1990 Nissan PATHFINDER problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
23 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
192,413 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1990 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 23 complaints (26.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 6 | 26.1% |
| Braking behavior | 2 | 8.7% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 4.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe | 6 |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 5 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System | 2 |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Injectors | 1 |
| Power Train:Manual Transmission | 1 |
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe: 6; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 5; Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System: 2; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift: 2; Exterior Lighting:Headlights: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Injectors: 1; Power Train:Manual Transmission: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 2 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 2
150,000 and above miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 21 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 2 |
1995: 9; 1996: 4; 2000: 4; 2001: 2; 2002: 1; 2003: 1; 2004: 2
Pattern summary
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 6 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 486270 · 1995-05-04 (May 4, 1995)
METAL PARTICALS CIRCULATING FROM AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE COOLING LINES, CAUSING RADIATOR CORE/TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *SKD
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 486270 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 489820 · 1995-03-17 (March 17, 1995)
TRANSMISSION LUBRICATION PASSAGE TOO SMALL, RESULTING IN LACK OF LUBRICANT/SLIPPING OF TRANSMISSION. *SKD
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 489820 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 503948 · 1996-02-28 (February 28, 1996)
BRAKES LOCKED UP CAUSING ACCIDENT. *DSH
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 503948 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 866980 · 2000-08-07 (August 7, 2000)
WHEN DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LOSS OF ALL BRAKES AND CLUTCH WHEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSE OF FIRE MAY BE LINKED TO THE FUEL INJECTOR WHICH POSSIBLE HAD A CRACK CAUSING A LEAK WHICH CAUSED THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 866980 at NHTSA ↗