1995 Nissan Pathfinder

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 170 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. No safety recall has been issued.

Avoid One of the Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid: an unusual share of fires, crashes and deaths for a car of its age. Which Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
130,000 milesMedian miles at failure

58 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000–200,000 miles.

Most common 1995 Nissan Pathfinder problems

51 of the 170 complaints (30%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · engine35
000
Structure › Frame and Members · body and frame33
010
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission12
000
Structure › Body · body and frame9
100
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine8
010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes6
302
Unknown or Other4
101
Tires4
000
Suspension4
000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · fuel system4
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Feb 21, 202065,000 milesFL

1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER IS RUSTING AWAY IT HAS UNDER 92,000 MILES ON IT MY SUSPENSION IS BEING INFECTED MY STEERING IS BEING AFFECTED THE WHOLE UNDERNEATH OF A GARAGE KEPT CAR THAT HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF WITH NOT THAT MANY MILES ON IT FOR ITS YEAR HAS JUST WASTED AWAY TO RUST PLEASE HELP AND FORCE NISSAN TO RECALL THIS THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND THEY'VE HAD TO RECALL ON OTHER MAKE AND MODELS THEY NEED TO BE RECALLED FOR ALL MAKING MODELS THAT THEY ARE PROVIDING FAULTY PRODUCT

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 21, 2017123,031 milesAK

TAKATA RECALL. JUST LIKE ALMOST ALL OTHER 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDERS MY FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT. ONLY AFTER 2 MONTHS IT PASSED A VEHICLE INSPECTION ORDER I NOTICED A 4 INCH HOLE SURROUNDED BY RUST AND LOTS OF IT, I HAVE BEEN DOING SOME READING ONLINE AND THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN LOTS OF 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDERS. I DONT SEE HOW THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM, I FEEL LIKE I HAVE BEEN CHEATED BY NISSAN JUST BEING CHEAP AND I FIND IT NOT ACCEPTABLE

Electrical System
Filed Oct 2, 2016185,000 milesOK

IT STARTED NOT STARTING AND A COUPLE OF TIMES JUST DIED WHEN I WAS STOPED NOW IT WONT START AT ALL . AND THERES A SHORT SOMEWHERE THE RADIO GOES ON AND OFF.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 11, 201510,678 milesRI

MY CHASSIS IS ROTTED BEYOND REPAIR CAN THIS BE TAKE IN CAR OF AT A NISSAN REPAIR SHOP AND IS THIS VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL LIST?

Suspension
Filed Nov 6, 2013124,000 milesDE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH HE NOTICED A BANGING SOUND AND THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE STRUT FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT WAS ALSO CORRODED. THE MECHANIC STATED THE REAR FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 23, 2013112,000 milesVA

I OWN A 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER XE 4X4. I TOOK THE CAR FOR THE SAFETY INSPECTION EARLIER TODAY. IT DID NOT PASS THE SAFETY REQUIREMENT BECAUSE THE RUST HAS COMPROMISED THE FRAME AND MADE THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. RUST VULNERABILITY IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM WITH NISSAN'S SUVS. I LOVE MY PATHFINDER AND HAVE INVESTED A LOT OF MONEY IN THIS CAR AND I'M VERY SAD TO SEE IT GO TO THE JUNK YARD BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER USED AN INFERIOR QUALITY RECYCLED METAL IN MANUFACTURING THE FRAME AND OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY. OVER THE YEARS, I STRUGLED WITH RUST EATING UP PARTS OF THE BODY AND FINALLY EVEN THE FRAME GOT EATEN BY RUST. NISSAN SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND ADDRESS THE RUST PROBLEMS OR NOBODY WILL BUY A SECOND NISSAN EVER!

