CarComplaints.com Notes: For years, Nissan trucks and SUVs have had problems with coolant destroying the transmission. And for years, Nissan has done nothing about it.
The 2007 is no different than the 2006 and 2005. Just avoid it.
I had my grandchildren in the truck, when the tranny went out the temperature was -1 and we had to walk. The boys are 1 &4, they're OK but Nissan knows about this problem. They're a bad company for not doing a recall before this happen.
Well, the problem is rampant on most 2007 Nissan Frontiers with that radiator as is evidenced by the recall, but I had over 100,000 miles and was in the 'too bad for you' realm. I have always owned Nissan pickups and they all were great but this is the last one. I have a binder with everything that has been done to it, and I must say I have had my share of problems with this one, too long to list actually. After I noticed the 'rumble strip' sound I looked in the radiator and sure enough there it was the strawberry milkshake, I had the radiator replaced (independent shop, I will never take it to the stealership ever again, another story) and they also flushed the transmission. After 5,00 more miles I had it flushed again. After 30,000 miles the torque converter is still trying to lock up when it downshifts into the highest gear so I have to push the OD button to get rid of the shimmer/rumble strip vibration. Would love to get a new transmission some how without paying $5,000.00. I could send you everything that has been done on my truck, believe me, it is a lot starting with the TSB on the timing chain tensioners to begin with, then with a new engine, yes, I said a new engine at 38,000 miles due to piston slap in the number three cylinder. It goes on, and on and on. Oh, and I bought the truck off the lot brand new with 62 miles on it. Like I said, I can give you more info if you want but this will be the last Nissan I buy unless corporate steps up and buys me a new transmission.
Update from Jan 8, 2015: Forgot to mention that replacing the radiator and draining and replacing the transmission fluid (twice) cost me around $1000.00. That is so far, I have a feeling that if things continue like they are then it will mean a new transmission for around $5,000.00, and it was not even my fault. Help me out here Nissan, I have only owned Datsun/Nissans, the first a 1976 Datsun then I bought a brand new 1987 Nissan Hardbody (which OBTW is still running strong with over 250,000 miles on it), and then a 1988 Hardbody from my Dad who bought it new and took excellent care of it, and it is still going strong with more the 200,000 miles on it. I have been pretty loyal to the Nissan brand and if they want it to continue that way they should pony up and buy me a new transmission, and that way I will stop telling people how crappy my Frontier is and to not even think about buying one. I see a lot of folks in the summer, I am a fishing guide and I travel far distances with new people in my car on a daily basis, this past summer I am certain I changed at least five peoples choice on buying a Frontier because of the issues I am having with it. So if Nissan is good with that I will continue to sway people into buying Toyota or another make of vehicle.
As as happened with MANY 2005-7 Frontiers, Pathfinders, and Xterras, coolant leaked into my transmission. I did not know the problem existed until my valve body in transmission went bad and my truck would not start. 10 weeks after picking it up having the valve body replaced, the same problem happened. This time my mechanic saw that the radiator leaked into the transmission and replaced the radiator and valve body again. Now my transmission is going out and Nissan wants an additional $3000 to fix it. I currently have filed a grievance with Nissan Consumer Relations and awaiting a response tomorrow.
I co signed for my son so he could have a reliable dependable car for work and play while he ventured off on his own. now still owing $9,600 we're in a situation - what to do. unlike Nissan we have morals. we could trade the truck in and pass the problem on but thats not ethical in my book.
Nissan knows it has an issue with the radiator leaking into the transmission but are only offering help if its with in 80,000 miles? a manufacturing defect is a defect ! if you sold junk, fix it and take pride in your company. i hope this helps to bring attention to the public where this company stands ethically.
I took my vehicle in for service today 12-17-14, since the heater was not working properly and just found out that the radiator cracked and leaked into the transmission, possibly contaminating the transmission. They are replacing the radiator and flushing the transmission a few times to try to salvage the transmission. They told me that there was a recall on this issue but I'm past the allowable mileage. I bought the vehicle used in 2012. They also said the recall included a new radiator and transmission for $3800 but that the deductible was $3000???
