1994 Nissan Pathfinder
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Nissan › Pathfinder › 1994
These records cover every 1994 Nissan Pathfinder. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1994 Nissan Pathfinder. Newest first.
On certain light duty pickup trucks, the latch plate used in the seat belt buckle was not manufactured according to design dimensions. if the seat belt tongue IS inserted slowly at an angle into the buckle, there IS a possibility of partial engagement.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause the seat belt tongue to come out of the buckle in the event of a collision or hard braking of the vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury to an occupant of the seat.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the buckle and, if necessary, replace the buckle assembly with a new buckle. owner notification began may 22, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
The latch plate used in the seat belt buckle was not manufactured according to design dimensions. if the seat belt tongue IS inserted slowly at an angle into the buckle, there IS a possibility of partial engagement.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause the seat belt tongue to come out of the buckle in the event of a collision or hard braking of the vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury to an occupant of the seat.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the buckle and, if necessary, replace the buckle assembly with a new buckle.
Owner complaints
91 complaints8 involved a crash2 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
Went to replace front strut rod bushings and found nearly rusted through strut/tension rod that connects the lower control arm to the frame on the driver's side. The arm was bent at the rusted section and was near failure. this potential failure may have caused loss of steering control. this…
Went to replace front strut rod bushings and found nearly rusted through strut/tension rod that connects the lower control arm to the frame on the driver's side. The arm was bent at the rusted section and was near failure. this potential failure may have caused loss of steering control. this IS not the first rusted strut/tension rod I have found on pathfinders. we have a 1992 with the same problem. there are also other owners reporting this same problem when they replace the bushings. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Took my 1994 pathfinder for front brake services. The mechanic inspected my truck and found the frame completed rusted and could not place on regular lift. I was told that entire frame needs to be replaced or rebuilt. I was told that nissan has recall on pathfinder. I followed up with nissan and…
Took my 1994 pathfinder for front brake services. The mechanic inspected my truck and found the frame completed rusted and could not place on regular lift. I was told that entire frame needs to be replaced or rebuilt. I was told that nissan has recall on pathfinder. I followed up with nissan and was told that 1994 was not on recall list, but recall are for 1996 to 2003 pathfinder. I try to avoid highway rattler and shake too much, so I try to do city driving. *tr
- Structure
Took vehicle into repair shop getting it ready for inspection. Was told by shop that the entire rear frame of vehicle IS rusted out and IS non-repairable. It needless to say will not pass inspection. They informed me that this IS a common problem on this make and model. I contacted the manufacturer…
Took vehicle into repair shop getting it ready for inspection. Was told by shop that the entire rear frame of vehicle IS rusted out and IS non-repairable. It needless to say will not pass inspection. They informed me that this IS a common problem on this make and model. I contacted the manufacturer and they are not going to do anything even though this IS a major safety issue with loosing the rear wheels and control of vehicle. (Toyota had same issue with frames same years and issued a recall) lives are at stake with this issue and nissan should be made to correct issue or compensate owners. Doing a search on the internet on this issue I found hundreds of posts for the exact same problem on same years. What can be done. I now have a worthless vehicle. Note: I purchased this vehicle less than a year ago. My mechanic said that it will be suicidal driving the car, and he can't repair it. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Noticed sagging bumper and took 1994 pathfinder in for repairs. mechanic told me the rear frame was rusted beyond repair. poked his finger through the frame with no effort. car has been cared for and had undercoating applied. mechanics say they see this exact problem quite often. internet search will reveal hundreds of similar cases, including car falling apart while moving. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 nissan pathfinder. while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed that the front driver's and passenger side main frame exhibited severe corrosion and rust. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for inspection, but they were unable to assist with the repair.…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 nissan pathfinder. while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed that the front driver's and passenger side main frame exhibited severe corrosion and rust. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for inspection, but they were unable to assist with the repair. photographs were taken of the vehicle and forwarded to the manufacturer for further investigation. the contact stated that there were no resolutions with the manufacturer. the vehicle IS currently not being driven due to the safety hazard. the failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 103,195. Updated 07/17/09. *lj updated 07/17/09.*jb
