2010 Nissan Frontier transmission problems

Filed Oct 12, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

Radiator failure leaking into tranny, causing a sound coming from transmission as if driving over a rumble strips when accelerating between 40-60mph, as well as sudden jerking when changing gears. SMOD residue (creamy pink fluid) present on radiator cap. This is a known issue that I was never made aware of during nor after purchase. Obviously this was not addressed prior to the sale by the Nissan Dealership. No warning signs were present prior to the issue appearing. Vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer yet as I am only now learning of this problem, however I have made arrangements. The issue is confirmed by third parties. Vehicle is available for further inspection upon request. The issue first appeared about 2 weeks ago but symptoms were milder and progressively became more noticeable. Sudden transmission failure on the highway could be catastrophic and is part of my daily driving routine.

Filed Oct 25, 2019 · Transmission · 133,000 miles · WI

Transmission failed, @ 133 thousand miles. Coolant made its way into the transmission.

Filed Jun 27, 2019 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · WV

At 130,000 miles we started to notice transmission issues such as slipping and at 40 MPH, a vibration like you was running on the rubble strips on the highway. Took to the garage and they said it was due to bad tires. Paid over $500 for new tires, problem still occurred. Was told since no engine code, they had no clue what was going on. The slipping got so bad, clearing a intersection or pulling out into moving traffic became dangerous. Frustrated with dealer bs and other garage bs. I youtubed it. Saw a defective radiator video. Checked my antifreeze and transmission oil to find them both milky. My truck is 9 years old and the radiator failed. The safety of my family was at stake when the transmission failed to work as we waited for antifreeze to power our transmission and watched our engines overheat as it was now cooled with oil. 100% should have been a recall, 1000% should have been at least a warning to customers of the risk to our safety. I`ll never buy a nissan again, or recommend other to do so. At 100,000, both rear leaf springs broke. Truck has never been used to haul heavy loads to cause this failure. On top of that, the steering radius really sucks. A three point tun in this truck is really a 21 point turn.

Filed May 28, 2019 · Transmission · 240,000 miles · KS

Vehicle won't shift right. Was on highway when it wouldn't go very fast or shift. Only 5 miles from home, I took it home and checked the radiator cap, it is full of pink frothy anti freeze and oil. (milkshake)

Filed Mar 20, 2017 · Transmission · 115,000 miles · WA

Faulty radiator causes coolant to leak into transmission fluid.

Filed Oct 14, 2016 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · TN

Radiator fluid leeks into transmission and ruins the transmission

Filed Jul 27, 2015 · Acceleration, Engine · 114,000 miles · MD

Transmission has been slipping. Happens frequently when stopped at a red light, stop sign...when time to go car does not move. Complained to nissan dealer in 2014 and they suggested changing the fluid...could not find any problems. Fluid was changed and I am still having problems. Will be taking it to another dealer this week. I understand nissan has had major issues with coolant leaking into transmission as I had a 2005 nissan frontier and this is what happened to me. Nissan would not compensate me as my mileage was 100+k. When I treaded in my 2005 for a 2010 I was assured that nissan had fixed the defect. Here we go again...I should have known better!

Filed Jun 9, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 10,759 miles · CA

After driving a short distance to exit a parking lot and waiting for an opening in traffic on a busy four-lane road with a speed limit of 50 MPH, I hit the gas to accelerate into an opening and nothing happened, no forward motion. And there have been subsequent incidents; one involved trying to cross a busy street from a stop sign. This is a definite safety issue; when the drive train is unresponsive in such circumstances, people could be injured or killed. Today, I took my vehicle to a nissan dealer for an oil change and to have this anomaly checked out. They have informed me the radiator cracked, leaked coolant into the automatic transmission, and both must be replaced. This is being done at no cost to me, as there is a known issue with the radiator cracking for which nissan has increased the warranty to 8 years or 80,000 miles. However, the warranty notification doesn't mention the transmission may be compromised, stating only, "in vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, a crack in the radiator assembly might occur at higher mileages leading to internal leakage of engine coolant." my vehicle is four years old and just hit 12,000 miles.

Filed May 7, 2014 · Transmission · 41,000 miles · VT

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 nissan frontier. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle continuously made a loud clanking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who indicated that the u-joints failed and needed to be replaced in order to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired after having the u-joints replaced on two separate occasions. The contact also indicated that there was a leak in the transfer case. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000. Rk

Filed Apr 24, 2014 · Transmission · 41,638 miles · VT

We have had the rear u joints replaced 3x on our truck and have rear axel fluid leak etc obviously the driveshaft is misaligned and eventually will fail. Also the transfer case and transfer case motor is failing. The first u joint incident happened in6/01/11 at mileage 41,638. The transfer case issue began 10/26/12 at mileage 76,380.