Transmission Fluid Leaking problems of the 2005 Nissan Xterra - part 2

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle began shaking as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised the contact that transmission fluid had leaked into the radiator and both components would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 114,000.

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the vehicle shook. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that transmission fluid had leaked into the radiator and both components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 88,000.

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-50 mph, the vehicle began to shake without warning. The contact also stated that the radiator was cracked and caused fluid to leak into the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised that the radiator and the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance due to the vehicle not being included in any recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 80,625. The VIN was not available.

Tl- the contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that the radiator cracked and leaked radiator fluid into the transmission. The contact smelled radiator fluid and noticed it was leaking from under the hood. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the radiator cap needed to be replaced. That did not correct the problem and the dealer then replaced the u joints. The problem continued and the contact stated the vehicle began to shake and the transmission failed. The dealer then said the transmission needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 106,000 and the current mileage was 106,716. Rl.

Just started moving after stopping at a light, and the engine stalled. Would not restart immediately, but when it finally restarted it was missing. Every time I have driven this car since then it has stalled, usually but not always after I have stopped or slowed to make a turn. I took it to the dealer this week (1/5/2013) and was told the problem is the transmission and radiator. The transmission is leaking fluid into the radiator and they both need to be replaced. I was told about the extended warranty and the $3000. 00 CO-pay. I have to fix the car but I don't know where I'm going to get $3000. 00. I don't understand why Nissan didn't recall the part that fails which allows the fluid to leak into the radiator. That would have saved hundreds of people and Nissan a lot of trouble and expense. There shouldn't be any CO-pay since Nissan could have prevented this.

Transmission stuck in 4th gear doesnt shift. This is the result of the faulty radiator leaking fluid into transmission.

Transmission kept slipping from 4th gear to 3rd, then back to 4th. It was brought in for transmission service and learned the radiator was leaking fluid into the transmission. The radiator needs to be replaced and the transmission rebuilt. Nissan is aware of the issue occurring in 2005-2007 models, but have done nothing to correct it, nor have they notified owners of this serious problem.

On September 18, I took my Nissan Xterra tot he dealership and made an appointment becasue it had a horrible shifting vibration and was jumping in between gears. However, after making the appointment for the next day, I was rear-ended and had to have body repairs made. I got the car back. The vibration was still there, of course, becasue the vibration had nothing to do with the body. I was in town where the delaership is located on October 18. I was pulling out of a drive onto a busy road. No power, the car only moved with gravity rolling toward the road and the engine reved with the gas. I stopped quick enough to avoid rolling onto the road which has a 45 mile an hour speed limit where I was. I shut the car ioff. I started it back up and with my foot on the brake I ran the shifter through the gears. When I tried to accelerate, it had some power, but it was clearly diminished. I headed for the dealershiop. The car was jerking so hard that it clunked my teeth together and made my neck and back hurt. I got to the dealership. It appears that my radiator rusted or cracked and leaked the fluid into my transmission causing it to destroy my transmission. All total, the repairs would be about $6,300. The car sits at the dealership because I am unemployed and cannot pay that on a car that I have managed while being unemployed since February to continue $482. 58/mo payments on and having only 6 left!!! Nissan refuses to help me bacause I have over 100,000 miles on the car. How would they have liked it if I had rolled into traffic and gotten killed or hurt? and, the person from Nissan consumer affairs told me that they had just extended the warranty to 100,000 becasue of this problem. So, they even know it is a major problem.

On September 8th, 2012, I got back from a 20 minute trip and was pulling into my driveway when my Xterra would not move. Transmission fluid was leaking all over my driveway. I had it towed to a service center where they estimated the cost to be between $2,500 and $2,800. When they realized the transmission and radiator had to be replaced the repair bill would have been much higher but they kept their promise and the final bill was $2,856. I am thankful that this did not occur on the highway. I should not have to pay for a defect that is not my fault and that is a possible safety hazard.

