Hundreds of Xterra, Pathfinder and Frontier owners are complaining that their cracked radiators are causing coolant to leak into the transmission and mix with the transmission fluid. Once the coolant (antifreeze) is in the transmission it kills the valves, seals and torque converter and eventually renders the entire transmission useless. This is primarily an issue with the 2005 model year.

Even those who have had their transmissions flushed by authorized Nissan dealers are reporting that they eventually break down. 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.

The Warning Signs

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

However, most 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 Xterra, Pathfinder and Frontier.

What is Nissan Doing to Fix the Problem?

Nissan service shops might simply try replacing the cracked radiator and flush the transmission a couple times before sending you on your merry way. The problem is they know the damage coolant will do to a transmission and are just trying to put a band-aid on a deep wound. This is a widely publicized problem, in fact most independent service shops are quick to recognize the issue, so you can bet that Nissan and all their authorized dealers are well aware of it. Nissan did extend the power train warranty on these vehicles from 60k to 80k without any explanation why; many cite this as an admission of guilt without actually admitting to anything. Unfortunately this problem can easily still happen after 80k miles and any transmission work done by an independent mechanic at any time may void the warranty!

Class Action Lawsuit

Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman, LLC, is investigating a proposed class action lawsuit against Nissan relating to reported defects in Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Xterra and Nissan Frontier vehicles. Due to the reported defects in these vehicles’ radiators, the interior components of the radiators break down allowing coolant to mix with the transmission fluid. Signup to take part in the lawsuit.

In The News

Chris Jensen covered this story in an in-depth "Wheels" New York Times article on August 24, 2011.

Actions You Can Take & Possible Recourse

This step is crucial. Don't just complain on forums; The sites below actually manage your complaint in ways that allow useful statistics and they report dangerous trends to the authorities. Law firms often contact these sites for help with Class Action lawsuits. Make sure to file your complaint on all three sites, we can't stress that enough.

1. Step 1: File Your Complaint at CarComplaints.com

   CarComplaints.com is a free resource dedicated to uncovering car problem trends and informing the consumer. File Your Complaint

2. Step 2: Notify the Center for Auto Safety

   The Center for Auto Safety is an organization that informs consumers about auto safety issues. Notify the CAS

3. Step 3: Report a Safety Concern to the NHTSA

   The NHTSA directs highway safety and has the authority to force recalls to be issued following investigations. Report Your Concern

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