1991 Nissan Pathfinder
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Nissan › Pathfinder › 1991
These records cover every 1991 Nissan Pathfinder. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder. Newest first.
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 and remedy
Risk
The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make sure the latch IS securely locked, and then pressing the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button IS pressed. If either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired free of charge.
Owner complaints
39 complaints3 involved a crash3 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Rear frame on these SUV rusted out from the inside out, was pull a small trailer and the frame at the driver side rear wheel come apart and went to many junkyards to find that this IS a problem with all pathfinder from 89-95 they rust from the inside out giving no warning that it IS failing, some…
Rear frame on these SUV rusted out from the inside out, was pull a small trailer and the frame at the driver side rear wheel come apart and went to many junkyards to find that this IS a problem with all pathfinder from 89-95 they rust from the inside out giving no warning that it IS failing, some that I check with a hammer at the junkyard the hammer went threw the frames, nissan has to know about this problem it could cause a wreck if the frame IS weak ,with no warning !!!! *tr
- Tires
1991 nissan pathfinder developing problems with the goodyear fortera tire equipment. ***No answer required***. *Mr one of the vehicel' s front tires was cupped severely and caused the vehicle to wander when driven (goodyear fortera H1). *nm
- Tires
While driving 70 mph driver's side rear tire blew out. consumer pulled off the road, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The cause was not determined. firestone, firehawk, dot bb604rb307. *Ak
- Steering · Suspension
Steering mechnism has failed, causing unven wear on the tires. Dealer notified. *Ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Abnormal tread separation. *ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Consumer was denied reimbursement for 4 p235/75r15 firestone atx steel belted radial tires he purchased which were part of safety recall 00t005. *tt
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
While in a car crash rear driver's and passenger's seatbacks reclined upon impact. Please provide further information.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Recall 95v103002 repairs were previously done. however, seat belt buckles are failing to remain locked, preventing passengers from being properly restrained. no determination has been made for cause of this problem. please provide any additional information / attachments.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Power train › Automatic transmission › Torque converter
Unknown to me as explained to me by transmission mechanic the torque converter was disintegrating over time putting debris into transmission cooler located inside the radiator. This clogged up the radiator thus preventing cooling of transmission. Transmission gears thus wore out due to excessive…
Unknown to me as explained to me by transmission mechanic the torque converter was disintegrating over time putting debris into transmission cooler located inside the radiator. This clogged up the radiator thus preventing cooling of transmission. Transmission gears thus wore out due to excessive heat. The mechanic whose specialty IS transmissions has received bulletins from his trade association and nissan on this matter but at the time could only show me bulletin from the "infinity Q45 "model who has the same transmission and problems. Mechanic told me that nissan advice was to add an external transmission cooler which would allow a little longer life, but eventually the torque converter will go. I had only 62K miles and consider this not enough to warrant transmission failure. nissan does not have a recall on this thus will not help out on expenses. I feel they should contribute something since they knowingly were aware of this problem which was a poorly manufactured torque converter. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Lh and rh exhaust manifold studs failed.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
No summary
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Fuel system, other · Power train › Automatic transmission · Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar · Vehicle speed control
Steering wheel replaced due to distortion (one side was like a pliable rubber hose).
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Driving about 45mph, automatic transmission began to slip until vehicle came to a stop. could not move forward or reverse. transmission IS being rebuilt by aamco. cause unknown. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The fuel tank was neither damaged or rusty, yet at only 65K miles it needed to be replaced as the tank failed the recently introduced pressure test in de when undergoing its 2 yearly inspection. The dealer informed me that the tank had warped just enough where the pump seals to the tank that it was…
The fuel tank was neither damaged or rusty, yet at only 65K miles it needed to be replaced as the tank failed the recently introduced pressure test in de when undergoing its 2 yearly inspection. The dealer informed me that the tank had warped just enough where the pump seals to the tank that it was bubbling and as the tanks were made out of too thin a metal at that point, and as this was the 4TH one to go this year and they had already tried 2 seals, and liquid sealant, all to no effect, that I therefore needed a new tank. The manufacturer refused to compensate me for what I consider to be an item that should last a vehicles lifetime. Also, as only a few states have the pressure test, just how many of these older pathfinders are in use that have defective seals, polluting the atmosphere and posing a fire hazard, that are currently going unnoticed? IS this something the manufacturer should recall and resolve as a matter of safety. Please keep me informed as to the outcome. Thankyou,
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum
Rear drum automatic brake adjusters are inoperative, resulting in reduced brake capability. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failure.