Car hesitates going into gear, very rough shifting (it is an automatic). Very dangerous at intersections and on highway- cannot drive it. Brought in for service. When mechanic attempted to flush the transmission, it was discovered that the radiator fluid has been leaking into the transmission. Class action lawsuit filed on this complaint, reimbursement only up to 100,000 miles or 10 years, whatever is less, and only costs above 3000k covered! this is at least a $5200k repair job and that may not event remedy all components that may have been affected. Additional problem is that my mileage was 5k over what the lawsuit allows. There was no way to know when this problem even started occurring.

Brought a used 2005 Nissan Xterra from a dealer in eugene oregon on October 13, 2011. On July 31, 2012 the radiator leaked fluid into the transmission disabling the vehicle. Took it to the deals where I have an extended warranty ( 12 months or 12,000 miles) only to be told that the radiator caused the problem to the transmission, which meant both are not covered by the warranty.

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact was driving 65 mph when the vehicle started shaking violently. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer who inspected the failure. The dealer advised the contact that radiator fluids leaked into the transmission, causing a transmission failure. Both the radiator and the transmission would need replacing at the contact's expense of $7000. The manufacturer was notified who offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 86,000.

Traveling at 65 mph, transmission started to shack terribly and was almost uncontrollable. This was a direct failure of a leak in the radiator that allowed radiator fluid to leak into the transmission and cause the transmission to fail.

Radiator coolant leaked into transmission causing overheating. Replaced radiator $1200 now required to replace transmission for $3510 parts, $1450 labor, and $100 fluid at tischer Nissan laurel maryland. Transmission feels like riding over rumble strips.

I am the original owner of a 2005 Nissan Xterra. I have had all repairs and services done at dealership and had an extended warranty until approx 94k miles. I brought Xterra to dealership in August 2011 for service and was advised at that time that I had complete transmission failure but not to worry because it was under warranty. The transmission was replaced and they were never able to tell me why the transmission failed in the first place. I had a warranty on the new transmission for 12k miles to approx 104k miles. I brought my Xterra to dealership in may 2012 for jerking at approx 105k miles, just past the new transmission warranty. I was advised that I had an inter cooler leak where coolant was mixing with my transmission fluid and that the problem could not be repaired that I would have to "junk" my Xterra. I was assured however that I did not have anything wrong with the new transmission. Nissan flushed all my fluids at a cost of $254, told me to drive the Xterra as much as I could for the next three weeks and bring it back to them and then they would confirm if that in fact was the problem. I talked to several mechanics including two Nissan mechanics and was told that I would not have to "junk" the Xterra that I would have to replace the radiator and transmission and not to drive the truck until it was repaired. I was also advised to contact Nissan north America. I contacted Nissan and they told me after there investigation that I was too far out of warranty and there was nothing they could or would do to assist me financially in repairing the damage. I am also aware that Nissan knew about there defective radiators and there is a class action lawsuit against them for this exact problem.

After driving to a remote fair ground facility, the transmission failed due to a leak allowing coolant to mix with the transmission fluid. After leaving the driver and passenger stranded waiting for help, the passenger lost consciousness due to high outdoor temperatures and lack of near by facilities. Paramedics were called to the scene.

Radiator fluid leaked into my transmission, which caused transmission failure.

Went to pull out into traffic and experienced tranny slipping. I was very lucky not to be involved in an accident. Check engine light came on took my vehicle to the dealership and they told me what was wrong and that they have been seeing this problem more and more frequently. It would seem Nissan is aware of the manufacturing defect in the radiator which causes fluid to leak into the tranny thereby slowly destroying the transmission, they offered an extended warrant to 80,000 miles but thru research I have discovered that this problem does not manifest itself until around 100,000 miles. I was never contacted by Nissan about this issue and there is no recall but hundreds of complaints. It is obvious that if Nissan does not resolve this issue there are going to be accidents and maybe even deaths related to this manufacturing defect.

Radiator fluid leaked into transmission. Caused transmission failure. Had to replace radiator, electrical components, hoses, transmission, etc. Repairs cost over $3900. This is a known problem by Nissan and they refuse to recall, but they have issued bulletins.

