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 problem affects most 2005-2008 (and maybe beyond) Frontiers.

9.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,790
Average Mileage:
104,000 miles
Total Complaints:
189 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace radiator and transmission (122 reports)
  2. not sure (22 reports)
  3. replace radiator and transmission due to oil contaminati (14 reports)
  4. replace transmission (7 reports)
  5. fix it and compensate owners for full expense (5 reports)
  6. extended warranty announced by Nissan on 10/15/10 (4 reports)
2005 Nissan Frontier transmission problems

transmission problem

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2005 Nissan Frontier Owner Comments (Page 4 of 10)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #129

Jul 042014

Frontier SE 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 144,478 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

New transmission was needed because coolant leak into transmission, as a result had to buy new radiator and transmission. I contact Nissan and they denied any help because I used an independent mechanic shop. We did order the parts from Nissan dealership. I have meet other owners who have had the same problem. I did visit the dealer 1/11/2014 to check on recalls, service bulletins or campaigns, they said there were none and nothing to worry. 6 months later I have nearly a $5,000 repair. My understanding is this could have been avoided very easily if informed, and cheap.

- ramkissoon, Port St Lucie, FL, US

problem #128

Jul 312014

Frontier 4x4 EX 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 169,000 miles

click to see larger images

radiator causes transmission failure radiator causes transmission failure radiator causes transmission failure radiator causes transmission failure radiator causes transmission failure

The dealer say there is no warranty, if you had it it would be 4500 dollars co-pay. A local shop cannot get the part due to a high demand on the TCM/ECM, is about 20 working days after you place an Order. How can we allow such thing. . What is worst, why is the dealer is allowed to not cover this regardless of the mileage ? We need to go to work and make payments ....without transportation, how can we? Our representatives with the department overlooking this should know that is really dangerous to drive this vehicle without stop lights, transmission failure, no electrical controls, due to a TCM short circuit .

The vehicle does not even start .... Is this happening in America? How am I going to work? We need help, is not just one or two cars. Is more then enough.

I don't feel better and I may have to poor silicone on top of the arching short circuit and hope for the best. I do not have the money to fix it.

Thanks to the legal team of Nissan that does not want to own the responsibility of building cars to American standards .

- Jose Luis B., Fremont, CA, US

problem #127

Jun 242014

Frontier SE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,843 miles

BOUGHT A NISSAN FOR THEIR GOOD REPUTATION. I DON'T THINK ANYONE WOULD BUY A CAR IF THEY'RE TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL NEED A REPAIR BEFORE 100,000 MILES. NISSAN DOESN'T GIVE A $#!^ ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS.

- Carlos J., El Centro, CA, US

problem #126

Dec 202013

Frontier Nismo 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Nissan knew about this problem, failed to do a recall to fix. This could have caused a serious injury, death, crash - I had my 2 children in the truck with me when the problem started. It cost me $3100 (diagnostics and repair) plus a major headache because it was near the holidays and we were getting ready to move. I had to take to get fixed in the city I was living and then my husband flew back down when it was done (from where we moved) - STRESS from that, moving, unpacking, etc.... WTH!!

- srowland78, Clemmons, NC, US

problem #125

Sep 162014

Frontier V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,500 miles

Paid $3000 for a problem that Nissan knew about and is not fixing before it happens, 1st and last Nissan.

- Vernon S., Hubert, NC, US

problem #124

Oct 022014

Frontier LE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 144,000 miles

I am either going to have to pay 3 to 4000 dollars to repair my truck and it is a manufacturing problem from Nissan.

- Tommie W., Rolla, MO, US

problem #123

Feb 012014

Frontier

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Had transmission problems a year ago, flushed.

Now complete transmission AND radiator bad!

I will tell all my friends that own these vehicles to GET RID OF THEM IMMEDIATELY!

- Lawrence N., Ashland, OR, US

problem #122

May 202014

Frontier Pick Up 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,601 miles

I just purchased this truck and had a new radiator put in. The timing belt tensioner replaced. The gasoline tank vacuum worked on and replaced the driver's side switch for the windows replaced. Problems after problems.

The transmission has a separate oil cooler installed when I purchased it. That might be next. This is the worst truck that I have purchased so far. Does any one know if Nissan is liable for any of these problems that I have? Thanks,

- Lupo M., Waterbury, Conn., US

problem #121

May 102007

Frontier LE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,435 miles

We purchased a new 2005 Frontier from a dealer. This was our 4th vehicle purchased from this dealer. Soon after, we noticed a noise and difficulty shifting and assumed it was a transmission problem. We mentioned this each time the truck went in for scheduled maintenance. I was told this was typical of this model and not to worry. At another service, I specifically asked to look at my transmission as it appeared to be getting worse. They again said not to worry.

