40 problems related to transmission failure have been reported for the 2005 Nissan Frontier. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Nissan Frontier based on all problems reported for the 2005 Frontier.
Radiator & transmission failure.
Transmission failure related to coolant from the radiator oil coolant assemble.
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.
Why has there been no recall on Nissan Frontier pickup trucks? they have had thousands of complaints reported online about transmission failure due to cross contamination of transmission fluid and engine coolant due to a problem with the transmission cooler pipe design. This is a very common problem with these vehicles. Also I have a failed gas gauge sending unit. Again there are thousands of the same complaints online. There have been recalls on other vehicles for the same reason, yet not on the Nissan Frontier pickup. The recalls on others was issued because there would be false readings of fuel levels and a person could run out of gas in traffic and cause and accident. The same problem can occur with the Nissan Frontier because the gauge gives an inaccurate reading or shows empty yet there is fuel in the tank and the operator would have no idea if he is about to run out of gas or not. Back to the transmission, the transmission can go out completely without notice due to the cross contamination. There is no way to no if there is a problem until it was to late. The transmission will fail and there is no way of knowing there is a problem unless you check the radiator periodically. That is the only way to find the problem with out having an actual breakdown. I have had to replace a radiator, have my transmission completely cleaned out twice to remove any coolant, and now my transmission has completely failed. I am asking fro an investigation into the Nissan Frontier problems and the numbers of the same complaints. I am sure there would be a basis for a recall.
At the time of the transmission failure I had no prior signs of a problem. As I was merging on to the 4 lane at a speed of about 45-50 mph the truck began shaking violently. I thought I had gotten some bad fuel because I had just filled the fuel. The shaking somewhat smoothed out at about 60 mph, though the truck was lacking normal power, and would shudder when pulling a grade. I drove the truck about 10 miles and stopped to get some fuel treatment because I still thought I was having fuel problems. At this point the truck began to act as if the transmission was in neutral, then the transmission would grab and jar the truck violently. At this time I was in heavy traffic and nearly hit. I barely got the truck to my mechanic. Further inspection by my mechanic showed antifreeze in the transmission. I had to have the transmission totally rebuilt and replaced the radiator, at a cost of about $4,000. About a year prior I had the transmission flushed, replaced filter and fluid as preventative maintenance. The truck has been maintained properly because I planned to keep the truck for long term. My truck is past the warranty so total cost is incurred by me.