1991 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 1991 Nissan Pathfinder problems
The 1991 Nissan Pathfinder has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include:
- Power Lock Malfunction: Another common issue is the malfunctioning power lock system. The power lock button does not lock the doors, and the key cannot lock the doors either. This issue can be an annoyance for owners, but it may be resolved fairly easily, depending on the root cause.
- Seat Belt Latch Plate Retaining Button Missing: A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) has been issued for the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder regarding the front seat belt latch plate retaining button missing. This issue can affect the safety of the vehicle, and it is essential to address it promptly.
- Windshield Cracking: A TSB has also been issued for the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder regarding windshield cracking. This issue can affect the structural integrity of the vehicle and should be addressed promptly.
- Radiator Cooling Fan Recall: A recall has been issued for the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder regarding the radiator cooling fan. This issue can affect the engine's cooling system and should be addressed promptly.
- Brake Operation Issues: A TSB has been issued for the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder regarding brake operation issues. This issue can affect the safety of the vehicle, and it is essential to address it promptly.
- Strut and Shock Absorber Replacement Guidelines: A TSB has been issued for the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder regarding strut and shock absorber replacement guidelines. This issue can affect the vehicle's handling and should be addressed promptly.
These issues can affect the safety, reliability, and comfort of the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the vehicle's safe and reliable operation.
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 Nissan Pathfinders reliable?
1990 Nissan Pathfinder Ratings Overview
The average rating is a 4.1 out of 5 stars. The 1990 Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5. It ranks 9th out of 32 for all car brands.
Is Nissan Pathfinder reliable car?
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.
What are the disadvantages of the Nissan Pathfinder?
Stiff Front Seat
If you're someone who needs a commuter vehicle to drive hours a day and don't want back pain, the Nissan Pathfinder might not be the right choice for you. Its front seats aren't the best around for a comfortable time behind the wheel.
1991 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:
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
- Steering problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Nissan Pathfinder vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1991 Nissan Pathfinder
The NHTSA has received 47 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1991 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-02
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR FRAME ON THESE SUV RUSTED OUT FROM THE INSIDE OUT, WAS PULL A SMALL TRAILER AND THE FRAME AT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL COME APART AND WENT TO MANY JUNKYARDS TO FIND THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL PATHFINDER FROM 89-95 THEY RUST FROM THE INSIDE OUT GIVING NO WARNING THAT IT IS FAILING, SOME THAT I CHECK WITH A HAMMER AT THE JUNKYARD THE HAMMER WENT THREW THE FRAMES, NISSAN HAS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IT COULD CAUSE A WRECK IF THE FRAME IS WEAK ,WITH NO WARNING !!!! *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-01
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 1991 NISSAN PATHFINDER DEVELOPING PROBLEMS WITH THE GOODYEAR FORTERA TIRE EQUIPMENT. ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR ONE OF THE VEHICEL' S FRONT TIRES WAS CUPPED SEVERELY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO WANDER WHEN DRIVEN (GOODYEAR FORTERA H1). *NM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-12
- VIN: JN8HD17Y2MW
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. CONSUMER PULLED OFF THE ROAD, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. FIRESTONE, FIREHAWK, DOT BB604RB307. *AK
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-25
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: STEERING MECHNISM HAS FAILED, CAUSING UNVEN WEAR ON THE TIRES. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-29
- VIN: JN8HD17Y2MW
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: ABNORMAL TREAD SEPARATION. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN8HD17Y2MW
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT FOR 4 P235/75R15 FIRESTONE ATX STEEL BELTED RADIAL TIRES HE PURCHASED WHICH WERE PART OF SAFETY RECALL 00T005. *TT
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN8HD17Y2MW
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT FOR 4 P235/75R15 FIRESTONE ATX STEEL BELTED RADIAL TIRES HE PURCHASED WHICH WERE PART OF SAFETY RECALL 00T005. *TT
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JN8HD17Y7MW
