NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
929.0%
Automatic Transmission
929.0%
Exhaust System
39.7%
Engine
39.7%
Column Shift
26.5%
Fuel Pump
26.5%
Buckle Assembly
26.5%
Differential Unit
13.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 5Mar 2004
NHTSA investigations into the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA95007Opened 10 Mar 1995Closed 2 Aug 1995SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
Recalls on the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
95V103002
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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.
Risk: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
90V072000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES WERE PRINTED ON CERTIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1995084106,721 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
THE (Takata) ABS PLASTIC FRONT SEAT BELT RELEASE BUTTONS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY BREAK ALLOWING PLASTIC PIECES TO FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. IF THIS SHOULD HAPPEN, A NO LATCH, FALSE LATCH OR FAILURE TO UNLATCH CONDITION COULD OCCUR CREATING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH OR SUDDEN STOP. CORRECTION: FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED AS NECESSARY.
Recall 199011340,564 units in Canada
Suspension
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 120 - TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS. INCORRECT LABELLING.
WHEN DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LOSS OF ALL BRAKES AND CLUTCH WHEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSE OF FIRE MAY BE LINKED TO THE FUEL INJECTOR WHICH POSSIBLE HAD A CRACK CAUSING A LEAK WHICH CAUSED THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #866980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Broom Field, COFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
OWNER STATES THAT FOR NO REASON HIS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN PARKING LOT .FIRE DEPARTMENT STATES THAT IT MAY HAVE STARTED FROM ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #808278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hazard, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKES LOCKED UP CAUSING ACCIDENT. *DSH
NHTSA complaint #503948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Eden, UT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
INQUIRY WHETHER NISSAN IS OBLIGATED TO REPAIR OR COVER THE COST OF REPAIR FOR BROKE EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS WHICH COULD CAUSE CARBON MONOXIDE PROBLEMS. *PH
NHTSA complaint #10064994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 226,904 milesAnchorage, AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10060326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 226,904 milesAnchorage, AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10060326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,921 milesCitrus Heights, CO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
MULTIPLE STUDS BROKEN ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD MULTIPLE TIMES. RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE TWICE. LEFT SIDE ONCE.
NHTSA complaint #10004963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eastsound, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
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!
NHTSA complaint #760684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
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.
NHTSA complaint #8001243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfax, VA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #746898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
EXHAUST MANIFOLD LEAKS ARE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE PATHFINDER WITH MANY OF THE REPAIRS BEING PERFORMED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. MY FIRST REPAIR WAS COMPLETED IN THE FALL OF 1996 WITH THE MANIFOLDS REMOVED, TRUED TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS, BROKEN MANIFOLD STUDS REPLACED WITH THE FACTORY RECOMMENDED PARTS AND REASSEMBLED BY A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE REPAIR CAST $800.00 AND LASTED 6 MONTHS. NISSAN IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THESE MANIFOLDS AND IN 1997 ISSUED A "SILENT" RECALL ON THEIR 1996 AND 1997 PATHFINDERS BUT WILL NOT HELP THE FOLKS WITH THE OLDER TRUCKS. FACTORY REPLACEMENTS OF THE MANIFOLDS HAVE NOT ELIMINATED THE PROBLEM FOR OTHERS AND AT $800.00 FOR THE REPAIR DOING IT MORE THAN ONCE SEEMS EXCESSIVE. THERE ARE SEVERAL WEB SITES THAT HAVE ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM AND IT SEEMS WELL DOCUMENTED, WE FEEL THAT NISSAN NEEDS TO BE PUSHED TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #737123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vallejo, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #727436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Provo, UT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
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.
NHTSA complaint #867760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEN DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LOSS OF ALL BRAKES AND CLUTCH WHEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSE OF FIRE MAY BE LINKED TO THE FUEL INJECTOR WHICH POSSIBLE HAD A CRACK CAUSING A LEAK WHICH CAUSED THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #866980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelbyville, TN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILURE HAS OCCURRED THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS.