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 22, 2013MI

BAKER PLATE RUSTED AND WEDGED INTO BRAKES AND ROTORS - LITERALLY TORE EVERYTHING UP.. CV BOOT DAMAGED- ROTORS DEFACED- BRAKES DEFACED- ALL NEED REPLACING AND MIND YOU THE BRAKES WERE NEWER HAD THIS NOT RUSTED I WOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS EXPENSE. *TR I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS SUV AND RUSTED FRAME. BOTH SIDE RAILS ARE TORN OFF -DUE TO RUST THE GAS TANK HAS HAD TO BE FIXED TWICE DUE TO THE FRAME RUBBING ON IT. I LOVE THIS SUV AND AM HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED THAT ALTHOUGH BUILT TO LAST ITS TRULY NOT LASTING.. I AM SHOCKED AND AMAZED THAT AT THE RUST AND DETERIORATION OF FRAME . NISSAN REALLY NEEDS TO HELP US RESOLVE THESE ONGOING PROBLEMS THE DANGER IN GAS TANK LEAKS DUE TO FRAME ROTTING IS EXTREME. I HAVE HAD MY GAS TANK FIXED TWICE - MY NISSAN IS LITERALLY FALLING APART. *TR

Suspension
Filed May 30, 2013157,000 milesPA

PURCHASED A USED 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER PRIVATELY FOR MY SON. DISCOVERED A GAS TANK LEAK, WE BOUGHT A NEW GAS TANK AND UPON HAVING IT INSTALLED THE MECHANIC AND COLLISION EXPERT SAID THE FRAME WAS SO RUSTY THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE FOR MY SON TO DRIVE. UPON EXAMINATION OF THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE THE PA INSPECTION STICKER IS ILLEGAL. NOW I HAVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE WHICH MY SON CANNOT DRIVE AND I AM OUT THE MONEY SO I CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE MAN THAT SOLD IT TO ME HAS VANISHED AND HIS NUMBER DISCONNECTED. I THINK NISSAN NEEDS TO RECOUP ME FOR ME LOSSES SINCE MY LOSS IS DUE TO FAULTY AND PREMATURE RUSTING OF THE FRAMES IN THEIR PATHFINDERS OF THOSE YEARS. PLEASE HELP ME. *TR

Suspension
Filed May 2, 2013133,535 milesMD

THE FRAME HAS HOLES IN IT. IT'S A 95 PATHFINDER WITH LOW MILEAGE. 133,545 MILES. I TAKE GREAT CARE OF MY VEHICLE. THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE ARE AMAZING CONDITION BUT THE FRAME IS RUSTING OUT AND NOW EFFECTING THE WAY IT DRIVES. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED BY THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. IT'S NOT ACCEPTABLE. HOW CAN THIS BE IGNORED WHEN THIS MANY PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT THERE FRAME GETTING HOLES IN IT DUE TO MATERIALS USED. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 27, 2012143,000 milesPA

I OWN A 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE. OTHER PEOPLE ARE KNOWN TO HAVE THIS ISSUE AS WELL. THE FRAME ROTS OUT EXTREMELY FAST AND DEEMS THE VEHICLE UNSAFE. PEOPLE SINK THEIR OWN HARD EARNED MONEY INTO THEIR VEHICLE ONLY TO FIND OUT IT'S NO LONGER SAFE AND NISSAN'S DOES NOTHING ABOUT IT NOR TAKES RESPONSIBILITY. IF TOYOTA CAN STEP UP WHY NOT NISSAN? IT'S A TOP 5 AUTO MAKER FOR GODS SAKE... *TR