While driving shortly after, the transmission failed, resulting in a near accident, towing and repair bill of $2840.44. I was unable to have the truck towed to Nissan but the nearest transmission place. They told me water had leaked into the transmission coolant resulting in the failure. I needed my truck for work but first had to have the transmission replaced. I called Nissan and asked how this could happen when I just had them inspect the transmission. I was told there was no way they could have seen this problem unless they had taken the transmission apart. Why didn't they see the problem when they inspected the fluid? I have since researched this and realize how many complaints of the same water leak problem exist.

About 20,000 miles later, we needed to have a solenoid replaced. Recently, while on vacation, our transmission slipped twice, it was all we could do to drive home. We took our truck to the transmission place that had made the repair. We were told that the valve body needs to be replaced, however, Nissan no longer sells the individual solenoid and the cost for just the part is $1300. I contacted NissanUSA.com and was told I needed to have the truck towed to the Nissan dealer. Currently, our truck is being diagnosed for a fee of $180. We are now retired and on a limited income. This is a considerable hardship for us. I will post an update when we hear from Nissan as to the repair needed.

- Marcia T., Magalia, CA, US

problem #120

Aug 142014

Frontier SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,600 miles

November 29th 2013, I purchased a used 2005 Nissan Frontier SE Crew Cab with 86k miles for $13,300 from a Nissan Dealership.

August 6th 2014 I brought the Vehicle into an ase certified mechanic because of a shuddering in my transmission. Upon inspection and diagnostic they found the o2 sensor was dirty. At this time there was 99,978 miles on the vehicle. One week later i brought the truck back in because the problem continued to occur. Now mileage indicates 100,600 miles. They found the the radiator ruptured into the transmission and both were ruined. I submitted a claim to the Nissan Consumer Affairs department. Tuesday August 19th I was informed that they would not offer the $3,000 co-pay that they were required to offer per the class-action lawsuit. They said it was not Nissan's responsibility to inform me of the lawsuit or problems with the radiator cooled transmission. They said it was my fault for not taking it to a Nissan Service department.

Shortly after purchasing the truck I noticed it would not warm up in park. Which was thought to be attributed to a thermostat issue and would be fixed later. After searching for this particular problem it was noticed that the warming up symptom was an early warning sign for this transmission/radiator issue.

This started happening one month after purchasing the truck!

Its August 20th 2014. My truck is at the ASE certified mechanic for the next 8 days. The bill is $5,100. Which is much less than the $6,700 the Nissan Service department quoted. I have 28 more payments of $400 on the truck.

When you buy a vehicle you never expect the transmission to fail at 100k. I will never purchase another nissan ever. I advise everyone the same.

- Guthrie C., Rochester, MN, US

problem #119

Jul 212014

Frontier LE 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My transmission on my 2005 Nissan Frontier completely failed and left me stranded on the interstate highway. After towing it and a little research I found out that this was a problem that Nissan was well aware of and neglected to notify me or do anything about. The transmission cooler had cracked leaking engine coolant into the transmission. I learned that the extended the warranty to 90,000 miles with a $3000 dollar deductible which is laughable, considering that this was a problem that is going to cost about that to fix on my own. Nissan states on their website that they extended the warranty for customer satisfaction, in reality they got sued and that was the settlement. Nissan should have recalled these trucks years ago like a morally responsible company would have and I would not have to be running up Credit card debt to fix it now.

- d4strngworkhorse, Arlington, TN, US

problem #118

Feb 122014

Frontier SE/LE 6 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles

HAD A LEAK IN FRONT CENTER OF TRUCK could not determine the source. Could be oil because it left a spot on the drive way. after reading about this trucks track record on trans problems and coolant I thought maybe an external trans oil cooler in front of the radiator might mitigate the problem. Has anyone done this?

- delltx, Houston, TX, US

problem #117

Jan 142014

Frontier King Cab V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 161,000 miles

I have only had this vehicle several months when this happened. Had to replace out of pocket.

- Richard B., Alum Bank, PA, US

problem #116

Jun 152012

Frontier

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

I almost DIED on a busy highway on my way to work when my Nissan just stopped working. The radiator cracked, leaked coolant into the transmission that caused the engine to fail. $3500 to replace the radiator and transmission which did not include the time I lost to fix it.

I did my research, and I am utterly DISGUSTED with Nissan KNOWINGLY selling a defected product that could have killed me. Nissan CHOOSE NOT TO RECALL IT. This is my first and will be my last Nissan. Nissan, how can you sell something knowing that this it could kill someone? Covering 100,000 miles does not make it right when you knew your product was defected. DISGUSTING.

- Sow S., Portland, OR, US

problem #115

Jun 092010

Frontier V6 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

HEY MY FATHER BOUGHT A BRAND NEW OFF LOT NISSAN FRONTIER 05..FROM PELTIER IN TYLER TEXAS. HE PASSED AWAY JUNE OF 09.. THE TRUCK HAS SAT UP NOT RUNNING DUE TO THE DAMN FLUID IN TRANNY..IT WONT RUN AT ALL.I CALLED UPON THE LETTER FROM NISSAN MY MOM RECEIVED AND THEY SAID THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT .SO NOW I'M OUT OF MY POCKET TO FIX THE DAMN THING.. ITS GOT SENTIMENTAL VALUES OR ID PARK IT ON THEIR LOT WITH A I'M A PIECE OF CRAP TRUCK.

