Nissan / Pathfinder / 1996
1996 Nissan Pathfinder problems
Owners have filed 214 complaints about the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder with NHTSA. Suspension accounts for 31.8% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of steering at 11.7%.
Complaints214
Crashes24
Fires0
Injuries44
Deaths3
What owners report breaking
Suspension 31.8% · 68
Steering 11.7% · 25
Engine and engine cooling 7.5% · 16
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.5% · 14
Power train 6.1% · 13
Tires 6.1% · 13
Electrical system 5.6% · 12
Structure 5.6% · 12
Severity
Of those complaints, 24 describe a crash, 44 report an injury and 3 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 24 model years of the Nissan Pathfinder in this data, 1996 sits 12th by complaint volume. 2005 draws the most.
Filing volume has held steady, 16 in the last three years against 16 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 120,500 miles.
In owners' own words
My 1996 Nissan Pathfinder se has a terrible wobble, swaying motion ( left to right) that resembles that of rocking a boat. I had the shocks replaced, new tires, ect., But it still exist when you get up to about 60 mph. I have almost had some serious accidents and eventually, I am sure it will happen. I have a friend who has the same problem. I am completely baffled and do not know what the problem is. Suspension · reported at 130,000 miles
Consumer was entering onto the highway, traveling about 40-50 mph in rainy weather conditions when the vehicle flipped over three times. Occupants were trapped in vehicle. The air bags deployed, and occupants inhaled chemicals escaping from air bags, causing occupants to choke. Consumer has contacted the dealer. *Ak power steering failed. *Slc Suspension
1996 Nissan Pathfinder has inherent rear suspension problem. Thousands of these vehicles sway uncontrollably from the rear without any action by the driver. The problem is poor design by the manufacturer resulting in a very dangerous and sometimes uncontrollable driving situation. Nissan should recall these vehicles. Suspension · reported at 131,100 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…