Carlexica

1991 Nissan Pathfinder: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 39 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (33% of complaints).

Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1995

1
recalls
39
owner complaints
3
fire reports
157,016
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest Pathfinder years (#33 of 35 by complaints, age-adjusted)Problems tend to appear late (median 157,016 mi)Weak spot: power train (33%)3 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)33% · 13 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)15% · 6 complaints
Tires10% · 4 complaints
Seat Belts8% · 3 complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)5% · 2 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)5% · 2 complaints
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 !!!! *trOwner report · Structure · Aug 2013
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). *nmOwner report · Tires · Feb 2005
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. *akOwner report · Tires · Apr 2004
Show 6 more owner reports
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.*akOwner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2001
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. *akOwner report · Power Train · Feb 1999
Defective aluminum planetary housing and gear, caused transmission failure, resulting in loss of control/accident/injury. *skdOwner report · Power Train · Oct 1994
While in a car crash rear driver's and passenger's seatbacks reclined upon impact. Please provide further information.*akOwner report · Seats
Consumer was denied reimbursement for 4 p235/75r15 firestone atx steel belted radial tires he purchased which were part of safety recall 00t005. *ttOwner report · Tires
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. *akOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling

When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY95V103002 · May 1995

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.

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

NHTSA has 39 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder. The most complained-about area is power train (33% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1991 Nissan Pathfinder problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 157,016 miles or less.

Does the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has 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.