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Nov 25, 2012147,000 milesIN

I PURCHASED A 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE IN JUNE, 2007 FOR $3000. IN 2010 I HAD TO HAVE THE STARTER REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE WAS LOADED ONTO A TRAILER TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A FRIEND OF MINE TO HAVE THE NEW STARTER PUT ON. WHEN HE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO ME, AFTER THE STARTER WAS PUT ON, HE HAD ME LOOK AT THE FRAME. IT WAS SO RUSTED OUT THAT I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. BUT I HAD TO, ONLY VEHICLE TO DRIVE. YOU COULD PUT YOUR FIST THROUGH THE RUST. AFTER GOING ONLINE AND DOING SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT ALOT OF 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO. NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN DONE. I ALSO CONTACTED THE INDIANA ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE AND GOT THEM INVOLVED. STILL NO SOLUTION SINCE NO RECALL HAS BEEN DONE. FINALLY IN JUNE OF 2011, I SOLD IT TO A JUNK YARD FOR $250. YES, I COULD HAVE SOLD IT TO A PRIVATE PARTY, BUT DID NOT WANT TO BE RESPONSIBLE IF THEY DROVE IT AND THE FRAME BROKE WHILE DRIVING. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE CAN BE AN INVESTIGATION IN THIS. TOYOTA HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND REIMBURSED THOSE PEOPLE AT 150% OF BOOK VALUE. *TR

Engine
Filed Nov 8, 2012162,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, A CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SPORADICALLY BEFORE PROGRESSING TO A PERMANENT OCCURRENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WHICH REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 16, 2012200,000 milesIN

VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN DOWN THE EXPRESSWAY. A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND IT STARTED TO HANDLE REAL BAD AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO A SHOP. INSPECTED VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE FRAME IS ROTTED, THE SECTION OF FRAME THAT HOLDS THE UPPER 2 REAR CONTROL ARMS IN PLACE HAD TORN AWAY FROM THE FRAME CAUSING A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION. *JB

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 6, 2012100,800 milesNY

GAS LEAKS AFTER ENGINE TURNING OFF ENGINE; AFRAID OF EXPLOSION (MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE). [XXX] FROM KOEPPEL NISSAN, QUEENS, NY HAS ASKED TRUCK TO BE TAKEN BACK FROM DEALERSHIP WITHOUT FIXING SINCE "IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED". THE UNIT ALSO HAS SEVERE FRAME AND RAIL CORROSION WHICH CAN CONTRIBUTE TO FATALITY. SUSPENSION/STEERING GIVING EXCESSIVE FEEDBACK. HAVE SPENT OVER $2000 IN THE PAST WEEK (OUTSIDE THE DEALERSHIP) TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. PLS HELP IMMEDIATELY. THANKS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Steering
Filed Mar 29, 2012102,537 milesVA

MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THE FRAME ON MY 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER IS ROTTED OUT AND WAY BEYOND SAFE TO DRIVE AT ALL. THE EXTREME RUST PROBLEM IS AT THE STRUT ASSEMBLY WHICH COULD EASILY BREAK AND THE VEHICLE LOOSE STEERING FUNCTION. THE REAR FRAME AREA IS ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE. SOME ONLINE RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THIS TO BE AN EXTREMELY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM IN NISSAN PATHFINDERS. ALTHOUGH IT'S AN OLDER TRUCK, IT'S A DESIGN FLAW AND MAKES IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. TOYOTA HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND TOOK CARE OF IT, I CONTACTED NISSAN AND THEY SEEM UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS SAFETY HAZARD. *JS

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 25, 2011110,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, HE WAS INFORMED THAT PORTIONS OF THE FRAME WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE CORRODED PORTIONS OF THE FRAME WERE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE HAD SINCE RECURRED ON VARIOUS OTHER PORTIONS OF THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 6, 201196,567 milesPA

THE ENTIRE FRAME OF THIS VEHICLE IS SO ROTTED THAT MY MECHANIC TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE IT. NISSAN OF NORTH AMERICA HAD ME BRING IT TO ONE OF THEIR DEALERSHIPS TO INSPECT IT. THEY TOOK PHOTOS OF THE PROBLEM AND TOLD ME IT WAS UNFIXABLE. THEY THEN TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE NOT ENCOUNTERED OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I WENT ON LINE AND READ THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT PATHFINDER FRAME ROT. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 1, 2011144,800 milesPA