In January 2012 one morning I was driving at hwy speed on the freeway when out of nowhere lost total power. I stepped on the gas and my truck went from 60 to 10 miles an hour. Thank god it was close to an off reap and I was able to get off the freeway. I took the car to nearest auto repair shop. After examination of transmission they found large amount of white subtend in the transmission fluid but they could not determent what that was. Next day I drove the truck to Nissan dealer and they told me that because of the defect in the radiator the anti-freeze was leaking to the transmission and causing it to seize and both components need to immediate replacement. The mechanic told me that the failure is a known problem and that is occurs with no warning, no engine light, no noticeable deterioration of performance, it just happens. He said that in a worst-case scenario, the vehicle’s transmission could seize causing an immediate stop and loss of control. Since I was not in any position to pay for this repair, I took my truck home and try to contact Nissan for help. On January 16, I contact the Nissan consumer affairs again and requested an exception to the 80k miles limitation. Nissan consumer affairs took 2 weeks to review my case before denying it. The failure of Nissan to stand behind their products, particularly when the problem represents a serious safety concern and attributable to a design flaw, is inexcusable. Nissan denies that there is a safety concern, whereas they should have acknowledged responsibility for their error and issued a recall.

January 2012 one morning I was driving at hwy speed on the freeway when out of nowhere lost total power. I stepped on the gas and my truck went from 60 to 10 miles an hour. Thank god it was close to an off reap and I was able to get off the freeway. I took the car to nearest auto repair shop. After examination of transmission they found large amount of white subtend in the transmission fluid but they could not determine what that was. Next day I drove the truck to Nissan dealer and they told me that because of the defect in the radiator the anti-freeze was leaking to the transmission and causing it to seize and both components need to immediate replacement. The mechanic told me that the failure is a known problem and that is occurs with no warning, no engine light, no noticeable deterioration of performance, it just happens. Since I was not in any position to pay for this repair, I took my truck home and try to contact Nissan for help. On January 16, I contact the Nissan consumer affairs again and requested an exception to the 80k miles limitation. Nissan consumer affairs took 2 weeks to review my case before denying it. The failure of Nissan to stand behind their products, particularly when the problem represents a serious safety concern and attributable to a design flaw, is inexcusable. Nissan denies that there is a safety concern, whereas they should have acknowledged responsibility for their error and issued a recall. How many accidents or fatalities need to occur over the coming years before Nissan is held accountable for their negligence? my local Nissan dealer estimated it would cost $5368 to repair my Xterra. This represents a significant financial burden and hardship -- especially on a vehicle with just over 100k miles. How many Nissan owners have to experience this type of financial hardship before Nissan is held accountable?.

The vehicle's automatic transmission disengaged without warning while traveling at highway speed. Immediate deceleration, forced us to cross lanes during period of heavy traffic with no ability to control the acceleration of the vehicle. Vehicle's automatic transmission would not engage. Transmission mechanic stated that failure was rusted internal transmission components. Follow up internet research revealed to us that this failure is common in 2005 Nissan Xterra's. A common component between the factory radiator and auto transmission cooler rusts and fails, causing transmission fluid to mix with radiator fluid. This destroys the radiator and eventually the automatic transmission. During a service call at a local Nissan dealership in may 2011, we were made aware of the radiator / transmission cooler leak, and we were advised that the radiator should be replaced. We replaced the radiator. The mileage at the time of this service was approximately 108,000. The potential transmission issue was never mentioned.

Started hearing a rumble strip sound while on smooth pavement. Vehicle started shifting harder, with slight vibrations. Before I could take it in, I was involved with a hit in run in a parking lot. Nissan said the upper and lower radiator hoses were soaked in transmission fluid. Manager said it had been leaking for some time. He said I needed a new radiator, and transmission cost of 6500. Nissan updated their radiators because they new it was a defective part, but refuse to take care of damage they have caused. . Read more...

I seem to be having the same problem as everyone else with my 2005 Nissan Xterra. Started feeling a vibration around 40 to 60 mph. It felt like I was riding on a rumble strip except I was not. The radiator fluid leaked into my transmission which cased my transmission to go out. I have only had this vehicle for 2 months.

