1989 Nissan Pathfinder problems
The Nissan Pathfinder is a range of sport utility vehicles manufactured by Nissan since 1986. Until the third-generation model, the Pathfinder is based on Nissan's compact pickup truck platform which it shares with the Navara/Frontier. The front end of the D21 (first generation) and R51 (third generation) Pathfinder is notably identical with the Navara/Frontier up until the B-pillars.
The Pathfinder was marketed as the Nissan Terrano (Japanese: 日産・テラノ, Hepburn: Nissan Terano) outside North America. Beginning in 2004, the R51 series was marketed internationally as the Pathfinder.
In 2012, the R52 series Pathfinder was released as a three-row crossover SUV based on the unibody Nissan D platform, moving away from the body-on-frame chassis format. The role of a mid-size body-on-frame SUV in Nissan's global lineup was passed to the Terra/X-Terra, which was released in 2018 and based on the D23 series Navara.
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Common 1989 Nissan Pathfinder problems
The 1989 Nissan Pathfinder is known for several common problems, primarily engine-related issues. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems based on owner complaints:
- Fuel gauge malfunction: Some 1989 Nissan Pathfinder owners have reported issues with the fuel gauge not working properly. In some cases, the fuel gauge may not accurately reflect the amount of gasoline in the tank, even after refueling. This can lead to concerns about running out of gas unexpectedly.
- Heating system issues: Another common problem with the 1989 Nissan Pathfinder is the absence of heat. The temperature gauge may indicate that the engine is warm, but the heater may not produce any hot air. This issue can be caused by a malfunctioning heater core or a problem with the vehicle's cooling system.
- Frame rot: Some 1989 Nissan Pathfinder owners have reported issues with frame rot, particularly around the rear subframe. This can lead to suspension problems and decreased vehicle stability. Frame rot can be caused by exposure to moisture and road salt, which can cause the metal to corrode over time.
- Alignment issues: Some 1989 Nissan Pathfinder owners have reported that the vehicle loses alignment quickly, particularly after driving over rough roads or potholes. This can lead to uneven tire wear and decreased vehicle handling. Alignment issues can be caused by worn-out suspension components or a problem with the vehicle's steering system.
- Transmission problems: Some 1989 Nissan Pathfinder owners have reported issues with the transmission, such as slipping or difficulty shifting. These issues can be caused by low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch plates, or a problem with the vehicle's torque converter.
- Steering problems: Some 1989 Nissan Pathfinder owners have reported issues with the steering system, such as difficulty turning the wheel or a loose steering feel. These issues can be caused by worn-out steering components or a problem with the vehicle's power steering system.
- Body problems: Some 1989 Nissan Pathfinder owners have reported issues with the vehicle's body, such as rust or leaks. These issues can be caused by exposure to moisture and road salt, which can cause the metal to corrode over time.
In summary, the 1989 Nissan Pathfinder is known for several common problems, primarily engine-related issues. Other common problems include fuel gauge malfunction, heating system issues, frame rot, alignment issues, transmission problems, steering problems, and body problems. Owners of this vehicle should be aware of these issues and consider regular maintenance and inspections to address any potential problems before they become serious.
What year was bad for the Nissan Pathfinder?
Avoid: 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
CarComplaints says the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder is the worst model year for this three-row SUV. With a whopping 400+ written complaints, the Pathfinder struggled with the coolant leaking into the transmission, eventually leading to transmission failure.
What is most common problem on Nissan Pathfinder?
According to CarComplaints, one of the most common Pathfinder issues is transmission failure. This issue is said to be caused by coolant leaking into the transmission – which is also a huge issue.
Are 90s Pathfinder reliable?
What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (1987–1995) Pathfinder? Pathfinder owners have made 19 complaints about the 1987–1995 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 3rd out of 54 Nissan generations in overall reliability , with some engine and electrical concerns.
Is the Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder has a predicted reliability score of 78 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
1989 Nissan Pathfinder car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Nissan Pathfinder problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Nissan Pathfinder vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Nissan Pathfinder complaints
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Nissan Pathfinder.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-01
- VIN: 1N6ND11Y6KC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE 1989 NISSAN PATHFINDER HE HAS CONSIDERED PURCHASING HAS ANY RECALLS. *NM *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-15
- VIN: JN8HD16Y1KW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT CABLE ATTACHMENT JUST BROKE OFF WITH NO LOAD. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-31
- VIN: JN8HD16Y9KW
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENT MAYBE BROKEN OR LOOSE.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN8HD16YXKW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE MANIFOLD BOLTS ARE DEFECTIVE ON THESE VEHICLES. I HAVE NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THESE THINGS WHEN I GET THE CAR INSPECTED. NISSAN FAILS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THESE THINGS ARE FAULTY PREVIOUS TO 1995. WHAT I FIND INTERESTING IS THAT WHEN THEY DO REPLACE THEM (AT YOUR EXPENSE) THEY USE A MUCH HEAVIER DUTY BOLT! WHY? BECAUSE THEY SCREWED UP THE FIRST TIME. IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT'S EXHAUST RELATED AND RI HAS BECOME MUCH TOUGHER ON THESE ISSUES, WHICH COULD FORCE ME TO SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX THESE THINGS!*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-27
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE UP AND STILL IN PARK, VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT HIGH SPEED. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE PEDAL WENT HALF WAY TO THE FLOORLBOARD. VEHICLE KEPT GOING AT HIGH SPEED, AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF TO GET THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A STOP. *AK
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN8HD16Y6KW
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN8HD16Y1KW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXHAUST HEADER LEAKED AND CRACKED. THIS IS A NON-MOVING PART AND SHOULD NEVER WEAR OUT.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE ,WENT IMMEDIATELY INTO HIGH SPEED BACKWARDS, HIT TREE DRIVER. PUT VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL ,JUMPED GEAR INTO DRIVE, BRAKES DID NOT HOLD ,HAD TO HIT ANOTHER TREE IN ORDER TO STOP.THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO GO OUT OF CONTROL, RESUTLING IN INJURIES TO DRIVER. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT (REPLACED UNDER RECALL) FAILS. IT WILL OPEN WITH MODERATE FORWARD PRESSURE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JN8HD16Y0KW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AFTER CAMPAIGN 95V103002 WAS DONE IN MARCH 1996, EXPERIENCED SHOULDER/LAP BUCKLE FAILURE, WHEN BUCKLE DETACHED, ALLOWING DRIVER TO IMPACT WITH INTERIOR. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN8H016Y4KW
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING TIE ROD BROKE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. IN ONE OCCURRENCE OWNER LOST CONTROL. PLEASE DESSCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-28
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BOLTS HOLDING EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAVE SHEARED AND FELL OFF, CAUSING LEAKING HOT EXHAUST FUMES. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-04
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION/LOSS OF CONTROL, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURIES. *SD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: HD16Y5KW117
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT LATCH COME LOOSE . TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-15
- VIN: JN8HD16Y3KW
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. *SD
1989 Nissan Pathfinder recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Nissan Pathfinder.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES WERE PRINTED ON CERTIFICATION LABELS.
- Consequence: INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL CORRECTED TIRE INFORMATION LABEL ON DOORPOST CERTIFICATION LABEL.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Nissan Pathfinder problems:
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