CarComplaints.com Notes: In a very limited selection on small pickup trucks, the Frontier is one of the best options except -- and I cannot emphasize this enough -- for one problem that makes it an avoid-at-all-costs pain in you know what: the radiator ruptures and leaks coolant into the transmission, killing it. Such a buzzkill.
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. While driving approximately 45 mph, an abnormal noise was heard emerging from underneath the vehicle. The noise went away when the accelerator pedal was not depressed. The contact also stated that the failure occurred five other times within a two week period. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the radiator fluid was leaking into the transmission. The transmission, radiator, and the transmission module needed replacement. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. The contact noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled the vehicle into an empty parking lot and the smoke dissipated. The contact removed the key from the ignition and exited the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the radiator fluid mixed with the transmission fluid. A remedy was not provided. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. The VIN was not included.
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that the transmission slipped and the vehicle experienced abnormal vibration. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the transmission fluid mixed with the radiator fluid. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the transmission fluid mixed with the radiator fluid and stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure occurred without warning. The failure mileage was 81,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stalled when the contact attempted to slow down. The vehicle started normally after a few minutes. The failure recurred four times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was an electrical short in the fuse box. The transmission and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. While driving at approximately 35 mph, the radiator overheated and allowed coolant to spill into the transmission. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle began to decelerate and was towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission and the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
- West Demoines, IA, USA
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The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. While driving approximately 40 mph, there was water leaking into the transmission. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission and the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Gradual failure of transmission due to ruptured transmission cooler inside radiator allowing coolant into transmission fluid. Symptom started as small vibration and numerous service attempts could not identify problem. Had transmission flushed and service center did not mention any discoloration of fluid or other problem. Had radiator drained and flushed and thermostat replaced, service center did not cite any discoloration of fluid. Transmission now bucks heavily and web research uncovered the problem with similiar make and model vehicle.
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier pickup truck. While driving 45 mph, the contact stated that the vehicle would vibrate into the next gear. The contact would release the accelerator pedal the vehicle speed would increase excessively. The contact was forced to shift into over drive in order to gain control of the vehicle. The dealer nor manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was 94,600. The current mileage was 95,000. Updated 08/15/11 the contact stated that the problem has since been diagnosed by a Nissan dealership as being an intermix of radiant coolant and transmission fluid. This mix ruined the radiator and transmission. Updated 06/07/12
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. While the contact was driving approximately 40 mph, pressure was applied to the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to accelerate. Suddenly, the check engine warning light illuminated. After repeated attempts the vehicle accelerated and resumed operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the technician informed that the radiator exhibited a crack which caused fluid leakage into the transmission. The repair was an estimated cost of $6,000. The vehicle had not been repaired at time of the complaint. The failure mileage was 47,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Nissan Frontier. The contact observed that the fuel gauge displayed an inaccurate reading at any speed being traveled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated the fuel tank required replacement at the owner expense. The contact experienced the identical failure as mentioned in the recall under NHTSA campaign id number 10V075000 (fuel system, gasoline: Storage: Auxiliary tank). The failure mileage was 40,000. The current mileage was 87,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 02/23/11 the consumer stated the radiator fluid leaked into the transmission and there was no indication that it happened until the transmission failed. The consumer stated the engine didn't overheat, there was no external leak or odor. Once the transmission started to slip it was too later. Updated 03/09/11
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Granite City, IL, USA