2008 Nissan Pathfinder Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 155about this part
- Share
- 47%of 328 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 113,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 155 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder, 47% of the 328 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 113,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Coolant leaked into the engine compartment causing significant transmission issues. The problem was supposed to resolved as we had it cleaned up...the vehicle worked ok for a couple of days and the problem reappeared getting worse and worse...the vehicle is undrivable at this point. This is not the first time I've heard of this issue with this make and model.”
NHTSA complaint #10889324, filed 2016-07, 95,000 miles“Transmission went out. I've been without a vehicle for over a month as parts are on back order. This is a known issue. Why is Nissan not prepared with replacement parts. Why was warranty only extended for certain time period as they were aware of the problem. Vehicle stopped running in my driveway. Could have been hazardous had it stopped running on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #10876840, filed 2016-06, 156,000 miles“Coolant is in my sons transmission . We went to get it it fixed and we were told don't. To drain and flush it we will kill the transmission!! That Nissan new that this was happening and they had a recall. We called them today but they said they won't fix it to bad. How sad. Not right and I'm not happy”
NHTSA complaint #11075652, filed 2018-03, 128,000 miles“How is this not a recall?? Im driving down the freeway with my family in the vehicle and the transmission decides to start shaking and slip right out of gear as I am in the far left lane trying to get over to stop the car!! Almost causing a huge accident!! All my transmission fluid has leaked in with my coolant for my rad. Destroying my transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10716107, filed 2015-05, 74,148 miles“I was driving my Nissan Pathfinder 2008 on the highway with my 3 children's when I noticed high vibration coming inside the car I was not sure what's going on I took the car to Nissan dealer I was told my radiator broke and mixed coolant with my transmission cost to repair $5800.”
NHTSA complaint #11192003, filed 2019-03, 150,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10192821May 10, 2016SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement 5-speed rear wheel drive Automatic Transmission (A/T) assemblies and replacement control valves (valve bodies) now come with blank Transmission…
- 10192691Nov 30, 2015IF YOU CONFIRM: A remanufactured automatic transmission supplied by ATC Drivetrain is installed in an APPLIED VEHICLE AND CONSULT-III plus (C-III plus) is not able to communicate…
- 10192524Feb 6, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering rack) leak issues, it may appear the steering rack is leaking when…
- 10192474Nov 20, 2014SERVICE INFORMATION If a customer describes lack of power or poor acceleration, perform the following checks before attempting any repair: * Check for stored DTCs. * Check if the…
- 10192051Oct 12, 2012Nissan has decided in the interest of customer satisfaction, to further extend the warranty for the Radiator Assembly on all 2005-10 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra vehicles…
- 10043950Apr 10, 2012Nissan: ecm replacement procedures with consult iii plus. Applies to all 2004 and later (does not apply to leaf/ev) vehicles.
- 10024689Apr 28, 2008Nissan; special automatic transmission fluid requirement. 2004 to current nissan vehicles.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 27% |
| 2025 | 8 | 14% |
| 2024 | 9 | 10% |
| 2023 | 13 | 12% |
| 2022 | 17 | 12% |
| 2020 | 9 | 17% |
| 2019 | 9 | 12% |
| 2018 | 12 | 15% |
| 2017 | 34 | 18% |
| 2016 | 7 | 7% |
| 2015 | 77 | 24% |
| 2014 | 215 | 37% |
| 2013 | 371 | 42% |
| 2012 | 2 | 9% |
| 2011 | 7 | 16% |
| 2010 | 11 | 28% |
| 2009 | 8 | 22% |
| 2008 | 155 | 47% |
| 2007 | 337 | 60% |
| 2006 | 450 | 54% |
| 2005 | 585 | 56% |
| 2004 | 9 | 13% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 10 | 6% |
| 2001 | 3 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 5% |
| 1999 | 8 | 8% |
| 1998 | 20 | 13% |
| 1997 | 19 | 9% |
| 1996 | 12 | 8% |
| 1995 | 20 | 12% |
| 1994 | 10 | 11% |
| 1993 | 3 | 6% |
| 1992 | 9 | 30% |
| 1991 | 14 | 36% |
| 1990 | 13 | 34% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
81 complaintsEngine
61 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology