1990 Nissan Pathfinder: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 38 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (37% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1995
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Exhaust manifold studs have broken on both manifolds at an estimated repair bill of $800. We have no choice to have it repaired as we cannot receive our emmission test approval to get our vehicle registered (1990 pathfinder) there is no warning for this defect and it was not detected last may because it did pass the inspection at that time. The bolts on the valve covers work themselves loose and I am able to move them with my bare fingers. Also, we can not figure out why the high-beam of the left front headlight won't work.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2004
“Original equipment, general ameri-tech tires, size p23575r15, dot#3hl27w443; rear driver's side tread separated while traveling 65mph. Dealer has been contacted. Consumer has tires. Consumer is requesting to send tires to office of defects. *ak tread kicked up, smashing rear left panel, left tail light and mud flap. *tt”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2001
“Transmission failure. Transmission failed due to failure of internal componenets. There seem to be a large number of complaints around the transmission of the 1990 nissan pathfinders. I have had 2 transmission failures in 10 years of ownership. The primary driver of the vehicle for the first five years was different than the primary driver for the second five years. This seems to be a recurring problem. In addition my dealer informed me that nissan did redesign the transmission because of failure of the transmission. Thi is a huge problem. Is there a way to begin an investigation into nissan surrounding this vehicle problem.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“Exhaust manifold warped, causing bolts , that hold the engine, to break. Vehicle made a loud noise. Also, exhaust vapor got inside of vehicle. Dealer said it was a common problem, and that the bolts were too small to hold the engine. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 1999
“Dealer advises warping of exhaust manifold caused exhaust studs to break. Also states that this is a common problem with this vehicle.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 1998
“Nissan recognized exhaust manifold design defects leading to manifold warpage and repeated exhaust manifold bolt breakage. Eventually causing exhaust gas leaks and noise problems . Nissan recognizes design failure but refuses to fix the problem. I've spent over $1500 repairing exhaust manifolds and broken exhaust manifold bolts. Please have nissan recall the faulty exhaust manifolds and bolts!”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 1998
“Consumer experiencing ongoing problem with vehicle accelerating at an high speed while driving. Consumer would have to take vehicle out of gear in order for engine not to continue accelerating until the rpm come back down to normal. Vehicle been inspected by dealer, and was informed that the problem may be the cruise control module. Cost for repair would go to consumer. Can you help in this matter.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 1998
“Was driving and truck stalled ( cut off) while the engine was still running, took to mechanic, he said it that the rear thrust washer in automatic transmission failed. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 1997
“Tranmission lurched/reved then started slipping and would not go in reverse due to lack of lubricant and size of orface. *skd”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 1994
“Metal particals circulating from automatic transmission transfer case cooling lines, causing radiator core/transmission failure. *skd”Owner report · Power Train · May 1994
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES WERE PRINTED ON CERTIFICATION LABELS.
Remedy: INSTALL CORRECTED TIRE INFORMATION LABEL ON DOORPOST CERTIFICATION LABEL.
How other years compare
Check your exact Pathfinder by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
NHTSA has 38 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (37% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Nissan Pathfinder problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 192,413 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:buckle assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.