- Structure › Frame and members
Took vehicle into repair shop getting it ready for inspection. Was told by shop that the entire rear frame of vehicle IS rusted out and IS non-repairable. It needless to say will not pass inspection. They informed me that this IS a common problem on this make and model. I contacted the manufacturer…
Took vehicle into repair shop getting it ready for inspection. Was told by shop that the entire rear frame of vehicle IS rusted out and IS non-repairable. It needless to say will not pass inspection. They informed me that this IS a common problem on this make and model. I contacted the manufacturer and they are not going to do anything even though this IS a major safety issue with loosing the rear wheels and control of vehicle. (Toyota had same issue with frames same years and issued a recall) lives are at stake with this issue and nissan should be made to correct issue or compensate owners. Doing a search on the internet on this issue I found hundreds of posts for the exact same problem on same years. What can be done. I now have a worthless vehicle. Note: I purchased this vehicle less than a year ago and it had a new pa inspection on it. Shop says this frame issue should have been easily seen and vehicle should not have passed inspection. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 nissan pathfinder. when the contact took his vehicle in for inspection, he was informed that the entire frame was rusted beyond repair. the inspector was able to push his finger through what used to be a steel part of the frame. the contact had not taken the vehicle to…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 nissan pathfinder. when the contact took his vehicle in for inspection, he was informed that the entire frame was rusted beyond repair. the inspector was able to push his finger through what used to be a steel part of the frame. the contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. he spoke with the manufacturer and they stated that they could not assist. the current and failure mileages were 135,166.
- Structure › Frame and members
I noticed during routine maintenance that the entire rear frame of my vehicle IS rotted out, this seems to be a very unsafe defect. Not drivable at this time because of the chance of frame failure. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 nissan pathfinder. upon routine inspection, it was found that the cast iron was rusted in the vehicle from the inside out. the inspection station failed the vehicle and stated that if the contact drove over a bump too hard, the vehicle could split into two pieces. the vin was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 130,000.
- Seats · Structure · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Power door locks lock and unlock while I am driving. "click" "click-click" when I am driving alone and not touching any door controls. driver door lock jams easily. Cannot unlock the door from the outside. Interior plastic parts. gasoline door knob by driver's seat. broken quickly. Hinge to…
Power door locks lock and unlock while I am driving. "click" "click-click" when I am driving alone and not touching any door controls. driver door lock jams easily. Cannot unlock the door from the outside. Interior plastic parts. gasoline door knob by driver's seat. broken quickly. Hinge to the compartment between driver's and passenger seat.. Broken almost immediately. Interior plastic locks on doors fell off. *tr updated 11/1/07 *tr
- Electrical system · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › Lock
Power door locks lock and unlock while I am driving. "click" "click-click" when I am driving alone and not touching any door controls. driver door lock jams easily. Cannot unlock the door from the outside. interior plastic parts. gasoline door knob by driver's seat. broken quickly.…
Power door locks lock and unlock while I am driving. "click" "click-click" when I am driving alone and not touching any door controls. driver door lock jams easily. Cannot unlock the door from the outside. interior plastic parts. gasoline door knob by driver's seat. broken quickly. hinge to the compartment between driver's and passenger seat.. Broken almost immediately. interior plastic locks on doors fell off.
- Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
Bridgestone spare tire blew out while attached to the tire carrier on the back of th 1994 nissan patthfinder. fortunately the car was parked in my driveway and no-one was nearby. the tire was ruined, and the tire cover was destroyed. *ak
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Dt*: the contact stated while a general maintenance inspection was performed by an independent repair shop, it was determined the vehicle frame along both rear axles was corrosive and the frame needed to be restored. the manufacturer was alerted.
