10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
68,516 miles

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problem #28

Jun 032012

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact was driving 30 mph when the vehicle accelerated over a speed bump and the rear of the vehicle swayed back and forth. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated that the front and rear struts needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 170,000 and the current mileage was 174,000. Updated 8/24/12 the consumer also statd the front and rear sway bar links needed to be replaced.

- Randallstown, MD, USA

problem #27

Nov 012011

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while having the vehicle examined by an independent mechanic for routine inspection, he was informed that the frame was corroded. The contact then received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 11V244000 (suspension:front). The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the corrosion on the body of the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was un-repairable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 02/01/12 the consumer stated after the vehicle failed inspection, he received a recall notice for the strut tower. The consumer stated there was nothing wrong with the strut tower, it's the frame, that is the problem.

- Little Falls, NY, USA

problem #26

Nov 102010

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • miles
1997 Nissan Pathfinder. Consumer writes in regards to strut towers corrosion the consumer stated the deterioration of the struts caused very noticeable shimmying and swaying of the vehicle while it was in motion. The corrosion of the struts was so severe, that the consumer needed to replace the front and passenger side struts immediately. Upon inspection, the mechanic noticed that both struts were entirely corroded, to the point that the vehicle was relying on the springs for support.

- Island Pond, VT, USA

problem #25

Oct 012009

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • miles
1997 Nissan Pathfinder. Consumer writes in regards to recall for possible corrosion of the front driver's side strut tower the consumer stated in October 2009, the front driver's side brake line failed. The failure caused the brake fluid to drain from the system resulting in minimal braking action. The consumer had to use the hand brake to stop the vehicle.. approximately three weeks later, while having the muffler replaced, the mechanic informed the consumer the strut tower was disconnected from the frame of the vehicle and stated that it could lead to brake failure. The mechanic further advised the vehicle was unsafe to drive with the strut tower disconnected from the frame. While driving home, the front driver's side brake line failed for a second time in the same manner.

- Waltham, MA, USA

problem #24

Aug 012011

Pathfinder

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated NHTSA recall campaign id number: 11V244000 (suspension: Front) was performed on the vehicle and it began to wobble excessively. The repair was suppose to replace the strut housing. The contact spoke to the dealer and was told to bring the vehicle back for an inspection. The contact spoke with the manufacturer, but the refuse to assist with correcting the failure. The failure and current mileage was 150,000.

- Melliston, NY, USA

problem #23

Nov 082010

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • 157,000 miles
Rust/corrosion in unibody at lower control arm/strut assembly on 97' Nissan Pathfinder passenger side. The problem/failure is equivalent in severity to the situation Nissan is recalling for the driver's side. (PE11004) also (NHTSA campaign id number: 11V244000). If the corrosion becomes severe enough, the stresses involved in the strut assembly operation loads, compounded by the lateral loads created by steering, and handling, may cause the lower control arm, lower ball joint/strut mount to separate from the unibody. This would invariably result in a loss of steering control, and quite probably, in a highway speed failure, throw the vehicle into a skid as the passenger side wheel stuffs itself into the wheel well area.

- Seneca Falls, NY, USA

problem #22

May 082011

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • 190,000 miles
Driver's side front strut tower rusted and failed, dropped 4 inches, in contact with brake master cylinder, near steering column. Vehicle quit on interstate, smoke in cabin, computer burned, wires to relay box over left strut worn and shorted, blown fuel injector relay fuses. Mechanic says unsafe to drive. Updated 07/26/11 updated 02/27/12 updated 03/02/12

- Pewee Valley, KY, USA

problem #21

May 132011

Pathfinder

  • 154,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact was driving 10 mph when he heard a loud popping noise and the steering wheel began to exhibit grinding noises. The vehicle was inspected by the driver and he noticed that the strut tower was separated from the front suspension. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were approximately 154,000.

- Brockway, PA, USA

problem #20

Apr 262011

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • miles
I have a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder, it is grinding and almost impossible to steer. I have not been able to fix it yet because it is too costly. There is a recall on 1996-2004 Pathfinders with this same problem however based on my VIN mine is not included. Nissan does recommend that I take it to a dealer and pay to fix it to avoid any further problems. How could I possibly have the same year, make, model and problems but not be part of the recall??

- Harrisonburg, VA, USA

problem #19

Apr 122011

Pathfinder

  • 191,000 miles
1997 Nissan Pathfinder left front strut tower about to collapse due to severe rot.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #18

Jan 112011

Pathfinder

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact was driving 30 mph when the steering wheel began to shake abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic shop where the contact was advised that the front driver side mcpherson strut was rusted and corroded. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive until repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted to report the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

- Rockaway, NJ, USA

problem #17

May 062010

Pathfinder

  • miles
The contact owns a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder le. While driving 20 mph over a small hill, the contact made a right turn and the vehicle went into a ditch. The contact was able to drive home but the vehicle was making a noise. The vehicle was taken to a local collision center where the contact was informed that the right front driver side strut mount was completely rusted. The mechanic replaced the apron and the fender assembly. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 155,834.

