2010 Nissan Frontier: Radiator coolant leaked into transmission fluid
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2010 Frontier report: radiator coolant leaked into transmission fluid. CarComplaints.com lists 1 owner complaints, average mileage 115,000 miles.
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints for the 2010 Frontier in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11488994 (filed 10/12/2022): “Radiator failure leaking into tranny, causing a sound coming from transmission as if driving over a rumble strips when accelerating between 40-60mph, as well as sudden jerking when changing gears. smod residue (creamy pink fluid) present on radiator cap. this …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11271079 (filed 10/25/2019): “Transmission failed, @ 133 thousand miles. coolant made its way into the transmission.…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace radiator and transmission (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $4,500 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
- CarComplaints.com: Radiator coolant leaked into transmission fluid (2010 Frontier)
- NHTSA complaints API, 2010 Frontier
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