Automatic Transmission Cooler problems of the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. While driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle lost power without warning. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road and towed to a local dealer who diagnosed a transmission failure due to a radiator leak. The dealer completely rebuilt the transmission. The failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to another dealer where it was diagnosed that the rebuilt transmission caused an "inter cooler failure". The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that it was not the manufacturer's problem. The contact was referred back to the dealer that installed the rebuilt transmission. The dealer stated that the manufacturer was aware of the rebuilt transmission and referred the contact back to the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated that nothing could be done. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 10v517000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was 168,000.

Brought my vehicle into the local Nissan dealership in 2013 for a basic service and oil change. The complaints about the radiator/transmission cooling system were well established. There was no documented information in the service visit file on my 2006 Pathfinder to show that an inspection for this known defect was done. This brings us today where my Pathfinder currently sits at the Nissan dealership in need of a new radiator and transmission. As a result of the defect, while driving my truck started to overheat and then the transmission dropped into 1st gear while going 50 mph. While in traffic with one of my children in the car, this caused the vehicle to rapidly decelerate. So now I have to decide to pay for this repair, that is done using the same parts with no guarantee it will not happen again. This is the third serious issue that I've had with this truck.

On Saturday, February 14, 2015, my 2006 Nissan Pathfinder started to shudder at 45-50 mph. After taking it to aamco transmission specialists, I was told that the radiator cooling fluid had leaked into the transmission and was causing it to fail. After researching this problem, I found that this is a known problem with Nissan transmissions and usually occurs after high mileage (100,000) and the warranty on the Pathfinders had been extended to 80,000 to 100,000 miles. However, my Pathfinder currently has over 120,000 miles on it so Nissan will probably not pay for any of the repairs. If this problem doesn't occur until after 100,000 miles, why didn't Nissan extend the warranty over 100,000? there are thousands of complaints on the internet from people who are in the same situation as I am right now and have spent $5,000+ to fix something that Nissan knows is defective on their suvs from 2005 to present.

Transmission failure due to radiator coolant mixing with transmission oil: reading other similar complaints about 2005-2010 Pathfinder on carcompalints. Com, I am wondering if there is a $90 solution to bypass the original setup and have a separate radiator for transmission, why couldn't Nissan do it or atleast inform all owners about it so we could have avoided spending 4-5k on repairing something that is manufacturing design defect. I am in no way claiming to be a mechanic, but I am assuming other vehicles also have a similar setup, even other Nissan models. How come this is the problem only for Pathfinders? this is a design flaw and there should have been a recall instead of a class action lawsuit, but I guess our government is too busy looking out for special interest lobbyists. I am disgusted in Nissan's conduct and also the conduct of NHTSA & cas who did not do anything when there was class-action lawsuit to prove these were not isolated issue with a few vehicles, but a design flaw. . Read more...

Without warning the radiator leaked coolant into the transmission cooling part of the radiator and caused an almost instant burning of the transmission failure that was found to be ruined before I could even safely stop and have it towed. The car lost temporarily lost power to the rear wheels and stranded me in a dangerous intersection where I was almost t-boned. There was no prior symptoms until the transmission failed. . . . .

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while waiting at a traffic light, the vehicle started shaking violently and stalled. The contact mentioned that the check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by a licensed mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission fluid leaked into the radiator and water leaked into the transmission. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The contact referenced a recall under NHTSA campaign id 10v517000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.

Faulty transmission cooler system - Nissan Pathfinder 2006 has faulty transmission cooling system that connects to radiator. Nissan product/design failed and created cross contamination of antifreeze & transmission fluid. This faulty product design poses serious safety risks to my family and others (just search on the internet & you'll see hundreds of complaints/claims & class action law suit). This issue can cause sudden stops and engine failure. My Pathfinder started running hot and that was first indication there was a problem. Mechanic said transmission fluid had leaked into the radiator and radiator fluid leaked into transmission. We had to replace the radiator, thermostat & flushed transmission 4 times (very expensive repair). This just happened and uncertain if transmission will cause problems and require replacement. We have kept regular maintenance and used extended life/synthetic products to help keep the engine & transmission well lubed. *note: we didn't qualify for Nissan recall & class action law suit due to mileage of vehicle. Based on Nissan's exclusion terms, we won't buy another Nissan product.

