Transmission Fluid Leaking Problems of Nissan Frontier - part 2

Transmission began to shudder at speeds 40-50 mph a few weeks ago, feels like going over shallow rumble strips. Did research online and found that the issue is coolant leaking into the transmission fluid. This has been a major issue with all 2005 Nissan Frontiers. My truck has 103,xxx miles. Outside the warranty now. Never new of this warranty and now I’m stuck paying thousands of dollars out of pocket for new transmission and radiator.

See all problems of the 2005 Nissan Frontier 🔎.

Vehicle made a noise what sounded like driving over a rumble strip. It then failed to accelerate and I was forced into the breakdown lane on the highway. I had vehicle towed to shop and was informed of the radiator and transmission issue with these vehicles. Radiator fluid leaked into the transmission and now its junk. It will now cost me $3400 to replace the transmission and radiator. I can't believe there isn't a recall out for this issue. This is a complete disregard for consumer protection.

Vehicle shudders bad in 5th gear clunking in and out of gear, and unable to maintain speed on highway. Hard up shifts from gears 1 to 2 and 2 to 3. Hard down shift clunk from gear 2 to 1. Coolant leaked into transmission fluid causing catastrophic failure of transmission and new radiator needed as well.

Started experiencing radiator overheating and erratic transmission shifting. Mechanic found radiator and transmission fluids mixed. Radiator and transmission need to be replaced +/-$4000 estimate. Normal driving history and vehicle in good condition otherwise. . Read more...

See all problems of the 2007 Nissan Frontier 🔎.

I was driving on the highway and my truck shutters like going over shallow rumble strips for about 3 weeks. I realized it was my transmission and searched on transmission issues with my truck and found the big one (coolant leaking into the transmission fluid). I immediately flushed the coolant and the transmission fluid, performed the at cooler bypass operation and refilled. I'm now saying my prayers, taking my vitamins, and exercising hoping for the best.

Transmission needs to be rebuilt due to manufacturing defect after only 64,000 miles. Radiator fluid has leaked into the transmission oil which is a manufacturer defect. Quoted $4200 in repairs-they will need to re-manuacture the transmission and replace the at valve. I reached out to Nissan for assistance in the matter since I am just outside of the 5 yr 75,000 mile extended warranty (5 months over 5 yrs). They advised this is not something they will help with. When I asked if this is a normal occurrence for Nissan transmissions to need to be repaired at 64k the regional customer service manager simply stated he is not a mechanic. At 40mph, the vehicle jumped out of gear while driving. I had no power and needed to pull over. This put my property and well being in severe danger. Luckily I was able to get over without incident, but this may not be the case for someone else. This is clearly a manufacturing flaw and needs to be handled responsibly by Nissan. Extend my warranty and fix the transmission free of charge.

See all problems of the 2009 Nissan Frontier 🔎.

The radiator cracked and leaked coolant into the transmission, mixing with the transmission fluid creating a toxic fluid that irreversibly damaged everything around it. The vehicle was being driven when first noticed. I had the radiator replaced and the transmission flushed at my local Nissan dealership. I could not afford to replace the transmission so flushing it was my only option. It lasted for a few years but now it needs to be replaced. This is a defect that has affected thousands of customers.

Transmission fluid leak into radiator.

Radiator leak into the transmission fluid, causes transmission to fail and requires a rebuild. Expensive $3000 repair. Current litigation and court case does no good to most of the customers experiencing this problem. No warning from Nissan that the radiator is flawed.

The transmission started jerking very bad when it hit 1700 rpm range while driving, so I slowed down. . . Scared. I went and had it checked only to find out it is very common with this truck - fluid in transmission caused from the trans fluid running through the radiator and the heat exchange leaks water into the trans fluid. This is a well documented problem I learned. The repair is not covered by Nissan and is a 5000 dollar repair at Nissan dealership, a total transmission and radiator replacement is needed.

Known defect by Nissan. Radiator fluid leaks into transmission causing complete failure of transmission. They have extended warranty for new transmission but comes with a $2500 deductible. Why should I have to pay anything when they know they made a defective product.

See all problems of the 2008 Nissan Frontier 🔎.

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 contact owns a 2006 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into reverse, the vehicle failed to respond without warning. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was advised that the radiator fluid was leaking into the transmission. As a result, the radiator and the power transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 106,000. The VIN was not available.

See all problems of the 2006 Nissan Frontier 🔎.

