1994 Nissan Pathfinder: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 91 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (37% of complaints); the 1992 and 1993 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2002
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 91 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Went to replace front strut rod bushings and found nearly rusted through strut/tension rod that connects the lower control arm to the frame on the driver's side. The arm was bent at the rusted section and was near failure. This potential failure may have caused loss of steering control. This is not the first rusted strut/tension rod I have found on pathfinders. We have a 1992 with the same problem. There are also other owners reporting this same problem when they replace the bushings. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · May 2014
“Took my 1994 pathfinder for front brake services. The mechanic inspected my truck and found the frame completed rusted and could not place on regular lift. I was told that entire frame needs to be replaced or rebuilt. I was told that nissan has recall on pathfinder. I followed up with nissan and was told that 1994 was not on recall list, but recall are for 1996 to 2003 pathfinder. I try to avoid highway rattler and shake too much, so I try to do city driving. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2013
“Noticed sagging bumper and took 1994 pathfinder in for repairs. Mechanic told me the rear frame was rusted beyond repair. Poked his finger through the frame with no effort. Car has been cared for and had undercoating applied. Mechanics say they see this exact problem quite often. Internet search will reveal hundreds of similar cases, including car falling apart while moving. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 1994 nissan pathfinder. When the contact took his vehicle in for inspection, he was informed that the entire frame was rusted beyond repair. The inspector was able to push his finger through what used to be a steel part of the frame. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. He spoke with the manufacturer and they stated that they could not assist. The current and failure mileages were 135,166.”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1994 nissan pathfinder. Upon routine inspection, it was found that the cast iron was rusted in the vehicle from the inside out. The inspection station failed the vehicle and stated that if the contact drove over a bump too hard, the vehicle could split into two pieces. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 130,000.”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2008
“I noticed during routine maintenance that the entire rear frame of my vehicle is rotted out, this seems to be a very unsafe defect. Not drivable at this time because of the chance of frame failure. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1994 nissan pathfinder. While the vehicle was parked, the contact observed that the front driver's and passenger side main frame exhibited severe corrosion and rust. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for inspection, but they were unable to assist with the repair. Photographs were taken of the vehicle and forwarded to the manufacturer for further investigation. The contact stated that there were no resolutions with the manufacturer. The vehicle is currently not being driven due to the safety hazard. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 103,195. Updated 07/17/09. *lj updated 07/17/09.*jb”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2008
“Bridgestone spare tire blew out while attached to the tire carrier on the back of th 1994 nissan patthfinder. Fortunately the car was parked in my driveway and no-one was nearby. The tire was ruined, and the tire cover was destroyed. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated while a general maintenance inspection was performed by an independent repair shop, it was determined the vehicle frame along both rear axles was corrosive and the frame needed to be restored. The manufacturer was alerted.”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2006
“Frame in rear wheel area rusted through on both driver and passenger sides. Under coating had hidden this until a small crack had appeared. Nissan canada was contacted by phone who indicated that no action would be taken for vehicles over 5 years old. *jb”Owner report · Structure · May 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THE LATCH PLATE USED IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO DESIGN DIMENSIONS. IF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED SLOWLY AT AN ANGLE INTO THE BUCKLE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE.
ON CERTAIN LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, THE LATCH PLATE USED IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO DESIGN DIMENSIONS. IF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED SLOWLY AT AN ANGLE INTO THE BUCKLE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 22, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
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 1994 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
NHTSA has 91 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Nissan Pathfinder. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (37% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Nissan Pathfinder problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 127,500 miles or less.
Does the 1994 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.