I HAVE A 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER. I DISCOVERED SEVERE FRAME RUST A LITTLE OVER A WEEK AGO BOTH BELOW MY REAR SEAT WHICH COVERS TWO AREAS. JUST YESTERDAY I ALSO DISCOVERED FROM RUST BEHIND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. WHY IS IT THAT VISUALLY FROM THE OUTSIDE THE CAR LOOKS GREAT, IT RUNS GREAT, BUT THE THING IS FALLING APART WHERE YOU CAN'T SEE IT? THAT TO ME IS DANGEROUS AND I THINK IT'S ABOUT TIME NISSAN TAKES CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THIS COULD BE A REAL SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Sep 22, 201189,000 milesIL

I FIRST NOTICED THAT THE FRAME ON MY CAR HAS RUSTING AWAY A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. NOW, THE REAR OF THE FRAME ON BOTH SIDES IS 50% GONE! THE FRONT FRAME ON BOTH SIDES HAS RUSTED THROUGH AT THE WHEEL WELL. THERE IS EXTENSIVE RUST ON THE ENTIRE FRAME. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT AND I HAVE KEPT IT IN THE GARAGE IT'S ENTIRE LIFE. I HAD IT DETAILED EVERY SPRING AND EVERY FALL. I CALLED NISSAN TO COMPLAIN AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD DO NOTHING SINCE MY CAR WAS SO OLD. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW AND PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY OF 6 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES. IT HAS LESS THAN 94,000 MILES ON IT NOW. I FEEL THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I STRONGLY FEEL NISSAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEFECT AND SHOULD MAKE SOME EFFORT TO RECTIFY THIS MATTER WITH ME. THE FIRST MUFFLER ON THIS CAR OUTLASTED THE FRAME. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 13, 2011KY

WHEN I WENT TO CHANGE MY BRAKES ON OUR NISSAN PATHFINDER I SAW THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND FULL OF HOLES, THE GAS TANK AND REAR END HAVE FALLEN DOWN AND ARE HANGING ON BY THE FRAME. THIS VEHICLE WAS USED FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF MY FAMILY, AND I WAS TOLD BY AN ENGINEER THAT WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE TO BE ALIVE, AND VERY FORTUNATE THAT WE DID NOT KILL ANY INNOCENT PEOPLE. THERE HAS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. WHAT KIND OF COUNTRY DO WE LIVE IN THAT PUTS THE LIVES OF ITS CITIZENS IN DANGER FOR A CAR COMPANY? I PRAY NOT THIS ONE, PLEASE ACT. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 7, 201178,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR BEFORE DECELERATING AND BECOMING UNRESPONSIVE TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND BOTH COMPONENTS WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 20, 2011147,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND WAS DEEMED AS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE CONTACT HAD NOT YET RECEIVED ANY RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 147,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 5, 2011180,000 milesKY

SEVERE FRAME RUST AT REAR AXLE, BEHIND REAR WHEELS, RUSTED THROUGH ON 3 SIDES OF FRAME RAIL, REAR END OF BODY BOUNCES OFF FRAME WHEN HIT BUMPS, SLAMS DOWN LOUD AND HARD IN BACK. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HEARD THAT A COMBINATION OF POOR STEEL FROM CHINA AND PROBLEMS WITH THE COATING PROCESS HAVE LED TO THE FRAME ROT THAT IS COMMONPLACE WITH PATHFINDERS FROM 1993-2005. UPDATED 07/26/11 *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Mar 28, 2011160,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR STATE INSPECTION WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND WAS DEEMED AS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Feb 26, 2011119,893 milesKY

PATHFINDER FRAME IS RUSTING APART. NISSAN SHOULD HOLD A RECALL OF EVENTS. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Feb 23, 2011IN