Sudden loss of power/stalling. Check engine light came on as well as anti-slip light. Took vehicle same day to Nissan dealership. Truck actually stalled on the way to the dealership however I was able to get it started again. Diagnosed the problem as a bad cam shaft sensor. Sensor was replaced. They also mentioned that transmission fluid was contaminated with engine coolant. Suggested repair was to replace the radiator and the transmission-$4800. I chose to just replace the cam sensor. Three days later, 8/9, lost power at highway speed. Radiator and hoses leaked and had to be towed to dealership. Again dealership suggested replacing the radiator as well as the transmission. Replaced radiator and hoses, flushed transmission twice. I plan to dispose the truck. There were no warning signs prior to these two incidents. My opinion is that this is definitely a manufacturing/engineering defect.

While driving my 2007 Nissan Frontier I noticed a heavy grinding noise occuring at 40 mph. The transmission was slipping before shifting into overdrive. I took my truck to two different certified mechanics to find out that I needed a new transmission and radiator. The radiator coolant leaked into the transmission causing contamination of the transmission fluid resulting in failure of the transmission. I purchased this truck new from a Nissan dealership and planned to drive this truck beyond its current mileage. After researching this online and reading all the complaints I will never buy another Nissan. The cost to get this fixed is $4700. 00 for a new transmission and radiator. This cost is absolutely ridiculous because the price of all the rebuilt transmissions out there for the Frontier have escalated due to the demand on them. Nissan should have put a recall on all their vehicles with this problem and all this could have been avoided. Nissan lost a loyal customer and if there is a class action lawsuit in maryland I would like to know. Nissan should pay for this. . . . . Totally ridiculous and a time consuming expensive nightmare.

I was driving my truck on a two lane road at approximately 40 mph when the truck started to shake and shutter and would not shift properly. I was almost rear ended on a bend in the road because of the reduced speed I had to drive to keep the truck from shaking. I have researched my Nissan Frontier's transmission issue and it appears to be a cross contamination issue where the transmission cooler leaks allowing transmission fluid and radiator coolant to mix causing damage to the transmission. I have not driven the truck since the incident for fear of a total transmission failure which has happend to other Nissan Frontier owners causing them to be standed on the roadway. Nissan seems to not want to recall the trucks for the cross contamination issue which I feel puts peoples lives in danger.

I was driving on a major highway when all of a sudden the automatic transmission downshifted into second gear. The Frontier immediately slowed down. I was driving in front of a tractor trailer and just missed getting rear ended. I've since found out that Nissan has been aware of the radiator leaking and cross contaminating with the transmission fluid and blowing out the transmission. This is a dangerous situation with these vechiles involved and Nissan shoud be responsible for correcting their defect regardless of vechile mileage. This vechile needs to be recalled and fixed.

I was driving the Nissan Frontier about 50 mph when the rpm shot up then dropped and the transmission quit causing the vehicle to stop. I had to cross two lanes of traffic to avoid a major accident. I managed to get the truck to the dealer and was told it was a problem with the transmission leaking fluid into the radiator causing the transmission to fail with out any warning. I was told the fix would cost me around 5,500. 00 dollars. Nissan is aware of this problem and really should correct it before some one is killed by this obvious major malfunction in the design of there product.

After reading about previous complaints online and an investigation performed by NHTSA I think the transmission is leaking fluid into the radiator. What was the conclusion of your investigation?.

2007 Nissan Frontier complaint . I am writing this on may 9, 2013. About a week ago my 2007 Nissan Frontier experienced slow acceleration. I put it in 1st and drove slowly for 1/4 mile then turned off the engine. When I turned on back on ignition, gear shift was locked. I unlocked manually and tried to start. Nothing. Engine will not crank. No lights on dash. I towed it my local mechanic who tried some electrical work. Nothing so he thought a tranny failure put truck in failsafe. Aamco could not start it so they could not diagnose. Towed it to Nissan of edison NJ. They wanted to change tranny for $8000 new or $5000 used. Too much money for a vehicle w/ 110000 miles. I towed it out to another transmission place and they first thought it was the starter! they changed the starter, nothing doing. Of course jump start is not working so its not the battery. Im now stuck. Previously truck had stalled once on the highway at about 60000 miles and would only drive on gear #1. Took it to Nissan dealership. They said they couldn't find any problem with tranny but they replaced the transmission fluid. Later at about 101k the transmission started slipping and Nissan found that the antifreeze had leaked into the transmission. They wanted to give me $2500 toward a $7300 repair. They also offered to give me employee pricing on a new Frontier but I dont want another Frontier, so I refused and instead took it to my mechanic. He put in a new radiator and flushed the transmission. Earlier at about 46000 miles, the fuel gauge stopped working and the fuel sender was changed. Nissan refused to help at that time but later initiated a recall and compensated me for the expense. Its been all pain with this truck which I bought "new" from a dealer with only 300 miles on it. Help.

