apply has passed...my truck just broke and it is now too late to register for the approved class action law suit. How can I get reimbursed like so many others have???
Truck begin shuttering and shifting hard. Took it to nissan and they said the coolant had mixed with the transmission fluid and I will need new transmission and radiator. Cost about 5500.00. Nissan service told me the first time everything was okay. Only after I took it in the second time after I had 100,000 miles then they told me about the leak. Nissan refused to pay for any of this.
I purchased this truck from a used car auto dealer with 137,477 miles on it. Their warranty was up before I was aware I had a serious problem that got progressively worse. While driving locally and on the highway at speeds between 35 and 65 MPH the truck started to shake and vibrate intermittently which caused an erratic control of the truck. After approaching several auto repair shops about the issue no one seamed to have a solution except one. They told me that a class action suit was issued against nissan about a defective transmission and radiator combination cooler cross contaminate problem that destroys the transmission lubricate and electrical shifting functions of the transmission. It cost me $3,728.95 to fix the problem and I would like to get my money back from nissan if possible. All post about the class action suit puts me outside on the initial settlement. Thank you
Gas gauge quit working goes between half and quarter tank and stops, letting you run out of gas. Next item is timing chain howl on cold starts for over a year now then I read bulletin that chain tensioners are wearing and causing timing chain failures and nissan has never notified owners I was just in to dealer about gas gauge problem about 2 weeks ago and no one mentioned timing chain problem.
An internal crack on the oil cooler tube caused internal leakage of engine coolant into the transmission causing transmission failure.
My 2007 nissan frontier developed shuddering in the transmission. It has received all regular service at 3,000 mile intervals. Today I was told that the transmission is contaminated with radiator coolant due to failure of the radiator and will cost $6200.00 I note innumerable examples of radiator failures with catastrophic transmission failure in the public forums and nissan agreed to a class-action settlement up to 100,000 miles with a $2500 deductible. Most vehicles are over 100,000 miles. This is a known defect which should be subject to a vehicle recall.
I had been noticing my automatic truck shutter before thumping into gear months before I actually took the truck into the nissan dealers shop for analysis. When they inspected, I was told my transmission had been damage due to contamination by engine coolant and I would need a new transmission. The source of the contamination is a cracked atf line that runs through an engine coolant chamber in the radiator. This defective part and design came directly from the nissan factory. Nissan knew about the defect and failed to notify the consumer or replace the failed transmissions @ no cost. Please advise of any recalls and results from the investigation.
I was driving my truck when it began to slip at round 45 MPH. The shifting then became very hard. I looked on-line and saw websites discussing transmission/radiator problems. I opened my radiator and saw it was very milky in color. Took it in to the dealership and told that I needed a new radiator and transmission because of a known problem.
Catalytic converters needed to be replaced. We have three trucks that are identical, this is second of the three that the converters went bad (approx same mileage). First truck engine went bad 5 months later. We'll see if the engine holds up in this truck also. Third truck of the set luckily no issues but we read that a lot of converters on nissans are failing and causing serious engine damage. Nissan told us they could not help, but to file complaint with your agency. So here we are. Thanks
Catalytic converters needed to be replaced. Engine went bad 5 months later and now vehicle needs converters again! This is one of three trucks we have - all excactly alike.
Our truck overheated on 10/17/13. The garage informed us the internal radiator had busted and had leaked antifreeze into the transmission and transmission fluid into the radiator. According to the mechanic it had been this way for awhile. There was nothing to indicate there was a problem this major. Nissan could not explain how this could have happened nor why only that if we give them 2500 they will replace the radiator and the transmission. This radiator and transmission are both factory installed. I think this is a definite safety issue as this will cause the engine to overheat and the transmission to go out and leave you stranded. This is a very costly repair that most people cannot undertake. So far we have paid $300 for a "band-aid" fix until we can find a way to resolve this issue. This is a definite problem with the frontier 4.0l and it's only fair to say there is something wrong with the factory radiators.
The check engine light came on while starting the truck. It was place on the diagnostic machine and the result was that a sensor in the gas tank was not working. I received a recall notice one week after the warranty had expired. The notice stated that the warranty would take care of the problem. I emailed nissan to complain and never heard from them.
Diagnosed as a failed transmission cooler which allows coolant to mix with the transmission fluid, causing internal damage to the components. There was no warning prior to this catastrophic event - it just all of a sudden happened. The entire transmission and radiator had to be replaced at a cost of $7,000 - nissan did not cover $3,000 of this as they said it was a "deductible" - how can you have a deductible on a design flaw?
The engine overheated. When I lifted the hood I noticed a cream colored substance coming out of coolant reservoir. Had the truck towed to nissan dealer. After diagnosis was told the transmission fluid and the coolant fluid got mixed together. Apparently this has happen before on 2007 nissan frontier engines. Dealer said I needed to have the transmission and the radiator replaced at a cost of $7,000 of which they told me nissan would pay $4,000. My complaint is that nissan knew this was a problem with apparently no way to keep it from happening. I feel nissan should be responsible for the total bill.
While driving I notice steam from under the hood and the temperature gauge was at maximum hot.I immediately pulled into an auto shop. I contacted nissan consumer affairs and they told me they were aware of the issue of the water pump and anti-freeze getting into the engine. They said the warranty had been extended to cover this problem but it was only extended to vehicles that had less than 80000 miles and since I was over the allotted mileage I was responsible for repairs. How can they not be responsible for repairs on a problem that they knew existed and would have blown up my engine had I not immediately stopped the truck and have it towed to a dealer? If I had been traveling at a high rate of speed I shutter to think of what may have happened.
I was driving when my vehicle suddenly lost speed and would not accelerate when I pressed the gas. It eventually stopped, and would not start back. The following day, I had it towed to a reputable repair shop, where I was told that I needed a new transmission and a new radiator, which would cost me more than $6000.00. They explained that there was a crack in the radiator, that caused the transmission fluid to mix with the coolant. This fluid mixture ruined both the transmission and the radiator. Believing this was an absurd occurrence, I looked online, and learnt this was a common defect for nissan xterra, frontier and pathfinders from 2005-2010. I called the nissan toll free number and explained my situation. I was given a case number - 11982851 - and was told I needed to get the vehicle diagnosed at a nissan dealer. I paid a second towing fee and got the vehicle to the nearest nissan dealer, where the diagnosis was confirmed. I called back the nissan toll free number, and was told that because my vehicle was over 100 k miles, they would do nothing to help me. I asked to talk to a supervisor, and was told none was available, but one would call me within 4-8 hours. That time has expired, and I have called back three times, but still have not been able to talk to a supervisor. Frustrating to have bought a nissan vehicle right off the freight truck, brand new, and having to change out the transmission so soon, especially knowing the manufacturers were aware of the defect. Also, I was not given any warning, and was just driving along, and had a failure that could have caused a serious accident.
Radiator crack caused transmission failure we have 81,000 miles on the truck so they want us to have to pay 2500+ dollars for a 6 year old truck for which we had a 100,000 mile warranty/72 month warranty and on which we paid hundreds of dollars for every major mileage inspection and service. Nothing was done to tell us or warn us of this. People will also lose resale value because no one will want to buy the vehicles. We should be compensated for the repairs and the loss of resale potential.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 nissan frontier. The contact stated that transmission fluid was erroneously entering the radiator. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the radiator and transmission both needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 75,569. ..updated 09/30/13 *bf the consumer stated there was an engine whine (noise) at all speeds. There maybe a failure with the timing chain. There was a rear axle leak which may be caused by a bad vent check valve. The power socket counsel was not working. Updated 10/29/2013
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