- Kim C., Tyler, TX, US

problem #114

Jul 062014

Frontier 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 177,000 miles

Got radiator leak fixed (approx 154-156000 kms) a year ago and they told me no problems. Felt it shifting which I thought was not normal but they told me it was. so drove it, called couple times after and was told if that's what they told you don't worry about it unless the light comes on. So i dealt with it the way it was. Sunday past July 20, 2014. The light come on and I lost all gears in the middle of the Highway with 2 small kids in the truck with me. Had to slowly let it drift to the side of the highway, which barley made it. A mechanic of mine looked at it and said it was the Toque Converter. So as of right now it is sitting in my Driveway, Nissan said they wont fix it under warranty Due to the radiator. I can't afford to pay to fix it right now as husband laid off and I only make $2000 a month and will cost me 1500 just for the converter part itself. Don't know what to do, so many people tell me they should cover it, but I even called head office and they say no.

- Tanya K., Caledon, Ontario, canada

problem #113

Jul 102014

Frontier Naismith 4.0L Gas

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

At 88,000 and change my transmission gets coolant cross contamination from a cracked radiator part and starts shuddering and up/down shifting all the time between 40 and 60 mph. Go to Nissan dealership and am told I must copay $2500 to have the problem fixed. My research points to poor design by Nissan that should have been recalled and repaired by Nissan with no copay.

- Gary P., Haleiwa, HI, US

problem #112

Apr 162014

Frontier Se 4x4 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,000 miles

My husband was picking me up from work when we made it about a mile down the freeway and the truck began to run really rough. Our thoughts were what the hell is wrong. After babying it we made it home. We pulled into the driveway opened the hood looked down and their was purple sludge coming out of it. After doing some research on the problem and talking to some mechanics we were told to flush the system and replace the radiator. So we did as they suggested. After all was done and took it for a test drive the trans was slipping. We finally called AAMCO and a gentleman told us to bring it in for a diagnostic he confirmed it was the transmission. At this time he also told us about a class action lawsuit pertaining to this problem and that we should call Nissan headquarters, so I did and with no luck! My husband is disabled and we do not have the money to repair it right now. So my question for anyone out their is there someone I can call and speak to that can help with this issue? I have tried calling a lemon law lawyer and no luck with that either. It is ironic that Nissan knows this problem exist but refuses to fix the problem and not only that they are the rudest people I have talked to. There thing is they want us to pay for another diagnostic threw Nissan.I can honestly say I will never buy another Nissan in my lifetime.

- Linda F., Calimesa, CA, US

problem #111

May 162014

Frontier Nismo V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 148,000 miles

Nissan can't even make a radiator work properly!!! Service rep says they don't even use Nissan radiators - outsourced (read: cut costs, cheap for them, expensive for us). Crack in radiator leaks coolant into trans causing transmission failure. Total run-around from Nissan North America. Excuse after excuse. Your mileage blah blah blah.

They designed and manufactured things as terrible as they could or used secondary sources that designed things terribly and aren't taking responsibility for these awful practices. They should fix it and compensate owners for full expense. Instead they're leaving consumers with hefty bills for things they should be taking care of. Inherent design flaws and offer NO assistance for things they caused. Greedy, two-faced, underhanded business practices. Do NOT buy Nissan. They will never receive another cent from me.

- dconnell, Norco, CA, US

problem #110

May 162014

Frontier Nismo V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 148,000 miles

I drive safe, have done all required maintenance, and still Nissan won't help. Radiator crack causing coolant leak into transmission resulting in transmission failure. Nissan did offer extended warranty up to 90 or 100k miles but anything past this, you're on your own (even though mileage for this problem isn't the issue). This is at least the third time something that covered by Nissan's warranty happened after the warranty expired. The problem is something they've known about and is an inherent design flaw.

List of things I've repaired: catalytic converter - one replaced under warranty but they didn't fix the second because they didn't happen at same time even though it was the same problem. Multiple sensors in trans, coolant, etc... and now will have to replace radiator and transmission at a cost to me of over $5000!!!!! Terrible contact with Nissan North America. No support from dealership. Nissan North America is a heartless corporation and knows there are design flaws that cause safety issues and the repairs aren't even completely successful and yet does NOTHING to help it's loyal customers. I hope the entire company fails just like all their vehicle operating systems and that all their customers flock to Toyota or some other company. They don't deserve ANY money from one more person. EVER.

Update from Nov 15, 2016: Nissan decided to do nothing. Now at just over 190K and spent 4K in 2014 to replace the trans issue causing parts. Trans is ok, can notice some odd deceleration/downshifting issues.

- dconnell, Norco, CA, US

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