I am writing this on may 9, 2013. About a week ago my 2007 Nissan Frontier experienced slow acceleration. I put it in 1st and drove slowly for 1/4 mile then turned off the engine. When I turned on ignition, gear shift was locked. I unlocked manually and tried to start. Nothing. Engine will not crank. No lights on dash. I towed it my local mechanic who tried some electrical work. Nothing so he thought a tranny failure put truck in failsafe. Aamco could not start it so they could not diagnose. Towed it to Nissan. They wanted to change tranny for $8000 new or $5000 used. Too much money for a vehicle w/ 110000 miles. I towed it out to another transmission place and they first thought it was the starter! they changed the starter, nothing doing. Of course jump start is not working so its not the battery. Im now stuck. Previously truck had stalled once on the highway at about 60000 miles and would only drive on gear #1. Took it to Nissan dealership. They said they couldn't find any problem with tranny but they replaced the transmission fluid. Later at about 101k the transmission started slipping and Nissan found that the antifreeze had leaked into the transmission. They wanted to give me $2500 toward a $7300 repair. They also offered to give me employee pricing on a new Frontier but I dont want another Frontier, so I refused and instead took it to my mechanic. He put in a new radiator and flushed the transmission. Earlier at about 46000 miles, the fuel gauge stopped working and the fuel sender was changed. Nissan refused to help at that time but later initiated a recall and compensated me for the expense. Its been all pain with this truck which I bought "new" from a dealer with only 300 miles on it. Help.

The contact owns 2007 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that coolant leaked into the transmission erroneously and caused the vehicle to stall. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The dealer confirmed that radiator fluid was leaking into the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacture regarding the radiator leak and was advised that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 01/09/lj.

When driving, a "rumbling" noise would come and go and a "whining" noise while accelerating. The rumbling noise was not consistent but would sound like a was driving on the side of the round. It would usually appear around 40-60 mph when I would let off the gas and "coast" and try to press the gas again. I did not know there was a "warranty extension". I was not notified. Took the truck into the shop only to find out my transmission was going out due to the fact I have radiator coolant (antifreeze) in my transmission fluid; (over a gallon) cause by a factory defect. Something to do with a transmission piece going through the radiator and leaking. Mileage for my truck is right at 99,800. Barely made the 100,000 miles 3000 dollar so-called Nissan warranty extension. .

There is a known issue of the radiator leaking fluid into the transmission causing transmission failure. Nissan was involved in a class action suit where the warranty was extended to 80,000 miles but I was 2,000 miles over, so instead of them fixing it for free, I would have to pay a $2,500 deductible. I do not have $2,500 to spend on something that is a known issue. Please let me know if there is any recourse for this situation. Thank you.

Tl - the contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled and the slip warning lamp illuminated. The contact mentioned that he was able to restart the vehicle immediately after the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the radiator coolant hose was leaking and the cam shaft position sensor was defective. As a result, both components were replaced however, the remedy failed to repair the problem. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who stated that there was transmission fluid found in the radiator and due to the failure, the transmission and radiator needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they would cover a portion of the repair cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 74,494. Kmj.

I was in the turning lane, needing to cross the intersection, light turned got a flashing yellow light , pressed gas and heard a big bang, then the truck was just stopped in the middle of the lanes with cars approaching. Luckily the approaching drivers were aware of my presence and no vehicles hit us. When it was ok to move the truck, myself and 2 other drivers helped push it clear. After examining the vehicle I noticed mustard yellow substance in the radiator overfill and one of the guys that help push looked at the transmission fluid to find a strawberry milkshake color fluid in there. After being examined by a mechanic it was determined the radiator was leaking fluid into the transmission. The Nissan dealer said the truck doesn't fall into any warranty, so it will cost me 7000 to fix. So needless to say this situation could have been extremely dangerous to me, my family and to the other drivers if they hadn't been paying attention. It's sad to say that Nissan is letting this happen to its drivers, over a 100 dollar radiator costing us thousands of dollars to fix and how long before someone is killed.

