FaultScore

1993 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems

27 of the 67 complaints about the 1993 Nissan Pathfinder are about the engine — 40% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 80,750 miles.

F

27

Complaints

0

Crashes

2

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe 16 59.3%
Exhaust System 8 29.6%
Engine 2 7.4%
Gasoline 1 3.7%

Engine & Cooling across every Nissan Pathfinder year

1990 17 0.9%
1993 27 1.5%
1994 36 2.0%
1995 54 2.9%
1996 16 0.9%
1997 17 0.9%
2001 18 1.0%
2002 43 2.3%
2003 32 1.7%
2005 438 23.8%
2006 333 18.1%
2007 243 13.2%
2008 84 4.6%
2009 11 0.6%
2011 10 0.5%
2013 110 6.0%
2014 67 3.6%
2015 75 4.1%
2016 28 1.5%
2017 85 4.6%
2018 14 0.8%
2019 16 0.9%
2020 16 0.9%
2022 18 1.0%
2023 15 0.8%
2024 18 1.0%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 36,705 miles SAN Diego, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

THERE IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE MANIFOLD STUDS BREAKING, RESULTING IN AN EXHAUST LEAK INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH CAUSES EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.

NHTSA complaint #10099726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 56,500 miles Honolulu, HI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

EXHAUST MANIFOLD LEAKS DUE TO POOR QUALITY EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND/OR BOLTS.

NHTSA complaint #10046869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,000 miles Merced, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

EXHUAST MANIFOLD STUDS KEEP BREAKING CAUSING LEAKAGE, FUMES, AND NOISE. HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN 45K MILES AT $500 TO $1200 PER INCIDENT. HAVE FILED COMPLAINT WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS (INCIDENT 4259794). NISSAN DECLINED TO ASSIST BECAUSE THEY SAID VECHICLE WAS BEYOND USEFUL SERVICE LIFE. EVEN IF THAT WERE TRUE, THE REPAIRS I'M PAYING THEM FOR OVER AND OVER SHOULD HAVE A USEFUL SERVICE LIFE. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL DEALERS THAT THIS WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. COMMON NISSAN, FIX THIS PROBLEM ONCE AND FOR ALL. I JUST WANT TO HAVE IT FIXED ONCE AND FOR ALL WITHOUT HAVING TO KEEP ON PAYING FOR THIS. CHECK OUT THIS FORUM HTTP://FORUMS.VMAG.COM/SUVPATHFINDER0200 WHERE THERE ARE LITERALLY 100'S OF COMPLAINTS.

NHTSA complaint #10037263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Earlville, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS ARE BROKEN ON BOTH SIDES. DEALERSHIP WANTS $1400.00 TO REPAIR. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT NISSAN HAS BEEN AWARE OF AND DOES NOTHING TO COMPENSATE THEIR CUSTOMERS FOR. CAUSES EXHAST LEAKS INTO THE CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10005540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Vienna, VA Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

BURNED THROUGH FLOOR, PAN OVER EXHAUST PIPE. FLAMMABLE PADDING UNDER CARPET CAUGHT FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #764995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Snowmass Village, CO

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED,AND BOLTS WERE BROKEN, CAUSING EXHAUST FUMES TO LEAK INSIDE VEHICLE WHEN OUTDOOR VENT WAS OPEN.CONTACTED DEALER.THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #8014491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Twin Falls, ID

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

EVERY TIME VEHICLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP ENGINE DIES OUT. TAKES NUMEROUS TRIES TO GET VEHICLE TO RESTART. CONTACTED DEALER, THEY WERE NOT HELPFUL.

NHTSA complaint #8007148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stamford, CT

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

BROKEN ENGINE EXHAUST STUDS; ALSO, OCCURRED IN 1994,1995 MODELS.

NHTSA complaint #756504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Temecula, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

THE TIMING BELT OF THE VEHICLE BROKE CAUSING LOSS OF POWER. THE DEALER REPLACED.THE PISTONS STUCK IN A CLOSED POSITION AND IT BENT THE VALVES IN THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER WAS SEEKING PARTILA REFUND FOR BENT VALVE AND PISTON THAT WERE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #562115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Temecula, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

THE DEALER REPLACED THE GASKETS,STUDS,WASHERS AND NUTS ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.

NHTSA complaint #562115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

REF. SERVICE BULLETIN #: FC0009202 / NHTSA ITEM #: SB035797 -- EXHAUST NOISE AND EXHAUST SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE DUE TO BROKEN MANIFOLD STUDS. AS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE, THE RIGHT MANIFOLD STUDS BROKE AT 36,705 MILES AND WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY BY NISSAN. AT 48,654 MILES, THE LEFT MANIFOLD STUDS BROKE AND WAS REPAIRED AT MY COST (APPROX $350). NOW, AT 113,500 MILES, THE LEFT MANIFOLD STUDS APPEAR TO BE BROKEN AND REQUIRE REPAIR. NISSAN REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, EVEN THOUGH THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THEIR 1993 ENGINES. FOR 1995 & 1996 MODELS, THEY'VE EXTENDED THEIR WARRANTY TO 100,000 MILES. THEN, IN 1997, THEY INTRODUCED A NEW DESIGN WHICH CHANGED THE BOLT SIZE FROM 8MM TO 10MM BOLTS (RECTIFYING THE KNOWN PROBLEM). EVEN WITH SUCH AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, NISSAN REFUSES TO WARRANTEE THE REPAIRS! I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT A RECALL BE ISSUED REQUIRING NISSAN TO UPGRADE THE ENGINE/EXHAUST SYSTEMS IN THE PRE-1997 NISSAN PATHFINDERS (IN THAT, THIS BROKEN MANIFOLD STUDS PROBLEM WILL CONTINUE TO REOCCUR EVERY 50,000 MILES OR SO). THANK YOU. SINCERELY, MICHAEL J. *AKGALL.

