Comments: 1-15, 16-19
I have replaced the brakes and struts almost every 30,000 miles. I have now replaced them 3 times in the time I've owned it. Note: you will replace the struts on Pathfinders. They blow when you roll over anything.
Other repairs include:
A new plunger and locking device for the tire tailgate (it locked shut after years of use). Repair performed at 90,000 miles.
New Clutch and Timing at 95,000 miles.
So, I thought the vehicle would be great for another 60-70-80K at this point - Dead wrong.
Since 95,000 miles, I've had a problem with front and rear control arms, a leaking miserable sunroof, a broken antenna, bad oxygen sensors (all), loose and rattling heat shields, a terrible loss of compression, extreme vibration above 65MPH, a broken factory CD player, and on and on.
The Nissan Pathfinder was fun to drive and own through 90,000 miles. Since then, it's been nothing short of a nightmare. Repairs have run almost $6000 at this point, and they will only go higher if I'm still thinking about running it till 160K.
If you own a Pathfinder and are considering selling it - do so before you get to 100K!
This owner must realize that every vehicle has it's share of lemons. For nissan it appears to be 1 in about 150. Sounds like he has one. Certainly not the norm.
I certainly agree with the first comment. I heard of a few problems from owners of 96-97 pathfinders; mainly 96. But as you said, each car maker has lemons. I know my 1990 Pathfinder is a totally different vehicle than the one on this post (body style changed in 1996), but I have had minimal problems so far. I have the original transmission, engine, and rear suspension (still not bouncy at all). And I have 245,000 miles. So please do not criticize an entire make or model based on ONE bad experience.
I agree with your comments. I own a 1997 Pathfinder and have continuously had problems with the way it rides. I am currently having shocks and struts put on my vehicle. I was bouncing down the road and the front end shakes when I hit the least bump in the road. I have been very disappointed in the way this car rides.
I am also having problems with the CD player. It must have a CD in the player at all times or else it will run continuously and run down my battery. This has happened several times before I figured out that I had to leave the CD inserted in the player.
The AC has been replaced while under factory warranty.
I will not be purchasing another Nissan.
Wow what Nissan's did you guys buy. I have a 98 pathfinder with 124,000 miles on it and the thing runs like it was brand spanking new. I have done the brakes twice, granted. I didn't need new shocks and struts till 110,000 mile and about a month ago I put new belts in, timing included. and my motor on my rear wiper is going very slow, but that is not a big deal. and I have also owned Chevy that have had almost 200,000 miles on them and ran great till I sold them. it just goes to show what no matter what the car if you take care of it any car will run for a long time. o did I mention that the tranny shifts as new as the day I got it. and my engine has never dropped a ounce of oil. I am happier with nissan then I have ever been with any car. (i also own a 2001 maxima) and I will buy a nissan again, and recommend them to all that is lookin to buy them.
As an owner of a '96 SE, I can sympathize. Totally reliable and no probs until around 95,000. Then replaced struts, so many front suspension bits and pieces I can't even recall the names of them offhand- VERY pricey. Just had the clutch replaced to the tune of some $900, and guess what? It's slipping (to be fair, this was done at a local shop, not by Nissan). I'm on the third exhaust (all pieces from 1st muffler back) since I've owned it, and guess what? That one fell off last night! Sunroof leaks, power antenna and CD player both stopped working. I owned a '95 Maxima before this, and it was a totally different story. No problems at all, like new when I sold it with 130,000 miles (should have kept it!!!). In short, I think this has more to do with the new model Pathfinder (remember- this was a redesigned model for '96) than with Nissan quality in general.
I found many similarities with what others experienced with their Pathfinders. I owned one since June 2002 automatic transmission. I bought it from a Nissan dealer (57000) saying that it was owned by one of their representatives in another state. In short, I did not buy it only because of that, but mainly because of the good reputation of this SUV SE 4x4. I had an extended warranty on it for three years/36000.
Here comes the similarities with the other reviewers : First, the antenna is bad. Second, the original CD seems to be a piece of junk, it was replaced right away. the windshield wipers are not great either; replaced. Check engine light on several times because of the bad Oxygen sensors (the 4 was changed on two different trips). Now, at 80K, the dealer just told that I have to change the brakes, the struts and four sets of tires. This is very expensive from a Nissan dealer (expensive parts). Gas mileage is bad.
But I feel secured in it. I am planning to keep if repairs give me a break.
I have a 97 4x4 pathfinder with 150,000 and I run it pretty hard and it's completely fine except bleeding the clutch has turned out to be a real big pain I replaced the master cylinder, the slave cylinder, and the clutch damper and I still can't get it to build pressure in the clutch system. I've tried everything if anyone has any ideas let me know please.
I also have a 1996 V-6 Finder, but have not had any of the above-mentioned problems. Sunroof hasn't leaked, no strut/suspension issues at all, and this thing has been pushed all along its 165,000 miles. I felt safe traveling all across the country (diligent with maintenance is key), but the vehicle is heavy (great in snow--best 4x4 I have owned) so the engine requires a lot of fuel. This is the second Pathfinder (also owned an 87) for me and I would absolutely recommend them to anyone interested.
Every nissan I know of the brakes have lasted 75-100k miles, but not if you ride them hard. All Cars with air bag shocks blow up everytime the wheel comes off the ground not just nissans. Even if you jack the car up just to change the wheel the air shock will blow up. You have to disable the compressor first.
None of the problems you had are adnormal for a car with that many miles, but the brakes. The cluth will typically last 100-150k miles if easy on it. The brakes lasting 30k miles deffently isn't normal. Most nissans I know of the brakes last 75-120k miles. You must be getting cheap pads, replacing pads that are actually good or abusing the heck out of them.
I have 96 pathfinder XE with 145,000 miles. Pwr windows, locks, heated mirrors, auto trans, and 4WD. This suv runs great. Replaced the timing belt at 105,000 (as recommended by Nissan) The only things I've had to replace due to them going bad is the sway bar end links, the starter, and the throttle positioning sensor. It has been very reliable. Every vehicle is going to its lemons. I am very happy with my Nissan and whens she's finaly done, I plan to get another.
Regarding the clutch bleeding problem, it is common to have to bleed a hydraulic clutch after extensive repair for hours in order to build pressure.
I have a 1997 Pathfinder XE with 156k miles. I just spent $2400 on repairs, which is the first major repair I have had to put into the vehicle. I have gone through four sets of front brake pads since I have owned it (I do a lot of driving into the mountains via highways). I replaced the shocks and struts at 96k miles and am currently on my fourth set of tires (Pirrelli Scorpions-great tires for all weather, particularly in the snow).
Major overhaul consisted of replacing the exhaust manifold (cracked), fuel system cleaning, MAPS sensor failure, full system diagnostic, replaced transmission fluid, replaced engine coolant, and replaced two locks (1 vandalized, 1 was working partially).
I have noticed that the stock CD player gets hot to the touch. I console on the lower left corner of the dash has a crack in it due to heat expansion and contraction.
Other than that, it has been a solid vehicle.
$2400 for an exhaust manifold and fluid change seems exhorbitantly expensive to me. I'm looking at a used '96 this afternoon. Amazed to read that these Nissans are actually more dependable than the Toyota 4Runner.
Considering a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder SE with 64k miles. I am looking for any comments. The dealer is asking 10k and says its certified.