At about 100,000 miles, I started noticing that on take-off and at about 40 mph, my Frontier would struggle to takeoff or accelerate. When slowing down, if acceleration was needed, the rpms rev up, but the truck does not accelerate. At 40-45 mph transition, going uphill, the truck stutters like it doesn't know what gear to engage. I immediately looked online and found many complaints about the vehicle transmission having a slew of issues related to transmission fluid cooler leaks. I moved to drain the fluid so that I could inspect the color and composition. It was fine. I replaced the filter and fluid. Let it break in for a bit and had same problems. I had 2 different lube shops replace the fluid and flush the transmission and the problems persist. I called up the dealer and they told me that a new transmission would cost 6800 + labor. He said it was very likely the fluid issue, but I was outside the warranty period. This is a design flaw that Nissan knew about from the time they released these vehicles to the public. This is a safety hazard in the need of acceleration at a traffic light, train crossing and many others. I would like to request an investigation on the number of these vehicles being involved in accidents. My vehicle is a 2007 Nissan Frontier se, VIN: [xxx]. My name is [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the transmission slipped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was stated that the transmission fluid leaked into the radiator and the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Coolant leaked into transmission fluid and destroyed transmission.

Suddenly my truck appeared to have no power; could not accelerate up to traffic speed or effectively get across an intersection. It was scary and dangerous as this could have easily caused an accident. The "service engine soon" light came on and I promptly took my 2005 Nissan Frontier nismo v6 to my local Nissan dealer for service. I had just had the full 90k mile service with radiator flush and no issues where reported to me. So I was shocked when they told me that it needed to have both the radiator and transmission replaced due to "fluids mixing". Antifreeze and water from the radiator had leaked into the transmission and destroyed it. And I was further shocked and angry that it would cost me $3k even after Nissan's "extended warranty". (I don't have this kind of money lying around to dump into my 7+ year old truck, that I had bought new in '05. ) this is a catastrophic defect in the design - known by the manufacturer and should be made right by the manufacturer. I've found that there are hundreds of complaints about this same issue across the internet for other 2005-2010 Frontiers, pathfinders and xterras. Nissan needs to do their consumers right, or risk loosing loyalty. Up until now, I've been really happy with my truck, my service dealer and Nissan, but now I'll be looking at other brands that back their products and consumers better.

My 2005 Nissan Frontier began shifting hard noticeably. I took it to a trusted mechanic to evaluate the cause and learned that there is contamination in the transmission fluid. Coolant from the radiator has leaked into the transmission body, resulting in contamination and corrosion. At this time the transmission still functions, but will not continue to do so for long. This issue requires the replacement of both the radiator and the transmission with an estimated cost of $3,800.

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the transmission slipped gears. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was determined that transmission fluid was leaking. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

I purchased the vehicle used with roughly 92,700 miles from a reputable, local, high volume dealer. Within a week of owning the vehicle I felt a "shudder," as if driving over a rumble strip on the side of the road, while cruising at approximately 55 mph in top gear on the highway. Felt the same sensation one week later and again approximately one month ago. These "shudders" were few and far between but consistent in feeling and duration, only lasting a second or so. While doing an oil change and fluid check on 2-7-2013 and approximately 94,700 miles, I found the coolant in my radiator and overflow tank to be a pink, even bordering on purple, in color and about the same consistency as heavy whipping cream you would purchase from the grocery store. I immediately arranged for the vehicle to be diagnosed at the dealership of purchase the next morning and the three year extended power train warranty dictated such. The service shop's diagnosis confirmed the research I had found linking the discrepant coolant in my radiator to be from a defective transmission cooler line/coil inside the bottom of the radiator that was leaking transmission fluid into my radiator. Thus, not recirculating the proper amount of transmission fluid, if at all, back into my transmission causing it to fail and was "shuddering" as a side effect. The service department has told me that because my vehicle was past the 80,000 mile mark at the time of the incident, Nissan would require a $3,000 deductible to replace the transmission, transmission cooler lines, and the radiator. As I research further I see this problem is not isolated but quite common. It is also painfully apparent that Nissan is very much aware of this issue as well. As a proud owner of a 1985 Nissan 720 pickup truck and staunch supporter of Nissan products, this situation is disappointing at best and unethical at worst.

The transmission has been compromised due to a faulty radiator. The radiator leaked coolant into the transmission contaminating the transmission fluid. I noticed the vehicle would occasionally shudder and when I had it checked out discovered the problem. Hard to believe Nissan did practically nothing to notify owners of the problem because it sure was evident that the local Nissan dealership was aware of the problem as well as a couple of transmission shops I've visited.

Tl- the contact owns a 2006 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic stop, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle would not respond. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated the transmission would have to be replaced because radiator fluid was leaking into the transmission. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000. Kmj.