1992 Nissan Pathfinder: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (27% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
30
owner complaints
2
fire reports
123,698
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 (#35 of 35 by complaints, age-adjusted)No recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 123,698 mi)Weak spot: engine and engine cooling (27%)2 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)27% · 8 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)27% · 8 complaints
Tires13% · 4 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)10% · 3 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)7% · 2 complaints
Equipment3% · 1 complaint
“Tl* the contact owns a 1992 nissan pathfinder equipped with sigma stampede tires. The contact stated that the rear passenger tire separated along the sidewall while driving 65 mph. As a result of the failure, the fuel hoses were fractured and leaking fuel. Roadside assistance helped reconnect the fuel hoses and installed a spare tire. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop and replacement tires were purchased. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage on the tire was 19,505. Updated 05/31/12*lj”Owner report · Tires · Apr 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 1992 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited a fuel leak and was taken to a local mechanic. The mechanic advised the contact that the frame rail was rusted and there were several holes in the frame. The mechanic also advised the contact that the vehicle was not safe to operate. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told that the frame could not be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 152,581.”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2012
“1992 nissan pathfinder parked in driveway for more than 24 hours ignited spontaneously. Fire department opened car and extinguished blazed. Observed melted dash board behind the steering wheel and determined that cause was electrical. Checked under hood and found that engine was intact. Disconnected car battery. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“1992 nissan pathfinder has problems with rear suspension frame.*mr when taken to the service dealer they suggested that the consumer buy a new car because the frame was broken, but when the consumer took the vehicle in for regular maintenance no one ever mentioned that there was a problem with the frame being rusted. The consumer feels that the dealership should have recognized this problem during maintenance. *cb the consumer stated the frame members which anchored the upper links of the rear suspension to the ladder frame had completely rusted through and/or broke free from where they were welded to the main frame. *cb *jb”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2003
“In order for the 4-wheel drive to disengage they would have to make a turn causing a distraction to the consumer. Dealer was notified and stated all is normal. Ts”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2003
“Nar 03/03/2003. The consumers vehicle failed to pass a california smog test because the vehicle did not have a check engine light. It was discovered the vehicle was manufactured without a check engine light. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2002
“Transmission failed suddenly 11/99. Replaced at dealer w/remanufactured transmission. Transmission failed again 11/01 and must be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2001
“While cleaning vehicle interior on 10/07/2001, I lifted the rear seats up to clean under them. Some tire changing equipment and a vinyl tool bag are stored, as original equipment, under the left rear seat. I lifted the vinyl bag to clean under it and discovered that the floor was rusted through under the bag (over 6 inches) and exposing the interior of the vehicle to exhaust fumes and the driver and the passengers to carbon monoxide poisoning. I would never have discovered this problen if I had not lifted the vinyl tool bag.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2001
“While putting vehicle in park, it suddenly lunged backwards, shifter would not engage park or neutral and key could no be turned, vehicle finally came to rest after it hit a parked vehicle, 1 person was injured in accident. *slc”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2000
“On a nissan related website, at least 10-15 others had same problem!!!, dealer says they know about this problem but won't fix it after 60,000 miles. There must be hundreds of others like me. Is this jsut something us consumers have to learn to live with? Can manufacturers just give us defective parts and we have to pay? I am afraid to buy another car!”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
Check your exact Pathfinder by VIN
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Is the 1992 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Nissan Pathfinder. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Nissan Pathfinder problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 123,698 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.