The radiator cracked and the transmission oil mixed with the cooling. This resulted in the damaging of the transmission and we had to replace the radiator.

My transmission failed becuase the cooling lines that run through the radiator cracked allowing the coolants to mix. I will have to replace the transmission and the radiator.

I was preparing to merge onto the highway, I slowed down to yield to oncoming traffic. When the gap between oncoming cars was large enough I accelerated and proceeded to merge. Instead of accelerating my car began to rumble and move slowly. Instead of properly merging onto the highway it just slowly rolled into oncoming traffic. I became horrified and I was afraid to drive on the highway, and I had to reverse to back out. I took back roads to Nissan dealer. The car would rumble and vibrate and drive slowly as if it was stuck in 1st gear. Dealer determined that "transmission oil mixed with antifreeze" due to "cooler hose cracked and ready to break" rendering transmission incapable of proper operation. Nissan dealer replaced transmission, radiator, and flushed cooling system.

My 06 Nissan Pathfinder starting shaking and making a shuttering noise at 40mph. Also a squeaking noise coming from the undercarriage at lower speeds. I took my Pathfinder to the dealer to have it looked at. After a few hours the dealership called and told me it was a defect in the transmission cooler built inside the radiator. A line in the cooler cracked letting radiator fluid and transmission fluid to mix together and run all through both my cooling and transmission systems. I have 75,000 miles and was told I'm under the 80,000 mile warranty for these repairs. I was told I would need a new transmission and radiator along with a new thermostat and gasket. I'm one of the lucky ones that will not have to come out of pocket for these repairs. I've been reading post after post about other people having this same problem that are over the mileage warranty and are having to pay CO-pays and some that had to pay the full repair bill. Please recall this. There are too many people being affected with this issue.

Vehcile starting vibrating at 40mph, returned to the dealer and was informed transmission had failded due to raditor failure of transmission cooling system. I was aware of the problem with this paticular vehciled and it had been serviced on a regular basis with premiere Nissan in metairie, la. I addressed the issure with the service department several times prior to the transimission failure and was told there were no problems. I contacted Nissan north America and they refused any assistance with the $5,800 repair estimate. This should have been a recall of all vehicles when these problems were identified.

The vehicle started to lose power and come back on while traveling with 6 passengers on the 101 fwy in north los angeles county. Then it's guage showed it running hot (no smoke or loss of power) and a check engine light was on. Then the guage said it wasn't running hot and no power loss. I continued down the freeway and made it home with no more problems. I studied and research this problem for hours on the web. I brought the car to the dealer service department the next day. My research turned up valid. This 2006 Nissan Pathfinder se vehicle should have been recalled by the manufacturer. Nissan knew about this problem. Instead Nissan extended a warranty to 100k and passed these flaws on to the consumer. Shame on Nissan! the problem is what is described as a fluid intermix. This is because the transmission fluid has cooling coils that run through the radiator. For a year or two Nissan had produced defective product and was not forced to recall. Now me the consumer is stuck with a six to nine thousand dollar repair bill on my vehcile with 110k miles on it. Recall these vehciles please Nissan. Wiistle blowers just ask the service people about this particular no no Nissan did. This is consumer abuse by corporate tough guys.

Started as a vibration on 5ft gear at around 45mph. During a routine check, it was found transmission oil into the cooling system. Hence, the transmission fluid was contaminated with coolant, causing transmission malfunction as a result of a defective radiator.