- Structure › Frame and members
Frame in rear wheel area rusted through on both driver and passenger sides. Under coating had hidden this until a small crack had appeared. nissan canada was contacted by phone who indicated that no action would be taken for vehicles over 5 years old. *Jb
- Structure › Frame and members
During a routine automobile check up mechanic noticed the body frame was rusted. manufacturer was notified visa e-mail.*ak the frame over the rear wheels had rusted beyond repair. the consumer stated it was not visible because of the under coating. *Jb
- Power train
Transmission failures on 1994 pathfinder vehicle. * bf since the vehicle transmission has been replaced the vehicle has been taken back 5 times for various problems. *nm
- Structure › Frame and members
Completely corroded frame aft, beginning at the front of both rear wheel wells. *ph the frame corroded to the point that the consumer could put a finger through the corroded areas. *nm
- Structure › Frame and members
There IS a large hole in the frame of the vehicle due to rust. consumer IS an auto repair mechanic, and believes vehicle IS unsafe to drive. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
At any speed vehicle was very loud, and the exhaust sounded as if t marbles were rattling around. A recall was issued for vehicles of same make/model and certain years, but the consumer's vehicle was not included. the bolts to the exhaust manifold overheated and broke off into the manifold cover. manufacturer and the dealer were aware of the problem.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Upon taking in the vehcile for routine mainetence, oil change, tire rotation, & winetrise special. was informed that my exausht manifold bolts were broken and needed replacing, after the vehicle went through two major inspections not over a year ago. 1) for purchaseing a used vehicle and 2) for out of province inspection. nissan canada knows about this problem but refuses to do anything about this problem.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
At about 100,000 miles, a bolt on the exhaust manifold failed due to the defective manifold warping away from the engine. bolt was replaced, but future problems were predicted by the mechanic.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Exhaust manifold bolts have failed. recall needed regardless of vehicle age/mileage. tsd has been issued so company recognizes problem but IS not taking full responsibility. also, many similar complaints on this site.*ak in addition, vehicle sometimes "sticks" in 1ST gear (a/t). fluid has been changed and problem IS intermittant. several other complaints on this site as well. solution would be helpful.
- Tires
While driving at 40mph, consumer hit a small bump in the rain and felt like the vehicle hydroplaned, and hit a meridian. consumer felt that tires were defective. a recall was issued on the mastercraft m/s p23575r15. *ak
- Structure › Frame and members
The frame of the car has rusted out. Mainly above the rear axle mounts. This cars has been washed and undercarriage cleaned constantly. It seems that the metal was not pure but probably recycled. Thus the rust from the inside out. Nissan didn't want to help, just put the complaint on file. So way to keep customers coming back! This was a 26,000 dollar car now worth 0 ! *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Right and left exhaust manifold bolts failed and needed to be replaced.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Seat belt latch failures
Takata/nissan/isuzu have determined that during the initial recall campaign (96v-170), some vehicles that contain defective seat belt buckles were inadvertently omitted from the campaign. Nissan will recall 92,500 my1994 pathfinder and D21 pickup trucks (02v-125).isuzu will recall 13,831 my1994/1995 rodeo, amigo, tf…
Takata/nissan/isuzu have determined that during the initial recall campaign (96v-170), some vehicles that contain defective seat belt buckles were inadvertently omitted from the campaign. Nissan will recall 92,500 my1994 pathfinder and D21 pickup trucks (02v-125).isuzu will recall 13,831 my1994/1995 rodeo, amigo, tf and pickup trucks (02v-281) .isuzu IS also recalling 618 my 1994 honda passport vehicles under recall 02v-281 (the honda passport IS manufactured by isuzu for honda and IS similar to the isuzu rodeo vehicle). This investigation IS closed.
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.
- 10025522Nissan: srs precautions during service;improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the srs, can lead to a serious injury or death caused by unintentional activation of the srs on all nissan models with the srs systems. Updated 2/21/14.
- 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.
- 604772Some vehicles with manual transmission may exhibit engine surging or stumbling, and black smoke from the exhaust when the engine IS started after a cold soak.
- 601725Exhibiting a whine noise while driving in all forward gears except 4TH.
- 600090Exhibiting engine surging or stumbling when cold.
- 52168Fs5r30a transmission whine.
- 52164Transmissions detent holes eliminated from adapter plate.
- 45793Truck/pathfinder blower noise.
- 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.