I HAVE OWNED MY NISSAN FOR 4 YEARS. 144,400 MILES ON IT. DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE EXTENSIVE FRAME ROT UNTIL I HAD TO GET A NEW STARTER PUT ON. AT THAT TIME, I WAS INFORMED I SHOULD NOT DRIVE IT DUE TO THE EXTENSION RUST AND ROT. BUT, WHEN IT'S THE ONLY 4X4 YOU HAVE, NEED IT TO GET TO WORK ON DAYS OF SNOW. AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS, I FEEL THAT NISSAN SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL. I HAVE CONTACTED MY ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE. THEY CONTACTED NISSAN. NISSAN TOLD THEM THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE AND THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND WILL NOT HELP IN ANY REPAIRS. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 10, 201189,000 milesNH

MY 2005 NISSAN PATH FINDER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE RADIATOR THAT LED TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILING. THEY NEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR A WHILE AND SO DO ALL THE DEALERS AND TRANSMISSION SHOPS. THE DID NOTHING AND NOW ONLY COVER IT TO 80K. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 7, 2011200,400 milesIN

MY 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS VERY LITTLE RUST ON THE BODY ANYWHERE BUT THE FRAME IS BEYOND REPAIR BECAUSE OF RUST. THE BACK HALF OF THE FRAME IS TERRIBLE. IT RATTLES AND SHAKES WITH EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD. I HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND HE RECOMMENDED THAT I SHOULD STAY OUT OF IT FOR FEAR IT WOULD FALL APART GOING DOWN THE ROAD.EVERYTHING ELSE ON THIS VEHICLE IS GOOD AS CAN BE EXPECTED. HATE TO GIVE IT UP. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 21, 2010150,000 milesPA

WE HAVE A 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER THAT HAD THE FRAME REPAIRED FOR CORROSION TWICE IN THE PAST. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP FOR POSSIBLY A THIRD REPAIR. THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THIS IS A PERVASIVE PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF NISSAN. SINCE TOYOTA HAS RECALLED THEIR VEHICLES FOR SIMILAR PROBLEM, THE NISSAN PROBLEM SHOULD ALSO BE INVESTIGATED TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 22, 2010170,000 milesWI

MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THE FRAME ON MY 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER IS ROTTED OUT AND WAY BEYOND SAFE TO DRIVE AT ALL. WE TAKE CARE OF THIS THE SAME AS OTHER VEHICLES WE OWN, SOME THAT ARE OLDER, AND THERE IS NO FRAME ROT PROBLEMS WITH THEM. SOME ONLINE RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THIS TO BE AN EXTREMELY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM IN NISSAN PATHFINDERS. ALTHOUGH IT'S AN OLDER TRUCK, IT'S A DESIGN FLAW AND MAKES IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. TOYOTA HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND TOOK CARE OF IT, I CONTACTED NISSAN AND THEY WE WILLING TO DO NOTHING. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 13, 2010NY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH STATE INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME RAIL WAS MISSING. AFTER INSPECTING UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RAILS HAD RUSTED AND FELL OFF. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 8, 2010130,000 milesFL

NISSAN 1995 PATHFINDER HAS TWO HOLES CAUSED BY CORROSION DIRECTLY UNDER THE REAR PASSENGER SEATS THAT ALLOWED SEVERAL ITEMS (SPARE TIRE JACK PARTS) TO FALL ONTO THE ROAD. THEY ALSO ALLOWED AUTOMOBILE EXHAUST TO ENTER THE INSIDE OF THE CAR WHEN THE EXHAUST PIPE CORRODED THROUGH AND SEPARATED FROM THE MUFFLER. ALSO, A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF CORROSION ON THE REAR PORTION OF THE FRAME FROM JUST BEFORE THE WHEEL WELL TO THE END OF THE FRAME. THE MUFFLER HAS BEEN REPAIRED BUT THE FRAME CORROSION APPEARS TO MASSIVE TO REPAIR AND THE VEHICLE WILL BE SCRAPPED. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 15, 201028,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR WOULD NOT READ FUEL LEVELS BELOW HALF FULL. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER ADVISED THE FUEL TANK SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Mar 22, 2010150,000 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS CORRODING AND COULD POTENTIALLY CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND NOT TO DRIVE IT UNTIL IT WAS REPAIRED. THE FRAME WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 182,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 21, 2009150,000 milesPA

