Radiator coolant leaking into transmission fluid ('strawberry milkshake' fluid)
Transmission fluid turning a pink/tan color, transmission slipping, hard shifting
Check engine light: Off
The radiator design allows engine coolant to cross-contaminate the automatic transmission fluid, which owners describe as turning a distinctive pink/tan 'strawberry milkshake' color. This destroys the transmission internally, causing slipping, hard shifting, and often complete transmission failure requiring a full replacement. This is a well-documented issue across multiple Nissan models sharing this radiator design from this era, not unique to this vehicle. If you notice unusual-colored or milky transmission fluid, have it inspected immediately — this is not a check-engine-light fault since it's a cooling/transmission cross-contamination issue, not an emissions fault.
Severe and distinctively described ('strawberry milkshake'), and well documented across multiple Nissan models that share this radiator design.
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Cracked exhaust manifold
Exhaust noise, possible check engine light
Check engine light: On
A cracked exhaust manifold. Single documented case at $1,500 and 122,000 miles. A crack severe enough to affect an oxygen sensor reading can trigger a check-engine light.
$1,500122,000 mi
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ECU / ECM issues
Check engine light, software fault requiring reflash
Check engine light: On
Engine control unit/module issues, in some cases resolved with a software reflash and in others requiring a component replacement. A check-engine light is the typical symptom.
Warranty (reflash case) – $275 (component replacement)18,000 – 164,000 mi
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Heater core failure
Not detailed in our source sample
Check engine light: Off
Heater core failures at high mileage. This is an HVAC-system fault, not an engine issue, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
$840 – $951142,000 – 247,000 mi
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Engine sludge damage (severe)
Requires full engine replacement
Check engine light: On
Severe engine sludge buildup requiring a full engine replacement at a relatively moderate mileage. This kind of failure typically follows a period of check-engine-light warnings or reduced performance before total failure.
70,000 mi
Only one documented case — worth a follow-up to see whether this is an isolated maintenance issue or a broader pattern before treating as a common problem.
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Motor mount failure
Mount 'split in half and leaking'
Check engine light: Off
A motor mount failure described by the owner as having 'split in half and leaking.' Mechanical, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
$15052,000 mi
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Catalytic converter failure
Check engine light, reduced performance
Check engine light: On
Catalytic converter failures, reliably triggering a check-engine light.
$200 – $28087,500 – 101,000 mi
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Check Engine Light Due to Faulty Fuel Level Sensor
Check engine light due to a faulty fuel level sensor
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to a faulty fuel level sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 321 owner reports on file.
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Engine Won't Crank Due to Starter Relay Failure
Engine won't crank due to starter relay failure
Check engine light: Off
Engine won't crank due to starter relay failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 220 owner reports on file.
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Noise From the Front of the Engine
Noise from the front of the engine
Check engine light: Off
Noise from the front of the engine. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 195 owner reports on file.
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Check Engine Light Due to Failed EVAP Canister Vent Valve
Check engine light due to a failed EVAP canister vent valve
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to a failed EVAP canister vent valve. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 54 owner reports on file.
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No Start, Engine Stalls
Engine fails to start, or stalls
Check engine light: Off
Engine fails to start, or stalls. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 53 owner reports on file.
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Stall or Misfire Due to Failed Mass Air Flow Sensor
Stalling or misfire caused by a failed mass air flow sensor
Check engine light: On
Stalling or misfire caused by a failed mass air flow sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 33 owner reports on file.
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Timing Chain Rattle and Tapping Noise
Rattling and tapping noise from the timing chain
Check engine light: Off
Rattling and tapping noise from the timing chain. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 29 owner reports on file.
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Ignition coil issue prompting a Nissan-issued upgraded-part fix for misfires
Misfiring corrected in some cases by an upgraded ignition coil available from Nissan
Check engine light: On
Misfiring corrected in some cases by an upgraded ignition coil available from Nissan. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 26 owner reports on file.
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Check Engine Light Due to Failed Intake Valve Timing Sensor
Check engine light due to a failed intake valve timing sensor
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to a failed intake valve timing sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 24 owner reports on file.
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Loose Screws Inside Intake Manifold Can Cause Internal Damage if They Fall Out
Loose screws inside the intake manifold can cause internal damage if they fall out
Check engine light: Off
Loose screws inside the intake manifold can cause internal damage if they fall out. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 19 owner reports on file.
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The standout problem on this generation is a radiator design that lets engine coolant cross-contaminate the transmission fluid, which owners describe turning a pink/tan 'strawberry milkshake' color — this destroys the transmission internally and often requires a full replacement. This is a well-documented issue across several Nissan models sharing this radiator design from this era, not unique to this vehicle. If your transmission fluid looks unusual, get it checked promptly.