10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
7,140 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems

engine problem

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1997 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Comments

problem #6

Jan 042021

Pathfinder

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle swings left to right when cruising at about any speed. When the vehicle is pulling it does not swing or sway, however once the vehicle has got up to a desired speed and you try to maintain a steady speed it starts a -€œdeath wobble-€ which nearly cannot hold it on correct side of the road. You have to increase speed or reduce speed dramatically to regain control of the vehicle.

- North Wilkesboro , NC, USA

problem #5

Jul 052001

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,840 miles
The gas pedal stuck and the vehicle lunged forward. This occurred on 2 separate occasions. The first time upon acceleration from a complete stop, and the second time when the vehicle was put in reverse. This resulted in the vehicle hitting a tree. The vehicle sustained rear end damage.

- Roswell, GA, USA

problem #4

Jan 012001

Pathfinder 4WD

  • miles
The struts went at 52,000 miles $800 to replace, exhaust manifold needs to be replaced(warranty). Today the news that the speedometer was just"worn out " $235, the rear suspension lincs were "worn out" $350, the intake pinium(sp?) was leaking $660. Something has to be done about Nissan and their "worn out" vehicles. It's not even paid for yet!

- Chicopee, MA, USA

problem #3

Oct 202000

Pathfinder 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While pulling out of a parking space vehicle surged forward and slammed into a brick wall.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #2

Jan 042000

(reported on)

Pathfinder 4WD

  • miles
Summary of the incident: It was a near-miracle that no one was injured from this scary experience during the rush hour lasting over a mile or loner stretch for many minutes. The car had unusual, uncontrollable, and very dangerous behavior without any warning. This situation was so bad that it almost collided with a few other cars at very high speeds.events:(1) while entering highway ramp, gradually accelerating (with speed around 30 to 35 mph), the engine hesitates. Almost immediately, the engine suddenly roared and accelerated by itself with the car quickly gained speed above 55mph - without applying any gas paddle. No cruise control was used or turned on. The driver tried to apply service-brake but the brake was very stiff without any response even with extra effort. The driver noticed the engine was at 6000rpm.(2) the driver immediately tried to shift the gear to neutral. Though the shift-lever-position did enter the "neutral" indication, the transmission mechanism still stayed at the "drive" and the engine continued to accelerate and gaining speed. (the driver continued to use service-brake all the time to no avail.)(3) the driver tried to slow the car down by shifting to a lower gear ("2"), the car speed slowed down very gradually. At that time, the driver applied emergency hand-brake.(4) eventually the car stopped using the hand-brake. Right after this, the driver shifted the lever to "park" then the engine suddenly (and immediately) shot up to 6000rpm again - and the transmission appeared to re-engage and moved the car forward with a very loud noise. The driver immediately turned-off the ignition to stop the car. The car was towed to a Nissan dealer.

- Naperville, IL, USA

problem #1

Feb 031997

(reported on)

Pathfinder

  • miles
Car will surge in reverse and drive. Taken to dealer 3 times not able to fix.

- San Jose, CA, USA

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