IT IS A ABSOLUTE INJUSTICE THAT NOTHING HAS EVER BEEN DONE ABOUT THE FRAME RUST ISSUE ON THE 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDERS. I JUST PURCHASED ONE A MONTH AGO THINKING I WAS GETTING A GOOD DEAL! THE EXTERIOR OF THE FRAME LOOKED TO BE SOLID. I WAS PUTTING NEW BRAKES ON WHEN I GRABBED THE FRAME FROM THE INSIDE FOR LEVERAGE. MY HAND WENT RIGHT THROUGH. THE BEST PART IS THE TRUCK WAS INSPECTED! HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? I LIVE IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY AND FREQUENT JOE'S U PULL IT SALVAGE YARD. THERE ARE LITERALLY A HUNDRED OR MORE PATHFINDERS IN THE YARD THAT LOOK VERY NICE WITH NO FRAME LEFT. I HAVE ALSO STUMBLED ACROSS NUMEROUS FORUMS WITH THOUSANDS LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME ISSUE. I GUESS NHTSA WILL JUST IGNORE THE PROBLEM UNTIL A CERTAIN NUMBER IS REACHED OF FATALITIES. WE HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THERE IS IMMINENT PROOF THAT THE DEATHS WERE DUE TO STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF THE FRAME. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 21, 2009503,529 miles00

WHILE INSPECTING THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, NOTICED THAT HOLES ARE RUSTED RIGHT THROUGH THE FRAME IN THE AREA OVER THE REAR AXLE. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 13, 2009163,000 milesOH

WE OWN A 95 NISSAN PATHFINDER.LAST WEEK THE REAR FRAME AND REAR STABILIZERS BROKE IN 2.TRUCK CANT BE DRIVEN,AS WHEN THAT HAPPENED IT PULLED AND SEVERED THE REAR BRAKE LINES.THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT ON THESE. TOYOTA HAS A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH THEIR FRAMES ON THEIR TACOMA TRUCKS.THEY HAVE A RECALL ON THEM,TO GET THEM OFF THE ROAD. NISSAN NEEDS TO DO THE SAME,IMO,BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED..THEIR ARE MANY STORIES ABOUT THIS ON THE INTERNET. JUST GOOGLE NISSAN PATHFINDER FRAME RAILS FOR MORE. THANKS. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 21, 2009150,000 milesMI

VEHICLES STEEL FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING IT TO SEVER. OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING. THE HANGING METAL PARTS THEN SEVERED MY BRAKE LINE CAUSING LEAK, ENDANGERING MY SAFETY. THIS DAMAGE IS NOT DUE TO OWNER NEGLIGENCE. NEARLY ALL OWNERS OF 1995NISSANPATHFINDERS EXPERIENCE SIMILAR ISSUE. NISSAN HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. THIS PROBLEM ENDANGERS THE DRIVER AND MAY BE FATAL. A RECALL SHOULD BE PUT IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE RUNS FINE BUT IS IMMOBILE DUE TO FAULTY AND CORRODED FRAME. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 1, 2009NY

1992-1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER FRAMES ARE RUSTING AWAY THE ONLY WAY TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM IS TO REPLACED THE CHASSIS. IT DOES NOT MATTER WERE THE CAR RESIDES. *TR