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Seat back collapsed into back seat, when rear ended by another vehicle, causing injury.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Exhaust manifold studs came apart. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
The exhaust manifold leaks exhaust fluid. when the vehicle comes to a stop the fumes come up to the passenger compartment. the dealer has been notified. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Exhaust manifold studs left and right failed.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failed.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Power windows inoperative.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission failure. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Upon accelerating after making a stop, the automatic transmission failed. Cause unknown. Replaced transmission. *ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
Transmission failed while on the road.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Takata seat belt buckle failure
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10243708DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not directly spray Silicone-based lubricant or grease, or inadvertently overspray Silicone-based lubricant or grease onto any interior electrical components. These types of lubricants can be detrimental to the proper operation of electrical components.
- 1023906012 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are expected to promote uniformity during the connection process, therefore reducing the number of incorrect Test with DCA and Replace results. HINT: If 12 volt batteries are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time, battery life may be drastically reduced. This condition may lead to premature battery replacement and customer dissatisfaction. IMPORTANT: CPX-900 is now an accepted testing tool to use along with or in place of the DSS-5000 CPX-900 operating instructions are found at: https://nissancpx900.midtronics.com/ DSS-5000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandss5000.midtronics.com/ DCA-8000 is now a required testing tool to be used for all warranty replacement decisions. The DCA-8000 is also a more efficient charger than previously available, and will charge any available 12 volt lead acid battery safely and accurately as long as all precautions and inputs are made correctly. The DCA-8000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandca8000.midtronics.com/
- 10235710INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10235707VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232658REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232657WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232656WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232652DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10206391STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10192305SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle. IMPORTANT: Turn the ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery terminals, and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service on the SRS. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192233Nissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards. These Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory wheels are subjected to testing to ensure they meet Nissan's standards. Nissan Original Equipment Alloy or Genuine Accessory wheels subjected to aftermarket chroming may no longer continue to meet these standards and may be seriously damaged. Therefore, Nissan most strongly discourages, and recommends that these wheels NEVER be subjected to, aftermarket chroming. See this bulletinfor further detail.
- 10192217If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. - Brake judder: A brake pedal pulsation and/or steering wheel shimmy when braking that occurs when there is too much thickness variation of the brake rotors (see NTB00-033). See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192216SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based on the description in the Service Information above. 3. Follow the appropriate repair procedure(s), listed on the following pages, for your specific incident. See this bulletin for further details.
- 10192145SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock absorber that has slight oil seepage, a condition which is considered normal, does not affect strut/shock absorber operation or performance, and does not require replacement. - A strut or shock absorber that should be replaced due to rod resistance/noise issues. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10188377STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10051767Nissan: lock/unlock request button on outside handle does not respond.
- 10032506Nissan: vent control valve replacement. When replacing the evap canister vent control valve for reason: use the one listed on page 2; for vent control valve replacement procedure, refer to the appropriate section of the electronic service manuals (esm; when installing the new valve, do not add any lube to its o ring; for frontier (D40 series) only, install the protector listed in parts information. Includes 2005-09 frontier. Updated 12/8/10.
- 10031305Nissan: tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light on/flashing. No models or model years listed. Updated on 08-11-2011.
- 10030165Nissan: the 12 volt battery IS an important part of the vehicle electrical system and IS required to stay connected when the engine IS running. To prevent damage to vehicle electronic components follow the instructions/cautions. No model years listed.
- 10017473Front seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 10003515Front seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 629210Seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 623114Subject regarding essential tool - rear axle bearing removal kit. *Ttthe kit IS an essential tool and and will be automatically sent to all nissan dealers.
- 607626Concerns with the front seat belt latch plate stopper button missing.
- 601725Exhibiting a whine noise while driving in all forward gears except 4TH.
- 52168Fs5r30a transmission whine.
- 52164Transmissions detent holes eliminated from adapter plate.
- 45795The intake manifold gasket IS leaking coolant driectly into a cyclinder.
- 45007Hard/no star at high elevation and low temperature.
Every Nissan Pathfinder model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.