Nissan / Pathfinder / 1998
1998 Nissan Pathfinder problems
Owners have filed 194 complaints about the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder with NHTSA. Suspension accounts for 24.7% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 11.9%.
Complaints194
Crashes31
Fires1
Injuries41
Deaths4
What owners report breaking
Suspension 24.7% · 48
Power train 11.9% · 23
Vehicle speed control 9.3% · 18
Structure 8.2% · 16
Service brakes, hydraulic 8.2% · 16
Steering 5.7% · 11
Tires 5.7% · 11
Air bags 5.2% · 10
Severity
Of those complaints, 31 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire, 41 report an injury and 4 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 24 model years of the Nissan Pathfinder in this data, 1998 sits 15th by complaint volume. 2005 draws the most.
Filing volume has held steady, 17 in the last three years against 19 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 114,000 miles.
In owners' own words
My 98 Nissan Pathfinder sways uncontrollably from side to side when driving on uneven roads and freeway which could cause to loose control of the vehicle and crash. Numerous owners have reported the same problem on the internet and have been identified as a problem with the rear suspension control arm bushings and may include the control arm itself also known as upper and lower link arms. *Jb updated 10/22/07 Suspension · reported at 139,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder. While driving 60 mph or greater, the rear of the vehicle sways left to right. The tire shop stated that the vehicle needed new tires and shocks. The shop made the replacement, however, the failure persists. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle. The vin and engine size were unknown. The current mileage was 90,000 and failure mileage was 85,000. Suspension · reported at 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder. When the vehicle was taken in for inspection, the front driver's side strut assembly was fractured and separated from the uni-body. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that it was unable to be repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 176,000. Suspension · reported at 176,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…