This is a serious design flaw that should be fully covered and fixed by NISSAN!
This is my 3rd Nissan but may be my last! Very disappointing.
Update from Dec 17, 2014:
- tpglotsatools,
Mahwah, NJ, US
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As with all the other complaints we had the same thing transmission fluid and radiator fluid mixing. Lucky for us we caught before it blew the transmission. Nissan should be ashamed of themselves for not fixing this problem. My friend has a 2007 Xterra that did the same thing and they did nothing to help . I will never buy another Nissan because of their lack of concern for their customers
Found today there is an investigation by
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) (link ) http://www.nhtsa.gov
over this transmission problem and of course a -
Recall notice
I was not aware of and don't qualify for since my car has over 100,000 miles
This is second major repair on the transmission first was a control module
was partially reimbursed by Nissan after a huge fight with dealer and many calls an complaints to Nissan
My family have bought a number of cars from this Dealer 3 of which were Nissan.
I'll never say never but I can't see myself purchasing a car from this dealer or from Nissan again.
My recommendation if you are going to buy a Nissan, make sure they (the Dealer)
Gives you for FREE and a bumper to bumper extended warranty on a major parts as part of your Deal.
Protect yourself.
FYI- my Daughter had transmission problems on Her 2011 Altima and I had to get into it with dealer then Nissan on her behalf to have them fix a car less than 2 years old at the time.
I bought a extended policy that say it covers the transmission, well guess what, it don't. Talked to the extended policy company,The guy named Fred told us since it got liquid in the trans. it don't cover that, $2,600.00 policy down the drain... Never in my life has a policy covered my vehicle..Fred also told us they go through a 7 day course on how not to cover under this policy..They want $3,800.00 to fix this problem after paying $240.00 just to tell us what's wrong with our truck. I need to trade this truck in, is that possible?
Noticed clunking/grinding in tranny so checked fluid - down 2 quarts and thought where the heck did it go?? No leaks that were visible. Topped off and a few days later noticed this brown sludge spotting driveway. Checked coolant and when opened the cap....heart sank - brown drippy peanut butter like coolant! Got on computer to Google the problem and voila, thousands of reports of similar issues. Thankfully we caught it (knock on wood) BEFORE it ruined the transmission. Our leak had gone from tranny lines into radiator but not the reverse. Once the reverse happens, say bye bye to your tranny and expect to pay THOUSANDS for repairs. I've had Nissans before and loved them....after how they have responded to this issue and chose NOT to stand behind their product, no way would I ever purchase another Nissan.
(Backround information): Any Nissan vehicle that was made in yrs 2005-2010 in a Frontier, Pathfinder or Xterra has a manufacturer defect. This defect is a faulty radiator that leaks coolant into the transmission thus resulting in faulty transmission. There has been a class action lawsuit pertaining to this issue. Nissans fix to this issue was an extended warranty in which an individual can pay $3200 for a dealership to replace the radiator and flush the transmission. However, this is not going to fix the problem. The problem lies within the fact that in order to get life out of the vehicle the transmission will eventually need to be replaced but may happen right after the 100,000 mile warranty. If it is right after that warranty? Too bad, Nissan is no longer responsible. Nissan will also let you know after the purchase that they are not responsible for telling you about the defect at the time of purchase.
I have included links about the class action lawsuit if anyone would like more information pertaining to this issue.
(Rant): I bought my 2007 Nissan Frontier SE from Auto Nation Nissan Arapahoe in Centennial, Colorado at I-25 and Arapahoe road. Let me just start by saying this dealership has the worst customer service in the world. I bought my truck from a guy there named Victor who is your typical money hungry sketchy car salesman, who refused to run the codes on the vehicle for me before my purchase. I know, big red flag.
