SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement 5-speed rear wheel drive Automatic Transmission (A/T) assemblies and replacement control valves (valve bodies) now come with blank Transmission Control Modules (TCMs). Blank TCMs come without software and must be programmed (not reprogrammed) and then configured after they are installed. When ordering a replacement A/T or control valve, use the Nissan electronic parts information systems to obtain the correct software program part number See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Nissan Pathfinder powertrain problems
severe 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 6 powertrain complaints filed for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 19 model years of Nissan Pathfinder we track for powertrain problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (6).
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
SERVICE 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 actually, it?s not. Use this service bulletin to help make a more accurate diagnosis of the steering rack. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE 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 driver is resting their left foot on the brake pedal while accelerating. Advise the customer not to rest their foot on the brake while accelerating. * Use CONSULT-III plus in Engine Data Monitor to check operation of the brake lamp circuit signal. Monitor the brake switch during the incident; it should be "OFF". Please see this bulletn for further details.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The vehicle just stop. Had tow to the mechanic diagnosed with coolent in that damaged the transmission
I was driving to work when my transmission failed. There was no warning. I was driving about 60mph, and had to merge to the side of the road. I had to get it towed, and it was determined the radiator failed, causing radiator fluid to get into the transmission. This ruined the transmission. Cost is about $4,000 to replace, and third party warranty is refusing to cover any of it.
My 2009 Nissan pathfinder (after the warranty ran out), started having issues with the transmission and overheating. Lo and behold we have an issue where the radiator and transmission fluid is mixing. This appears to be the same problem others have reported as a failed transmission fluid cooler integrated in the radiator that allowed engine coolant to mix with and contaminate the automatic…
The defect in the radiator caused the antifreeze and oil to mix. It then mixed with the transmission fluid. That was fixed by a repair shop. Now the transmission has slipped out because of the mixture of the three fluids. *tr
Had powertrain trouble with your 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?
It's a meaningful issue. 6 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 84,217 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Nissan/Pathfinder.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.