A few of the manifold studs have come out which is very noisy and takes away some power. It is very expensive to fix this, but it's a problem every Pathfinder owner has to deal with.
Electrical problems are difficult to diagnose with this vehicle, so you'll have to go to the dealer every now and then.
An odd rattling every time my RPM are around 3,000 along with other squeaks and creaks; I can't find the problem.
Gas is a big issue now that the prices have been going up.
Alternator went, as well as the starter.
Sometimes it won't start with one turn of the key.
Having no cup-holder is annoying at times.
If you leave your window open and something is resting on your dashboard, say goodbye to it if you make a turn because it will fly out the window.
The pathfinder has not let me down. I drive it all the time, which is pretty expensive. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone trying to save money because although many things don't go wrong, when something does, it's costs a lot of money to fix. Gas is also expensive, and it goes through a lot.
The vehicle has a nice shape; rugged yet sleek. The chrome highlights really make it look nice. If you keep it clean, and make sure rust doesn't take over, you'll love it.
The vehicle, as any other, has it's problems. The big issue is that the Pathfinder's problems are expensive to fix.
The four-wheel drive is wonderful, but you have to keep using it or it will seize up on you. Once a week I'll put it in four-wheel drive and drive down my street, or if it's raining hard I'll use it.
If you don't have the money to maintain this vehicle, don't bother buying one.
The four wheel drive will NOT "seize up" if not used, as you say. I have no idea where you get that information from, but it's bunk. Using it once in a while is a good idea, but it doesn't have to be done.
My 1994 Pathfinder has been extremely reliable, for which I am very thankful, even though I don't give it the maintenence it deserves. The biggest problems that I've had are with the exhaust manifold studs breaking (anyone know why?) and the four wheel drive is little difficult to engage unless the vehicle is at a stop. It used to go into 4-high at normal driving speed. It does burn a lot of gas for such anemic engine performance, but over all I can't complain too much seeing that in the 6 plus years I've been driving it I've only replaced the timing belt, two manifold bolts, one interior light bulb, one battery, and 4 tires.
I've had my Pathfinder for over a year now, bought it used with 112,000 miles. Not a thing has gone wrong with it in the time I've had it. Runs like a top. 4 wheel drive works great. These things run forever if taken care of. I use Mobil 1 oil, and it doesn't burn any, or leak any fluids at all. I'm planning on keeping this gem for many more years. Gets over 20 mpg on highway trips. Rides and drives as if it were new. Can't say anything bad at all about this nifty truck.
I have had my 94 pathfinder for 4.5 years and have had relatively good luck with it. I bought it with 48,000 miles and now have possibly 180,000 (speedometer broke 2 years ago) it shows 114,000 miles and works once in awhile so I'm guessing. I have replaced the front cv joints / tires / brakes / timing belt and water pump. I also had to replace all 4 spkrs and I still have a problem with the front spkrs going out every now and then (amp?) I do have to say that it is a mechanically sound vehicle and always takes me home. good luck to all of you with yours!
94 Nissan Pathfinder LE - Heated leather seats make for a very comfortable ride. The BF Goodrich 10.5 x 31's are amazing and go anywhere. The 4x4 works perfectly. I have a KnN with Dual Exhaust set up with a turbo muffler which keeps the noise down a bit. All around an excellent vehicle. I do need to replace my manifold bolts, but if you can prove they are broke, this is a factory covered expense, and any dealer has to replace them for the cost of parts which is about $100. Don’t let them charge you, this is a design flaw, and there were 1000's of cars recalled for this exact problem. I replace the timing chain, CV joints, hatch supports, tires, and battery recently, and everything else is spot on. My center headliner needs a little tending, but everything works perfectly. I do off-road it, and take it to the snow all winter, and usually end up towing some American truck out of the mud or snow. But I never get stuck, knock wood. I just got rid of a newer trailblazer, and although that was a comfortable car, this truck knocks its socks off. If you have the Power AT options, use it in hill areas. On the highway, this option gives you amazing response from the transmission. Any slight touch of my foot gets immediate feedback. I would love to have the sport suspension option... but this one didn’t come with it, and I aint adding it. Great trucks! The 95 has a passenger airbag which is the only other option I would like to have. I had a 93 for 250k. Here are some shots of the 1994 Nissan Pathfinder LE - http://www.x31.net/path/
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