I noticed a vibrating noise when I would reach 40-50mph. It sounded like I was driving on a rumble strip but was not. One day I pulled out into traffic and my transmission slipped, had my gas pedle to the floor but I was barely moving. I had to swirve into the ditch to avoid getting rear ended! I took it to my Nissan dealship to have a diagnositc test done. They called and told me that there was a defect in the radiator causing fluid to leak into the transmission. The estimated cost will be about $1500, to replace my radiator and flush the fluids twice. They stated that this will be a 80-85% chance this would temporaraly fix the problem, but with them not really knowing how much damage there is to my transmission that if this doesn't correct the problem that I would need to replace my trasmission meaning an additional $5,000. I have searched on-line and found out on a website (carcomplaints. Com) that there are many other people out there with my same problem. Nissan is very aware of this defect in the radiator and has done nothing about it. My warrenty ran out in April and the warrenty on the radiator ended at 80,000 miles. I am in a huge bind not knowing what to do. Being a single mom I am very tight on money. I would hope that there are enough complaints for Nissan to recall all Nissan Xterra 2005 for radiator defects. I am keeping my fingers crossed and praying for a miracle.

I was entering onto the freeway about 60mph when the vehicle started vibrating violently. I wasn't sure if I blew a tire or hit something and I instinctively braked hard and drove onto the shoulder of the road. I inspected the front end and could not determine what had gone wrong. I drove at minimum posted speed to the next ramp and exited. On a dirt road on the way home the vibration and shaking started again at around 40mph. When I slowed down the shaking stopped. I nursed the car home. I learned later there is a defect in the transmission of this model caused by radiator fluid leaking into the transmission which corrodes the components. I never received a recall or other notice from Nissan. This is a dangerous condition because it causes the driver to take immediate and severe action as it feels like a catastrophic failure of some sort. At high speeds it could cause an accident.

On or about may 14th 2011 I observe fluid leaking from my Nissan 2005 Xterra. I sought professional advice. It was mandatory that I replace the radiator, thermostat and flush the engine and transmission. It became very apparent that this was a manufacture defect. I then contact five towns Nissan, who indicated that my vehicle was out of warranty (80,000). I did receive an undated “warrant notification� from Nissan north America inc which did compromise any extended warranty especially if it is a manufacturer defect. Nissan north America inc did acknowledge that there was a manufacturer defect on the radiator assembly that will cause leakage of the engine coolant (antifreeze) to mix with the transmission causing the transmission to be rebuilt. This will cost over $6,000. 00 to repair. What became obviously suspicious is that Nissan sent the “warrant notification� after the fact knowing that all and or most of the affected vehicles were out of warranty. It became apparent that Nissan was fully aware of the defects, hence, being liable for their negligence. Amidst all the complaints Nissan refuse to recall and or fix the defects. Secondly, I do have problems with the emission system of the said Nissan 2005 Xterra, of which, I did reported to Nissan. In June 2009 it was determine upon paid inspection by Nissan service center, that both #1 and #2 catalytic convertor, fuel level sensor and gas gauge were all defective. I had the gauge replace, but both #1 and #2 catalytic convertor, fuel level sensor will cost over $4,000. 00 to repair. It now has a manufacturer defect of the timing chain that can be disastrous, and will cost $2,500. 00. I am most respectfully asking your office to launch an immediate investigation about the manufacturer defects that I have listed, and would like Nissan to fully compensate me for the repairs. I would like you to take into consideration of all the consumers who are frustrated by this dilemma, and have no possible alternative.

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated there was a loud noise in the front of the vehicle intermittently. An authorized dealer was unable to replicate nor diagnose the failure on several occasions. The vehicle was taken back to an authorized dealer again who diagnosed that the timing needed to be reset. The timing was reset and the failure recurred. The vehicle was also leaking fluid; the hood was opened and the cap to the transmission overflow fluid was missing however, the dealer replaced the cap. The contact continued to hear a loud noise intermittently. The vehicle was taken back to an authorized dealer for further inspection and diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000. The current mileage was 65,000.

