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 PER YEAR
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 | 1050 |
| 2006 | 837 |
| 2007 | 561 |
| 2008 | 328 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 45 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 890 |
| 2014 | 574 |
| 2015 | 320 |
| 2016 | 105 |
| 2017 | 186 |
| 2018 | 77 |
| 2019 | 75 |
| 2020 | 52 |
| 2022 | 134 |
| 2023 | 103 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 49 |
| 2026 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
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, 19950227
6 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.
3 of 19 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
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, 19950124
2 of 19 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing rearview mirrors/devices and heater core.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
HEATER CORE HOUSING CAUGHT FIRE. *DSH
NHTSA ODI report, 19960601
SAFETY TIMELINE
MISMATCH OF MALE AND FEMALE REAR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.
Remedy: INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL MISMATCHED BELT ASSEMBLIES.
Campaign 87V137000 — check if this car was fixed
INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES WERE PRINTED ON CERTIFICATION LABELS.
Remedy: INSTALL CORRECTED TIRE INFORMATION LABEL ON DOORPOST CERTIFICATION LABEL.
Campaign 90V072000 — check if this car was fixed
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V137000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V072000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.