Transmission coolant line in bottom of radiator ruptured leaking coolant into transmission and trans fluid into cooling system.

My wife drove the SUV to town. It started acting funny (transmission was not shifting correctly). At this time the SUV acted like it was out of drive and would not go forward or reverse. She had it towed to a repair shop to see what was going on with it. They called her later the same day and told her that her transmission cooling line in the radiator had leaked coolant into transmission. The Nissan dealership in longview, wa. Told us that we have to pay $2500. 00 if we want our SUV repaired, and that in October 2012 they had sent a letter stating that we needed to bring our SUV in because of this very problem. We did not receive this so called letter.

Tl- the contact owns a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact noticed the fuel tank was empty. After fueling the vehicle the contact attempted to accelerate but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated the radiator had leaked water into the transmission causing the transmission to fail. As a result, the transmission needed to be replaced. There was an investigation under NHTSA action number: dp12004 (power train: automatic transmission: torque converter power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm, pcm)) that may be related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. Pmb.

My transmission failed while driving on an interstate. Mechanic said the cooling line cracked, which allowed radiator fluid to enter the transmission and destroy it.

The radiator colling pump cracked causing the cooling fluid to leak into the transmission and mix with the transmisssion fluid in return a new radiator drive unit and transmission needed to be replaced as well as the torque converter.

Heard a thud in the rear. Took it to get looked at by a mechanic. Before the mechanic even looked at it he knew what was wrong. I told him I think something is wrong with my transmission. The mechanic already knew what was wrong hooked it up to the computer. Didn't show anything he explained to me. The computer was not working on the car it had burned out due to the design of Pathfinder. The transmission oil the radiator and all of the cars fluids are mixed. The radiator looked like vasoline. He told me I need a transmission cooling system and computer. Hr would charge 5,000 dollars he suggested taking it to Nissan. He said he has fixed several pathifinders with the same issues he said Nissan is well aware of the problems. I took it to my dealer in bradenton FL. Where I purchased my car they quoted me 8,000 dollars to fix it. Since my truck isn't under warranty. I asked my dealer about all the problems. He told me to call Nissan to make a complaint there isn't any thing he can do. Then I researched and found thousands of Pathfinders with my same problem im appalled by this. And need to know what I can do????.

Vehicle coming to a complete stop when the transmission control module failed due to an electronic short resulting from a radiator cooling line rupturing and flooding the transmission. This is a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. I checked on line and was surprised (amazed) at the number of individuals who have had the same problem. There are even class action lawsuits pending related to Nissan knowingly aware of a defective radiator cooling line that breaks mixing into the transmission. My vehicle has been diagnosed by a Nissan dealership quoting $6,500 to replace the transmission and radiator. Nissan also extended the factory warranty to 80k miles when it was discovered that there was a defective part. Thank you. . . But, they never notified me that there was a problem. And, you don't know there is one until it fails and creates the problem. This is very dangerous. . . . As the car will die if the module shorts out. It is the same module that tells the electronic ignition system that the vehicle is in park. My opinion, Nissan being aware of the defective part, in collusion with a vendor who provided the part. . . . Is darn near not only fraud but conspiracy. I pinged several dealerships who openly advised of the defective part and the number of vehicles they have fixed. I asked the dealer how long to get a transmission. . . I was advised that the one required to fix the 2006 Nissan had 148 transmissions on back order. I should expect 4 to 6 weeks to get one. But, of course. . . My warranty is expired. . . . I was also advised that the line that ruptures normally does between 90 and 110k miles. This is not only a safety issue. . . It is down right fraud and deceptive practices. Deceptive, because of not notifying owners. . . . Fraud by knowingly having a defective part on a vehicle.

