2010 Nissan Pathfinder Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 28%of 40 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 148,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder, 28% of the 40 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 148,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Radiator leaked for an unknown amount of time cross contaminating fluid with the automatic transmission. Replaced radiator, and flushed all fluids, but transmission is now ruined.”
NHTSA complaint #11100302, filed 2018-06, 152,000 miles“Takata recall ; while driving on the city streets in los angeles, ca the power train (automatic transmission) failed and the radiator failed. The gasket in the radiator that separates the oil and water failed in the radiator while these fluids are cooled when the vehicle is running. Once this gasket failed, the water and oil mixed together. Sending water mixed with oil into the transmission. The water in the transmission ruins the transmission value body, electrical parts & gears also over heats the vehicle engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #11035544, filed 2017-10, 109,577 miles“Sudden transmission shift from 2wd to 4wd. While vehicle was being operated in the rear 2wd manual setting, transmission unexpectedly engages 4wd. The following dashboard warning lights are activated: 4wd; ABS; slip; vdc. Systems can not be reset until vehicle is brought to a stop and the vehicle is turned off. Defect occurred on three separate occasions. Nissan dealership was not able to determine cause.”
NHTSA complaint #10358804, filed 2010-10, 9,000 miles“Milky fluid was leaking from the coolant area. I had both the coolant & radiator fluid drained and replaced for precautionary measures. Now when I put my car into drive and I step on the gas pedal to accelerate, it revs high before going into gear. It does this especially after I reverse out before putting it into drive which puts me in danger because it takes awhile to go into gear and if a car is coming, I could be hit.”
NHTSA complaint #11181303, filed 2019-02“I was traveling at approx. 35 mph when the car shuddered violently for a second or two, all panel lights lit up and everything completely shut down while going through a very busy 6-lane intersection. All steering, brakes, and maneuverability were lost. I was lucky to coast to a safe spot and if this had happened on an interstate it may have easily been catastrophic. The dealer found a failed cam shaft sensors (their verbiage on the bill). Replaced both and the crank sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #11484939, filed 2022-09Related service bulletins
- 10233904Mar 29, 2023CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10222714Sep 27, 2022CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10199148Jun 9, 2021CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10199142Jun 2, 2021VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2010 4WD NISSAN ARMADA, FRONTIER, PATHFINDER, TITAN, XTERRA; FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT Service Campaign ID # PC036 is no longer active. ï· Repair orders…
- 10116292Jun 20, 2017CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. The APPLIED VEHICLES section has been revised. No other changes have been…
- 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…
- 10192615Aug 6, 2015SERVICE INFORMATION The information in this bulletin is provided to help ensure correct diagnosis and repair of fluid leaks. All fluid leaks, when properly diagnosed, should be…
- 10192605Jul 10, 2015IF YOU CONFIRM: Customers concern of a "clicking" noise coming from either left or right front/rear CV-type axles during take-off/acceleration. ACTION: Apply Molykote M77 grease…
- 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…
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 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
11 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 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