Suspension
Filed Sep 15, 2009204,600 milesIL

THIS CAR CANNOT GO OVER 80 MPH. WHEN DRIVING HIGH SPEED ON "OPEN" ROAD, CAR STARTS TO VIBRATE WILDLY. ALSO, JUST HEARD POP AND HAD CAR AT MECHANICS IMMEDIATELY. CHECKED AND FOUND DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT ROD WAS BROKEN. REPLACED THIS STRUT 204,000 MILES. OWNER OF THIS CAR IS LUCKY TO STILL DRIVE THIS CAR, AS THIS CAR GIVES A REALLY ROCKY, ROUGH RIDE, ESPECIALLY AT ANY SPEED OVER 50 MPH. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 20, 2009PA

I OWN A 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER THAT WAS PURCHASED IN 1997. SINCE THAT TIME I HAD TO HAVE THE FRAME WELDED 2 TIMES IN ORDER TO PASS INSPECTION AND TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. THIS WAS DONE BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM WAS NEVER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND I HAD TO ABSORB THE COST ON MY OWN. THIS APPARENTLY IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE BASED ON CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL OF VEHICLE AND REPAIRMEN WHO DEAL WITH FRAME REPAIRS AND MECHANICS. THIS NOT ONLY IS AN ECONOMIC ISSUE BUT ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF THE FRAMES HAVE CORROSION PROBLEMS THE FRAME CAN COLLAPSE DURING A COLLISION BECAUSE THE STABILITY OF THE FRAME WAS COMPROMISED BY THE CORROSION PROBLEM. RECENTLY, TOYOTA HAS VOLUNTARILY RECALLED 1995 TRUCKS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND BECAUSE OF THIS RECALL I FEEL THAT NISSAN SHOULD BE COMPELLED TO DO THE SAME. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ALLEGATION BECAUSE I THINK YOU WILL FIND IT VERY CREDIBLE. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 19, 2009113,000 milesKS

WHILE WASHING MY 1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER LE, I NOTICED THAT THE MAIN FRAME RAILS ARE RUSTED OUT. THIS IS IN THE ARCH ABOVE THE REAR AXLE AREA AND IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OF THE BOX SECTION MOVING OUTWARD. THEREFORE, THE DAMAGE IN COMPLETELY INVISIBLE UNTIL IT WORKS ITS WAY THROUGH THE HEAVY METAL OF THE FRAME. THE DAMAGE THAT I CAN EASILY SEE IS ABOUT 10 INCHES LONG AND UP THE WHOLE HEIGHT OF THE RAIL. FEELING WITH MY FINGERS I CAN FEEL RUST ALL ALONG THE INTERIOR. THIS VEHICLE IS A LOCAL VEHICLE IN WICHITA, KANSAS AND HAS NOT EXPERIENCED EXCESSIVE ROAD SALTING. I HAVE BEEN THE OWNER FOR 5 YEARS AND KNOW THE PREVIOUS OWNER. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN STORED UNDER COVER THROUGHOUT ITS ENTIRE LIFE. NIGHT TIME IN A GARAGE AND IN A COVERED PARKING GARAGE DURING WORKING HOURS. THE EXTERIOR PAINT IS LIKE NEW, BUT THE FRAME IS ROTTING OUT. NO CORRECTIONS TO REMEDY THE RUSTED FRAME HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT AS OF YET. *TR

Structure
Filed Mar 13, 2009504,156 miles00

FRAME SECTION ABOVE REAR WHEELS IS RUSTED OUT AS WITH SO MANY OTHER NISSAN PATHFINDERS (1995 MODEL). THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN AS THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS ARE BARELY ATTACHED TO THE FRAME ANYMORE. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF THIS PROBLEM NOR IS THE VEHICLE DRIVEN OFF-ROAD. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 17, 2009PA

BOUGHT A NISSAN PATHFINDER, 1995. GOT A CERTIFIED MECHANIC TO LOOK UNDER THE CAR AND THERE IS EXCESSIVE RUST AND FRAME ROT. THEY SAID THAT THE CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION THE WAY IT IS AND IS UNSAFE FOR ROAD USE. *TR

