1995 Nissan Pathfinder SE from North America - Comments

I own a 95 Nissan Pathfinder SE. Purchased the vehicle 3 years ago with 200,000 miles on it. I currently have 285,000 and runs like a top. I heard a strange crunching sound about a week ago when going over a rather large pot hole, but drove it home and forgot about it. It recently passed NJ inspection, but when inspecting the under-body noticed all the rust everyone is describing at this web site and some cracks in the rear of the the Frame. Now I'm not sure what to do, but will have it inspected and find out if it can be repaired.

I'm already ahead of the game because I only paid $1000 for it. I would be willing to put more money into it if its worth it.

Wow, and thought I had an isolated case! Just bought a 94 Pathfinder LE 112,000 miles, everything on this truck works! and looks almost new. Then I noticed frame rot on the rear portion starting just past the rear (both sides). What do we do? I feel as though I'm out the $$$ I paid for this vehicle because it seems a major safety risk, I put a screw driver right though the frame in the rusted out area, and would never sell this to someone in this shape. I may try to fix it, but not sure if that's even possible. Count me in on any class action suit

(dominic7777@comcast.net)

Same story here. 94 Nissan 4x4 truck with frame rot. 150k miles. Any suggestions so far? synavpro@yahoo.com

I have both a '94 nissan pathfinder and a '95 nissan pickup and yes my pathfinder has rot on the rear frame. But I have own toyotas, chevys, and dodges of various years and models and the things is they have all had frame rot to one extent or another its nobodys fault its just time its what happens that's why they build new models and fix problems to make sure these things get fix but hey that's my two cents.

I'm driving my son-in law's '94 Pathfinder just lately (he bought some newer disaster).

Today I thought I would check out the clunks, and lo and behold: there was the same rotted right rear frame members.

We all love these vehicles but we cannot drive them. Nissan needs to know this (they know already).

I drove (and also loved) my 1982 Datsun diesel pickup. At some point I went to look for the magnetic key holder I had attached inside the (undercoated) frame. Not only was there no magnetic key holder, there was no frame there!

I imagined that Datsun/Nissan between '82 and '94 might have figured out there was a problem.

Apparently not. They build vehicles for a maximum of 7 years on the road.

What a waste! In Cuba we (Feb 2008) rode in a 1987 Buick with a Renault Diesel motor (aftermarket, needless to say). The frame was still solid.

Yet another story... just bought a very nice looking 94 Pathfinder... runs great, looks great, low miles 65K. Figured I would do a total detail and also black out the frame and wheel wells with undercoating... I almost died with shock... The frame is gone, there is nothing left of it!!! This vehicle is a total loss and is beyond repair. Firestone gets sued for tires that were not properly inflated by the consumer... yet Nissan gets away with this! If there is a lawsuit, count me in. danklug@aol.com.

Although Nissan has not claimed any responsibility for their defective frame problem the rusting frame seems to be the rule rather than the exception on their vehicles. As information for everybody check out the NTSB web site or Google Toyota Tacoma frame recall 1995-2000. It seems unlike Nissan Toyota, who had the same problem on the Tacoma has stood behind their product and are offering 1.5 times blue book value for all Tacomas experiencing frame rot. Now why will Nissan not stand admit the problem and stand behind their product.

By the way my son a Junior in High School just got bit by the same problem on his 1994 Pathfinder, his first vehicle purchase. Way to go Nissan! Building a real repeat customer base by ignoring a defect that warrants attention.

1995 XE Pathfinder 175,000 miles. Frame: completely rotted front to rear.

To the folks saying this is normal or could have been prevented by washing out the frame, that is complete and utter nonsense. I have owned two of these Pathfinders. a 1991 XE I drove until the wife totaled it (It's still serving a friend as an off-road vehicle) and the current 1995. The 1991 frame is STILL in perfect condition. I live in KY and they salt the roads here. I never flushed out the frame on either vehicle. One rots and the other doesn't. Sounds like bad steel to me. For reference I also have a 1971 Toyota FJ40 and a 1972 Ford F100. Frames are in great condition. All vehicles driven in KY and only one rots... Hmmmm... I also have a 2000 Nissan Xterra I have owned since new: no rot Hmmmm...

Hi, you can add me to the junk pile. I took my car in for a new muffler. My mechanic called me to tell me had bad news. He said there's no way my car will pass inspection in July because he can put his hand through the chassy in most parts and the whole thing is going FAST! I took it to my brother who owns an auto body shop and said there's no way to fix it and if there was it would not be worth the $$$!

My pathfinder runs great and like I was told, "This car will fall apart before you ever need a new engine or major work! I have over 132,000 mile, never thought I'd own a car that could reach that type of miles! Now I'm stuck with no money for down payment, a great running car with no chassy! Please count me in if ANYONE CAN GET A LAWSUIT GOING.

Dds1959@verizon.net.

I took my 95 Pathfinder in this past April Fools Day, 2008, for inspection sticker, oil change & to check that clanking noise in the rear end... was shocked to get the phone call that the whole frame was rusted/rotted out & wouldn't pass inspection; the mechanic advised that it was not worth putting the money into repairing -- he didn't even recommend I drive it home! I loved this car -- it ran great, hardly put a dime into it, other than regular maintenance. I was paranoid to drive it at all after hearing that news. I was immediately forced to buy a newer vehicle & the car dealer was able to take my 95 off my hands & off to the auction.

caw02191@verizon.net

I own a 1994 Nissan pickup, just turned 300000 miles, never needed any repairs to motor or parts.

Severe frame rot on both sides, front spring brackets broken off and bent up into rusted frame. I chained them to bed and drove it 3000 miles to get to 300000.

I'm done with it. It still runs perfect. Replaced with a 2003 Frontier.