Nissan issued an extended warranty to replace faulty radiators and transmissions affected by these faulty radiators yet did not increase the warranty by the normal 12mo 12,000 mile instead they increased it to 96months and only 80,000 miles not 96,000 miles simply because most failures happen over 80,000 miles. They also claimed this was not a safety recall. When the radiator affects the transmission and the vehicle can stall during driving. How is this not a safety issue. This is from their letter informing consumers: "in vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, a crack in the radiator assembly might occur at higher mileages leading to internal leakage of engine coolant. While the majority of vehicles will not experience this issue, Nissan is extending the warranty as it applies to the radiator assembly to demonstrate our commitment to stand behind our products and our customers. Nissan is extending your vehicle's new vehicle limited warranty as it applies to the radiator assembly and its component parts from 36 months/36,000 miles to 96 months/80,000 miles, including damage, repairs, replacement, and related towing resulting from this issue. "a crack in the radiator is caused from thermal schock. Which Nissan knew about before installing the original radiator in my vehicle. I know this because they applied for a patent on Jan 24,2006 which was published sept 2006 therefore they knowingly installed radiators that would undergo thermal shock ie crack. See the entire publication where they are filing for a patent recognizing the existing problematic radiators: vehicle cooling system,publication number us20060196634,application number us/11/337437,assignees Nissan motor CO ltd calsonic kansei corporation,inventors sato yousuke ishikawa takayuki iwasaki mitsuru filing date 24 Jan 2006publication date 07 Sep 2006. Make Nissan replace all defects.

I purchased a 2006 certified Nissan Pathfinder in 2008. I was guarrenteed 100k engine and power train warrenty. I currently have 96,426kmiles and the transmission gave out about 1 month ago in saline KS. I took the car to the Nissan dealer in kansas and was told that it would be covered. However after waiting over a month for the part Nissan stated that the transmission gave out because of the transmission cooling system leaking therefore the transmission is not covered. I have contacted Nissan corp directly and have received the same answer. This is hazardus because the transmission gave out without warning during a snow storm. Lickly the car mannaged to coast to the side of the road. I had my car shipped back to my home in clarksville TN. And was informed by the delivery driver that the parts were in the back of my car. So now I have a car that was taken apart but not fixed with a bunch of parts in the cargo area and about $2000 in debt for a rental car and shipping the car back too clarksville. Since I have had this problem I have found out that the transmission and cooling systems have been malfunctioning since 2004.

The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated she was driving at 50 mph when the heater and defroster failed. The windows had to remain open in order to keep the windows from fogging. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle would exhibit an unusual increase in engine rpms intermittently. The vehicle was inspected by a local mechanic who advised that radiator fluid leaked into the inner cooling system and into the transmission, causing the heater failure. The mechanic performed a transmission flush and replaced the transmission filter and radiator. Within five months, the transmission failed. Additionally, the fuel level gauge would sporadically read inaccurate fuel levels, causing her to run out of fuel twice without warning. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 10v075000 (fuel system, gasoline: storage: auxillary tank) but was unable to confirm if her vehicle was included with the recall. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 118,000.

Truck began to shudder as if driving on rumble strips, then overheated on major highway. The transmission fluid and cooling fluid mixed due to defect. Radiator had to be replaced and truck completely flushed several times. Good chance that transmission was damaged and will have to be replaced, also. Total cost of repair was $1500.

Tl-the contact owns a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving, the fuel gauge displayed an inaccurate fuel level reading, causing the vehicle to stall. The contact was unable to restart vehicle. The contact refueled the vehicle and was able to resolve the failure momentarily before recurring. The vehicle was taken to dealer who advised that the fuel sensor was defective. The vehicle was repaired by replacing the fuel sensor. In addition, the vehicle shifted out of gear abnormally. The dealer determined that the failure was caused by cooling fluid leaking into the radiator. The dealer then performed a transmission system flush and the failure was resolved. One year later after refueling the vehicle, the contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to dealer who inspected the vehicle and determined that the transmission module system had failed. The failure was due to a leak of cooling fluid into the radiator system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, no further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000. The approximate current mileage was 107,000. Kmj.