1988 Nissan Pathfinder
Only 17 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 17 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 17 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 17 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
MY DAUGHTER, SITTING IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, WENT TO PUT ON SEAT BELT AND THE BUCKLE SIDE THAT'S SUPPOSED TO BE ANCHORED DOWN TO FRAME CAME OFF IN HER HAND. THANKFULLY IT WAS BEFORE WE STARTED DRIVING. 1ST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20081002
TAKATA BUCKLES NHTSA RECALL 95V103002; PUENTE HILLS NISSAN CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA., WILL NOT ACCEPT APPOINTMENTS UNTIL MARCH OR APRIL 1996. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960103
TAKATA SEAT BELTS; DRIVER FRONT LAP/SHOULDER SEAT BELT WILL NOT REMAIN LATCHED TOGETHER. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950501
5 of 17 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing emission control and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
3 of 17 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
1 of 17 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing anti-theft device.
1 of 17 total reports mentions: exterior lighting, most commonly citing headlights.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES A
Campaign 95V103002 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V072000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V103002 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 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 1988 Nissan Pathfinder?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 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.