NHTSA complaint #738017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oskaloosa, IA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

BOTH MY MANIFOLD HAVE FALLEN DOWN BECAUSE OF A BROKEN BOLT ON THE MOTOR, THEY TELL ME THIS IS A FAULT ON THES CARS.

NHTSA complaint #736777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami, FL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS BROKE OFF, CAUSING EXHAUST LEAK.

NHTSA complaint #721841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LAS Vegas, NV

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

#1 AND #2 CYLINDER EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS BROKEN ONE YEAR APART...MANUFACTURER DEFECT? AS THERE APPEARS TO BE MANY REPORTS AND TSB, AND COSTLY TO REPAIR

NHTSA complaint #711534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Poulsbo, WA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

THE DEALER REPLACED TWO STUDS WHILE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY (6 YEAR / 60K MI). I RECENTLY TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP FOR A TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT AND INSPECTION. THEY INFORMED ME I HAD THREE MORE BROKEN OR CRACKED STUDS. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME IT WOULD COST AROUND $1000.00 TO REPLACE ALL THE STUDS. I HAVE BEEN TO SEVERAL PATHFINDER BULLETIN BOARDS AND THIS IS A COMMON FACTORY DEFECT FOR SEVERAL YEARS OF PATHFINDER. I FEEL NISSAN SHOULD COVER THE COST OF PARTS AND AT LEAST 50% OF THE LABOR FOR REPAIRS.

NHTSA complaint #709529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Poulsbo, WA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

THE DEALER REPLACED TWO STUDS WHILE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY (6 YEAR / 60K MI). I RECENTLY TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP FOR A TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT AND INSPECTION. THEY INFORMED ME I HAD THREE MORE BROKEN OR CRACKED STUDS. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME IT WOULD COST AROUND $1000.00 TO REPLACE ALL THE STUDS. I HAVE BEEN TO SEVERAL PATHFINDER BULLETIN BOARDS AND THIS IS A COMMON FACTORY DEFECT FOR SEVERAL YEARS OF PATHFINDER. I FEEL NISSAN SHOULD COVER THE COST OF PARTS AND AT LEAST 50% OF THE LABOR FOR REPAIRS.

NHTSA complaint #709529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Annapolis, MD Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

THE EXHAUST PIPE UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER'S SEAT BURNED A HOLE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS.

NHTSA complaint #827122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orchard Park, NY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM, GAS ODOR AND NOISE, THAT HAPPENS TO ALMOST ALL PATHFINDERS.

NHTSA complaint #702519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Worth, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR SAME DISCREPANCY 3 PREVIOUS TIMES. THIS IS THE FORTH OCCURRENCE. THE OCCURRENCES WERE AS FOLLOWS: 1. 06/11/96 (36,389 MILES) GRUBBS NISSAN REPLACED 2 RIGHT SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS WHICH BROKE. NISSAN REPAIRED/REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. 2. 07/24/96 (37,549 MILES) GRUBBS NISSAN TIGHTENED EXHAUST MANIFOLD NUTS. 3. 11/28/97 (54,977 MILES) GRUBBS NISSAN REPLACED 6 LEFT SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS AND MACHINED WARPED MANIFOLD UNDER WARRANTY. 4. 11/12/98 (68,140 MILES) RETURNED VEHICLE TO GRUBBS NISSAN FOR EXHAUST MANIFOLD LEAK AGAIN. GRUBBS CONFIRED ALL 6 RIGHT SIDE STUDS REQUIRE REPLACEMENT AGAIN. GRUBBS AND NISSAN ARE UNWILLING TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. I CONTACTED NISSAN ON 11/12/98 AND THEY OPENED CASE FILE #2739229. ON 11/17/98, GRUBBS CONTACTED ME AND ADVISED ME NISSAN WILL NOT OFFER ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ON THIS REPETATIVE FAILURE. I CONFIRMED NISSAN OPENED A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS DISCREPANCY IN APRIL 1994 UNDER TSB NO. 94041.

NHTSA complaint #700673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Duarte, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

I WAS INFORMED BY A NISSAN DEALER THAT THE EXHAUST BOLTS NEED REPLACING AND POSSIBLY THE EXHAUST MANFOLD AT A COST OF APPOX $1300.00. I JUST VISITED THE NISSAN WEBSITE AND NOTICED THAT THIS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AND NISSSN IS NOT ADDRESSING IT. ALSO, MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH PATHFINDERS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND LET ME KNOW YOUR FINDINGS -OR- IF YOU HAVE A PROCEDURE OF INFORMING THE PUBLIC, PLEASE DO.

NHTSA complaint #700518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Worcester, MA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #781351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Santa ANA, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS BROKE.

NHTSA complaint #781008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami, FL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUD BROKE CAUSING FUMES.

NHTSA complaint #537379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sherman, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING ON THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATED THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #827011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Littleton, CO

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

FUMES FROM A LEAKING EXHAUST ARE NOTICABLE IN THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT.

NHTSA complaint #529565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Littleton, CO

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

FUMES FROM A LEAKING EXHAUST ARE NOTICABLE IN THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT.

NHTSA complaint #529566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Alta Loma, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING A LEAK.

NHTSA complaint #510694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 1993 Nissan Pathfinder problems

← Full 1993 Nissan Pathfinder report