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the transmission began to shake excessively. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the transmission was flushed. The mechanic also stated that the radiator was cracked and leaking transmission fluid into the engine. As a result, severe damage was being done to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

Beginning summer 2010 2005 Nissan Xterra (purchased new in 2005) began making rumbling noise (as if going over rumble strips) while driving. Incident occurred frequently at differing speeds for the next several months. No other problems were evident at that time. In November 2010 while driving on freeway vehicle began overheating, blowing hot air through air conditioner, and registering hot on gauge. Vehicle was immediately taken to local mechanic who was unable to determine problem. The next day vehicle was taken to dealership where car was purchased and told that the transmission needed to be replaced due to radiator fluid leak. After research and finding that this is a common occurrence the owner decided not to have the vehicle fixed at her expense and is not driving the vehicle until an agreement is made with Nissan. While there were no injuries or accidents in this incidence research shows that there have been numerous reports of transmission failures in traffic either causing or almost causing accidents. Nissan's failure to alert 05 Xterra owners of this problem that they are well aware of is negligence and risks health and safety. Further, it can be found that the problem cannot be fixed by simply replacing the original parts as the parts and design were defective to begin with. Research has shown that after being "fixed" by the dealership the problem has occurred again.

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact was accelerating 5 mph from a traffic stop when the vehicle abnormally lost power and would not accelerate. The vehicle was parked and left. One week prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer in regards to an unusual rumbling in the vehicle. The dealer advised that transmission fluid was leaking into the radiator. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 58,500.

In September, 2010 I was driving my 2005 Nissan Xterra at 55 mph on a two lane highway when it the temperature spiked overheating the engine after pulling over and checking it I discovered I had transmission fluid in the radiator. Come to find out there is a known defect on 2005 thru 2010 Nissan Xterra's, pathfinders, and frontier's in which the radiators internally leak water into the automatic transmissions and causes the violent shaking at high speeds. Nissan is aware of the issue and has only chosen to extend the warrantee on the radiators and not recall the vehicles. In fact the letter sent to the consumers doesn't even reference the transmission (in which it destroys). While my family and I were not hurt, it was a close call and could have easily been worse at the speed I was going and the effect the failure has on the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a garage and the radiator replaced and transimision flushed. While servicing my vehicle the mechanic discovered that the engine head had cracked. I incurred over 2,400 dollars in repairs. . . Using a used replacement engine. Nissan corporation after 9 weeks of waiting has informed me that they have opted not to assist in the repair of the vehicle nor provide reimbursment. On June 23, 2011, my transmission began to fail.

The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, she heard a rumbling sound. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostics, where the technician stated that radiator fluid leaked into the transmission and the radiator needed to be replaced. There were also parts within the transmission that needed to be repaired, but the contact was unaware of the specific parts. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available.

2005 Nissan Xterra faulty radiator destroys transmission. I have a 2005 Nissan Xterra which I purchased new in January of 2006. My transmission just failed and I was informed that the radiator fluid was mixed with the transmission fluid because the radiator failed. The system began stalling on Sunday and as I pressed the gas the rpm would increase but the car would not accelerate. I took the car to the Nissan dealer on Monday and they thought it was not the transmission but the ipdm. It worked for them fine and I was able to drive it home fine. As I attempted to drive to work on Tuesday the same thing happened. I managed to get the car to my driveway. On Wednesday I barely made it to the Nissan dealer and the by the time I arrived the car would no longer go in drive or reverse. I received a call stating that it was the transmission and upon further inquiry learned that the radiator had gone out and leaked fluid into the transmission - at no fault of my own. I've since done some research and see that this has happened to many people that own the 2005 Nissan Xterra. This is obviously a major problem for Nissan that has not been addressed. I certainly don't have 5k to repair a car that I am still paying a note on.

2005 Nissan Xterra with 69000 miles began shuttering every now and again when driving around town. It started getting progressively worse during the next few weeks. Thought it might have been the tire balance and had it checked. Balanced the tires, the shuttering was still there and began to get worse when driving at higher speeds I. E. 60mph. The rear end would shutter very hard to the point where we couldn't drive it any longer. Taking it to the shop revealed that the transmission had radiator fluid in it which was caused by cracked radiator lines leaking into the transmission. The fluid was into all the transmission gears. Come to find out that this is a common problem with Nissans and the only way to get around this problem is to place an external cooler to the transmission. Since the 5yr/60k power train warranty ran out, Nissan has no interest in assisting a well known problem of theirs. There complaint dept takes the info and places it into a database. Well the damage has already been done to the transmission and had to be replaced and an external cooler was installed which we had to go out of pocket on ($4100. 00).