NHTSA complaint #707803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cornwall Bridge, CT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THERE ARE 2 RECURRING PROBLEMS THAT APPEAR TO BE PATENT DEFECTS WITH MOST EARLY 90'S PATHFINDERS. THEY DESERVE INVESTIGATION BY DOT. FIRST IS PREMATURE AND REPEATED FAILURE OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, PROBABLY (BUT NOT CERTAINLY) DUE TO INADEQUATE OIL COOLING. I NOTE THAT IN THE YOUR DATABASE THERE ARE 30+ REPORTS OF TRANSMISSION FAILURES (SEVERAL OF THEM INDICATING MULTIPLE FAILURES) FOR MODEL YEARS 1989-1991. THERE ARE ALSO A DOZEN OR MORE REPORTS OF EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUD FAILURE - MOST INDICATING MULTIPLE FAILURES - AND NISSAN DEALERS REPORT THAT THIS HAPPENS TO VIRTUALLY EVERY EARLY 90'S PATHFINDER. AT $300-400 A POP, THIS IS AN OUTRAGE...AND IF YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD (WHICH MAY WARP WHEN THE STUD BREAKS), IT'S $1,300 PLUS! I'VE SPENT OVER $8,000 ON REPAIRS FOR THESE 2 TYPES OF PROBLEMS, AND NISSAN IS UNRESPONSIVE. I'D LOVE TO KNOW WHAT THEIR OWN RECORDS SHOW IN TERMS OF # AND $ VOLUME OF DEALER SERVICE INCIDENTS RELATING JUST TO THESE PATENT DEFECTS.
NHTSA complaint #707774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cornwall Bridge, CT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
THERE ARE 2 RECURRING PROBLEMS THAT APPEAR TO BE PATENT DEFECTS WITH MOST EARLY 90'S PATHFINDERS. THEY DESERVE INVESTIGATION BY DOT. FIRST IS PREMATURE AND REPEATED FAILURE OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, PROBABLY (BUT NOT CERTAINLY) DUE TO INADEQUATE OIL COOLING. I NOTE THAT IN THE YOUR DATABASE THERE ARE 30+ REPORTS OF TRANSMISSION FAILURES (SEVERAL OF THEM INDICATING MULTIPLE FAILURES) FOR MODEL YEARS 1989-1991. THERE ARE ALSO A DOZEN OR MORE REPORTS OF EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUD FAILURE - MOST INDICATING MULTIPLE FAILURES - AND NISSAN DEALERS REPORT THAT THIS HAPPENS TO VIRTUALLY EVERY EARLY 90'S PATHFINDER. AT $300-400 A POP, THIS IS AN OUTRAGE...AND IF YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD (WHICH MAY WARP WHEN THE STUD BREAKS), IT'S $1,300 PLUS! I'VE SPENT OVER $8,000 ON REPAIRS FOR THESE 2 TYPES OF PROBLEMS, AND NISSAN IS UNRESPONSIVE. I'D LOVE TO KNOW WHAT THEIR OWN RECORDS SHOW IN TERMS OF # AND $ VOLUME OF DEALER SERVICE INCIDENTS RELATING JUST TO THESE PATENT DEFECTS.
NHTSA complaint #707774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summerland, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #835077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson Heights, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE HAS NO POWER, HEARS KNOKING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING, FOUND VEHICLE JUMP TIME, REMOVED AND REPLACED TIMING BELT, FUEL PUMP SHOULD STILL BE REMOVED AND FOLLOWED UP, PROBLEM OCCURED AFTER FILLING UP GAS TANK.
NHTSA complaint #513601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pasadena, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
ENGINE FAILURE. OWNER CLAIMS THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF VG30 ENGINE FAILURES.
NHTSA complaint #540284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarence, NY
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
REPEATED TRANSMISSION PLANETARY GEAR FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #537009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Franci, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
DEALER ADVISES WARPING OF EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAUSED EXHAUST STUDS TO BREAK. ALSO STATES THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #532449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfiel, IL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR CANNOT BE UNLOCKED WITH KEY.
NHTSA complaint #530442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norwalk, CT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #525231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #808801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson Heights, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TIMING BELT REPLACED DUE TO LOSS OF POWER.
NHTSA complaint #515610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson Heights, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #515610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, NJ
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THE REAR SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WILL NOT STAY BUCKLED, PROBLEM NOT CORRECTED BY DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #810121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.