Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-75, 76-90, 91-105, 106-115
I have a 93 pathfinder SE. I discovered recently that the rear horizontal stabilizer?/sway bar. (3" OD tubing welded to the frame about a foot in front of the rear axle;) has broken completely loose on the passenger side. I have 160,000 miles and this problem has appeared in the last 5000 miles. A trusted body and frame shop stated that the amt of rust would make the shop feel like they were stealing my money; if I paid them to invent a fix. I have also found many places where I can poke my fingers thru the frame on the passenger side. Strangely though the drivers side is rock solid. After reading this thread I think I will reconsider my plans to buy a 95 as a replacement. I guess I will look at 4runners of the same vintage.
My 1994 Nissan Pathfinder SE has just been told to get off the road due to the frame being rusted out over the rear wheel wells. I have had this vehicle since new, no accidents, 425,000kms, no major work of any kind and it still runs /looks great. I am not sure what to do about the frame now.
I have an 88 Pathfinder with no rust whatsoever. It seems to me that everyone that's saying "terrible design", "poor design" and "death trap" have neglected to properly care for their vehicle (or the previous owner, of course) and have simply allowed the rust to continue unchecked until it gets so bad that the frame breaks or things start falling off. Proper care includes undercarriage inspections and rust-proofing or treatment to prevent rust if necessary. If you do find rust, you CAN have it fixed before significant damage occurs and/or expensive repairs are necessary. Rust is not invisible. If you live in a salted road area and do not clean your vehicle's frame and undercarriage frequently, what do you expect? Just my 2 cents...
-88pathoffroad
http://npora.ipbhost.com
Nissan Pathfinder forums
93 pathfinder. Same rot problem happening. If theres a law suit, I want in!!! I LOVE this truck and I'm going to try to weld in some supports. But I can't keep fixing it every year that a new rot hole appears. I have way to much $$ invested in this truck, lift kits, after-market steering and such. Id hate to let it go.
I have a '92 Pathy and have had no issues what-so-ever with mine, though, gratefully, I do live on the west coast... I feel for those who do end up with frame rot, and, depending on the amount of damage, they can usually be repaired by reinforcement and good welding.
To those who have yet to get this issue, but are beginning to wonder.. rust preventer's such as POR 15 and the such like are your saviours.
Good luck!
I too have a 1994 Nissan Pathfinder. The body and the engine is pretty in a good condition, but the rear frame is completely rusted and it is completely separated. I believe the reason for such a bad rust is the shape and bad drainage system at the rear frame. count on me too for the lawsuit.
There will be no lawsuit. Nissan is well aware of this issue, but has ruled out any recalls as the problem is preventable.
All years suffer from insufficient drainage, but the 90-95 year models had poor steel fabrication as well. Trucks near the coast rot very fast from the salty air.
It says in the owners manual to wash out the frame regularly. This is why.
Dirt and debris collects inside, scratches away the paint, and keeps the bare metal moist.
The repair can be simple or complex, depending on how involved. The most common method is patching over the bad metal after applying rust treatment. Another is professionally rebuilding the damaged areas. The most intense is a full frame replacement.
Well I bought a 95 with 102,000 miles and it has surface rust and is flaky, but it hasn't rust through just yet, but you can see after the flaky stuff falls off it will only be a matter of time.
It's really sad because the motor is so strong.
Has anyone ever had a main seal leak and if so any quick fixes the vehicle is so old, I looked into it and it's a big job, starting off by removing the engine. My Nissan also has major rust holes in the frame and this is why I am lookin for a quick fix,,, any takers.
I'm having the same problem with my '95. I got away with it during inspection last year, but it failed this year. Just like most of you, I feel the rest of the truck is in great shape, especially for its age. Does anyone know how I can get any money out of the truck now? CarMax? Junkyard? Or am I better off donating it for the tax writeoff? I can't have it very long in my subdivision without an inspection sticker, so any help would be appreciated!
Cramely@gmail.com.
If any of you want to sell or part out you nissan, or want some answers on how to fix things. Go to www.4x4parts.com and post in the lounge.
There's been a lot of problems with frame on Pathfinders, but to get some things straight...
-The WD21 chassis or Pathfinder, started in 1987 and ended in 1995, the R50 chassis started in 1996 and ended in 2004, the R50 was a unibody design meaning it has no frame at all.
-The D21 or Hard Body, started in 1986 and their bodys sat higher off the frame then the Pathfinders.
-The D22 chassis or Frontier started in 1998 and so far hasn't had a problem with rust.
-The WD22 chassis or Xterra started in 1996 I believe and was the son of the Pathfinder, but some say it was a step down due to the leaf sprung rear as opposed to the Pathfinders 4/5 link.
I'm an off roader, my vehicle of choice is a Pathfinder, these things are looked down upon by the off roading community, but its never let me down. If you start off roading your Pathy the only thing you need to worry about is steering. You aren't going to suddenly loose control driving down the road or anything.
Here are some web links to Nissan forums...
Www.4x4parts.com is a parts supplier as well as a forum.
Www.LPperformance.com is a steering solution, I recommend
them highly.
Www.purenissan.com is a parts supplier.
Www.nissanpathfinders.com IS A GREAT SITE ABOUT PATHFINDER INFO!!! (gotta go to the forum though)
Www.nissanoffroad.net is a forum.
Www.nissan4wheelers.com is a forum.
Count me in for any lawsuit against Nissan. On August 18, 2006 I was informed by my mechanic of the past 12 years that the rear frame above the wheel wells on my 1994 Nissan Pathfinder is rusted through and will not pass PA inspection and is a death trap. Unfortunately in 7/03, I had a new motor installed that currently has 33,091 miles on it. In 11/04, I had a new transmission installed which currently has 18,656 miles on it. Prior to this work being done, I had the vehicle completely looked over and was informed that it was in excellent shape and would be worth it. The body currently has 133,326 miles on it and I have faithfully had oil changes every 3 months and routine overall checks. I am a full-time working mother with two young children who relied on this vehicle - no vehicle is worth taking the risk of the lives of my children, myself, or others. If Nissan is so aware of this problem, then why don't they own up to it and at least give some compensation to hardworking people that are just trying to make ends meet in this world. Let's face it, if I could afford a new vehicle, or if I wanted huge car payments instead of taking care of my children, then I guess I wouldn't be driving around in a vehicle that is 12 years old. Nissan should be ashamed of themselves for even risking the life of one person let alone all the people that have commented on this death trap. Now I have a vehicle that I may be able to sell for parts - I would rather live and see my children grow up - shame on you Nissan!
I was going to buy a use 95 Nissan pathfinder Le. But now after reading this forum, I've decided to Keep looking for another Suv, such as a 4-runner.I'm glad I didn't buy the pathfinder. Man it was a nice strong engine, wheel drive leather interior, moon roof. oh well.
You'll go through head gaskets on 4 runners. Look else where once again.