2007 Nissan Pathfinder: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Apr 29, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 106,000 miles · NC

After a 90k mile check-up and full service in spring 2012, I understood that my pathfinder was running well. Never was there a mention of issues with the radiator / transmission, nor was the connection between these elements replaced to prevent an issue (to my knowledge.) at 101k miles, the heat went out in the rear section of the car (I did not realize this until two months had gone by and I was arguing with my freezing child in the back seat that I had his heat as hot as it would go - he was clearly correct and the rear blowers were blasting him with icy air.) there was a "clunk" upon shifting the car into reverse, and between 40 and 60 MPH the transmission lagged and sounded like it was grinding and working hard. At 106k I brought the pathfinder to the nissan dealer where I had originally purchased the car. This was the same dealer who had done the 90k service, as well. They determined that the radiator fluid had mixed with the transmission fluid and that my car needed both a new radiator and transmission for $9,000.00. (my truck is maybe worth $15,000 at this point - really?) after deliberating with the service supervisor, he offered an alternate option of only changing the radiator and flushing the transmission several times to eliminate the contaminated fluid. I gave the ok for this service option at $600. Since the service, my transmission is still lagging between 40 and 60 MPH and the "clunk" still happens during a slow reverse. I am now investigating my options for a new transmission as the vehicle is still in beautiful shape, other than its engine issues. It is my belief that this issue is wide-spread enough that the transmissions and radiator should be recalled and replaced by nissan - or paid for by nissan since it's their faulty parts that cause the problem.

Filed Mar 31, 2013 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 140,000 miles · NJ

When slowing to a light at a very low speed ( approx. 5 MPH), there was a grinding or rubbing sound. The ABS, vdc off and slip lights came on. According to the manual this means that there is one or more issues with the traction control and/or ABS brake system. I saw that there have been recalls on this for 2006 and 2008 models so I assume there is also an issue with 2007 ones.

Filed Dec 3, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 100,251 miles · LA

While driving I noticed a grinding sound when I reached speeds of 40-45 MPH. When I pulled in to park the vehicle there was a loud grind and then the vehicle would not start. After checking the fluid levels I found that the engine coolant and the transmission fluid were mixing.

Filed Jun 20, 2012 · Engine · 100,000 miles · WI

My pathfinder recently started grinding into 4th gear around 40 MPH and is now lurching forward (as if having a difficult time engaging in 1st gear) after bein stopped. After researching the problem, my issue exactly fits the description of scores of online complaints from pathfinder owners of 2005-07 models who have come to find out that it is a manufacturers' defect of a coolant leaking into the transmission. When I called the nissan north america customer service to inquire about these complaints and register my own, I was told that I would have to have a diagnostics test I order to register the complaint further. I was transferred to a local dealer who confirmed the research: if my transmission fluid was milky reddish in color (which it is), then radiator fluid had leaked into to transmission and it was likely ( from this service rep's experience) that it would need to be replaced at a cost of $3500-$8000. When I inquired about the prevalence of this problem at his dealership, he was well aware of the problem and issue but because of the percentage of cars affected that is known is small in comparison to the number sold in those years, a recall was unlikely. He also indicated that the mileage on my vehicle (107000) made it even more unlikely that nissan would cover the repairs.

Filed Jun 18, 2012 · Transmission · 81,000 miles · OH

At 40 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating and grinding. I promptly took it in to the dealership for a check, and was informed that it is the transmission that needs replaced. I was told that I "just missed" the cut off for the warranty extension to cover this defect, as my vehicle as 81000 miles on it. The defect is reportedly only covered until 80000. I was never notified of a defect or recall. I have followed all manufacture recommended maintenance of my pathfinder. Please consider extending this coverage, since it is a defect and not related to my care of my vehicle.

Filed Mar 5, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 102,000 miles · TX

This experience has been absolutely terrible. I am a mother and drive to all of the activities everyday which adds immense stress on me everyday knowing that any second my car will break down leaving us stranded. I bought my pathfinder used from the nissan dealership and have barely owned it for 2 years. I took it into the dealership after it was running at 40mph and would not let me accelerate and making crazy grinding noises as though I were riding on the road shoulder. The dealership informed me that it wasn't a problem with my transmission but my radiator leaking coolant into the transmission which as a result ruined the transmission. Having done research on the issue I have read that it is a common issue with these models and that nissan corporate is well aware of and refuse to do anything about it. This is a great big safety issue imposed on my family and I am terrified to even drive. I am upside down on my vehicle and cannot trade it in on a new vehicle and am left with my hands tied. I am joining the other millions out there filing a class action suit against nissan in the hopes of resolving this issue.

Filed Mar 22, 2010 · Brakes · 33,392 miles · DE

At 33,392 miles, I went to have my brakes inspected at my local service shop due to a slight squeaking when in reverse. The outside surface of the rotors were smooth so I thought it was just brake dust build up. Upon inspection at the shop, the inside surface of both front rotors were badly rusted and the brake pad that presses against the inside surfaces were partially gouged. Both rotors could not be resurfaced due to the extensive rust and required replacement. And even though the outer pads were still an ok thickness and the outer rotor surface was smooth, they all needed replacement due to the badly rusted rotors! After taking the parts to my nissan dealer to show them the rusted rotor surfaces, they suspected that the inside-caliper sliding pins had rusted inhibiting the pad from contacting the inside rotor surface, but still wouldn't pay for my replacement since "rust" wasn't covered! The kicker is that the brakes were inspected during a "complimentary multi-point check" only one year prior with no problem reported. Considering I drive the vehicle every day to work, if the calipers were sliding and grabbing the rotors properly there should have been no rust build up at all. But apparently the inside brake pads were not making contact with the rotor surface and could have resulted in a dangerous situation had I needed to brake hard in an emergency. I still have all damaged parts, receipts, and paperwork (and pictures of all too) for anyone wishing to inspect them. Check it out before someone gets hurt!