Structure
Filed Jan 17, 200911,900 milesPA

FRAME RUSTED OUT ON MY PATHFINDER FAILED INSPECTION. ONLY OWNED IT 11 MONTHS. I HAVE OWNED AND LEASED 6 NISSAN IN THE PAST AND NISSAN WILL NOT EVEN RESPOND TO MY COMPLAINT. IF YOU GO TO THE WEBSITE (NISSAN COMMENTS )THIS SITE HAS OVER 100 OTHER CONCERNED CUSTOMERS WITH EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH NO RESPONSE FROM NISSAN. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 7, 2008111,000 milesMA

TOOK MY CAR IN FOR INSPECTION STICKER & WAS TOLD THE WHOLE FRAME WAS ROTTED/RUSTED OUT SO BAD HE DIDN'T EVEN RECOMMEND I DRIVE IT OFF THE LOT. HAVING A SMALL CHILD I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT & IMMEDIATELY WENT OUT TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 28, 2008186,500 milesCT

AS I WAS LEAVING WORK I MADE TO RIGHT TURN TO HEAD TOWARDS THE HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD LOW POP FROM THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. THEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT SO I PULL OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER. I LOOK UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND NOTICE THAT REAR AXEL HAD SEPARATED FROM THE FROM. I DIDN'T FEEL SAFE IN PUTTING THAT VEHICLE BACK ON THE ROAD SO I CALL FOR A TOW. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 21, 2008MA

1959 NISSAN, PATHFINDER ROTTED FRAME. DID NOT KNOW THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. I WENT TO GET MY MUFFLER SYSTEM REPLACED AND WAS TOLD NOT TO SPEND THE MONEY BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED AND WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION IN JUNE. HE THEN PROCEED TO PUT HIS HAND THROUGH THE ROT IN THE DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE FRAME. I WAS TOLD IF I WERE TO HIT A POT HOLE THAT WOULD BE THE END OF THE CAR. THE CAR DID NOT HAVE ANY ROT ON THE BODY-WAS IN EXCELLENT RUNNING CONDITION AND ALWAYS REPLACING ANYTHING THAT NEEDED TO-WAS ALWAYS TAKEN CARE OF. THAT'S WHEN I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS A DEFECT THAT NISSAN KNEW ABOUT BUT NEVER DID ANYTHING OR NOTIFIED ANY OWNER ABOUT IT. I WAS NOT ABLE TO TAKE ANYONE IN THE CAR WITH ME AFTER THIS IN FEAR THAT I WOULD HAVE AN ACCIDENT AND SOMEONE WOULD GET HURT. I WAS FORCED TO BUY ANOTHER CAR BEFORE BY JUNE INSPECTION OR WOULD NO VEHICLE AT ALL. *TR

Structure
Filed Oct 13, 2008123,905 milesKY

1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS SEVERE FRAME ROT. VERY UNSAFE TO OPERATE. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 13, 200870,000 milesMA

1995 NISSAN PATHFINDER XE FRAME ROT, SCALING AND FAULTY MANIFOLD STUDS OR MANIFOLD (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=1995, MAKE=NISSAN, MODEL=PATHFINDER). *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 170, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202615000Routine
202557100Routine
202487200Routine
2023107100Routine
2022137510Routine
202048000Routine
201976210Routine
201878300Routine
2017188220Routine
2016105200Routine
2015321510Above average
20145761130Above average
20138911110Above average
201223210Routine
201145210Routine
201040500Routine
200937400Routine
2008328500Above average
2007561220Above average
2006837500Above average
20051,050461Fatalities reported
200467700Routine
2003110710Routine
2002156910Routine
2001230721Fatalities reported
2000112621Fatalities reported
1999104520Routine
1998149412Fatalities reported
1997217421Fatalities reported
1996159503Fatalities reported
1995 — this page170066Fatalities reported
199491220Routine
199349030Routine
199230020Routine
199139130Routine
199038220Routine

Compare every Pathfinder year →

Reading this record

6 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.