- Red Bud, IL, USA

problem #16

Nov 112010

Pathfinder

  • 109,443 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact was driving approximately 35 mph when the front end of the vehicle began shaking abnormally and becoming unusually unstable. The vehicle was taken to a vehicle repair facility where the technician advised the contact that the front driver side strut tower had fractured from the vehicle and would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for repairs. The technician at the dealer stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and if the vehicle was repaired, the contact would be liable for all repair costs. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 109,443.

- Farmingdale, NJ, USA

problem #15

Oct 242008

Pathfinder

  • 118,000 miles
The left front strut tower has pushed up into the hood due to rust on the frame. After 118,000 miles, the odometer on our 97 Pathfinder stopped working and we noticed that there was a very loud bang every time we hit a bump with the left front wheel, and the steering wheel would shake. We brought the vehicle to our mechanic and he determined that the frame had rotted and the strut was separated from the vehicle. He said it should not be driven. We had the Pathfinder towed to a body shop for an estimate, and after placing on the frame machine determined that it would cost in excess of $2100 to repair and advised us not to spend the funds to repair. They told us they had never seen anything like this before, and could not believe that such a well taken care of Pathfinder was not safe and ready to be crushed. We are now left with a vehicle that looks and runs fine, but cannot be driven or sold. Needless to say we are grateful that we did not get into an accident or hurt anyone, but are now out $5000 (value of the Pathfinder).

- Boylston, MA, USA

problem #14

Apr 012008

Pathfinder

  • miles
1997 Pathfinder wobbles left and right when reaching speed of 65-70 mph. Stopped wobbling when releasing the gas pedal. I have replace the front struts and the two front axles..same problem still continues this is a dangerous and serious condition and Nissan should address this issue and correct it!!!!...I personally know of two other Pathfinder's owners that are having the same problem.

- Ocala, FL, USA

problem #13

May 012008

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 179,000 miles
Rear bushings on Nissan Pathfinders. Mine is a 97 model. That sways as soon as I hit 65 mph. I have to tap on the brake or accelerate for the swaying to stop. It starts again soon after. I looked online and found out about the rear bushings.www.topix.com/forum/autos/T5lstpr5onpc09ctlfor any solutions and was shocked to see that Nissan has done nothing to remedy this situation. I am required to drive to work each day and just can't fanthom the thought of loosing total control of my vehicle because Nissan won't recall this.

- Carlsbad, NM, USA

problem #12

Jan 252007

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder SE. It has a severe wobble at speeds of 50 mph and above. It is extremely dangerous. I was told it was the suspension, so I replaced it. The wobble continued. I researched the problem on the internet and found that itwas common with every Pathfinder in the 1990's after the vehicle passed approximately 60,000 miles. The low quality bushings deteriorated and could not support the vehicle. Weight shifted during acceleration and the vehicle went out of control. I have pulled over numerous times because of it. It appeared that every Pathfinder of this model year range was plagued by this problem. The cheapest I have found this repair was $700, however, it seemed like thiswas the fault of the manufacturer. I wouldn't be surprised to find accidents that had to do with this sub-quality part. What would it take for Nissan to put forth a recall and fix this problem.

- Huntington, NY, USA

problem #11

Oct 152006

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles
Reporting a vehicle issue that is known by Nissan "if a 1996-98 Pathfinder exhibits the following conditions, the cause may be from worn bushing(s) in the rear suspension upper and/or lower links. Excessive play in the rear axle especially during moderate acceleration or deceleration. Vehicle pulling at a constant speed. Excessive sway and rocking motion in the front suspension when coming to a stop. To correct these conditions, use the service procedure on page 2. " this is a very dangerous condition that can easily lead to loss of control of the vehicle. It causes very violent shaking/rocking of the chassis.

- Round Rock, TX, USA

problem #10

Sep 082001

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 97,000 miles
: the contact stated that while driving between 30 to 65 mph, the vehicle violently swayed from side to side or performed a death wobble. The vehicle was taken to the independent repair shop on 08/27/03 and the front struts were replaced. The contact has replaced the tires, struts, shocks, and had a wheel alignment, but the problem keeps occurring daily on all road conditions. There was no warning prior to the failure and the vehicle wobbles more violently as speed increases.

- Spokane, WA, USA

problem #9

May 102004

Pathfinder

  • 52,000 miles
While driving between 25-30 mph suddenly there was a clucking noise. Consumer pulled off the road to investigate the noise. Upon exiting the vehicle consumer noticed that front right tire was sticking out at an angle. Also, shock absorber spring was sticking out. Vehicle was towed to a dealership, who was unable to resolve the problem.

- Vallejo, CA, USA

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