1987 Nissan Pathfinder
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 19
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 19 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 19 |
| 1988 | 17 |
| 1989 | 15 |
| 1990 | 40 |
| 1991 | 40 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 49 |
| 1994 | 101 |
| 1995 | 170 |
| 1996 | 159 |
| 1997 | 217 |
| 1998 | 149 |
| 1999 | 104 |
| 2000 | 112 |
| 2001 | 230 |
| 2002 | 156 |
| 2003 | 110 |
| 2004 | 67 |
| 2005 | 1,050 |
| 2006 | 837 |
| 2007 | 561 |
| 2008 | 328 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 45 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 890 |
| 2014 | 576 |
| 2015 | 321 |
| 2016 | 105 |
| 2017 | 186 |
| 2018 | 78 |
| 2019 | 76 |
| 2020 | 53 |
| 2022 | 136 |
| 2023 | 107 |
| 2024 | 89 |
| 2025 | 57 |
| 2026 | 15 |
Known problem areas
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
8 of 19 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
False latching of seat belt buckle and shoulder harness doesn't retract properly. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-27
Engine and engine cooling
6 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.
Vehicle speed control
3 of 19 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Steering
2 of 19 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.
Show complaint excerpts
Rubber cushioning on steering wheel broke away from pin in the middle, this could cause chest injury upon vehicle impact. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-24
Visibility
2 of 19 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing rearview mirrors/devices and heater core.
Show complaint excerpts
Heater core housing caught fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-01
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1987-09-15Seat belts87V137000 Mismatch of male and female rear seat belt assemblies.
Remedy: Inspect and replace all mismatched belt assemblies.
-
R
1990-06-25Equipment90V072000 Incorrect tire inflation pressures were printed on certification labels.
Remedy: Install corrected tire information label on doorpost certification label.
-
I
1995-03-10Engineering analysisClosed 1995-08-02 Takata seat belt buckle failure
Buy-smart checklist
1987 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V137000 · Seat belts
- Recall 90V072000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1987 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1987 Nissan Pathfinder?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 Nissan Pathfinder have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.