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE IN A CAR CRASH REAR DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATBACKS RECLINED UPON IMPACT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-19
- VIN: JN8HD17Y4MW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RECALL 95V103002 REPAIRS WERE PREVIOUSLY DONE. HOWEVER, SEAT BELT BUCKLES ARE FAILING TO REMAIN LOCKED, PREVENTING PASSENGERS FROM BEING PROPERLY RESTRAINED. NO DETERMINATION HAS BEEN MADE FOR CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-10
- VIN: JN8HD17Y1MW
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: UNKNOWN TO ME AS EXPLAINED TO ME BY TRANSMISSION MECHANIC THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS DISINTEGRATING OVER TIME PUTTING DEBRIS INTO TRANSMISSION COOLER LOCATED INSIDE THE RADIATOR. THIS CLOGGED UP THE RADIATOR THUS PREVENTING COOLING OF TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION GEARS THUS WORE OUT DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT. THE MECHANIC WHOSE SPECIALTY IS TRANSMISSIONS HAS RECEIVED BULLETINS FROM HIS TRADE ASSOCIATION AND NISSAN ON THIS MATTER BUT AT THE TIME COULD ONLY SHOW ME BULLETIN FROM THE "INFINITY Q45 "MODEL WHO HAS THE SAME TRANSMISSION AND PROBLEMS. MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT NISSAN ADVICE WAS TO ADD AN EXTERNAL TRANSMISSION COOLER WHICH WOULD ALLOW A LITTLE LONGER LIFE, BUT EVENTUALLY THE TORQUE CONVERTER WILL GO. I HAD ONLY 62K MILES AND CONSIDER THIS NOT ENOUGH TO WARRANT TRANSMISSION FAILURE. NISSAN DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL ON THIS THUS WILL NOT HELP OUT ON EXPENSES. I FEEL THEY SHOULD CONTRIBUTE SOMETHING SINCE THEY KNOWINGLY WERE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WHICH WAS A POORLY MANUFACTURED TORQUE CONVERTER. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-22
- VIN: JN8HD17Y2MW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: LH AND RH EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-18
- VIN: JN8HD17Y0MW
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-12
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRIVING ABOUT 45MPH, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP UNTIL VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. COULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE. TRANSMISSION IS BEING REBUILT BY AAMCO. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
- VIN: JN8HD18Y9MW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE FUEL TANK WAS NEITHER DAMAGED OR RUSTY, YET AT ONLY 65K MILES IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS THE TANK FAILED THE RECENTLY INTRODUCED PRESSURE TEST IN DE WHEN UNDERGOING ITS 2 YEARLY INSPECTION. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE TANK HAD WARPED JUST ENOUGH WHERE THE PUMP SEALS TO THE TANK THAT IT WAS BUBBLING AND AS THE TANKS WERE MADE OUT OF TOO THIN A METAL AT THAT POINT, AND AS THIS WAS THE 4TH ONE TO GO THIS YEAR AND THEY HAD ALREADY TRIED 2 SEALS, AND LIQUID SEALANT, ALL TO NO EFFECT, THAT I THEREFORE NEEDED A NEW TANK. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO COMPENSATE ME FOR WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE AN ITEM THAT SHOULD LAST A VEHICLES LIFETIME. ALSO, AS ONLY A FEW STATES HAVE THE PRESSURE TEST, JUST HOW MANY OF THESE OLDER PATHFINDERS ARE IN USE THAT HAVE DEFECTIVE SEALS, POLLUTING THE ATMOSPHERE AND POSING A FIRE HAZARD, THAT ARE CURRENTLY GOING UNNOTICED? IS THIS SOMETHING THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD RECALL AND RESOLVE AS A MATTER OF SAFETY. PLEASE KEEP ME INFORMED AS TO THE OUTCOME. THANKYOU,
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN8HD17YXMW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR DRUM AUTOMATIC BRAKE ADJUSTERS ARE INOPERATIVE, RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKE CAPABILITY. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-01
- VIN: JN8HD17Y4MW
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-18
- VIN: JN8HD17Y7MW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS CAME APART. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN8HD17YXMW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD LEAKS EXHAUST FLUID. WHEN THE VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP THE FUMES COME UP TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JNBHD17Y8MW
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SEAT BACK COLLAPSED INTO BACK SEAT, WHEN REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING INJURY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-05-01
- VIN: JN8HD17Y8MW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS LEFT AND RIGHT FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-01
- VIN: JN8HD17Y1MW
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN8HD17Y1MW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: FUEL/TEMP GAUGE FAILED TWO TIMES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN8HD17Y1MW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MUFFLER ASSEMBLY REPLACED DUE TO LEAK, REPLACEMENT FAILED ALSO.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN8HD17Y1MW
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER FAN MOTOR VERY LOUD.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN8HD17Y1MW
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: AUTOMATIC CRUISE CONTROL STUCK WHEN ACCELERATING ON AN INCLINE.
