1998 Nissan Pathfinder SE from North America - Comments

Brakes squeak like crazy for the first minute of the drive. Took it to the dealer, he couldn't fix it!!!!!

When warning others to shop around before purchasing a vehicle such as yours, you should state more examples of why you are disappointed with it. I read several other reviews praising the vehicle with several reasons to warrant such praise. I think I may buy one.

I obtained a '98 Pathfinder in August of 2000. It had 16000 miles on it. Now (November 2004) I just turned over 106,000 miles, and the vehicle has been mostly trouble-free. The only major non-routine repair has been replacement of the right-side exhaust manifold due to a crack. I am told by several other owners that this is a design defect, and might be replaced by Nissan if the truck has less than 100,000 miles. Bose stereo (factory option) is non-repairable by local shops, and must be sent to an independent specialty shop. Independent service facilities have served me well in doing routine maintenance. Change oil every 3 to 4 thousand miles; otherwise, follow Nissan maintenance recommended. Excellent vehicle, still running great and looking good.

I puchased a 1998 Pathfinder SE 11/05 with only 60,000 miles mostly from city driving. I now have 82,000 miles on the vehicle and have overall been pleased. I am about to have the resonator (exhaust) replaced and have had the rear axle seals replaced as well. The only complaint other than limited power and lackluster fuel economy is the rear end feels as if it is not properly bolted to the axle--it feels like the back end is "floating" when making low speed turns. I have had it checked out by a shop and they claim is is common for the older pathfinders. It also has 1 small rust spot above the rear wheel on the drivers side. I was also told it will need new front rotors which will be about $300 a piece.

It's been reliable and comfortable to drive...

Interesting comment on the 98 Nissan Pathfinder. I had the right rear axle seals replaced under warranty at around 40,000 miles. Now they need to be replaced again at 138,000. Not a complaint, but I wonder if that is a glitch with the vehicle. It is kind of pricey since you have to replace the brakes that got ruined by the fluid all over them.

Next time when replacing the rear axle seal tell them to remove the brake first. if not they gonna end up telling you to replace the brakes too, thanks.

I have a '98 Chilkoot with 285,000 kilometers (about 180,000 miles). I did the exhaust manifold and right rear axle seal things over the past 6 years. Also, it has had the CEL (Check Engine Light) on for the past two years, but tried the advice of another commenter on this site, to turn my gas cap 8 clicks. It seemed like a silly thing to do, but as I drove away from the gas pump, there was no CEL visible. Thanks to the originator of this comment.

OK, I have a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder and I can say that it is definately not a GOOD truck. I got it at 117,000 miles (high I know, but was a 1 owner certified truck from dealership with a 2yr warranty).

The day I drove off the lot my window motors went out.

The engine is real throaty but don't bother me much.

Then it drove fine for a year. When I hit 127,000 miles my lifters went out ($2000).

Within the next 2 months my) 2 sensor went out. ($100)

My transfer case went out ($3000)

The carbon canister broke and destroyed sensors and all lines had to be blown out ($1200)

Then my truck felt like it was going to flip all the time. Back end was squirly.

Turns out it was a manufacturers error on a faulty seal on the rear upper and lower controw arms. ($1200) This is what causes the tracktion problems, tire wear, and shocks to go bad.

So I had to replace my tires after 20,000 miles (60,000 mile tires) ($800)

Then of course the shocks and struts ($1200)

Other than those things and I know I am forgeting somethings. IT HAS NO POWER!!! It won't go up a hill to save its life. I have to downshift to 4th and run it at 3200 RPMs to just get it to go up any hill over 40mph.

After all the money I have put into this truck it should run good, and it does, but HORRIBLE GAS and NO POWER.

My roomate has a Dodge 2500 turbo deisel with a 6" lift and 37" mud tires on it. It weighs 10,000lbs and gets 2mpg better then this truck according to factory stats.

This truck is NOT worth buying. Just get something else.