1989 Nissan Pathfinder

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1989 Nissan Pathfinder
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:49:47.282Z

Only 15 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 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1989: 15 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1986	1
1987	19
1988	17
1989	15
1990	38
1991	39
1992	30
1993	49
1994	91
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	889
2014	573
2015	318
2016	103
2017	183
2018	76
2019	73
2020	50
2022	133
2023	97
2024	68
2025	42
2026	7

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 of 15 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE ,WENT IMMEDIATELY INTO HIGH SPEED BACKWARDS, HIT TREE DRIVER.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990217

SUDDEN ACCELERATION/LOSS OF CONTROL, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURIES. *SD

NHTSA ODI report, 19960417

SEAT BELTS

2 of 15 total reports mention: seat belts.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

AFTER CAMPAIGN 95V103002 WAS DONE IN MARCH 1996, EXPERIENCED SHOULDER/LAP BUCKLE FAILURE, WHEN BUCKLE DETACHED, ALLOWING DRIVER TO IMPACT WITH INTERIOR. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960531

SEAT BELTS

2 of 15 total reports mention: seat belts.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

SUSPENSION

1 of 15 total reports mentions: suspension.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19900625 — equipment

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

I 19950310 — EA (closed 19950802)

TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

R 19950929 — seat belts

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

1989 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 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

▲ 1992 ▲ 2009 ▲ 1990

WORST YEARS

■ 2005 ■ 2013 ■ 2006

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1989 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 1989 Nissan Pathfinder?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Nissan Pathfinder have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.