1991 Nissan Pathfinder recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 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.
Negative 1991 Nissan Pathfinder car reviews
Positive 1991 Nissan Pathfinder car reviews
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Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it with 95,000 miles on it and have driven it another 102,000 miles. With 197,000 miles on the clock, I have only had to change the timing belt, tires, brakes and oil. Surprisingly, the clutch, alternator and water pump are still original, even though I tow things often. These cars are so well built that you never see them in the junk yard. They are definitely built to last!
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I absolutely love my Pathfinder! It may not be the flashiest car out there, but it has proven to be incredibly reliable, versatile, and enjoyable to drive. It can handle any terrain and carry a ton of cargo, all while getting great gas mileage (even better than my friend's Outback!). I've never pushed it past 100mph, but it has never let me down and always bounces back from any challenges. The only issue I've encountered is a minor one with the exhaust manifold gasket, which tends to blow at around 120-150,000 miles due to bolt shearing in the block. Although it costs around $700 to fix, it's a small price to pay for such a fantastic truck. I highly recommend it!
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This car was a lifesaver for me. I needed a reliable daily driver and this car needed some love. I drove it for 3 years without any problems, putting 35,000 miles on it before selling it to the next owner. It was able to get me around in all kinds of nasty Seattle weather, from rain to snow to sleet and more.
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This unit is incredibly durable! It has accompanied me on numerous trips to Baja and has never failed me. I did have to make some modifications to the shocks and brakes, but the repairs have been minor. Additionally, I added a Yakima rack to the roof to carry my boards, which I highly recommend for any recreational enthusiasts.
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I absolutely adore my Pathfinder! I purchased it back in 2003 with 110,000 miles on the clock and it needed some minor work, but nothing too expensive, just a few oil leaks. Since then, it has been an incredibly loyal SUV. I only had to replace the timing chain three years ago and it has been running like a dream ever since. It has never let me down and I am so grateful for that. In fact, I love it so much that I am considering buying another one for my husband, who has gone through three cars in less than two years. About three years ago, I was going to sell it due to some financial difficulties and I was absolutely heartbroken at the thought of parting with it. However, I decided to keep it and it has become the family car. It is amazing that it is still going strong after 17 years! Without a doubt, it is the best SUV I have ever owned and I plan on keeping it forever. It is like a best friend to me!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Nissan Pathfinder problems:
1991 Nissan Pathfinder Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Top 1991 Nissan Pathfinder Problems · Engine won't crank due to starter relay failure. 217 people have reported this. 58 · Exhaust Manifold Can Warp and Cause ...
Pathfinder Common Problems/Fixes, Read this first! - New People ...
Dec 1, 2003 ... The revised manifold stud Nissan part number is: 14065-V5004 Revised Exhaust Manifold Stud. The cost on those is around $2 per stud. They're ...
1991 Nissan Pathfinder Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
The Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 17th out of 26 for midsize SUVs.
1991 pathfinder idle surge/die issue - 90-95 WD21 Pathfinders ...
Jan 16, 2016 ... 1991 pathfinder idle surge/die issue ... That is a common problem on these and will ... © 2024 NPORA - Nissan Pathfinder Off Road Association ...
I have the same exact problem with my 1991 Nissan pathfinder ...
Apr 12, 2010 ... The dash lights and tail lights are on the same fuse. All the other lights you ave mentioned do not share the same fuse. The most common issue ...
Other years of Nissan Pathfinder
Are you having problems with your 1991 Nissan Pathfinder?
Loy Hirthe 2024-10-21
When you first look at the 1990 Pathfinder, it's hard not to be drawn in by its rugged exterior styling. However, after 155,000 miles and 4 transmission replacements, it's safe to say that our particular model has been a bit of a lemon. Dealing with the various issues, from transmission problems to AC failure, has been a real hassle and financial burden. While the Pathfinder was a good first attempt at a 4-door SUV with car-like qualities, it has proven to be underpowered and unreliable.
Alexander Cassin 2024-09-19
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with my SUV. I bought it with 107,000 miles and a brand new transmission, and now, four years later with an extra 43,000 miles, it's still going strong! I've had to replace the water pump, timing belt, and alternator, but overall it's been a very reliable car. I would definitely recommend it to someone else!
Ervin Prosacco 2024-08-11
Since purchasing, the vehicle has required approximately $10,000 in necessary repairs. These repairs were essential to keep the vehicle running, otherwise, it would have been worth nothing.