Anyways, I noticed that my truck was shaking when I was at a constant speed around 30 to 35 mph. I took the vehicle to a mechanic that has done wonders on my old vehicle as well as all my coworkers and friends cars. He took one drive and said that feels strange, let me see what I can do. He called me the next morning with some bad news. He said that my radiator was failing, which isn't a huge deal, but the problem is that this radiator is leaking coolant into your transmission. If you have ever broke your nose and bled into a milk carton that is six months past its expiration date this is the color and consistency you would see. He went on to tell me this is like mixing your personal lubricant with super glue. He told me there is a chance that we could save the transmission by fixing the radiator and then doing an extensive flush of the transmission. I had him do the work. My car ran great for about two months. My transmission began to slip while decelerating. I went to my mechanic and asked him to take a look. He told me that the transmission was lost and needs to be replaced. He also did some research and told me about this Class Action Lawsuit that could cover all this work we have done.
By this time my mileage was about 90k miles and within the class action extended warranty. I immediately contacted my dealer and Nissan Corporate. Corporate requested a diagnostics from one of their dealers because the diagnostic from a third party is unacceptable. I had my car towed 85 miles to the dealer where they ran the test.( same result as my mechanics) Now they say I am ineligible for the replacement of the transmission because my mechanic fixed the problem originally. (even though I have the documentation that shows their faulty radiator destroyed my transmission). Oh yeah and Auto Nation Nissan Arapahoe wants me to pay $140 for the diagnostics. THIS is unacceptable.
I asked Nissan what they are going to do for me and they said nothing. I then asked how are they were going to keep me as a customer. They said they cant do anything. I don't know about anyone else, but I am pretty sure they CAN do something but CHOOSE not too.
Glad Nissan is covering the cost but have to pay for worn timing gear assembly that was worn out already. I hope to be reimbursed down the road through the class action suit. we will have to see.
This problem was known to Nissan and could have been dealt with sooner. This would have saved me a lot of problems that I have to deal with now because of not knowing this to be an issue with my truck. Nissan needs to step up and admit they have a problem and not try to hide it. Pay for the repairs and don't use crap parts that are designed to fail. You have engineers use them.
This problem is connected to the radiator problem that if Nissan would of told Nissan owners of, would have saved Nissan owners a lot of money. I am tired of car companies not taking owner ship of their problems and letting their clients hold the bag. I know that owning a car or truck will cost money and repairing small issues is not the problem. When major components of that car or truck are not lasting for more than 10 years or 200,000 k this needs to be dealt with.
Nissan has continued to fail to stand behind their vehicles and come clean on this issue. Nissan vehicles are continuing to cost customers big time, this problem spans millions of vehicles, three models and the years 2005 - 2010. How long will it be before Nissan steps up and reimburses customers like me who have been ripped off $2500+ for their faulty products? DON'T BUY NISSAN!!
2007 Nissan Frontier developed shudder in the transmission at 108,000 miles. I was told that the radiator coolant leaked into the transmission cooler and that the transmission and radiator need to be replaced at a cost of $6,000. This is a known defect for which Nissan extended warranties to 100,000 miles 2 years ago. If over 100K you are out of luck. Major defect, design flaw, and now I have a vehicle worth nothing.
Back when Nissan let people know about this I had 80000 miles, they fixed if you had 60000 then the upped it to 80000. I had 100000. I told them about this. I reported AND bitched, they would look into it but no help. Now I have to replace it all because they ( Nissan) wouldn't help. OUCH
THESE CAR COMPANY'S WILL DO WHAT EVER THEY CAN TO NOT TAKE CARE OF THE CARS THEY FAIL TO BUILD CORRECTLY. I JUST FEEL SO SCREWED WHEN THE RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM AND EXTEND THE WARRENTY TO JUST UNDER WHEN THE PROBLEM USALLY HAPPENS. IN THIS CASE NISSAN EXTENDED IT TO 80K WHEN IT NORMALY HAPPENS AROUND 90K .
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I had my grandchildren in the truck, when the tranny went out the temperature was -1 and we had to walk. The boys are 1 &4, they're OK but Nissan knows about this problem. They're a bad company for not doing a recall before this happen.
- George O., Saint Paul, MN, US